BART SQUARED
SALT LAKE CITY STARS DYNAMIC DUO
As the Salt Lake City Stars , the NBA D-League team owned and operated by the Utah Jazz , embark on their inaugural season , the team will rely heavily on the management of two Barts — Bart Sharp and Bart Taylor .
Sharp , the team ’ s general manager , is responsible for everything on the business end . He works closely with the ticket and sponsorship departments , as well as the arena partners at Salt Lake Community College . He also leads the Stars ’ marketing efforts and collaborates with the game operations staff to ensure an entertaining experience .
“ I ’ m looking forward to establishing traditions and values for the organization , while creating a highly competitive , entertaining , and affordable sporting event for local residents and families ,” said Sharp . “ The 2016 – 17 inaugural season is sure to be a memorable one , and we hope to see fans enjoying themselves at an upcoming game .”
Taylor , vice president of basketball operations , handles Stars player personnel decisions ; coordinates Jazz assignments to the Stars ; manages day-to-day operations with the coaching staff ; communicates with agents ; and partners with Sharp on certain business aspects .
“ I ’ m excited for my new role ,” said Taylor . “ The D-League is not only a place for players to develop , but also the coaches , trainers , and front office staff . My hope is to be able to help them gain the necessary experience to achieve their goals of reaching the NBA .”
JIM OLSON NAMED DOWNTOWN ALLIANCE CHAIR
Jim Olson , president of Vivint Smart Home Arena , was recently named the chair of the 13-member Downtown Alliance Board of Trustees for 2016 – 17 .
The Downtown Alliance is a non-profit organization dedicated to building a dynamic and diverse community that is the regional center for culture , commerce , and entertainment .
Established in 1991 , the Alliance represents more than 2,500 business and property owners in the Central Business District , including the arena and Larry H . Miller Group of Companies .
Jim has worked for the LHM Group for 23 years and has spent his career building the downtown community around the arena and the Utah Jazz . He joined the Jazz in 1994 as the phone center ticket manager and rose through various leadership positions , serving as the chief financial officer for Larry H . Miller Sports & Entertainment prior to his promotion to president of Vivint Smart Home Arena in 2016 .