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Spirit name Brent Connolly general manager

November 5, 2004 - Canadian American League (Can-Am)
North Shore Spirit News Release


LYNN - The North Shore Spirit have named Brent Connolly general manager, Spirit owner and managing partner Nick Lopardo announced. Connolly had been serving as acting GM, replacing Ben Wittkowski, who left the team last month.

Connolly started with the Spirit in 2003 as director and sales and marketing. He was promoted to assistant general manager this year, and remained responsible for directing the team's sales, marketing and advertising efforts.

"I am really excited to do this job," Connolly said. "I have experienced first-hand the positive impact the Spirit have had in this community and I'm looking forward to continuing to play a part in that in this expanded role. I'm grateful for the confidence Nick has shown in me."

Lopardo said Connolly is the right choice to lead the Spirit as they head into their third season in 2005. "Brent did a spectacular job on the sales and marketing side. He interacts well with fans, business leaders and staff. He is the right choice to lead this organization as we move forward."

A Lynn native and Georgetown resident, Connolly worked for Essex County Newspapers from the time he graduated Salem State College in 1976 until 2002. Starting in the circulation department, he advanced to become director of circulation/marketing, and director of sales and marketing in 1991.

Connolly said he will be focusing on helping the Spirit build on the successes of the last two years. Total attendance in 2004 was more than 121,000, a 35-percent increase from the inaugural season of 2003.

"We are going to place a heavy emphasis on group sales," he said. "That's the lifeblood of a minor-league baseball team. We will also make sure everyone has fun at the ballpark. That has been Nick's goal from day one and it remains the highest priority."

In other Spirit news, Kevin Kelly was named director of sales and marketing, and Chris Ames was named director of entertainment and ticket sales.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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