State fairs are important in many parts of the country. For Colorado, the big event is a “centerpiece of our agricultural education efforts,” according to Don Brown, commissioner of agriculture. And starting July 1, the big event will have a new boss.

MEET THE NEW BOSS: Scott Stoller comes from Chico, Calif., where he ran an event that included managing more than 150 employees.

The Colorado Department of Agriculture has announced that Brown is naming Scott Stoller of Chico, Calif, as the Colorado State Fair general manager. Brown notes that Stoller will be spearheading “our goals of promoting agriculture, supporting our FFA and 4-H youth, improving the fair’s financial position and developing additional year-round activities at the fairgrounds.”

In a release announcing his new position, Stoller notes that his professional life has revolved around fairs and agriculture. “I truly believe fairs offer a great service of educating consumers about the role agriculture plays in their lives, while honoring the Western heritage that helped build this great state,” he says.

Stoller comes from the Silver Dollar Fair in Chico, Calif. He joined the team there in 2009 as general manager, running all aspects of the fair including marketing, sponsorship, entertainment and competitive events, and he supervised the event’s 150 employees. Before that, he was general manager of the Benton County Fair and Rodeo in Corvallis, Ore.

Stoller is an active member of the International Association of Fairs and Exhibitions, Midwest Fairs Association and Western Fairs Association. He earned his certified fair executive degree in 2015 and has served on IAFE’s finance committee and certifications committee for several years. He earned his bachelor’s degree in agricultural business from California State University. As a youngster, Stoller was active in 4-H showing breeding and market animals including cattle, sheep and pigs. He also was an FFA member, where he served as a national delegate twice and ultimately received his national farmer degree.

Transition and position information
Until Stoller takes on his new role, former CDA Deputy Commissioner Chris Wiseman will remain onboard as interim general manager.

When recruiting for the position, CDA made an announcement calling for “a dynamic leader to efficiently direct the activities of the Colorado State Fair, while effectively meeting statutory requirements for the annual fair and exposition.” Here’s a look at some of the duties the general manager is required to handle. They include but are not limited to:

• responsibility for the efficient production of the annual 11-day Colorado State Fair, with a focus on customer experience and satisfaction

• effectively managing the year-round operations of the 100-acre state fairgrounds, which have 57 permanent building structures

• managing and balancing an $8 million budget with an eye toward budget efficiencies, including development and management of the five-year budget and strategic plans

• developing and implementing plans to increase facility use outside of the annual state fair event

• managing contracts with various entities including entertainment, marketing, vendors and sponsors

The 2018 Colorado State Fair runs Aug. 24-Sept. 3. Learn more at coloradostatefair.com.

The 2018 fair will be the event’s 146th year. The fairgrounds provide nearly $34 million in economic activity to the state through the year; $29 million of that activity is driven by the state fair. In addition to showcasing Colorado agriculture, CDA notes that the annual event has one of the country’s largest traveling carnivals, as well as a Fiesta Day honoring the state’s ties to the Hispanic culture, artwork, crafts, food competitions, thrilling rodeo action and a wide variety of food and merchandise booths.

Source: Colorado Department of Agriculture