Tomasso Group

{{short description|Connecticut construction and real estate conglomerate}} {{use American English|date=September 2019}} {{use mdy dates|date=September 2019}} {{Infobox company | name = Tomasso Group| logo = Tomasso Group Logo.png | type = Private company| foundation = {{start date and age|1923}} | key_people = Tomasso family | location = New Britain, CT, United States | industry = Construction, Real Estate | products = New Construction, Renovation, Property management | assets = | homepage = http://tomassogroup.com| num_employees = }}

The '''Tomasso Group''' is a family-run conglomerate focused on the construction and real estate industries based in New Britain, Connecticut.

== History == === Angelo Tomasso Sr. === Angelo Tomasso immigrated to America from Abbateggio, Italy in 1910. Angelo served in the US Army during WWI and moved to Connecticut following the end of the war.<ref name="Group History" />

=== Early history === The Tomasso Group was founded in 1923 as Angelo Tomasso, Inc with only a single steam shovel to its name. Angelo bought another steam shovel each time one of his four sons was born.<ref name="Middletown Press">{{cite web |last1=Whipple |first1=Scott |title=Construction icon leaving world of concrete |url=https://www.middletownpress.com/news/article/Construction-icon-leaving-world-of-concrete-11939931.php |work=Middletown Press |accessdate=27 May 2019}}</ref> Early projects included Brainard Airport in Hartford in 1941.<ref name="Group History" /> In 1949 Angelo Sr was injured in a tragic accident at the Group’s Plainville quarry and died in 1952 leaving the next generation to take over the company. All four Tomasso brothers joined the company’s leadership with Angelo Tomasso Jr. taking over the Presidency and George A. Tomasso becoming treasurer. After WWII the company capitalized on the growth of Suburbia in Connecticut by building roads and highways to support the new patterns of development.<ref>{{cite web |title=Angelo Tomasso, Jr. |url=https://www.immigrantheritage.org/new-blog/2017/6/13/angelo-tomasso-jr |website=Immigrant Heritage Hall of Fame |accessdate=21 May 2019}}</ref>

=== Modern history === In 1968 Tunxis Management was formed to manage the companies real estate holdings. In 1972 the core construction business Angelo Tomasso, Inc was sold to Ashland Resources. Tunxis Management remained under family ownership and within a few years the family had reconstituted the contracting business under the name TBI Construction<ref name="Group History">{{cite web |title=HISTORY |url=https://tomassogroup.com/history/ |website=Tomasso Group |accessdate=4 May 2019}}</ref> and the management of Angelo Jr.’s four sons.<ref name="Middletown Press"/>

Throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s the group benefited from a close relationship between the Tomasso family and Connecticut Governor John G. Rowland. The Group's power within state government was such that state officials feared reprisals if they crossed the Group or the family.<ref name="Register Citizen 2004">{{cite web |last1=Christoffersen |first1=John |title=Bill Tomasso's fortunes soared with Rowland's |url=https://www.registercitizen.com/news/article/Bill-Tomasso-s-fortunes-soared-with-Rowland-s-12134724.php |work=The Register Citizen |accessdate=4 May 2019}}</ref> Recovering from near collapse in 1995 TBI received over $100 million in state contracts during Rowland's term as governor while the Group and family members gave over $500,000 to Rowland's campaigns.<ref name="Register Citizen 2004" /> On March 17, 2000 Governor Rowland declared it ''Angelo Tomasso Jr. Day.''<ref name="NYT 2003" />

In 2002 Lawrence Alibozek, former deputy chief of staff to the Governor, plead guilty to steering the contracts to the Group but declined to implicate the Governor.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Altimari |first1=Dave |title=Rowland's Troubles Began Two Years Ago With Subpoena Delivered To His Office About State Contract With Tomasso |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/hc-rowland-path-0605-story.html |work=Chicago Tribune |accessdate=21 May 2019}}</ref> In 2003 Rowland was ordered to pay a $9,000<ref>{{cite web |last1=Beaucar Vlahos |first1=Kelley |title=Conn. Voters Dismayed by Rowland Revelation |url=https://www.foxnews.com/printer_friendly_story/0,3566,106902,00.html |website=Fox News |accessdate=3 June 2019}}</ref> fine as punishment for paying a much lower than going rate for vacations he took at homes in Vermont and Florida owned by the Tomasso Group.<ref name="LA Times 2003" /> In return for this legal and illegal largess the Governor steered a series of no-bid contracts to the Group.<ref>{{cite web |title=Connecticut Scandal Targets Tomasso's 'No-Bid' Contracts |url=https://www.enr.com/articles/35372-connecticut-scandal-targets-tomasso-s-no-bid-contracts?v=preview |work=Energy News-Record |date=July 5, 2004|accessdate=21 May 2019}}</ref>

Rowland was forced from office after it emerged that the Tomasso Group and other state contracts had made free improvements to the Governor’s Bantam Lake “cottage” in Litchfield. The improvements included a hot tub and a cathedral ceiling.<ref name="LA Times 2003">{{cite web |last1=Mehren |first1=Elizabeth |title=Hot Seat Is Getting Hotter for Governor |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-dec-21-na-rowland21-story.html |work=The Los Angeles Times |date=December 21, 2003 |accessdate=21 May 2019}}</ref> Rowland’s birthday party and annual golf tournament were held at the Group’s Tunxis Country Club.<ref name="JI 2003">{{cite web |last1=Green |first1=Paul |title=Republicans stunned by investigation of Ellef, Tomasso |url=https://www.journalinquirer.com/archives/republicans-stunned-by-investigation-of-ellef-tomasso/article_ca17a878-e5df-53c7-aa3c-f573ed2da942.html |work=Journal Inquirer |accessdate=28 May 2019}}</ref> During Rowland's nine years in office Tomasso linked companies received at least $233 million in state contracts.<ref name="JI 2004" />

In 2003 group president William A. Tomasso allegedly stalked and harassed a former Tomasso Group contractor and his wife.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Filo |first1=Maryellen |title=MEMBER OF TOMASSO FAMILY FACES CIVIL LAWSUIT |url=https://www.courant.com/news/connecticut/hc-xpm-2003-03-19-0303190409-story.html |work=The Hartford Courant |date=March 19, 2003 |accessdate=9 May 2019}}</ref> Later in 2003 the Group got into a legal battle with Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal over Blumenthal’s attempts to subpoena records for Tomasso Brothers Inc.; Tomasso Brothers Construction Co.; TBI Construction Co. LLC; Tunxis Plantation Country Club; Tunxis Management Co.; Tunxis Management Co. II; and Tenergy Water LLC.<ref name="NHR 2003">{{cite web |agency=Associated Press |title=Tomasso, Blumenthal at odds over subpoenas in probe |url=https://www.nhregister.com/news/article/Tomasso-Blumenthal-at-odds-over-subpoenas-in-11689547.php |work=New Haven Register |accessdate=28 May 2019}}</ref>

In 2004 group president William A. Tomasso, subsidiary TBI Construction, subsidiary Tunxis Management, and Governor Rowland's Chief of Staff Peter N. Ellef were indicted on numerous charges including fraud, racketeering, bribery, and extortion.<ref>{{cite web |title=A look at key players in indictment |url=https://www.newstimes.com/news/article/A-look-at-key-players-in-indictment-74204.php |date=September 24, 2004 |work=The News-Times|agency=Associated Press |accessdate=4 May 2019}}</ref> Ellef had instructed Public Works Commissioner Theodore R. Anson to fast track major public works contracts with the explicit purpose of awarding them to the Tomasso Group.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Michak|first1=Don|title=Commissioner: Politics played no role in contracts|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1915&dat=20030315&id=EBAiAAAAIBAJ&sjid=B3IFAAAAIBAJ&pg=4923,2919467|accessdate=3 June 2019|agency=Connecticut News Alliance|work=The Day|date=May 15, 2003|page=B5|via=Google News}}</ref> Later in 2004 Tunxis Management lost a $400,000 state contract when they refused to disclose past gifts to public officials, a requirement which was added to all state contracts after the Tomasso corruption scandal came to light.<ref>{{cite web |agency=Associated Press|title=$400,000 contract pulled Tomasso subsidiary won't detail gifts given to state officials |url=https://www.nhregister.com/news/article/400-000-contract-pulled-Tomasso-subsidiary-11680895.php |work=New Haven Register |accessdate=28 May 2019}}</ref>

In 2006 William A. Tomasso and Peter N. Ellef were each sentenced to 30 months in prison.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Leigh Cowan |first1=Alison |title=Connecticut Official and State Contractor Are Each Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/26/nyregion/connecticut-official-and-state-contractor-are-each-sentenced-to-30.html |work=The New York Times |date=April 26, 2006 |accessdate=4 May 2019}}</ref> TBI admitted to improperly making business deductions for personal expenses charged by Tomasso, Ellef, and their families. In addition, they agreed to pay the IRS $366,906, as well as any civil tax-fraud penalties and interest. The lack of a trial meant that the inner workings of the racketeering scheme were not detailed in court saving the Tomasso Group significant embarrassment.<ref name="JI 2005">{{cite web |last1=Michak |first1=Dan |title=No trial means no details; Construction company the big winner in Ellef/Tomasso plea deal |url=https://www.journalinquirer.com/archives/no-trial-means-no-details-construction-company-the-big-winner/article_1fdbb9e6-d14b-581f-82ba-70f231a87fa2.html |work=Journal Inquirer |accessdate=8 May 2019}}</ref> In return for Ellef’s cooperation Federal prosecutors dropped a case against Ellef’s son Peter Ellef II whose landscaping business received more than $2 million in contracts from the Tomasso Group.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Michak |first1=Don |title=Corruption pleas include $1 million restitution |url=https://www.journalinquirer.com/archives/corruption-pleas-include-million-restitution/article_cf0a12f4-f8fe-5b79-b5b7-7698c7254762.html |work=Journal Inquirer |accessdate=3 June 2019}}</ref>

In 2017 the Tomasso Group sold the Medical Arts Center at The Hartford Healthcare Cancer Institute for $30.2 million to a publicly traded REIT.<ref>{{cite web |title=Tomasso Group Sells Medical Office Building in Connecticut for $30.2M |date=January 19, 2017 |author=Amy Works|url=https://rebusinessonline.com/tomasso-group-sells-medical-office-building-in-connecticut-for-30-2m/ |website=RE Business Online |publisher=France Media|accessdate=4 May 2019}}</ref>

As of 2018 William A. Tomasso was the President of TBI Construction.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Mitchel |first1=Susan |title=Tomasso Group A Top Sponsor of Acts 4 Ministry "Inspiration" |date=June 4, 2018|access-date=2019-09-10|url=https://patch.com/connecticut/naugatuck/tomasso-group-top-sponsor-acts-4-ministry-inspiration |website=Patch}}</ref>

=== Tenergy Water === Tenergy Water was a subsidiary of the Tomasso Group that produced water treatment and filtration equipment. Between 1997 and 1998 Tenergy negotiated a $3 million loan from the state Department of Economic Development in return for creating 106 jobs. This loan was out of the ordinary for loans provided by the Department of Economic Development because Tomasso did not offer any collateral, all their assets already being used as collateral against loans from Webster Bank.<ref name="JI 2004">{{cite web |last1=Michak |first1=Don |title=Tomasso-linked company hasn't paid penalties, installments on loan |url=https://www.journalinquirer.com/archives/tomasso-linked-company-hasn-t-paid-penalties-installments-on-loan/article_82e76692-bcc0-5cf5-82b6-68caa5354bb6.html |work=Journal Inquirer}}</ref> The Presidency of Tenergy Water was offered to Peter N. Ellef as a bribe in 2002 but this was reconsidered because the relationship between Ellef and Tomasso was already under scrutiny.<ref>{{cite web |title=Robert E. Wright, Plaintiff, v. Tenergy Christ Water, LLC, William Tomasso, Michael Tomasso, and Angelo Tomasso, Civil No. 3:07cv924 (JBA) November 20, 2008 Defendants. |url=https://ecf.ctd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/show_public_doc?2007cv0924-79 |website=ecf.ctd.uscourts.gov |publisher=UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT |accessdate=24 May 2019}}</ref> In 2004 Tenergy entered into a partnership with Christ AG and was renamed Tenergy Christ Water LLC.<ref>{{cite web |title=Tenergy Water LLC signs exclusive agreement with Christ AG of Switzerland |date=Feb 4, 2004|url=https://www.waterworld.com/municipal/technologies/article/16225197/tenergy-water-llc-signs-exclusive-agreement-with-christ-ag-of-switzerland |website=Water World |accessdate=22 May 2019}}</ref> In 2011 Tenergy Christ was acquired by Nalco Holding Company and renamed Res-Kem General Water LLC.<ref>{{cite web |title=Tenergy Christ Acquisition Reaches Four Month Milestone |date=April 29, 2011|url=http://blog.reskem.com/2011/04/tenergy-christ-acquisition-reaches-four.html |website=Res-Kem Blog|accessdate=22 May 2019}}</ref>

== Current operation == The group is split into three main subsidiaries: TBI Development, TBI Construction, and Tunxis Management.<ref>{{cite web |title=WELCOME TO THE TOMASSO GROUP |url=http://tomassogroup.com |website=Tomasso Group |accessdate=28 May 2019}}</ref>

===Tunxis Country Club=== The Tomasso Group is the owner of the 45 hole Tunxis Country Club located on the east bank of the Farmington River in Farmington, Connecticut.<ref>{{cite web |title=Welcome to Tunxis Country Club |url=https://www.tunxisgolf.com |website=Tunxis Country Club |accessdate=4 May 2019}}</ref> Originally named Tunxis Plantation Country Club it has been under Tomasso family management for four generations.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Club at Tunxis |url=https://www.conradbb.com/tunxis |website=Conrad Bassett-Bouchard |accessdate=19 May 2019}}</ref> The on-site restaurant Tunxis Tavern reopened in 2018 following renovations.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Ofgang |first1=Erik |title=4 New Connecticut Restaurants |url=http://www.connecticutmag.com/food-drink/new-connecticut-restaurants/article_e2d9f948-c0d3-11e8-b9e4-7fdf67c05042.html |work=Connecticut Magazine |accessdate=19 May 2019}}</ref> The current Head Golf Pro is Angelo Fiducia who has worked his entire career from caddy to pro at Tunxis.<ref>{{cite web |title=Northeast Living: Tunxis Country Club |url=https://fox61.com/2017/07/03/northeast-living-tunxis-country-club/ |website=Fox 61 |date=July 3, 2017|accessdate=19 May 2019}}</ref> As part of a kickback agreement the son of Peter Ellef, Peter Ellef II, sold christmas trees from the Club each holiday season for a number of years.<ref name="Leign Cowan NYT 2004">{{cite web |author=Alison Leign Cowan |date=Sep 25, 2004|title=At Center of Connecticut Case, a Man Who Exuded Power |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/09/25/nyregion/at-center-of-connecticut-case-a-man-who-exuded-power.html |work=The New York Times |accessdate=4 June 2019}}</ref>

== Major projects == === Construction === * Brainard Airport (original construction) * Main parking garage at Bradley International Airport<ref name="Journal Inquirer 2003">{{cite web |last1=Michak |first1=Don |title=Key member of governor's inner circle ran firm for family in corruption probe |url=https://www.journalinquirer.com/archives/key-member-of-governor-s-inner-circle-ran-firm-for/article_c05556d5-09a4-59c2-86a4-29982d297881.html |work=Journal Inquirer |accessdate=4 May 2019}}</ref> * Connecticut Natural Gas headquarters, East Hartford<ref name="JI 2005" /><ref>{{cite web |title=FBI probe focuses on CNG relocation in Adriaen's Landing project |url=http://connecticut.news12.com/story/34861651/fbi-probe-focuses-on-cng-relocation-in-adriaens-landing-project |date=Feb 4, 2004 |website=News 12 Connecticut|accessdate=22 May 2019}}</ref> * Connecticut Juvenile Training School, Middletown<ref>{{cite web|author=Rubinski, Cara|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Hu0gAAAAIBAJ&sjid=DXIFAAAAIBAJ&pg=4718,187945|title=Rell to Close Juvenile Training Center|agency=Associated Press|work=The Day|date=August 2, 2005|page=B6|via=Google News page 23/58}}</ref> * ConnectiCare HQ and Operations Center, Farmington<ref>{{cite web |title=CONNECTICARE HQ AND OPERATIONS CENTERS |url=http://tomassogroup.com/projects/professional-office-buildings/connecticare/ |website=Tomasso Group |accessdate=28 May 2019}}</ref> * The Superior Court and Center for Juvenile Matters, Bridgeport<ref name="NYT 2003">{{cite web |last1=Von Zielbauer |first1=Paul |title=Firm in Bribery Investigation Was Big Donor to Rowland |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/03/13/nyregion/firm-in-bribery-investigation-was-big-donor-to-rowland.html |work=The New York Times |date=March 13, 2003 |accessdate=22 May 2019}}</ref> * Waterbury Performing Arts Magnet School, Waterbury <ref>{{cite web |title=WATERBURY PERFORMING ARTS MAGNET SCHOOL |url=http://tomassogroup.com/projects/educational-facilities/magnet/ |website=Tomasso Group |accessdate=28 May 2019}}</ref> * Government Center Garage, New Britain<ref>{{cite web |title=GOVERNMENT CENTER PARKING GARAGE |url=http://tomassogroup.com/projects/structured-parking-facilities/nb-municipal-parking-garage/ |website=Tomasso Group |accessdate=28 May 2019}}</ref>

=== Renovations === thumb|Palace Theater Waterbury, CT thumb|City Hall, New Britain CT * Palace Theater, Waterbury<ref>{{cite web |title=PALACE THEATER |url=http://tomassogroup.com/projects/historic-renovations/palace-theater/ |website=Tomasso Group |accessdate=28 May 2019}}</ref> * St. Thomas Seminary, Bloomfield<ref>{{cite web |title=ST. THOMAS SEMINARY OF HARTFORD |url=http://tomassogroup.com/projects/historic-renovations/st-thomas-seminary-of-hartford/ |website=Tomasso Group |accessdate=28 May 2019}}</ref> * New Britain City Hall, New Britain<ref>{{cite web |title=NEW BRITAIN CITY HALL |url=http://tomassogroup.com/projects/historic-renovations/new-britain-city-hall/ |website=Tomasso Group |accessdate=28 May 2019}}</ref> * Gates Building, New Britain<ref>{{cite web |title=GATES BUILDING |url=http://tomassogroup.com/projects/historic-renovations/nb-boe/ |website=Tomasso Group |accessdate=28 May 2019}}</ref> * Connecticut Building on the Avenue of States at The Big E, Springfield, MA <ref name="NHR 2003" /> * Long Lane School, Middletown<ref name="NHR 2003" /> * Connecticut Lottery Corporation headquarters, Rocky Hill<ref name="NHR 2003" />

== External links == * Tomasso Group project list (incomplete) {{URL|http://tomassogroup.com/projects/}} * Tunxis Management website {{URL|http://tunxismanagement.emanagersite.com/about.htm}} * Tunxis Country Club homepage {{URL|https://www.tunxisgolf.com}} * State of Connecticut v. William A. Tomasso et al. {{URL|https://caselaw.findlaw.com/ct-superior-court/1247093.html}}

== References == {{reflist}}

Category:Companies based in Hartford County, Connecticut Category:Crime in Connecticut Category:Privately held companies based in Connecticut Category:Construction and civil engineering companies of the United States