The Pasco Economic Development Council honored eight businesses at its 30th annual Banquet and Industry of the Year Awards on Sept. 8.
More than 600 community and business leaders attended the event at the Saddlebrook Resort in Wesley Chapel.
(Photos courtesy of Pasco Economic Development Council)
Courtney Robinson, 10News WTSP anchor, emceed the event.
The winners, according to information provided by Pasco EDC, were:
- Ortho Technologies Inc. – New Business Award
- Crestmark Pharmacy Services LLC – Manufacturing Industry of the Year (one to 25 employees)
- Leggett & Platt Adjustable Bed Group – Manufacturing Industry of the Year (26 or more employees)
- Optimum Plumbing LLC – Service/Distribution Industry of the Year (one to 25 employees)
- Bayonet Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning – Service/Distribution of the Year Award (26 or more employees)
- Global Electronics Testing Services LLC – Technology Award
- Bayfront Health Dade City – Special Recognition Award
- Marjorie’s Hope – Special Contribution Award
Companies were nominated in the spring and then interviewed by members of the Pasco EDC awards committee.
Winners are selected based on exemplary growth in job creation, capital investment, technology, innovation and community service.
Other finalists this year were:
Compark 75, Dixie Belle Paint Company, First National Bank of Pasco, Nicopure Labs LLC, Premier Community Healthcare Group, Rogers Tower P.A., Southeast Bottling & Beverage Co., Southeast Personnel Leasing Inc., Trxade Inc., and USA Underwriting Solutions of America.
In addition to the announcement of the awards, the banquet featured a keynote address by Attorney Barbara Wilhite, the Pasco EDC’s chairwoman.
It has been a year of transition for the council, including the hiring of Bill Cronin as the group’s president and chief operating officer, according to the Pasco EDC release.
Wilhite noted the approval by Pasco County commissioners of a cooperative agreement with the Pasco EDC to direct about $3.2 million from Penny for Pasco dollars toward job growth and economic development.
Wilhite also touched on the recent announcement that Mettler Toledo, a Swiss-based manufacturer, planned to relocate from Tampa to Pasco, and also build a new facility at Northpointe Village, near the Suncoast Parkway.
The Pasco EDC helped bring another 14 projects to fruition.
Wilhite said these efforts are expected to result in nearly 850 new jobs and more than $145 million in Pasco investment, according to the release.
Published September 14, 2016
