Professional Bowlers Association

The Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) announced today it has reached an agreement with Etonic Worldwide to become an official sponsor of the PBA. As part of the agreement, Etonic will be designated as the “Official Footwear of the PBA” and will also receive event entitlement of the upcoming PBA event to be named the 2006 Etonic Championship, scheduled for Nov. 8-12, 2006 at AMF Thruway Lanes in Cheektowaga, N.Y. “We are pleased to add Etonic to our sponsorship roster,” said PBA Commissioner and CEO Fred Schreyer. “Etonic has been steadily building its bowling business over the past few years and has emerged as a major player in the industry. This is a great opportunity for both parties.” Etonic will receive commercial spots on all ESPN telecasts, with an average of two 30-second spots per show, as well as signage at all Denny's PBA Tour events during the 2006-07 season. The company also will sponsor three bowlers – Brian Himmler, Mike Machuga and Pete Weber – in the 2006-07 PBA Sponsor Competition. The bowlers will wear Etonic patches and throw specially-made spare balls emblazoned with the Etonic logo during competition. “Etonic Worldwide is proud to be named the ‘Official Footwear of the PBA’ and we are very excited about becoming a partner with the PBA,” said Bobby Laster, General Manager for Etonic’s Bowling Division. “From the very beginning we have focused our efforts on the PBA players, building an outstanding pro staff, and having them involved in the testing and development of our high end product. “This is an important leadership opportunity for our entire brand and another example of how committed we are to the sport of bowling.” The 2006-07 Denny’s PBA Tour season begins Sept. 20-24 with the Dydo Japan Cup 2006 in Tokyo, Japan. The season picks up in the U.S. with the 2006 USBC Masters in Milwaukee, Wis., Oct. 24-29. The 2006 Etonic Championship will be the fourth of 21 events on the Tour schedule.