NEW YORK FORMS NEW EMPIRE STATE BOWLING ASSOCIATION

Bowlers in New York state now have a new state association and
leadership. United States Bowling Congress delegates from across the state met Saturday
in Utica, N.Y., and formed the new Empire State Bowling Association.

Michael Pettinella of Batavia, N.Y., who has been involved in bowling on various levels
for 35 years, received a majority of votes to be elected president of the association.

"I am both honored and humbled to be elected as president of the Empire State Bowling
Association," Pettinella said. "We are committed to turning the page and moving forward
to promote the sport of bowling with honesty and integrity for all bowlers in New York
state."

The formation of the Empire State Bowling Association comes as result of the decision
by USBC to revoke the charter of the New York State Bowling Association after Stephen
Donahue of Weedsport, N.Y., the former manager of the NYSBA, embezzled
approximately $274,000 from the NYSBA.

"We finally have the outcome bowlers in New York deserve," USBC Chief Operating
Officer Kevin Dornberger said. "The Empire State Bowling Association has the ability to
be a model for the nation led by a group of volunteers committed to fiscal responsibility
and partnering with USBC to provide quality service for members."

Joining Pettinella on the new board will be Vice Presidents Frank Wilkinson of Staten
Island and James Maguire of Massapequa.

The newly-elected Jurisdictional directors are as follows:
Jurisdiction 1 - Fran Bax, Niagara Falls; Robert Kaverman, Jamestown.
Jurisdiction 2 - Joseph Fischer, Cheektowaga; Nancy Walczyk, Boston.
Jurisdiction 3 - Barry Vee Sr., Rochester; Roger Buckman, Honeoye Falls.
Jurisdiction 4 - Martin Fichera, Liverpool; Dennis O'Donnell, Auburn.
Jurisdiction 5 - Gerry Angel, Ithaca; Mark Ames Sr., Cortland.
Jurisdiction 6 - Paul Kupelian, Constantia; Scott McLaughlin, Malone.
Jurisdiction 7 - Karl Bieber, Albany; Willard Nethaway, Schenectady.
Jurisdiction 8 - Bill Collins, Nanuet; Robert Tyler, Highland.
Jurisdiction 9 - Corinthia Ward, Bronx; Daniel Solimine, New Rochelle.
Jurisdiction 10 - Peter Resvanis, Lake Ronkonkoma; Ronald Bevilacqua, Lawrence.

Two additional directors will be appointed by the New York State Bowling Proprietors
Association this summer.

"It is imperative that we are accountable in every aspect of governance and leadership,
especially in the area of finances," Pettinella said. "The checks and balances that are in
place must be followed each and every step of the way. Just as important is establishing
a system of regular communication with all of our members."

The new Empire State USBC Bowling Association represents approximately 80,000
members and is separate from the New York State USBC Women's Bowling Association
and the New York State USBC Youth Association.