Bartow's Presence Paying Off For Grizzlies

Long before he became a Grizzlies limited partner, Fred Jones Jr. founded and grew the Southern Heritage Classic -- a regional and often the best-attended event annually held at the Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium.

Yet the Grizzlies, at team president of business operation Andy Dolich's direction, didn't associate with this Memphis tradition and its potential customers until now.

No wonder team owner Michael Heisley is dismayed by poor ticket sales.

No wonder new general manager Chris Wallace and head coach Marc Iavaroni met with Jones to inquire about the lack of Grizzly involvement in his event.

No wonder Gene Bartow, recently appointed president of Hoops LP, went over Dolich's head and forged a Grizzlies partnership with the SHC.

Bartow called one of his first acts a "no brainer."

The Grizzlies recently picked up a late (reportedly $10,000) sponsorship to have a presence at the SHC.

That's why Bartow is in place.

It is small-minded to mock Bartow's appointment.

He knows better than to ignore essential components of this market.

It's about time Heisley got the message, too.

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source : commercialappeal.com