Honor Joseph Tacopina Recognition

Senate Resolution No. 4008 BY: Senator GOLDEN COMMENDING Joseph Tacopina upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by the Federation of Italian-American Organizations of Brooklyn, Ltd. on April 8, 2018 WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that the quality and character of life in the communities across New York State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the community and its citizenry; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Joseph Tacopina upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by the Federation of Italian-American Organizations of Brooklyn, Ltd., to be celebrated at its 41st Annual Gala on Sunday,

April 8, 2018; and WHEREAS, For the last 43 years, the Federation of Italian-American Organizations of Brooklyn, Ltd. has stayed true to its mission of promoting unity in its multi-cultural community; this vital organization strives to instill and preserve the highest ideal of Americanism, provide mutual assistance and encourage greater participation; and WHEREAS, Joseph Tacopina grew up in Brooklyn, New York, and served as a Brooklyn District Attorney prior to forming his own law practice; after representing many athletes over the years, his lifelong passion for sports encouraged him to become a certified NHL and NFL sports agent; and WHEREAS, Joseph Tacopina was part of the American consortium to purchase A.S. Roma, a professional Italian football club; in October of

2011, he became a member of the Board of Directors, manager and Vice President of the Giallorossi; and WHEREAS, In September of 2014, Joseph Tacopina resigned from his multiple roles with A.S. Roma and assumed the post of both President and Chairman of the Bologna Football Club; in this capacity, he was instrumental in increasing the home attendance to over 18,000 fans, and the club moved up in rank from ninth to third in two months; and WHEREAS, In October of 2015, Joseph Tacopina and a group of American investors announced the purchase of Venezia Football Club; today, he serves as the President, Chairman, and a member of the Board of Directors of the Club, which was founded in 1907; and WHEREAS, Joseph Tacopina was quickly promoted to Lega Pro, the governing body of the third highest football division in Italy, and a passageway to Serie A; he hired former professional footballer Fillipo Inzaghi as the Manager of the team, a significant advancement towards their goal of obtaining Serie A; and WHEREAS, In the near future, Joseph Tacopina plans to construct a new stadium complex which will accommodate 28,000 football fans, and significantly increase profits for the Club; and WHEREAS, In addition to his position with Venezia Football Club, Joseph Tacopina serves as a Governing Body Member of the exclusive forum Global Sports Summit, the only cross-industry convergence of professional team Owners and CEO/Presidents from the NFL, NBC, MLB, NHL, MLS/European Football and other professional leagues around the world; and WHEREAS, Recently, Joseph Tacopina was a featured speaker at Palazzo delle Federazioni Sportive Nazionali in Rome, and this year's Global Sports Summit in Aspen, Colorado; and WHEREAS, A leading figure in Italy, Joseph Tacopina was the recipient of the prestigious Carlino d'oro Award for his outstanding contributions to Italian football; he is the only President of two Italian football teams to win a championship within one year; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their profession, certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend Joseph Tacopina upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by the Federation of Italian-American Organizations of Brooklyn, Ltd.; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Joseph Tacopina.