EXHIBIT 99.1


                            FIRSTMARK CORP. ANNOUNCES
                          CHANGES IN BOARD OF DIRECTORS


         Richmond,  Virginia,  February 9, 2001 -- Firstmark Corp. (OTCBB: FIRM)
announced today the resignation of George H. Morison and Steven P. Settlage from
its Board of  Directors  and the  appointment  of Arch Aplin,  III and Robert J.
Ellis to the Board of Directors.

         The  change  in two of the  company's  three  board  seats  was made in
connection with the purchase by Aplin of Firstmark common stock owned by Morison
and Settlage  and Donald V.  Cruickshanks,  the  President  and Chief  Executive
Officer of  Firstmark.  The total number of shares of  Firstmark's  common stock
purchased by Aplin  represents  approximately  20% of the outstanding  shares of
common stock.

         Cruickshanks  will continue in his current  positions as an officer and
director of Firstmark.  Cruickshanks has retained  ownership of 15,994 shares of
common stock following the sale to Aplin.

         Aplin is  President of Buc-ee's,  Inc.,  a  convenience  store and fuel
distribution  business  headquartered  in  Lake  Jackson,  Texas.  His  business
experience  includes  the health  and  fitness  industry  and  construction  and
residential  development.  Ellis owns and operates RJE Consulting,  a consulting
firm focused on valuations of businesses  and strategic  planning for businesses
and  individuals,  in  Austin,  Texas.  His  business  experience  includes  the
printing, mailing and distribution and manufacturing industries and banking.

         Firstmark Corp. is a publicly-held Maine company with executive offices
in Richmond, Virginia.