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CORVALLIS, Ore. - Larry Miller, president of the Portland Trail Blazers, will discuss strategies to build the brand and reputation of an organization in a free public lecture at Oregon State University on Wednesday, Sept. 30.

Miller's talk, "Unify in the Championship Culture," is sponsored by OSU's College of Business as part of the Dean's Distinguished Lecture Series. It will be held in LaSells Stewart Center's Austin Auditorium from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The center is located at 26th Street and Western Boulevard in Corvallis.

"We are very excited to host Larry Miller and have him share his knowledge of management and sports marketing," said College of Business Dean Ilene Kleinsorge. "He has been referred to as a preeminent figure in the basketball industry and a highly valued sports professional." 

Miller was named president of the Portland Trail Blazers in June 2007. He is responsible for all aspects of the organization's business portfolio, including all team business and basketball activities, and the Rose Quarter.

Winners of the 1977 NBA championship, the Portland Trail Blazers are Portland's only major league professional sports franchise. Owned by investor and philanthropist Paul G. Allen of Seattle since 1988, the Blazers continue to be a competitive NBA leader in playoff appearances, sports marketing and community relations.

"I am honored to participate in the Dean's Distinguished Lecture Series," Miller said. "I have had the privilege of working with some of the world's most recognizable brands, and have learned that the key to success in business starts with investing in your employees, your customers and your community. I look forward to sharing my experience with the Oregon State community."

Miller will share personal insights on the necessary steps to build a viable enterprise. He will discuss his extensive experience as a sports professional and how he has improved the reputation and brand of the Portland Trail Blazers.  Following his speech, Miller take questions from the audience.

Miller has more than 15 years of experience in the sports apparel industry. Prior to joining the Blazers, Miller worked in a number of executive positions for Nike. In his most recent role as vice president and general manager for the sports apparel giant, Miller was in charge of developing and executing integrated global strategies designed to deliver premium experiences across all product engines to basketball worldwide. He was also responsible for Nike's global basketball business, including the day-to-day operations of the Jordan Brand.

Miller also worked as president of Brand Jordan, where he led the brand through a period of strong growth, expanded product offerings, and added to its portfolio of Team Jordan athletes. Before Nike, Miller served as president of Jantzen.