The West Michigan Sports Commission hires new manager

The West Michigan Sports Commission (WMSC) hit two big milestones recently: the hiring of a manager, and the launch of new website to support the Art Van Sports Complex.

The updated website is still "a work in progress," according to Mike Guswiler, president of the WMSC. Initially, it will help support the fundraising efforts for the baseball and softball sports complex, before eventually becoming the home of the events calendar.

In the newly created position of complex manager, Bryan Baar will manage operations of the Art Van Sports Complex, reporting to the commission and a complex oversight committee. Baar's role for 2013 is to first help oversee construction operations. As construction nears completion in 2014, his role will shift to marketing the complex and creating a tournament schedule. He is then expected to manage all complex operations, including tournaments, once the complex opens in 2015.

Baar has been coaching and training baseball and softball athletes for more than 15 years, beginning his career in 1989 when he was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers as a catcher. He played for four years in the Dodgers' organization. In 1995, Baar founded Elite Baseball and Softball Training in Grand Rapids.

Guswiler says the broad experience and long standing involvement in the project were key in the hiring selection. "When we began looking at the feasibility of building the complex, especially the construction and fundraising efforts, we reached out to many individuals, including Bryan. He has been helpful through the process. When it came time to look for a manager, Bryan's name came up naturally. We feel good about the selection and are excited to get things rolling."

To learn more about the WMSC and the Art Van Sports Complex, you can visit their website here.

Source: Mike Guswiler, WMSC
Writer: John Rumery, Innovation and Jobs News Editor