I was looking for a list of coaches in my area, just being curious to who they are.

Then I found this....

http://bowl.com/TheCore/Info/

Is this like being a BR Gold Member??

I bet the USB drive isn't even USB 3.0.

You get a:

    A Padfolio journal - cause you don't know how to use your smart phone.

    8GB thumb drive - great for college students, or for harry palmer for those chic pics

    Bag tag - everyone wants a "the core" logo, feel important!

    Bowling towel - great for sweaty palms after uploading those chic pics

    A collectible coin featuring a bowling great - only one "bowling great", the same    picture of one guy?

    The 2016-2017 USBC rule book - no comment

Yet another example of how out of touch the USBC is with their members...and reality for that matter

They should list this on eBay

The problem with this promotion is I can get all of this stuff for less.  To justify the cost you need to give something not available anywhere else.

One good thing is this:

Offerings: 

• Two tickets to the final day of match play and to the televised finals
• “Behind the scenes” access pass for a view of the set and tour of the host bowling center
• Interact with the players for photo opportunities and autograph

Social Engagement 

• Receive surprise gifts, messages, and recognition from top athletes and bowling personalities via social media
• Recap and share the event access experiences via USBC social and video channels; reward the community with recognition
• Use testimonials as a “15-minutes of fame” on social channels—will also serve to promote the product.

But in my opinion, these are items USBC should be providing all members, not just the select few who are part of The Core group.

The first thing USBC needs to identify is what do the members want outside of the current benefits provided.  Once you can identify those things, then they can decide how to charge for them.  I doubt bowlers are clamoring for a $5 USB flash drive or a towel.

I am all for having a "gold level" membership tier where those members have privileges.  Here is a small list of what I would like:

• Discounted tickets to bowling tournaments
• Access to trade shows like Bowl Expo
• Access to all video content that was previously charged for
• ITRC coaching discounts

These are things I can't go to Amazon and get for pennies on the dollar compared to this price. 

USBC is in a situation where they feel they have to profit from everything.  And I get it, they aren't making a lot of money and they are in a situation where they cannot freely charge more for their services due to the local associations denying dues increases.  And that is where the issue lies.

not bad seen better seen worse

The problem with this promotion is I can get all of this stuff for less.  To justify the cost you need to give something not available anywhere else.

One good thing is this:

Quote

Offerings: 

• Two tickets to the final day of match play and to the televised finals
• “Behind the scenes” access pass for a view of the set and tour of the host bowling center
• Interact with the players for photo opportunities and autograph

Social Engagement 

• Receive surprise gifts, messages, and recognition from top athletes and bowling personalities via social media
• Recap and share the event access experiences via USBC social and video channels; reward the community with recognition
• Use testimonials as a “15-minutes of fame” on social channels—will also serve to promote the product.

But in my opinion, these are items USBC should be providing all members, not just the select few who are part of The Core group.

The first thing USBC needs to identify is what do the members want outside of the current benefits provided.  Once you can identify those things, then they can decide how to charge for them.  I doubt bowlers are clamoring for a $5 USB flash drive or a towel.

I am all for having a "gold level" membership tier where those members have privileges.  Here is a small list of what I would like:

• Discounted tickets to bowling tournaments
• Access to trade shows like Bowl Expo
• Access to all video content that was previously charged for
• ITRC coaching discounts

These are things I can't go to Amazon and get for pennies on the dollar compared to this price. 

USBC is in a situation where they feel they have to profit from everything.  And I get it, they aren't making a lot of money and they are in a situation where they cannot freely charge more for their services due to the local associations denying dues increases.  And that is where the issue lies.

News flash, membership has been declining for 25 years so if they want more money, maybe they should worry a little more about member acquisition/retention and a little less about professional tours, tournaments, and The Core.