The Pasco Economic Development Council (Pasco EDC) is honoring Billy E. Brown with its Leadership Award this year.
The economic development organization always singles out one person who has made extraordinary contributions and this year, it chose Brown, according to a news release.
Brown began his employment with Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative (WREC) in 1956 as a lineman making just $1.10 an hour, the news release says.
Over the years, Brown’s leadership skills were recognized and he rose through the ranks, being promoted into supervisory positions, executive vice president and general manager — a position he has held for 49 years.
During his half-century of leadership, he has contributed to the community in myriad ways.
Brown has made an impact on many local charitable projects including the Boys and Girls Club, the Lacoochee Project, and the Vincent House Project, as well as being instrumental in the development of One Pasco Center, which has served as a catalyst economic development project and provided pad-ready sites for companies looking to locate to Pasco County, the release says.
Under Brown’s leadership, WREC has awarded over $15 million in local scholarships, provided lighting for college baseball fields, and funded equipment and technology for the local school system, release adds.
“Mr. Brown’s footprint is forever embedded in Pasco County; he has touched thousands of lives and made a lasting impression on our community. We are privileged to honor Mr. Brown with the 2022 Leadership Award,” Bill Cronin, Pasco EDC president/CEO, said in the release. “He is an exceptional example of a leader and philanthropist making a difference in the local community.”
Brown will be honored with this award at the Pasco EDC’s 34th annual awards, accompanied by a tribute from family and friends.
The event is set for Sept. 8 from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at the Pasco-Hernando State College Instructional Performing Arts Center (IPAC), 8657 Old Pasco Road in Wesley Chapel.
Tickets are available online, at PascoEDC.com.
Published September 07, 2022
