SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Today, Republic FC and Citizens Business Bank announced that Leash and Collar Dog Boutique has been named the winner of the second Small Business Showcase, awarding the Midtown-based pet supply shop and a custom partnership package with the club through the end of the 2022 season.
“It’s a dream come true to get an opportunity to work with an organization as great as Republic FC,” said Leash and Collar owner Patricia Castillo. “We can’t wait to help the club and their fans celebrate their furry friends as well as see the impact this partnership will have on our small business.”
“Our first Small Business Showcase in collaboration with Republic FC earlier this season was a huge success,” said Michael Stain, Senior Vice President and Regional Manager for Citizens Business Bank. “Continuing investment in the region to support our neighbors with a second partnership award will continue our constant strive to encourage local entrepreneurs and support local businesses.”
“Just like previous Small Business Showcase winner At Ease Brewing Co. this past Spring, Leash and Collar Dog Boutique makes a tremendous impact on those around them,” Republic FC Chief Revenue Officer Dustin Vicari. “We are excited to see the impact this partnership has on their shop, and the enthusiastic pet owners and Republic FC fans they serve every day.”
Leash and Collar was selected as one of three finalists for the Small Business Showcase’s second partnership award, and one of over 80 total applicants across both rounds of the program. The Midtown Sacramento shop got the opportunity to present to representatives from Republic FC, Citizens Business Bank, as well as local small-business leaders from around the Sacramento region.
Starting August 17 and continuing through the remainder of the 2022 season, Leash and Collar will lead the way to show Republic FC fans some of the best ways to show love for their pets. The Q Street dog boutique across from Truitt Bark Park will showcase its products and offerings including their wide selection of pet essentials and unique accessories, treats, toys, and more on matchday alongside additional club partners in the Fan Zone at Heart Health Park. As the holiday season draws closer, the shop will team with Republic FC and some of the club’s Indomitable pups to celebrate the numerous festive occasions of the fall through partnered social content and special events in the community.
The Small Business Showcase program, launched earlier this season to celebrate and highlight the region’s vast small business community, previously awarded At Ease Brewing Co. a half-season partnership with Republic FC. The veteran-operated and owned Midtown brewery’s products were added to Republic FC’s craft beer selection at Heart Health Park on matchdays, and they benefitted from in-stadium activations and advertising at every home match including last month’s U.S. Open Cup semifinal. On July 23, At Ease got the opportunity to host a special “Keep the Pint Night” watch party as Republic FC took on Phoenix Rising FC. Owner Mike Conrad, a veteran of the U.S. Army, was honored with the Kevin Nagle Indomitable Spirit Award at halftime of the club’s “Salute to Service” match on July 9 for his constant work in the Sacramento community.
Republic FC’s season continues this Saturday, August 13, when the Boys in Old Glory Red take on local rival Monterey Bay F.C. for the third and final time this season. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. at Cardinale Stadium in Seaside. The game will also be broadcast on Antenna TV 40.2, FOX40.com and the FOX40 App, and streaming on ESPN+.
