Meeting Notes:

The new association represents a merger between the former Women’s International Bowling Congress (WIBC), the American Bowling Congress (ABC) and the Young American Bowling Alliance (YABA) at the local level.

A year ago bowlers voted at the national level to merge and left it up to local and state associations whether or not they merged. Earlier this spring, local bowlers from each of the groups voted unanimously to merge at the local level.

Keith Hawkins of Nevada will be the new organization’s first president, taking office Aug. 1 along with all other newly elected officers.

Teri Jennings, who bowls in Ames, will be the first vice president, Greg Knop of Nevada second vice president, Patti McCoy of Ames third vice president. One vice president from each of the area bowling centers was also selected. Bob “Jake” Jacobson will represent Story City, Bryan Carsrud is the Nevada representative and Cari McPartland is the Ames representative.

Youth will have four representatives on the board, with Mike Mensing of Nevada, Travis Mason of Ames and Kelly McPartland of Ames chosen Monday night. A fourth youth representative will be named later.

Elected as directors are Jerry Everett, Terri Siquas, Brian Harris and Terri Carriere, all of Ames; Tim Kadolph of Story City and Deb Robinson, Monica Mills, Scott Tscherter and Cheryl Devore, all of Nevada.

The new board appointed Lyle Jennings of Ames as the new association manager.

Although new officers do not officially begin their terms until Aug. 1, the new board has already set up initial meetings to begin planning the fall season. The board will oversee the local tournaments, awards, scholarships for youth and work on other programs instrumental in the promotion of the sport locally, with the big difference being that one group will be in charge of overseeing organized bowling locally instead of three groups.