AMF Bowling Center

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AMF Bowling Centers, Inc. is the world's largest owner and operator of bowling centers. Since the introduction of the automated pinspotter in 1946, AMF has been a leader in the bowling industry. The centers offer multi-lane Ten-pin bowling for all ages, support league play, and local events such as Dollar Mania and Late Night College Fest. AMF has expanded its offerings to include 300, which are upscale venues that combine bowling with sports bar, bistro, and night club elements.

1 Company History
2 Bowling for a Cause
3 References
4 External links

[edit] Company History

AMF was founded in New York in 1900 as American Machine and Foundry, a manufacturer of industrial equipment for the tobacco industry. The company has remained a leader in manufacturing throughout its history. AMF moved into bowling after World War II, when AMF automated bowling equipment and bowling centers became profitable business ventures. Until the mid 1980s, AMF's range of equipment also included tennis racquets and snow skis, lawn and garden equipment, wheel goods, Ben Hogan golf clubs, Voit inflatable balls, exercise equipment, Hatteras yachts and scuba gear. At one time, AMF owned Harley Davidson motorcycles. In 1985, a Minnesota-based company called Minstar, Inc. bought AMF Inc. and began to sell its various business divisions. A group of investors in Richmond, Virginia purchased the bowling and billiards division that same year. The new owners began revitalizing the business with a focus on expanding the appeal of bowling to league and casual bowlers. In June 2005, AMF Bowling Products and Italian-based Qubica Worldwide announced a 50/50 joint venture. The new partnership made QubicaAMF Worldwide one of the largest manufacturers of bowling and amusement products in the world.

[edit] Bowling for a Cause

AMF has supported a wide variety of local charitable and community groups such as Special Olympics, the American Heart Association, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, American Cancer Society, VCU Massey Cancer Center, Blue for Kids, MDA, etc.

AMF & Junior Achievement Bowl-a-Thon -- Richmond, VA AMF and Junior Achievement of Central Virginia team up each year to host the Junior Achievement Bowl-A-Thon, raising funds to support JA’s educational outreach programs.The team-oriented event is an ideal forum for the corporate community to encourage wellness and team building within their company, while supporting a great community cause. All proceeds from the event go directly to Junior Achievement programs that benefit Richmond-area students.

Blue for Kids AMF and Blue for Kids teamed up in Tampa. Umpires, with the support of the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association, Tampa Bay Rays, Tampa Bay Lightning, and other professional sports teams, participate in the inaugural BLUE for Kids World Series of Bowling – a baseball-themed celebrity bowling tournament to benefit children’s charities. Celebrities from sports and media join with caring corporate team sponsors at AMF University Lanes in Tampa for a bowling competition to benefit at-risk youth and children coping with serious illness

Cadence Stars & Strikes AMF has hosted the annual Cadence Stars & Strikes fundraising event at its 300 San Jose location since 1990. This unique community effort raised more than $1.5 million in 2007 for local charities and has reached $10 million in total funds raised. Cadence Design Systems, Inc. has designated Silicon Valley organizations to receive funds raised through Stars & Strikes. The annual event brings together local companies and celebrities in a fun bowling competition, raising millions of dollars for projects and organizations that support the local community. It is supported by a “who's who” of business leaders in Silicon Valley, local celebrities, and the San Francisco 49ers Foundation.