Friday, October 24, 2008

Taylor to head NBA Board of Governors

NBA Commissioner David Stern today announced that Glen Taylor, owner of the Minnesota Timberwolves, has been unanimously elected Chairman of the NBA Board of Governors. Taylor replaces Miami Heat Managing General Partner Micky Arison, who served as Chairman for the past three years.

"I want to extend my gratitude to Micky Arison for his three years of service and invaluable contributions as the Chairman of our Board," Stern said. "We are fortunate to have someone with Glen Taylor's experience and knowledge to step in and ensure the same high standards that Micky has exhibited during his tenure."

"This is a great honor to be elected Chairman of the NBA Board of Governors," Taylor said. "I have a tremendous amount of respect for my peers and fellow owners in the league. This is a unique opportunity to work with Commissioner Stern, his staff and the NBA both nationally and internationally to build the NBA brand. I accept this not only on behalf of myself, but the entire Timberwolves organization. I believe it speaks to our reputation as a franchise within the league."

Along with membership on the Board of Governors, Taylor previously served as the Chairman of the NBA's Audit Committee and has been a member of the Advisory/Finance, Planning and Labor Relations Committees.

Taylor, a former Minnesota state senator, has served as the majority owner of the Timberwolves since March 23, 1995. During his ownership, Taylor has overseen eight playoff teams including the 2004 edition of the Wolves who advanced to the Western Conference Finals.

Taylor is Chairman of the Board of Taylor Corporation. The Taylor companies, which are involved in printing, marketing and technology-based industries, include more than 70 operating divisions in 19 U.S. states, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and Mexico.
Taylor's business savvy has been recognized by Corporate Report magazine, which honored him as its Executive of the Year in 1987, and the Sales and Marketing Executives of Minneapolis/St. Paul, who awarded him with their Sales Executive of the Year Award in 1999. He was also inducted into the Minnesota Hall of Fame by Twin Cities Monthly Magazine.

Through personal involvement, Taylor has remained active in many civic and charitable causes. Last preseason, Taylor and his Timberwolves players and coaches led an NBA Cares imitative, in partnership with the Starkey Hearing Foundation, to fit several hundred children with hearing aids during the team's training camp in Istanbul, Turkey. Taylor and his family have provided financial assistance and participated in other Starkey missions to Africa, Egypt and Central America.

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