Ottawa BlackJacks Launch Business Council
The Ottawa BlackJacks of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Monday the creation of the Ottawa BlackJacks Business Council (OBBC).
The Council’s role is to share business best practices that will assist in the long-term development of the franchise and to introduce new potential partners to the team, while expanding the organization and OBBC member’s networks.
Members of the inaugural OBBC include:
-Council Co-Chair Dimitrios Kalogeropoulos (Agent DK), a well-known, international-award winning real estate leader within the Capital Region.
-Etienne Cameron and Leon Harris, co-owners of Lady Dive Tours, Grey Line Ottawa and Cobblestone Tours, the official transportation provider of the BlackJacks and 2022 CEBL Championship Weekend.
-Fares Elsabbagh, owner of Ottawa General Contractors, who served as the presenting partner of the BlackJacks for the 2022-23 season.
-Richard Park, Vice-President of Operations of Old Flame Brewing Company – most awarded craft lager brewery in Canada.
-Ramzi Salem is the Market Senior Sales Executive of the Westin Ottawa and Delta Ottawa City Centre - which was the host hotel for 2022 CEBL Championship Weekend.
-Jevohn Shepherd is the BlackJacks' general manager and vice-president of basketball operations, a Toronto Raptors radio analyst, and former pro/national team player.
-Michael Cvitkovic, President of the Ottawa BlackJacks and Executive Director, CEBL Broadcasting.
The OBBC will have a myriad of opportunities to serve and showcase the BlackJacks including: advising the franchise on business trends that can positively or negatively impact the Club; leverage business and personal networks to introduce more basketball mavens to potential corporate involvement; analyze sponsorship inventory; and explore new avenues for sale, while serving as a BlackJacks ambassador at community and corporate events.
The first meeting of the OBBC took place on October 27 at the Westin Ottawa. A corporate roadmap was introduced with Council members agreeing to welcome additional members who share in the vision of the BlackJacks.
To learn more about the CEBL and Ottawa BlackJacks partnership opportunities, please contact [email protected].
Quotes:
"The Ottawa BlackJacks Business Council is a group of passionate, business-focused basketball mavens who see the potential of professional basketball in our city. The CEBL has cemented its place as one of the top pro leagues in the world. We look forward to helping collaborate with the Ottawa corporate community in raising the profile of the BlackJacks, increasing the impact of the franchise and introducing organizations to the best entertainment value in Ottawa."
- Dimitrios Kalogeropoulos, Co-Chair, Ottawa BlackJacks Business Council
“The Ottawa BlackJacks welcome the formation of the OBBC as an important step in achieving our long-term corporate goals. Together, we will introduce new, strategic partners to the CEBL who understand our value proposition and want to see professional basketball flourish in the nation’s capital. This is a very exciting time for basketball in Canada as the CEBL has become the largest professional sports league in the country. I am grateful for the time and commitment provided by members of our new Council and look forward to working with them as we prepare for the 2023 season and beyond.”
-Michael Cvitkovic, President, Ottawa BlackJacks Basketball Club
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About the Ottawa BlackJacks
The first expansion franchise of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), the Ottawa BlackJacks showcase the best of basketball and entertainment in the nation’s capital. Having recently completed its third season, the BlackJacks have reached the championship semifinal three times. The Ottawa front office brings NBA, NBA G League, national team, NCAA and major international pro league experience to the franchise. Led by General Manager and Vice-President, Basketball Operations Jevohn Shepherd, Ottawa plays its home games out of the world-class Arena at TD Place in Lansdowne Park. For more information visit www.theblackjacks.ca.
About Canadian Elite Basketball League
A league created by Canadians for Canadians, the CEBL has the highest percentage of Canadian players of any professional league in the country, with 75 per cent of its current rosters being Canadians. With 10 teams in the CEBL, the league is the largest in the country. Players bring experience from the NBA, NBA G League, top international leagues, the Canadian National team program, and top NCAA programs as well as U SPORTS. The only First Division Professional League Partner of Canada Basketball, the CEBL season typically runs from May through August. Head to CEBL.ca for more information or follow us on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook & YouTube.
Social Media
Facebook: /OttawaBlackJacks
Twitter: @Ott_Blackjacks
Instagram: ottawablackjacks
Contact:
Marika Guérin
Director, Communications, Community and Brand
Ottawa BlackJacks Professional Basketball Club