By B.C. Manion
It’s billed as an industry appreciation banquet – but it’s more of an occasion for people who are interested in economic development in Pasco County to network and mingle with others of a like mind.
About 600 business and community leaders typically attend the Pasco Economic Development Council’s annual banquet, which will be held this year on Sept. 9 at the Saddlebrook Resort in Wesley Chapel.
“This is probably the premiere business event in Pasco County,” said John Hagen, who was named president and chief executive officer of the economic development council earlier this year.
Awards will be presented in seven categories at the event which will be co-emceed by ABC Action News anchor Brendan McLaughlin and Taking Action Reporter Jackie Calloway.
This year’s awards will honor recipients who have distinguished themselves in various categories, including service and distribution, manufacturing and technology. A special recognition award will be bestowed, and a special contribution will be acknowledged.
The $65-a-plate dinner begins at 7 p.m., but it is preceded by a trade show and networking session which begin at 5:30 p.m. About 40 to 45 businesses typically take part in the trade show, including companies involved in healthcare, publishing, education, social services and financial services.
Tickets for the banquet are available but must be reserved by Sept. 1. To make a reservation call (813) 926-0827 or go to the website at It’s billed as an industry appreciation banquet – but it’s more of an occasion for people who are interested in economic development in Pasco County to network and mingle with others of a like mind. About 600 business and community leaders typically attend the Pasco Economic Development Council’s annual banquet, which will be held this year on Sept. 9 at the Saddlebrook Resort in Wesley Chapel. “This is probably the premiere business event in Pasco County,” said John Hagen, who was named president and chief executive officer of the economic development council earlier this year. Awards will be presented in seven categories at the event which will be co-emceed by ABC Action News anchor Brendan McLaughlin and Taking Action Reporter Jackie Calloway. This year’s awards will honor recipients who have distinguished themselves in various categories, including service and distribution, manufacturing and technology. A special recognition award will be bestowed, and a special contribution will be acknowledged. The $65-a-plate dinner begins at 7 p.m., but it is preceded by a trade show and networking session which begin at 5:30 p.m. About 40 to 45 businesses typically take part in the trade show, including companies involved in healthcare, publishing, education, social services and financial services. Tickets for the banquet are available but must be reserved by Sept. 1. To make a reservation call (813) 926-0827 or go to the website at www.pascoedc.com The PEDC, funded through a combination of public and private funds, was created in 1987 to promote the common good of Pasco County through economic development, with the aim of alleviating unemployment, relieving poverty and reducing the need for public assistance.">www.pascoedc.com
The PEDC, funded through a combination of public and private funds, was created in 1987 to promote the common good of Pasco County through economic development, with the aim of alleviating unemployment, relieving poverty and reducing the need for public assistance.
