Barnes signs $1 million deal with Columbia 300
United States Bowling Congress Sport Bowling spokesperson and professional bowler Chris Barnes became only the second bowler to earn a $1 million endorsement deal when he recently signed an eight-year, $1 million sponsorship contract with Columbia 300.
USBC and Professional Bowlers Association Hall of Famer Don Carter was the first athlete in bowling history to receive a $1 million endorsement deal when he signed with Ebonite in 1964. Carter also is believed to be the first athlete to sign a $1 million promotional contract.
"That's pretty elite company. I'm delighted to be there," Barnes said. "I am honored that Columbia has made this kind of commitment. It's a dream come true for me and my family. I'm happy they're comfortable with me as the face of Columbia 300. It's flattering to be in that position."
"Chris is not only the consummate bowler, but a tremendous professional and an exceptional person," said Chip Zielke, Columbia Industries executive vice president of marketing and sales. "Given Columbia 300's storied history and aggressive goals for the future, there is simply no better choice for the face of the brand than Chris Barnes.
"We feel this long-term relationship with Chris not only validates his bowling success and passion for the game, but also validates Columbia 300's passion and commitment to bowling and bowlers everywhere," Zielke added.
The announcement of the endorsement contract was made June 27 at the Bowling Writers' Association of America annual awards dinner held at the Las Vegas Hilton. The long-term deal offers financial security for himself, his wife, Lynda, and their two twin sons, Ryan and Troy.
"Security and long-term relationships are rarities in our industry," said Barnes, 36, USBC Sport Bowling spokesperson since 2003 and a staff member of Vise. "At this stage, family security goes a long way. Columbia 300 is a company that has strong family values. It's been a great fit from the very beginning. This will take me through until the end (of my career). My goal is to get my family in secure position when this great ride I'm on comes to an end."
Barnes owns seven Denny's PBA Tour titles over an eight-season career and was the fastest to reach the $1 million career earnings mark, reaching the milestone in 220 career events. The previous mark of 253 events was held by Pete Weber and Jason Couch. Despite a nagging back injury, Barnes closed out the 2005-06 bowling season by winning the PBA Dexter Tournament of Champions, PBA Motel 6 Roll-to-Riches and the World Tenpin Masters, earning $330,000 prize money in less than two weeks.
In two seasons as a Columbia 300 staff member, Barnes has earned about $800,000 and won both of his major titles - the 2005 U.S. Open presented by Odor-Eaters and the 2006 Dexter Tournament of Champions, both on challenging USBC Sport Bowling lane conditions.
"USBC Sport Bowling always has been proud to be associated with Chris," said Director of USBC Sport Bowling Steve Wunderlich. "His stature as one of today's brightest stars on the PBA Tour is demonstrated by the commitment shown by Columbia 300 in signing Chris to this long-term sponsorship contract."
By Patrick Brettingen USBC Communications
USBC and Professional Bowlers Association Hall of Famer Don Carter was the first athlete in bowling history to receive a $1 million endorsement deal when he signed with Ebonite in 1964. Carter also is believed to be the first athlete to sign a $1 million promotional contract.
"That's pretty elite company. I'm delighted to be there," Barnes said. "I am honored that Columbia has made this kind of commitment. It's a dream come true for me and my family. I'm happy they're comfortable with me as the face of Columbia 300. It's flattering to be in that position."
"Chris is not only the consummate bowler, but a tremendous professional and an exceptional person," said Chip Zielke, Columbia Industries executive vice president of marketing and sales. "Given Columbia 300's storied history and aggressive goals for the future, there is simply no better choice for the face of the brand than Chris Barnes.
"We feel this long-term relationship with Chris not only validates his bowling success and passion for the game, but also validates Columbia 300's passion and commitment to bowling and bowlers everywhere," Zielke added.
The announcement of the endorsement contract was made June 27 at the Bowling Writers' Association of America annual awards dinner held at the Las Vegas Hilton. The long-term deal offers financial security for himself, his wife, Lynda, and their two twin sons, Ryan and Troy.
"Security and long-term relationships are rarities in our industry," said Barnes, 36, USBC Sport Bowling spokesperson since 2003 and a staff member of Vise. "At this stage, family security goes a long way. Columbia 300 is a company that has strong family values. It's been a great fit from the very beginning. This will take me through until the end (of my career). My goal is to get my family in secure position when this great ride I'm on comes to an end."
Barnes owns seven Denny's PBA Tour titles over an eight-season career and was the fastest to reach the $1 million career earnings mark, reaching the milestone in 220 career events. The previous mark of 253 events was held by Pete Weber and Jason Couch. Despite a nagging back injury, Barnes closed out the 2005-06 bowling season by winning the PBA Dexter Tournament of Champions, PBA Motel 6 Roll-to-Riches and the World Tenpin Masters, earning $330,000 prize money in less than two weeks.
In two seasons as a Columbia 300 staff member, Barnes has earned about $800,000 and won both of his major titles - the 2005 U.S. Open presented by Odor-Eaters and the 2006 Dexter Tournament of Champions, both on challenging USBC Sport Bowling lane conditions.
"USBC Sport Bowling always has been proud to be associated with Chris," said Director of USBC Sport Bowling Steve Wunderlich. "His stature as one of today's brightest stars on the PBA Tour is demonstrated by the commitment shown by Columbia 300 in signing Chris to this long-term sponsorship contract."
By Patrick Brettingen USBC Communications