Ivan Lee
Each year the chairman of the Billiard Congress of America Board of Directors recognizes an outstanding individual who has made significant contributions to the billiard industry with the presentation of the BCA President's Award. 2017/2018 BCA Chairman Chance Pack has chosen to recognize Ivan Lee of with the BCA President's Award for 2017.
Lee, having been involved in the billiard industry for over 25 years, has served on the BCA Board of Directors for more than 13 years and has served as BCA Board Chairman five times. Lee's industry contributions reach beyond the BCA including being a board member for the Billiard Education Foundation (BEF) and the World-Pool Billiard Association (WPA).
As president of Iwan Simonis North America, Lee has also positioned the company as one of the top sponsors and financial supporters in the industry. Simonis is involved with a host of national and local events, including several amateur leagues and their national events, the BCA Hall of Fame, the Professional Billiard Instructor Association (PBIA), the Mosconi Cup, Atlantic Challenge Cup (ACC), Women's Professional Billiard Association (WPBA), United States Billiard Association (USBA) and the BEF.
"When I step back and look at everything Ivan has done for this industry during the past 20 plus years, I really can't think of anyone more deserving of the President's Award," says Pack. "When an event, tournament, or program needs a sponsor, Ivan is usually one of the first to offer his time, his input and his company's support. He's personally invested his time to serve this industry in just about every capacity available. A lot of people and organizations have benefitted from his dedication to our industry."
"The WPA would like to congratulate Ivan Lee as the recipient of the 2017 BCA President's Award," stated Ian Anderson, President of the WPA. "It was a pleasure to have Ivan's involvement when he served on the WPA Board of Directors representing North America. His judgement and acumen were always keenly sought and highly regarded. This is a most fitting prestigious award to someone of great integrity with a true passion for the sport."
Former BCA chairman and president of Tweeten Fibre Co. Skip Nemecek commented, "Congratulations to Ivan Lee. His commitment to the BCA, the pool industry, and pool community are unsurpassed. This is certainly a well-deserved honor. I can't count the number of years Ivan has tirelessly worked on behalf of the BCA and hopefully there are many more years to come. Well done!"
Lee began his billiard career working for Ray Schuler Custom Cues in 1991. "Ivan hired me at Schuler Cues in 1995. He was always really fun to work with, and he knew just about everyone and everything in the billiard industry," said Noel Mendoza, owner of P&L Custom Cues. "Ivan is a huge asset for the billiard industry, and I hope he will stay in the sport for many years to come as he still has a lot to contribute."
After Schuler Custom Cues, he moved to become the division manager of Atlas Billiard Supply in 2001 before becoming the president of Iwan Simonis North America in 2004. "Mr. Lee was our first general manager at Atlas Billiard Supplies, back in the pre-internet era," stated Richard Welch, owner of Atlas Billiard Supplies. "He was instrumental in getting our first website off the ground and expanding our presence in the cue-making fraternity. He introduced us to new materials and suppliers, and his personal friendships with many custom cue-makers helped us grow to be the premier supplier to the industry. As a long-standing member of the BCA, we congratulate him as a worthy recipient of the BCA President's Award."
About the Billiard Congress of America
Founded in 1948, the Billiard Congress of America is a non-profit trade organization dedicated to growing a united, prosperous and highly regarded billiard industry through BCA leadership. The BCA seeks to enhance the success of its members and promote the game of billiards though educational, marketing and promotional efforts, annual industry trade shows, tournaments and other programs designed to encourage billiards as a lifestyle and make pool everybody's game. For more information, visit bca-pool.com or call 303.243.5070.
