Schaumburg, IL.- July 17, 2012 - Each year the Chairman of the Billiard Congress of America (BCA) Board of Directors has the opportunity to recognize an outstanding individual who has made significant contributions to the billiard industry with the presentation of the BCA President's Award.
 
This year, BCA Chairman Mike Serra (at left) chose to recognize Roger Blank (right, shown with Brunswick representatives Ewa Laurance and Roland Murray) as the recipient of the 2011 BCA President's Award. An industry veteran of 17 years, Roger is currently Director of National & Commercial Accounts for Brunswick Billiards. Twice elected to serve on the BCA Board of Directors, Roger has also served on numerous BCA committees, including participating on the Trade Show Committee seven times since 2001 (three years as chair), Long Range Planning, Finance, Instructors, Hall of Fame, Nominating and By-Laws Committees. He has also served three years on the BCA Executive Committee, two of those as first vice-president of the BCA Board.
 
"In choosing this year's President's award recipient, I wanted to choose someone whose work ethic mirrored the vision and mission statements of the Billiard Congress of America," Chairman Serra stated. "Roger's dedication to growing the billiard industry and to supporting industry members is unparalleled by anyone in a similar position."
 
Chairman Serra added, "This year's award recipient is honest, passionate and always exceeds expectations. His commitment to the industry is what separates him from others, and his versatility provides him the ability to the see the bigger picture and not only help develop the growth and success of his customers but also the entire industry."
 
Other industry leaders agree with Serra's assessment of Roger's dedication to the industry. "As I was finishing my last year as BCA Chairman, I needed a reliable and committed person to take the daunting task of Trade Show Committee Chair.  Without hesitation I knew Roger was my guy.  I was fortunate enough to work along side Roger at the BCA and watched him bloom into a diligent, selfless, hard worker that not only took on every challenge he was given, but always did it with a positive attitude and smile.  Even after Roger's career as a BCA director, he continues to volunteer his time and expertise to help the BCA and the billiard industry in every way he can," says Skip Nemecek, Tweeten Fibre President, and former BCA Chairman.
 
"Roger's loyalty to billiards is evident in the many connections and relationships he has made across manufacturers and retailers.  He has always been extremely passionate about the billiards industry, and prides himself on serving the BCA in any capacity,"said Austin Rothbard, President at Brunswick Billiards.
About Billiard Congress of America
 
Founded in 1948, the Billiard Congress of America is a non-profit trade organization dedicated to growing a united, prosperous and highly regarded billiard industry through BCA leadership. The BCA seeks to enhance the success of its members and promote the game of billiards though educational, marketing and promotional efforts, an annual industry trade show and other programs designed to encourage billiards as a lifestyle and make pool everybody's game. For more information, visit bca-pool.com or call 303-243-5070.