Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Carl Calabrese is a familiar voice on WBEN and political figure in Western New York and has decided to step away from his longtime successful career as a political lobbyist with Masiello, Martucci, Calabrese & Associates.
I've been thinking about it for a while," Calabrese said Sunday on WBEN's Hardline political show. The good news for WBEN listeners is that while Calabrese will be stepping away from his full-time endeavours at the political firm, he will continue his political commentary.
"I will not be retiring from political commentary on your station," added Calabrese as he spoke with Joe Beamer and Brenda Alesii, something that has become a staple of the weekly political show. Calabrese will also continue to be a regular part of 'A New Morning' with Susan Rose and Brian Mazurowski on WBEN as well as a frequent source for many political stories on WBEN and wben.com.
The decision has been a long time in coming and came as no surprise to his partners at the firm. "You just know," said Calabrese of reaching to decision to step away from the busy career lifestyle of political lobbying.
"I actually worked at least five years beyond what I thought I would just because I enjoy it."
A founding partner of what was initially known as Government Action Professionals, Calabrese helped steward the growth of the firm as it became the most successful lobbying entity in New York state outside of Albany and New York City.
"Starting a business from scratch and building it into the largest lobbying firm in Western New York over the past 16 years has been an absolute joy, as has been working with my two partners, Tony Masiello and Vic Martucci," Calabrese said. "They were my personal friends when we started the business and they're my personal friends today. Having our bonds of friendship grow even stronger over 16 years in business is a real accomplishment."
Following 15 years of service in Tonawanda town government and five years in Erie County government, Calabrese and Marina Woolcock, who also worked with him in county government, launched Government Action Professionals in 2005. It was the first lobbying firm with headquarters in Buffalo, as opposed to Albany and New York City. The firm's business model called for specializing in representing Western New York businesses, not-for-profits, local governments and educational institutions for all their state and local lobbying and government consulting needs.
Later that year, the firm welcomed Victor Farley as a new partner. In 2006, Anthony M. Masiello joined the organization following his decision not to seek a fourth term as mayor of the City of Buffalo.
"Carl Calabrese's vision for a Buffalo and Western New York government relations firm that can compete with Albany and New York City interests was more than fulfilled," Masiello said. "His knowledge of government, his attention to detail and facts, and his work ethic were and remain the foundation for our firm.
"I am grateful that he took a chance on me to help round out his team and I'll always be very appreciative of his friendship, his support and integrity. Kate and I wish Carl and his wife, Debi, and their family, continued success, great health and peace."
In 2009, following the retirements of Woolcock and Farley, Victor A. Martucci joined the firm as a partner and the name of the business was changed to Masiello, Martucci, Calabrese & Associates. Since then, MMCA has grown to be the largest lobbying firm in Western New York with an extensive list of clients consisting of many of the region's leading businesses and organizations.
"I am proud to have been Carl's business partner for the past 11 years, but I'm most grateful for our friendship of more than 35 years," Martucci said. "Carl had the courage and vision to create a business model that most people in Albany said would never work: build a Buffalo-based lobbying firm.
"It's been a privilege to work side-by-side with my good friend, not only to build a successful business, but to successfully advocate for our clients in Albany and here at home in Western New York. I am happy that Carl and Debi will now have more time to devote to their children and grandchildren, and I'm excited about the future of Masiello, Martucci & Associates, continuing to build on our business foundation with my great partner and friend, Tony Masiello."
In 2011, along with Masiello and Martucci, Calabrese became a founding partner of Keenan Communications Group (KCG). Led by Kevin A. Keenan, KCG specializes in crisis communications and public relations.
"Carl is among the most decent, smartest people I've ever met," Keenan said. "During the nine years we partnered together, he taught me a great deal about how government works, how to effectively deal with people, and as a political commentator, he is without peer in Western New York. Carl's on-air persona provides listeners and viewers with insights that are always about policy, never about personality."
Effective Jan.1, 2021, MMCA will be known as Masiello, Martucci & Associates. The firm will continue to operate out of its downtown Buffalo headquarters in the Main Court Building.
"There's an old saying: 'Some men have jobs they're good at, and some men have jobs they enjoy and if God is smiling on you, you get to do both.' God has certainly smiled on me. That 'smile' allowed me to do good for my clients, my family and the community I call home," Calabrese said.
