Hawley’s Billiards To Carry WPBA Product Line In 2004

Top Billiard Internet Retailer “Banking” o­n WPBA’s Success

Charlotte, NC – The Women’s Professional Billiard Association has launched yet another “first” in its initiative to expand the marketing of its branded merchandise.  Kathy Kopacz, Director of Licensing for the WPBA announced this week that the association has finalized a deal with Hawley’s Billiards to offer WPBA-branded merchandise o­n its retail websites and in its Dallas, TX retail store beginning in 2004.  The announcement comes o­n the heels of the WPBA announcing earlier this week that it had entered into a licensing agreement with New Deal Playing Card Company for the design and manufacture of ergonomically designed playing cards depicting the touring professionals of the WPBA.      This summer the WPBA announced that Benator Publishing, LLC, a leading calendar manufacturer, would be producing “WPBA Facts and Fun®” wall and daily calendars.  Benator is also a licensee of other sports properties including NASCAR, PGA Tour, and the LPGA.       “We’re just starting our (WPBA) marketing and licensing program,” says Kopacz.  “New licensing deals are o­n the horizon for apparel, novelties, posters and more,” she adds.  Kopacz, formerly with the LPGA, has been diligent in her pursuit of licensees and additional distribution channels for WPBA-branded merchandise.  “The increasing popularity of the WPBA tour has provided a strong foundation for a successful merchandising program,” says Kopacz, referring to the escalating attraction to the WPBA from numerous entities.      Walter Hawley and wife, Sharon, started in the billiards business in 1993 with the purchase of Clicks Billiard Parlor in North Dallas, now known as Hawley’s Billiards.  Capitalizing o­n the newfound interest in internet retailing, the couple formed Hawley’s BilliardStore.com in 1996.  The website, o­ne of the first billiard equipment internet suppliers, “has grown at a terrific rate since its inception”, which Hawley attributes to excellent timing and the company’s “commitment to exceptional customer service.”    The company is currently designing a special section o­n its sites to celebrate the WPBA and promote and feature current and new lines of WPBA-branded merchandise.       “We have watched and supported the increasing popularity and success of the WPBA over the last decade and we look forward to partnering with them,” says Hawley.  “The women of the WPBA represent the finest group of sports professionals we have ever had the pleasure of knowing, not to mention being associated with them.”     The WPBA is the oldest professional player’s organization for billiards.  The WPBA governs all aspects of female professional activity; represents the media and participation rights of professional and semi-pro players; governs rules, regulations, and conduct, ethics and equipment specifications for professional sanctioned tournaments; and, develops, produces and sanctions tournaments.  For more information o­n WPBA Licensing contact Kathy Kopacz, Director of Licensing at (386) 673-7655 or kkopacz@wpba.com. 

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