Oct. 1, 2007

SPRINGFIELD, MA - Mr. George A. Dickerman has been announced as the inaugural recipient of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Chairman's Cup, an award established by the Hall of Fame Board of Trustees to recognize those whose personal commitment and passion for the Hall of Fame has made an extraordinary contribution to its mission and purpose. The Award, a Tiffany's custom made sterling silver cup, was presented to Mr. Dickerman by Chairman of the Board Russell Granik during the Hall of Fame Enshrinement festivities in September.

"The Hall of Fame owes Mr. Dickerman a great deal of gratitude for his contributions to our organization, and I am pleased to congratulate him on this well deserved recognition. George's commitment and dedication to the Hall of Fame has been unmatched, his tireless volunteer efforts on its behalf over the last 28 plus years are truly impressive and his work has created a very high standard for this new Award", stated Granik, the former Deputy Commissioner of the NBA. "His leadership as both our Board Chair and Chairman of the Finance Committee has been instrumental in growing the Hall of Fame's reach, securing its permanent home in Springfield and building our beautiful new facility on the Connecticut Riverfront."

Mr. Dickerman, a longtime resident of Longmeadow, Massachusetts, is an alumnus of the University of Massachusetts, holds an MBA from New York University and is the former CEO of Spalding from 1976 - 2000. He joined the Hall of Fame Board in 1979, served as its Chair from 1992-1995 and currently serves as the Hall of Fame Finance Committee Chair. In addition, Mr. Dickerman serves on the Executive Committee of the Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council, the UMASS Isenberg School of Management Business Advisory Council and is a member of the Northwestern Mutual Board of Trustees.