• If you haven't already, suspend any automatic payment subscriptions you may have which you are not able to utilize while closed. A few examples are....
• TV sports network packages, etc.
• Bowling Music network
• Janitorial services
• Adjust garbage/recycling service to on call, as opposed to scheduled weekly pick up
• Equipment maintenance services
• Marketing services (though you may wish to maintain social media services,etc.)
• Online reservation services, etc.

• Return any perishable products while possible. The clock is ticking on the shelf life of specific items in your centre. Where you can, minimize losses by returning product where you are able...
• Soft Drinks... may be returnable if product is more than 30 days from expiry. Check with your local rep on options.
• Beer Kegs... Both Labatt and Molson's will take back untapped stale-dated kegs. So no need to chug the ones you haven't cracked open yet :-) But then again....

• Be sure to check your mailbox regularly. A new issue of Nexus is on the way to you, and we are also keeping up with all program orders (YBC Swags, etc.) as many centres are making arrangements to distribute year end awards, etc where possible. We've had some YBC orders returned so just a friendly reminder that if you can, ensure your mail is getting to you. YBC Shootout cheques were also sent out to winning centres (last week). And of course, other organizations, government, etc. continue operating so keep in the know.

• The CERB (Canadian Emergency Relief Benefit) is in process of rolling out (launch Monday), and Prime Minister Trudeau today directed applicants to their bank's website to enroll for direct deposit of this crucial benefit. This is the one that provides $2,000 per month (net $1,800) for self-employed individuals and any who are not eligible for EI. Visit https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/cerb-application.html for more details.

• Check in with your MP and your provincial MPP or MLA. If you haven't already, make sure they are aware of your situation. Much more tenuous than restaurants or pubs.... those guys will see huge traffic once restrictions are lifted.... but your recovery will be harder, having missed March Break, School Year End parties, etc. They need to know that ours is not a typical industry. While we are hopeful that this summer will see more traffic for us due to Canadians needing to get out and about, it may not be enough for some. With approximately 500 bowling centres across the country, roughly 7,000 Canadians have been laid off in our industry as a result of this crisis. Our industry, and sport, is in jeopardy. We have many voices when we speak together. Let's all speak LOUDLY.

• Lastly... The Raptors Championship run from last season's NBA Playoffs.... and the MLB World Series from 1992/93, etc. are filling up the empty airwaves. Some of us are even waiting for the last Toronto Maple Leafs Cup Run to air (but I don't think they had video, film, TV or even ice back then, so we'll just keep waiting, I guess... right Arnie!?). Anyway.... why not BOWLING!? Bowl Canada VP Ray Brittain posted a request to get the grassroots shouting for a rerun of the old Championship Bowling Series on CBC. Spread the word and let's see if we can get viral attention! Even the TSN Pins Game! Can't hurt to have Canada yelling for bowling, and this is a time where both networks would be most willing to listen.