"Billiards has a significant broad base across the United States, appealing to all age groups including children, parents and grandparents," says Benator. "Of particular interest is the growing popularity among women," he adds.  Benator attributes the rise in popularity in part to the WPBA which has greatly increased the exposure of women in the sport.    

According to the April 2003 issue of the Sporting Goods Manufacturing Association trade publication, "Billiards is the 5th most popular participation sport in America. Of the more 39 million people who played billiards in 2002, nearly 15 million were women.  This brings unique opportunities for reaching a wide female market that transcends race and age.  "The association adds, "More females and children are playing billiards/pool.  Pool participation is benefiting from increased TV exposure. The "cocoon" effect in the wake of 9/11 has benefited billiards/pool."   

With retail price points at $12.95 per calendar, Benator Publishing items will be distributed to selected mass and specialty retailers. Initial items will be available for preview later this fall.  "We are pleased to introduce Benator Publishing as our newest licensee for a WPBA branded collection of Calendar," says Kathy Kopacz, director of retail licensing for the WPBA Tour. "We are excited to be able to offer these excellent products to the billiards enthusiast."    

"Our focus will be o­n designing creative and imaginative calendars that capture the spirit of the WPBA Tour," says Gene Benator, President of the publishing company. "We are looking forward to maximizing the opportunities that licensing the WPBA Tour brings."    

"The increasing popularity of billiards, particularly among women, has created a unique opportunity for the WPBA.  The history and success of the WPBA provides an interesting collection of facts and fun that should be shared with billiards enthusiasts of all ages," says Ewa Laurance, President of the WPBA. 

"Our association with Benator Publishing is just the beginning of a long list of WPBA licensed merchandise that we will be bringing o­n line over the next year."    

For more information o­n WPBA Licensing contact Kathy Kopacz, Director of Licensing, WPBA, at (386) 673-6755 or kkopacz@wpba.com.  For more information o­n the WPBA visit their website at www.wpba.com.

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