It’s time to honor excellence within the IBPSIA community with our annual awards! This year, we’re proud to continue the tradition of recognizing outstanding members with our four longstanding awards: Business Excellence Award, Bill Bunetta Lighthouse Award, Friends of IBPSIA Award, and Presidents Award (selected by the President), for their exceptional impact. In addition, we’re excited to introduce three new awards: IBPSIA Outstanding Youth Collegiate Member of the Year, IBPSIA “Coach of the Year” Award, The IBPSIA “Ambassadors” Award and IBPSIA “Pro Shop Social Media Individual/Team of the Year” celebrating fresh achievements and contributions in our industry. Take this opportunity to nominate deserving individuals who embody excellence, leadership, and innovation. Let’s shine a spotlight on those who make a difference!
The IBPSIA “Business in Excellence” Award, recognizes both national & international pro shops that exemplifies outstanding business practices. This award highlights a pro shop's commitment to excellence in customer service, innovative marketing strategies, effective inventory management, and community engagement. Recipients of this award demonstrate a consistent dedication to enhancing the bowling experience, fostering professional development, and contributing positively to the bowling industry as a whole.
Criteria:
The "Friends of IBPSIA" Award is a prestigious recognition within the bowling industry. This award celebrates all IBPSIA members who embody the spirit of friendship, dedication, and lifelong commitment to bowling. This award honors individuals or businesses, who not only possess a wealth of experience and knowledge but also approach their roles with kindness, integrity, and a genuine desire to support and uplift others. Their enduring passion and selfless dedication have left a lasting impact on the bowling community, inspiring both peers and newcomers.
The Bill Bunetta "Lighthouse" Award is presented to an individual who stands as a guiding light in our industry. This award honors a beacon of leadership who helps newcomers navigate the early stages of their careers, steering them clear of potential pitfalls and providing steadfast support in challenging times. This leader exemplifies the qualities of reliability and safety, offering wisdom and a safe harbor to those finding their way. With unwavering commitment to mentorship and integrity, the recipient of this award is more than just a mentor; they are a symbol of guidance, strength, and enduring support—just like a lighthouse shining through the storm.
The IBPSIA “Outstanding Youth Collegiate Member of the Year” award recognizes a young IBPSIA member who is not only passionate about the pro shop industry but is also actively contributing to their collegiate bowling program. This award celebrates an individual who embodies excellence, balancing their pursuit of education with hands-on experience in the field.
This award highlights the future leaders of our industry—those who show outstanding initiative, technical skill, and a commitment to growing the sport both on and off the lanes. The recipient of this award exemplifies the perfect blend of academic and professional ambition, serving as a role model for peers and future generations in the pro shop industry.
The IBPSIA "Pro Shop Coach of the Year" Award is the distinguished recognition of a coach who goes above and beyond to collaborate closely with a pro shop, playing a vital role in building and enhancing the shop's brand and reputation. This award celebrates a coach who, though they may not be IBPSIA certified, holds a USBC coaching certification and demonstrates an exceptional commitment to learning the technical aspects of the pro shop environment.
By actively seeking knowledge from pro shop technicians and incorporating it into their coaching, this individual elevates the expertise and skill level of everyone they work with, creating a stronger, more cohesive team. The Pro Shop Coach of the Year is awarded to a coach who embodies dedication, teamwork, and a relentless pursuit of growth, driving success for both the pro shop and the athletes they serve.
The IBPSIA "Ambassadors" Award honors a remarkable individual who has dedicated their life to the sport of bowling, embodying the spirit of lifelong commitment and passion. This award is presented to someone of retirement age who, despite reaching a time when most would slow down, remains actively engaged and influential in the industry.
This individual continues to elevate the pro shop field by staying involved, sharing their wealth of experience, and adapting to keep the industry thriving and evolving. The Ambassador is an inspiring figure whose enthusiasm and dedication keep them young at heart and make a lasting impact on the bowling community.
The IBPSIA “Pro Shop Social Media Individual of the Year” award spotlights an exceptional professional, who is not only a leader in their pro shop but also a standout in the digital world. This individual has harnessed the power of social media to promote their pro shop, educate the bowling community, and share their journey as a technician and entrepreneur. This award celebrates a new generation of technicians who are driving the industry forward, both in their shops and online.
Actively engages on social media platforms, sharing insights about the pro shop industry, bowling tips, and their personal growth journey to inspire others.
Values continuous education and collaboration, seeking new ways to enhance their skills and connect with industry peers. Must be an active IBPSIA Pro Shop Member Must have an IBPSIA Certified Technician on staff.
It will be presented annually at the IBPSIA Education & Showcase event in coordination with BPAA and Bowl Expo. (Award presented only if a qualified candidate is nominated.)
