Genovese Buys Stake in WhatsUp Media

OCALA, Fla., Dec. 3, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Bobby Genovese, Chairman of the Board of BG Capital Group, has purchased a 50-percent stake in WhatsUp Media — a central Florida based magazine and production company that hosts and promotes concerts and special events in Ocala and Marion County, FL. 

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131203/FL26657 )

What's Up Ocala magazine also promotes a community events calendar through its multi-media distribution network, which includes a mobile application, magazine, website and production of ongoing video content.

Genovese also recently partnered with Wiessner, who is also President of Silver Springs Management to manage Silver Springs State Park, in a three year deal with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to assume concessionaire management of the park, which reopened October 1, 2013. 

"I saw an incredible opportunity to reunite the Ocala-Marion County community to what made Silver Springs famous: its water," says Genovese. "Silver Springs is an incredible natural resource that needs and deserves to be protected and shared with nature-loving travelers."

For Wiessner, who grew up in Ocala, managing Silver Springs is an opportunity to attract new businesses and events that will bring new momentum to Ocala's economy, Wiessner said. "Our goal is to rebuild the park's experience to attract adventure based travelers to central Florida," says Wiessner. "We will start aligning our content in the magazine with things happening at Silver Springs," says Wiessner, who has plans for nine large concerts, kayak and canoe rentals, and an upscale restaurant while continuing to run the glass bottom boats. "Our goal is to provide recreational activities that align with the Division of Environmental Protections' mission statement, which is 'to provide resource based recreation while preserving, interpreting and restoring natural and cultural resources.' Think rock wall, zip lines, horse back rides, glass bottom boats, concerts, bicycle rentals and Segway tours," Wiessner adds.

With more than 25 years of experience in mergers and acquisition, Genovese's portfolio of companies now hold assets of over $200 million and generate revenues in excess of $150 million. BG Capital Group Limited and BG Capital Management Corporation are both based in Barbados with associate management offices in the Bahamas, Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton, Florida, Los Angeles, Toronto and Vancouver. www.bgcapitalgroup.com

Among his many interests, in 2012 Genovese developed and launched BG Signature Properties, a portfolio of exclusive retreats in the US, Canada, Europe, South America and Bahamas, including its flagship property, BG Equestrian Resort in Ocala, Florida. Located just a short drive from Orlando, the well-appointed year-round equestrian retreat features a 10,000-square-foot resort and world-class stables and lodging for traveling horse enthusiasts. www.bgsignatureproperties.com

Contact:
Judy DiEdwardo
561-844-7212
[email protected]

SOURCE BG Capital Group