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.