Firecats Add Local Investors
February 3, 2009 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Florida Firecats News Release
Estero, FL - The Florida Firecats announced today that a group of local investors have purchased a minority share of the arenafootball2 (af2) franchise. The group, which includes Robert Germain Jr., Dr. John and Elizabeth Kagan, Berk Edwards, Richard Castiano, Joseph Viacava Sr., Joseph Viacava Jr. and former Firecats quarterback Michael McQuagge, will strengthen the teams stance with its fan base.
"My father and I are very excited about our new ownership group," said Firecats President and General Manager Chris Vallozzi. "It's a fantastic group of people who have deep roots within the community that are committed to continuing the great tradition the Firecats have here in Southwest Florida."
Chris Vallozzi and his father Andrew Vallozzi have owned and operated the team since it's inception in 2001. The Vallozis will maintain a controlling interest in the team and continue to manage the day-to-day operations of the Firecats.
Robert Germain Jr.: Co-Owner of the Germain Motor Company along with his brothers Steven and Rick Germain. The Germain Motor Company owns and operates 18 dealerships in Columbus, OH, Naples FL, Sarasota, FL, Rogers, AK and Phoenix AZ representing 12 different manufacturers. Germain Racing competes in the Craftsman Series, the Nationwide Series and the Sprint Cup Series. The company also owns the naming rights for Germain Arena in Estero, FL.
Dr. John and Elizabeth Kagan: Board-Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon. Dr. Kagan is a member of the Lee County Medical Society, Florida Orthopedic Society, Florida Medical Association, American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, and the American Medical Association. He is the team physician of the Florida Firecats. He and his partners are the team physicians of the Florida Everblades, Fort Myers Miracle and Minnesota Twins during spring training. Elizabeth, Kagen is a Registered Nurse and attorney who along with her husband is a commercial and property real estate developer. Liz serves on the boards of First Community Bank of SW Florida and Investor's Security Trust Company in Fort Myers and is Chairman of the Board of Florida Doctors Insurance Company based in Jacksonville.
Berk Edwards: Partner in the law firm of Geraghty, Dougherty and Edwards, P.A. He practices in commercial litigation; civil trial practice; construction; business law. He is a past president of the Southwest Florida chapter of the Federal Bar Association.
Richard Castiano: Owner and operator of The "World Famous" Cigar Bar's in downtown Fort Myers and the Gulf Coast Town Center. The New York native has been a business owner in Southwest Florida for over 15 years.
Joseph Viacava Sr.: Retired Regional Manager and Postmaster of the United Sates Postal Service in Baldwin, NY. Mr. Viacava Sr. is a past president of the Baldwin New York Rotary Club.
Joseph Viacava Jr.: Partner of the Wilbur Smith Law Firm. He specializes in personal injury law and criminal defense. Mr. Viacava Jr. is President of the Lee County Chapter of the Personal Injury Association and is a co-owner of the World Famous Cigar Bar and Stevie Tomatoes.
Michael McQuagge: Managing partner of the McQuagge and Morgan Law Firm. He practices in personal injury and wrongful death. He is a board member for the Lee County Division of the American Cancer Society. The Fort Myers native and former University of Florida quarterback was a member of the 2004 Arena Cup Champion Florida Firecats team.
Florida will kickoff it's 2009 season at home on Saturday, March 21st against their South Division rival the South Georgia Wildcats.
2009 Season tickets are available now! Call (239) 390-CATS (2287) today to reserve your seats! Visit the team online at www.FloridaFirecats.com.
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