{"id":19379,"date":"2022-10-16T21:26:22","date_gmt":"2022-10-16T21:26:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stage.northwoodsleague.com\/bismarck-larks\/?p=19379"},"modified":"2023-01-12T21:27:08","modified_gmt":"2023-01-12T21:27:08","slug":"blake-maurer-and-larks-broadcast-team-recognized-with-nwl-awards","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/northwoodsleague.com\/bismarck-larks\/blake-maurer-and-larks-broadcast-team-recognized-with-nwl-awards\/","title":{"rendered":"Blake, Maurer, and Larks Broadcast Team recognized with NWL Awards"},"content":{"rendered":"

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The Bismarck Larks are excited to announce Monica Blake, Charlie Maurer, and the Larks NWLTV Broadcast Team for being recognized in the Northwoods League annual awards. The awards, which were decided by a vote of team officials at the League\u2019s annual fall meetings last week in Rochester, MN are given annually to the League\u2019s outstanding individuals.<\/p>\n

Monica Blake, the former General Manager of Funatix Events, was named the 2022 Northwoods League Most Valuable Employee. Charlie Maurer was recognized as the 2022 Northwoods League TV Announcer of the Year. Additionally, the Larks broadcast team, led by the organization\u2019s media team, was recognized as the top Gameday Presentation in the Great Plains.<\/p>\n

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Monica Blake, 2022 Northwoods League Most Valuable Employee<\/b><\/h3>\n

Monica Blake was named the\u00a02022 Northwoods League Most Valuable Employee<\/b>, after her work serving as the General Manager for Funatix Events, the affiliate event company of the Bismarck Larks. Monica also assisted the Larks gameday operations team during the season. Currently, Monica is the General Manager of the Minot NWL team and part of the ownership group.<\/p>\n

\u201cEveryone in the Northwoods League puts a ton of work into what they do each year, so I am extremely honored to be voted the NWL\u2019s Most Valuable Team Member,\u201d Blake said. \u201cWorking with the amazing people in the Larks organization has pushed me to be my absolute best every day.\u201d<\/p>\n

As the General Manager of Funatix Events, she is responsible for the growth and development of national and regional events. These events include one of the oldest rodeos in the world, the Mandan Rodeo Days, Bismarck\u2019s largest three-day running event, the Bismarck Marathon, the only Christmas road race in the state, the Santa Run, and numerous company picnics.<\/p>\n

Monica started with the Larks as a merchandise intern in 2019. Her work ethic and dedication to the team earned her a full-time position in 2020. During her time with the Larks, Monica worked across many departments and held various positions. This includes sponsorship sales and activation, inside ticket sales, operations, merchandise, and special events. Her experience has made her a valuable asset to the organization, sponsors, and even coworkers. She has a passion for using sports, events, and FUN to make a difference in people\u2019s lives.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn four seasons with the Larks and Funatix Events, Monica [Blake] proved to be an invaluable member of our team and our mission,\u201d John Bollinger, Larks, and Funatix Events owner and CEO. \u201cSo much so that at the young age of 25 now, she\u2019s been promoted again to General Manager of our Minot expansion franchise with equity. She\u2019s proven to be an incredible operator, leader, and teammate and for those reasons, I\u2019m so happy she\u2019s received this awesome recognition.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her devotion to our team increased event revenue three times more than in 2021. Not only did Monica serve as a leader for Funatix Events, but she also worked on specialized teams within the Bismarck Larks organization such as vision, culture, and merchandise. Monica also oversaw the Funatix Events Marketing Manager, a Funatix event intern, and a Larks merchandise intern.<\/p>\n

FUNATIX ACHIEVEMENTS<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Monica played a key role in sponsorship sales and the planning and execution of all marketing and event logistics for Funatix Events.<\/p>\n

MANDAN RODEO DAYS<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n