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.