DADE CITY – The East Pasco Chamber of Commerce brought members and community partners together Sept. 24 for its 2026 Annual Membership Appreciation & Community Awards Celebration at the Dan Cannon Auditorium.
The evening recognized exceptional service, business leadership and the people who help East Pasco thrive.
Two lifetime achievement awards opened the honors.
Rodney B. Rehrig received the Alice Hall Community Service Lifetime Achievement Award for decades of service across East Pasco. Rehrig has served as a chamber ambassador as well as in leadership and volunteer roles with veterans’ organizations, Meals on Wheels and other community groups.
Pete Brock received the Richard Tombrink Lifetime Achievement Award. Brock built a 46-year career in the citrus industry and contributed to Dade City through Downtown Dade City Main Street, the chamber and other area civic organizations. The World War II Navy veteran celebrated his 100th birthday this year. The Tombrink family accepted the award on his behalf.
The chamber also recognized five annual award recipients:
- Pregnancy Care Center of Zephyrhills received the Diamond Award for its service and positive impact on others.
- Microtel Inn & Suites Zephyrhills was named Small Business of the Year.
- Jarrett Ford Dade City was named Large Business of the Year.
- Dade City Councilperson Normita Woodard was named Citizen of the Year for her contributions to the East Pasco community.
- Dade City Police Chief Ann Starling received the Chairman’s Leadership Award.
The celebration included the installation of the chamber’s 2026–27 officers and board of directors, led by incoming chair Dennis Feltwell, along with recognition of the East Pasco Chamber Foundation board.
Guests took part in the Dessert Dash to support scholarships for local graduating seniors.
Event Sponsors
The East Pasco Chamber of Commerce thanked sponsors and partners: AdventHealth, City of Dade City, City of Zephyrhills, Dade City Rotary Club, San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union, St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church, SONG Printing and Design, S & S Ranch Wedding & Entertainment Venue, Evolve Entertainment and Stone Imaging Co.
Other sponsors include Bahr’s Propane Gas & A/C, Citizens Bank & Trust, Dade City Woman’s Club, First National Bank of Pasco, Microtel Inn & Suites Zephyrhills, The Office of Senator Danny Burgess, Pasco EDC, Pregnancy Care Center of Zephyrhills, Ryman Construction Inc., Saint Leo University, Shumaker, SouthState Bank, TECO, Town of St. Leo, Vets Feeding Vets and Zephyrhills Lions Club.
On the web: eastpascochamber.org
