New York State Bowling Proprietors Association
- Challenge: At the beginning of the legislative session the association learned that Governor Paterson’s proposed budget contained an amusement tax that would require every bowling center in New York State to charge sales tax on everything from shoe rentals to children’s parties. The tax would also affect Broadway shows, movie theatergoers and fitness centers.
“The NYSBPA was faced with a proposed sales tax that would have put our proprietors out of business. When we needed Empire the most your team was there to develop and execute a winning strategy that helped keep many of our upstate bowling centers in business.”
~ (Kathleen Leitgeb - Executive Director, NYSBPA)
- Solution: Empire Government Strategies developed an action plan for the NYSBPA with the goal of defeating the amusement tax. We launched a novel grassroots campaign that generated over 400,000 post cards signed by constituents to targeted legislators. This was followed by face-to-face meetings, print and television, and well-drafted position papers sent to key members of the Assembly, Senate, and the Governor.
- Result: As pressure increased on legislators from their local bowling centers and constituents, the legislature moved to strike the entertainment tax provision from the budget. Not only did the bowling proprietors declare victory, but the efforts helped Broadway and movie theater owners as well.
Case Studies
