Kathryn Starkey attends trade-deal signing
Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey was among elected officials invited from across the country to attend the signing of the Phase One trade deal between the United States and China, presided over by President Donald Trump and Chinese officials.
“I am excited to watch the benefits of this agreement unfold throughout the country, including in Pasco, where high-wage, skilled manufacturing jobs are beginning to flourish,” Starkey said, in a news release. “I am also grateful that President Trump recognizes the importance of involving county governments in matters like these. My presence at the White House today is a testament to the Trump administration’s commitment to ensuring all levels of government have a seat at the table.”
Starkey was invited to attend the signing because she is one of 19 government officials sitting on the Intergovernmental Policy Advisory Committee, which provides advice to the United States Trade Representative on commerce affairs affecting state and local governments, according to the release.
Hear about the vision for The Grove
The North Tampa Bay Chamber economic development luncheon will feature a presentation by Mark Gold on the vision for The Grove. Those plans include a family park, an amphitheater for musical performances, a brewery, new restaurants, an indoor adventure facility, beautiful landscaping, and more. The presentation also includes an update on the tenants and Gold’s ideas for his container designs that are intended to attract small, family-owned businesses. The luncheon is set for Jan. 23 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Pebble Creek Golf Club, 10550 Regent Parks Drive in Tampa. Registration closes on Jan. 22 at 3 p.m.. Cost is $25 at the door for members and $30 for nonmembers. Payment at the door is cash or check only.
Director of stakeholder engagement
The Pasco Economic Development Council Inc., has hired Mike Bishop as its new director of stakeholder engagement, according to a news release.
Bishop, the founder of Big Storm Brewing Co., was selected to fill the newly created post, following an extensive search.
The position fits in with the economic development council’s board and staff’s 2019-2021 WIN 2.0 Strategic Plan, the release says.
Bishop had a career in financial services before founding the first microbrewery in Pasco County.
While at Big Storm Brewing Co., Bishop worked closely with the Pasco EDC as an investor and advocate for economic development in Pasco County.
“Mike created a successful business and grew it from the ground up, right here in Pasco County,” Bill Cronin, president/CEO of Pasco EDC, said in the release.
Bishop’s background as Big Storm’s CEO, chief financial officer, head of sales and head brewer — and his interactions with Pasco EDC through the years, made him “the perfect choice” for his new role, Cronin said.
In his new post, Bishop will seek to enhance the Pasco EDC and Pasco County’s relationships with business leaders. He also will oversee local, national and international event coordination and logistics.
Bishop is a longtime Pasco resident and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of South Florida, with an emphasis in Finance.
