Garcia Earns Executive of the Year Honors
Published on May 26, 2011 under NBA G League (G League)
Rio Grande Valley Vipers News Release
MCALLEN, TEXAS - The NBA Development League announced Thursday that Rio Grande Valley Vipers President Bert Garcia is the recipient of the 2011 NBA Development League Team Executive of the Year Award, as voted on by his peers.
"Anytime you get an award for any hard work you and your staff have done, it's always an exciting feeling," Garcia said.
In Garcia's first year as President, the Vipers increased their overall revenue by 39%. The Vipers led the league while setting a new franchise record for attendance for the second year in a row by averaging 4,849 fans per game. The Vipers sold out five games, and after welcoming 116,372 fans into State Farm Arena during the regular season, filled 85.9% of the available seats.
"This is a tribute to our very supportive ownership and the best staff in the NBA Development League. The tremendous support from the fans the local community in the Valley continues to fuel out commitment to success on and off the court," Garcia said.
One of Garcia's first accomplishments as President was to complete a first of its kind partnership in league history with Lone Star National Bank in which they sponsor the Vipers' jerseys.
"The NBA Development League is pleased to recognize Bert Garcia with the Team Executive of the Year Award in honor of his extraordinary accomplishments this season. The Vipers set new heights in business performance and community involvement, and truly exemplified an innovative spirit," NBA Development League President Dan Reed said.
Garcia, who is entering his fifth season with the Vipers and second season as Team President, is the league's first and Hispanic team president. Garcia joined the Vipers during the 2007-08 season, initially as a basketball operations volunteer for Head Coach Bob Hoffman, for whom he had worked for previously at the University of Texas Pan-American. He joined the Vipers' front office full-time in February of that season as a corporate sales manager. Garcia was then promoted to Assistant General Manger of Corporate Sales before becoming Vice President of Operations.
NBA G League Stories from May 26, 2011
- Stampede Organization Wins Business Awards - Idaho Stampede
- Garcia Earns Executive of the Year Honors - Rio Grande Valley Vipers
- Vipers President Bert Garcia Voted 2011 NBA Development League Team Executive of the Year - G League
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