The Professional Retail Store Maintenance Association (PRSM), the authority on retail, multi-site facilities management, has announced that Basketball Hall of Fame inductee, coach, and well-known ESPN announcer, Dick Vitale will be the keynote speaker at PRSM’s Mid-Year Conference, September 26 – 28 in Scottsdale, AZ.
Vitale joined ESPN during the 1979-80 season – just after the network’s September 1979 launch, following a successful college and pro coaching career. Since his debut, Vitale has called more than one thousand games.
His thorough knowledge of the game is brought forth in an enthusiastic, passionate, sometimes controversial – but never boring – style.
“We are excited to have Dick Vitale as our keynote at this year’s Mid-Year Conference,” said Bill Yanek, PRSM CEO. “He is a proven winner, who has excelled in sports, in broadcasting and in life. To win in the multi-site facilities management arena today, you must adapt quickly, make smart decisions and lead your team. Dick’s life experiences and the message he will deliver will inspire and motivate our members to excel in life and on the job.”
Vitale began coaching high school basketball in 1963 at Garfield HS, Garfield, NJ and just six short years later joined the coaching staff at Rutgers University creating multiple championship teams along the way. At the University of Detroit (1973 – 77) he compiled a winning percentage of .722 (78-30), which included a 21-game winning streak. In May,1978, he was named head coach of the Detroit Pistons which he coached until joining ESPN in 1979.
Beyond being a winning coach and well-known announcer, Vitale is also a philanthropist and author and has made cameo appearances in movies and TV shows. He is best known for his “Vitaleisms,” phrases he often used during broadcasts such as, “Awesome Baby!”, “Get a TO, Baby!” (call a timeout), “PTP’er” (prime time player, “Rolls Roycer” (a flat out superstar) and “Maalox Time!” (the final minutes of a close game).
The PRSM Mid-Year Conference provides multi-site facilities management professionals the opportunity to learn about the latest industry trends, connect with hundreds of other retail and supplier professionals and attend industry-leading education sessions.
For more information about PRSM Mid-Year Conference click here.
