Gardena Bowl claims G-BAC Outstanding Business Award
Gardena Bowl was awarded the Outstanding Business Award for the period beginning in January and ending in June by the Gardena Business Advisory Council (G-BAC).
Gardena Bowl has been owned and operated by the Amenta family since 1960 when Joe Amenta and a partner bought the building they helped construct in 1948. When Amenta’s partner retired in 1983, two of Amenta’s sons, Sam and Phil, bought his share of the Gardena Bowl and have been operating it ever since.
Gardena Bowl claims G-BAC Outstanding Business Award
Gardena Bowl was awarded the Outstanding Business Award for the period beginning in January and ending in June by the Gardena Business Advisory Council (G-BAC).
Gardena Bowl has been owned and operated by the Amenta family since 1960 when Joe Amenta and a partner bought the building they helped construct in 1948. When Amenta’s partner retired in 1983, two of Amenta’s sons, Sam and Phil, bought his share of the Gardena Bowl and have been operating it ever since.
One of the reasons Gardena Bowl was recognized by G-BAC was because of their dedication to ensuring a positive experience for their customers. Gardena Bowl uses certified instructors as coaches for the young bowlers and more recently installed brand new state-of-the-art scoring machines that allow bowlers to upload their scores to Facebook and play a variety of non-traditional bowling games.
Victor, one of the Amenta brothers, has been a member of the Gardena Economic Development Committee since November 1999 and accepted the award presented by G-BAC Chairman Gene Hale.
“Just the fact that we were thought of and nominated was wonderful in itself,” Amenta said. “As I explained to Mr. Hale, we accept that award on behalf of the community of Gardena that has supported us since 1948. What are we without the community?”
Being active in the community is another reason for Gardena Bowl’s recognition by G-BAC. The bowling center is involved in various community organizations such as the Friends of Richard, Gardena Judo, and the Gardena Valley Chamber of Commerce.
“It’s one of the oldest companies around,” Hale said. “Victor came to my office and gave me the history. It was quite interesting. It’s a generation kind of thing. All of these different kinds of things they do for the community. They have gifts and giveaways for kids, free bowling nights for kids.”
As G-BAC chairman, Hale says that he likes to find businesses in the community like Gardena Bowl that go the extra mile.
“That’s what we try to do,” Hale said. “We try to find those kind of companies that do more than just sell stuff. They also try to do things for the community.”
G-BAC, which is comprised of an appointed group of Gardena-based small business owners, selects local businesses in accordance with several criteria. In addition, G-BAC reviews city policies and procedures and proposes recommendations for programs, and legislation to ensure Gardena is a business-friendly city.
Any business interested in consideration must have been in business in Gardena for at least five years, they must be located in the city of Gardena, they must have business accomplishments that show growth and leadership, and they must have some involvement with the local community.
Once a business is selected, they are presented with a plaque by the City Council, showcased on the City of Gardena website for three months, and featured here in the Gardena Valley News.
Previous winners of the award include DCH Gardena Honda, CH Laboratories, The Normandie Casino, and Nader’s LA POPULAR Furniture Store.