Press release from Wiand's approved Venice Jet Center buyer -- full text

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(editor's prefatory note -- The big big question now is: Who are the angel investors, the hidden money guys behind this offer? Or, possibly: Does Tri-State really have them lined up yet? With the history of the Venice Jet Center as the site of a long history of known and documented criminal and terrorist activity (Art Nadel, Rudi Dekkers, Wally Hilliard, Mohamed Atta and the 9/11 terrorists, drug trafficking, etc.), the fact that it is planned to be opened under the name of Suncoast Air Center with no knowledge yet as to who the big money guys are behind the purchase is going to prove to be majorly distressing to city hall and to local residents who just want a cleanly run airport. -- JP, editor)

John:

My apologies for not copying you on the [press] release. I had e-mailed it directly to the Tribune and the Gondolier only, but I'm happy to share the complete text with you (found below). I know you are a voice in the community so I want to keep you in the loop. Unfortunately, all I am able to disclose at this time is the information contained within. The articles published in the Herald Tribune and Gondolier are correct with the exception of Mr. Giles report that I am a former Venice resident- I have not lived in the city, though I have been a resident of this area for some time.

If you have any further questions, feel free to e-mail and I will be happy to help answer them as best I can. I'm looking forward to working with you and your fellow Venetians to help resolve the ongoing issues for everyone's benefit.

Best Regards,
Marty Kretchman
Vice President
The Tristate Group, LLC

--PRESS RELEASE--
Tristate Aviation Group LLC was supplied a bidders package early this year along with many other potential bidder groups. Tristate did its own due diligence and we were asked to submit our best offer to purchase the assets of the Venice Jet Center controlled by Burton Wiand, the Receiver. Our offer was submitted and based on our understanding the Tristate offer was the best offer for the asset. This offer was accepted by the Receiver.
 
This closing of this contemplated transaction still requires approval by the Federal Judge overseeing the receivership and as a result, no assurance can given at this time as to whether the transaction as contemplated will close. In an effort to dispel any further misleading information, I can confirm that, based on what I have read in today's Herald Tribune, that the cash payment of our offer to the Receiver is "multiples higher" than that of any other party. We are also very sophisticated in this type of transaction.
 
As there are multiple parts of the transaction, the assets will be purchased by Tristate Aviation Group of Florida LLC, of which I am the Manager for Tristate. We intend on operating the FBO under Suncoast Aviation Center of Florida LLC under the trade name "Suncoast Air Center “, which are under common ownership by Tristate.
 
Our goal is to return the FBO to good standing in the Community and to work to mend broken fences with the residents of Venice and the City Council. Having the experience of operating FBO’s and being an integral part of numerous communities will allow us to utilize this experience to ease tensions and to the re-development of community relations. As a resident of the area, I am acutely aware of the need to re-establish many disconnected relationships.
 
Assuming the transaction closes as contemplated, our customers will notice a new face, new image and a willingness and desire to bring the aviation business and the attendant positive economic impact back to the forefront of SW Florida and to the residents of our area.
 
Tristate Aviation Group LLC., is comprised of myself Brian Ciambra and Henry Paulino. Collectively, we have over 40 years of combined experience owning and operating Fixed Base Operations, including the management and structuring of the Volo Aviation chain of FBO's across the country.
 
A short bio of each of us is as follows:

Marty Kretchman -­ Marty has worked in aviation within the state of Florida for over 7 years. He is a former corporate pilot, holding a Captain’s rating in Cessna Citation series business jets. Marty transitioned to the FBO management side of corporate aviation in 2004 when the organization employing him in Orlando acquired a facility at their airport. As General Manager of Avion Jet Center. Marty was able to increase market share over the competitor on-field by 40% within the first 12 months.

In early 2008, Marty was recruited as General Manager of Volo Aviation Sarasota. Managing a staff of fifteen Marty has earned the respect of his employees and customers as a solid leader with exceptional attention to customer service.

Marty is Senior Vice President of Tristate Aviation Group LLC.

Brian Ciambra - Brian has over 17 years aviation experience, half of which was spent working with Signature Flight Support, the world¹s largest FBO chain. Within that organization, he held the title of Regional General Manager covering White Plains and LaGuardia in New York and Morristown in New Jersey, some of the largest and most successful operations in their worldwide network.

Brian has more recently served as the Vice President of Operations for Volo Aviation, an FBO venture of Merrill Lynch. He personally oversaw the establishment of the Volo Aviation brand name and the acquisition of five fixed base operators across the country. He was instrumental in creating infrastructure to support and expand these operations on a national level.

Brian is the CEO and President of Tristate Aviation Group LLC.

Henry Paulino - Henry has worked in aviation for over 16 years. He spent 12 years with Signature as General Manager of several of their facilities in the Northeast. Along with Brian, he also worked with an entity known as Skyport Flight Services that acquired a small underutilized FBO in Westchester County, New York in June 2004.

In September of 2007, Henry was hired as Regional General Manager for Volo Aviation. In concert with the location General Managers, he has helped to oversee the operations of five facilities as well as the acquisition of several large clients, leading to multiple long term leases and lucrative returns for Volo and its partners.

Henry is the Chief Operating Officer of Tristate Aviation Group LLC.

Let me be careful to preface. There are still hurdles left to overcome prior to the transaction closing, that may affect whether or not it closes. As such, we are not at liberty to disclose the terms and conditions of the Tristate offer until they become a matter of public record, which we hope will be in the near future.

--Marty Kretchman,
Vice President, The Tristate Group, LLC
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