KELLY KULICK SIGNS WITH EBONITE

Wednesday, 07/26/2006



First Woman to Qualify for PBA Tour Remains in Ebonite Family
 
Hopkinsville, Kent. – Kelly Kulick, the first female to earn a full-time exemption on the PBA Tour, has signed an endorsement contract with Ebonite, announced Ed Gallagher, Ebonite brand manager.
 
In early June, Kulick finished sixth out of 140 bowlers vying for one of 10 fully exempt spots on the 2006-07 Denny’s PBA Tour. Kulick had been a highly successful member of Professional Women’s Bowlers Association (PWBA) before the league folded in 2003. She was the 2001 PWBA Rookie of the Year and won the 2003 Women’s U.S. Open. She was a member of Ebonite’s PWBA Tour staff throughout her career and has since served on the company’s regional staff.
 
“Kelly was on the brink of becoming the most dominant player on the PWBA Tour before it disbanded. We were thrilled when she qualified for the PBA Tour and even more thrilled when she decided to remain a part of the Ebonite family,” said Gallagher. “Her qualification for the PBA Tour has greatly increased her visibility and she will be a great ambassador for our brand and products.”
 
Since qualifying, Kulick has received national exposure on ESPN, CNN, in USA Today and others. She was approached by several bowling equipment companies but decided to sign with Ebonite.
 
“Ebonite has been supportive of me and my career since day one and I appreciate their loyalty. It is an added benefit that the company’s product line has really developed over the past year,” said Kulick. “I am looking forward to build an arsenal of equipment that will help me be successful on the Tour.”
 
Kulick joins 2005-2006 PBA Player of the Year Tommy Jones and Jason Couch, winner of three consecutive PBA Tournament of Champions, on the Ebonite PBA Tour staff. As a member of this staff, she will use Ebonite bowling balls, sport the Ebonite logo on apparel and make special appearances on behalf of the company.
 
“We have built a truly formidable staff on the PBA. Tommy, Jason and Kelly will elevate our profile among bowlers. It is going to be a fantastic year,” added Gallagher.
 
Based in Hopkinsville, Kent., Ebonite International is a privately-owned company that currently services bowling centers, distributors and retail outlets both domestically and internationally.