Falcons Hire Thompson as VP of Sales and Award New Positions to Appleton and Gardner

Published on December 10, 2004 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Springfield Falcons News Release


Springfield, Mass. – Springfield Falcons President and General Manager Bruce Landon today announced that Mike Thompson will join the team's front office as Vice President of Sales. The club also announced that two current members of the front office have received new titles. Carole Appleton has become Assistant to the General Manager and Manager of Community Relations. Melissa Gardner has been named Manager of Marketing Services and Game Night Operations.

In announcing Thompson's hiring, Landon stated, "Mike has a very impressive resume in all areas of sales in professional sports and we look forward to him overseeing our sales department and spearheading our efforts to increase attendance and corporate sales."

Most recently Thompson has served as senior partner and owner for the consulting firm Vertix Sports Marketing based in Raleigh, North Carolina. With Vertix Sports Marketing, Thompson built successful sales strategies and programs for numerous NCAA and professional sports organizations. The majority of his professional clients with Vertix Sports Marketing were minor league hockey and baseball teams.

Prior to beginning with Vertix Sports Marketing in 2001, Thompson worked as Senior Manager of Ticket Sales for the Florida Marlins. While with the Major League Baseball club in 1998 and 1999, Thompson led a program called the Grand Slam Club that established organizational records for group ticket revenues.

Thompson also worked at executive sales levels with affiliated minor league baseball teams, the New Haven Ravens (1997-1998) and the High Desert Mavericks (1995-1997), in which he led the organizations to tremendous ticket revenue growth.

"Joining the Falcons is an incredibly exciting opportunity," said Thompson. "Having worked closely with many sports franchises over the last several years, I've come to recognize what hockey means to Springfield and I look forward to getting started with the Falcons."

Appleton has served in a number of capacities with the Falcons since becoming a part of the organization prior to the franchise's inaugural season of 1994-95. Most recently Appleton had the role of Director of Marketing. She begins her new duties as Assistant to the General Manager and Manager of Community Relations immediately.

"Carole has been an integral part of this organization for 11 years and has done a great job for us," said Landon. "In her new role she will expand her work in the team services area of the operation and continue with her excellent community relations work and corporate sales in the off-season."

Gardner, who joined the Falcons over the summer as Manager of Game Night Operations, will now also oversee Marketing Services.

"Since joining us in July, Melissa has been a great asset to the organization," said Landon. "She will expand her work in the marketing department and running our game night operations and promotions."

Landon also added, "It is important that we continue to grow our operation and be prepared for the 2005-06 season when we will have a completely renovated facility with club seats, club room, a video scoreboard and other amenities that will make attending a Falcons game more enjoyable. The addition of Mike Thompson and the increased responsibilities of two key members of our staff will serve us well as we move forward."

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American Hockey League Stories from December 10, 2004


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