By Mark Miller
USBC Communications

United States Bowling Congress members can receive big discounts on hotels, moving costs, cell phones and real estate expenses thanks to new benefits in place for the 2008-09 season.

Members staying at any participating Wyndham Hotel Group property get 10 percent off the "best available rate." The brands are: Wyndham®, Ramada®, Days Inn® , Super 8®, Wingate® by Wyndham, Baymont Inn & Suites®, Howard Johnson®, Travelodge®, Knights Inn® and AmeriHost Inn®. To use the program, call (877) 670-7088 and give the agent the USBC discount ID number 1000005545. If you prefer to book online go to Wyndham's Web site or associated brands site and follow the simple steps to make your reservation.

USBC members moving within the United States can receive a free starter packing kit when committing to a move from Barrett Moving and Storage, a division of United Van Lines. The kit consists of a variety of boxes, paper, bubble wrap and tape. The kit will be drop shipped free to the member's home address. To obtain the kit, visit barrettmoving.com, e-mail lynda.guhr@barrettmoving.com or call (800) 388-0282 and ask for Lynda Guhr.

Bowlers can strike back against their cell phone bill by signing up with T-Mobile. USBC members receive free activation, a 12 percent discount in monthly service charges and special deals on new equipment. New customers can take advantage of the offer by calling (866) 464-8662, option 3. Existing T-Mobile subscribers can call (877) 453-8824 and give their USBC member ID number and promotion code. The program also can be accessed through a link on bowl.com and by visiting T-Mobile stores later this year.

"We are excited to offer this new benefit program for our members," said USBC Vice President of Membership and Tournament Services Jack Mordini. "Being a part of USBC gives our members special access to money saving deals from top companies. We will soon expand our partnerships to include unique bowling offers and discounts as well."

The Wynham Hotel Group, Barrett Moving and Storage and T-Mobile programs are in addition to the cash-back rebates for buying and selling a house already available through the USBC Real Estate Advantage Program (REAP) presented by Coldwell Banker.

REAP provides professional real estate counseling, cash rebates within 30 days of closing and mortgage and title closing assistance. To see the cash rebates you are eligible for and to learn more visit reaphomebenefits.com.

For general questions on all four member benefits, call the USBC Bowling Information Center at (800) 514-BOWL, ext. 3161.