Drew Pittman Joins Pasco Economic Development Council Board

Posted on January 10, 2013 by Summer Martin (Pasco EDC)

Pasco Economic Development Council, Inc. is pleased to announce that Andrew V. “Drew” Pittman has joined the Pasco EDC Board of Directors.

“It’s an exciting time to be involved in Pasco,” Pittman said. “Pasco County is on the move and I am looking forward to helping contribute to the growth, development, and creation of jobs here in the community I grew up in.”

The Pittman family history dates back to the days when citrus was king and agriculture was the dominant county industry. The Pittman family continues to hold real estate in East Pasco. Drew Pittman is the managing member and cofounder of ASAP Capital Partners, LLC, a financial investment firm located in Tampa.

“We’re really lucky to have Drew. He brings a wealth of knowledge and a strategic mindset to our board,” said John Hagen, Pasco EDC President/CEO. “He has a true investor’s viewpoint that reminds me of Warren Buffett. Drew will be a great asset in the future growth and development of this county.”

The Pasco EDC Board of Directors is responsible for governing the organization and providing leadership in the execution of its strategy. The Pasco EDC governance structure enables private and public sector leaders to collectively leverage knowledge, passion, influence and relationships to create a sustainable and diversified economy in Pasco County.

“Economic development is everyone’s business,” emphasized Hagen. “We all want a business climate where every business can achieve its economic potential, and every person who wants a job can have one.”

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Pasco EDC is a non-profit organization that promotes economic development in Pasco County, Florida. Pasco EDC continues to be a strong partnership funded by corporate and public investors focused on the economic vitality of Pasco County.

Pasco preparing for lift-off: Two year-end land sales in Pasco County totaling $44 million

Posted on January 7, 2013 by Summer Martin (Pasco EDC)

“Two year-end land sales in Pasco County totaling $44 million appear to signal renewed interest in homebuilding and could portend more dirt deals in 2013.” - Tampa Bay Business Journal

A recent article from the Tampa Bay Business Journal reported two year-end land sales in Pasco County totaling $44 million. Recession? Bad economy? Things in Pasco County are looking up!

Not to mention, new buildings are going up all over Wesley Chapel and the 54/56 corridor. Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel has opened, a new PHCC campus is under construction and Raymond James Financial selected Pasco County for a 200,000 square foot expansion of its Tampa Bay operations. The initial phase of the project is expected to create 750 new jobs.

Pasco-Hernando Community College’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch is on schedule to open in January 2014. (Source Andy Jones/Staff/TBO.com)

“While business and political leaders continue to talk about diversifying the Tampa Bay economy, few would dispute that homebuilding and residential growth remain key drivers of prosperity. The impact of homebuilding ranges from employment in the construction trades to new furniture sales. It eventually boosts depleted local government property tax coffers, which pay for public services and infrastructure construction projects.” -Tampa Bay Business Journal

When going through a down time, experts say it is best to keep moving forward and prepare for the future, so that when the economy gets better you will be prepared. Pasco County is preparing for lift-off. Buckle up, it’s gonna be a great ride!

Source: Tampa Bay Business Journal
To read the full article click here.

Pasco EDC board member honored for training the next generation of high-skilled workers

Posted on December 28, 2012 by Summer Martin (Pasco EDC)

Lutz, Florida — Peter Buczynsky, president of Pharmaworks, Inc. and a Pasco Economic Development Council Board Member, received the Industry Distinguished Service Award from the Manufacturers Association of Florida (MAF) at the Manufacturers Summit in December. The award recognizes outstanding educators and industry professionals who have made significant strides in training the next generation of high-skilled workers in Florida.

Ingo Federle, Peter Buczynsky and Ben Brower are equal owners of PharmaWorks. The trio harnessed their talents to form the company in 2002. Photo by Mark Wemple. (www.Review.net)

Over the past few years, Buczynsky has coached a FIRST robotics team and has hosted several industry tours for students to increase technical interest and awareness. Buczynsky is a board member of the Career and Technical Education Foundation and the Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute Workforce and Education Board, and has served as an advisory council member for the Banner Center for Advanced Manufacturing.

Rob Aguis, director for community, career and technical education in Pasco County, said, “Buczynsky has been very influential in establishing and ensuring progress of career academies, STEM education and robotics throughout Pasco County.”

Currently Buczynsky serves as a Pasco EDC board member, and is the former chair of the Pasco EDC Economic Growth Task Force. He is also a member of River Ridge High School’s Engineering Academy Advisory Board, Career Academies Steering Committee, and is part of the Pasco-Hernando Community College Trade Grant Steering Committee.

“We want more business leaders to be as excited as Peter Buczynsky is about education,” said John Hagen, President and CEO of Pasco EDC.

He added that Career Academies offer companies a chance to teach students what they really need to know to get a job when they graduate, and give companies a chance to select and mold potential future employees. “Peter has been on the forefront of hands-on education in Pasco County, not to mention economic development,” Hagen said, “He really deserves this award.”

If you or your business is interested in partnering with a career academy, please call 813-794-2204.

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Pasco-based SureCrete Design Products heads to Colombia on trade mission

Posted on December 18, 2012 by Summer Martin (Pasco EDC)

“Colombia’s long history of trade with the United States and strong ties to Florida make it a natural partner for Tampa Bay-based businesses.” – 83DegreesMedia.com

Recently, a group of economic developers and local business leaders went on a trade mission to Barranquilla, Colombia. In May, the United States-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement (CTPA) went into effect, and is expected to increase Florida sales to Colombia by another $345 million over the next year. The ultimate goal of the trip was to create jobs both at home and abroad.

SureCrete Design Products was one of the companies making the trip to Colombia. Here’s what SureCrete Design Products had to say to 83DegreesMedia about their experience in Columbia:

SureCrete Design was nominated for Pasco EDC’s 2012 Manufacturer of the Year.

Richard D. Munoz, the commercial development manager for SureCrete Design Products in Dade City, says that they are in continuing conversations about two projects to begin within the next two months. If these projects start as expected, they would lead to two to three new hires.

The trip “was well organized and provided very knowledgeable participants from the Colombian side who understand our market segment and are looking for viable solutions to issues they face in construction,” says Munoz. “I would see our company benefiting from attendance at other trade missions to Latin America.”

Click here for the complete article on 83DegreesMedia.com.

Pasco EDC recognized by Service Corps Of Retired Executives (SCORE)

Posted on December 18, 2012 by Summer Martin (Pasco EDC)

Pasco Hernando Chapter 439 recognized Krista Hakes, Pasco EDC Economic Development Manager for her dedication and commitment to SCORE and volunteerism on behalf of the small business community.

This year Pasco Economic Development Council, Inc. became the first EDC in Tampa Bay to launch a microloan program for small businesses. Recognizing that the nation’s 26 million small businesses are responsible for creating the majority of our nations new jobs, Pasco EDC decided to step in and help.

Over the last year Pasco EDC raised $225,000 for the microloan fund and has awarded six microloans to date. With more applications in the pipeline, Pasco EDC is now beginning to raise additional money for the microloan fund so they can continue to give support to the small business community.

Why are microloans important?
There are 26 million small businesses in America today which are responsible for creating the majority of our nation’s new jobs. Unfortunately, the current economy is making it difficult for America’s small businesses to obtain credit. That’s where Pasco EDC decided to step in and help. Pasco EDC is getting the word out that help is available to small businesses through its microloan fund.

“Helping passionate small business owners with solid ideas, good management skills and a valid business plan, who simply can’t get traditional financing is what it’s all about. We want these businesses to hire more people and continue expanding here in Pasco County.” said John Hagen, Pasco EDC President/CEO.

Want to apply?
The loan program lends money to small businesses located in Pasco County in amounts up to $35,000. Applicants must be a for-profit company located in Pasco County, and borrowers must show they have the experience and resources to be successful business operators. Proceeds may be used for working capital, inventory, supplies, furniture, fixtures, machinery and equipment but not to purchase real estate or to refinance existing debt. In addition to financing, entrepreneurs also receive free technical assistance to help work through challenges and capture opportunities. Click here for more info.

Want to donate to the fund?
Please call the Pasco EDC at 813-926-0827 for more information on how to donate to the microloan fund.

Pasco EDC’s Krista Hakes nominated for CREW’s Excellence Awards for Civic Leadership

Posted on December 10, 2012 by Summer Martin (Pasco EDC)

The CREW Tampa Bay Excellence Awards program recognizes select individuals for their professional achievements and work to support the advancement of women in commercial real estate.

Krista Hakes, Economic Development Manager for Pasco EDC, was honored to be nominated for the Civic Leadership Award for her work with Pasco EDC’s microloan program and GrowFL program.

Pasco EDC launched a microloan fund in March 2012 to help local entrepreneurs who cannot obtain traditional financing to grow their businesses and create jobs. Pasco EDC awarded six microloans to a variety of companies. In addition to financing, the microloan program includes training to help small business owners succeed.

Also this year Pasco EDC partnered with the Florida Economic Gardening Institute (GrowFL) to provide qualifying companies with a free suite of support services and access to unique market research and technology. With these services, companies can discover and expand sales opportunities, create supply chain efficiencies and better understand their competition.

Hakes became one of six people in Florida in 2012 to complete the “Economic Gardening Certification” through GrowFL and was also a finalist for Business Woman of the Year (2012) by the Tampa Bay Business Journal.

Grade A hospital in Pasco County

Posted on December 3, 2012 by Summer Martin (Pasco EDC)

Of the 2618 general hospitals in the United States issued a Hospital Safety Score, only 30% (or 790) earned an “A” grade, one of which was Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point in Hudson, Florida. The Pasco-based hospital was one of only four of the hospitals in Tampa Bay to earn an A grade.

What does this grade mean? The latest national update to safety scores tracks how well hospitals prevent medical errors like medication mix-ups, injuries, accidents and infections.

Regional Medical Center of Bayonet Point has been a long time investor in the Pasco Economic Development Council. Congrats on an excellent report card!

Every business in Tampa Bay should take this survey

Posted on November 26, 2012 by Summer Martin (Pasco EDC)

As the first step in the development of a customized export plan for the Tampa Bay region, the Tampa Bay Partnership, in collaboration with numerous regional partners including the Pasco Economic Development Council, has launched a survey to collect information from Tampa Bay companies about their exporting activity, the export-related challenges they faced, and the policy and measures they think could encourage further growth in exporting.

“Every business in Tampa Bay – producers of both goods and services – should take this survey,” said Stuart Rogel, President & CEO of the Tampa Bay Partnership. “Information about firms in our region who export, as well as those who don’t, will help us build a plan to connect Tampa Bay with global markets and opportunities.”

Florida is the nation’s fourth-largest export state!

Tampa Bay was recently selected as part of the first cohort of metropolitan areas to participate in the prestigious Brookings Metropolitan Export Exchange, which will help to create and execute strategies that increase the region’s exports. Other metro areas selected as part of the first cohort of the Exchange include Charleston, SC; Chicago, IL; Columbus, OH; Des Moines, IA; Louisville-Lexington, KY; San Diego, CA; and San Antonio, TX.

Companies with operations in the eight-county Tampa Bay region can participate in the survey by going to www.GlobalTampaBay.com.

Information gathered from the survey will help produce a snapshot of recent export activity in Tampa Bay and is part of an overall market assessment of exports being conducted within the first phase of the Metropolitan Export Exchange. The overall market assessment phase also includes a series of individual interviews with exporting companies by a team of researchers led by the Partnership and the University of South Florida. Companies interested in participating in the interviews should contact Dave Sobush at dsobush@tampabay.org.

Top 10 reasons to be thankful in Pasco County

Posted on November 19, 2012 by Summer Martin (Pasco EDC)

This week many of us will be celebrating Thanksgiving with our families, which got us thinking, what do businesses and people have to be thankful for in Pasco County and Tampa Bay?

Here is our top 10 list of things to be thankful for in Pasco County. Please feel free to add additional ones in the comments below!

We’re thankful for Room To Grow In Tampa Bay.
We’re thankful to have lower taxes than almost anywhere!
We’re thankful that Pasco County is only 20 minutes away from one of the USA’s most loved airports, Tampa International Airport.
We’re thankful to be close to the largest seaport in Florida.
We’re thankful to live in a rich eco-friendly environment near beaches, parks and fabulous kayaking in one of our many springs.
We’re thankful to be connected to major interstates like I-75 so that our businesses can get the access they need to flourish.
We’re thankful to have the No. 1 workforce board in Florida! Way to go CareerCentral.jobs!
We’re thankful to have such great places to learn through our public schools, Saint Leo University, Pasco-Hernando Community College, Rasmussen College, the University of South Florida and so many more!
We’re thankful to be in a county where government, businesses and citizens believe in economic development and have a great vision for the future of Pasco County.
We are thankful that entrepreneurship is alive in Pasco County through the Pasco Enterprise Network.

Finally, we’re thankful to our community and to our investors who support the efforts of economic development in Pasco County. What are you thankful for in Pasco County?

Could Hurricane Sandy bring more financial firms to Tampa Bay?

Posted on November 5, 2012 by Summer Martin (Pasco EDC)

It is always good to have a plan “B” in place in case of natural disasters. For financial firms in New York and New Jersey, Tampa Bay just may be the place to have a satellite office for that plan “B”.

An article recently posted in the Tampa Bay Business Journal talks about Depository Trust and Clearing Corp. who set up a satellite office in Tampa Bay and Dallas Texas in the wake of the September 11th attacks. They also took into account they could be used for surviving storms.

The idea makes sense, especially seeing the rise in financial services companies already moving to the Tampa Bay area.

Pasco County recently attracted two big names in the financial industry, T. Rowe Price, which plans to bring approximately 1,600 top-paying jobs, and Raymond James hoping to bring 750 more. For financial firms having a satellite office next to these companies gives them name recognition among some of the best names in the business. It just makes sense.

Need help opening up a satellite office in the Tampa Bay area? Give our office a call at 813-926-0827, and we will show you how easy it is here in Pasco County. (www.pascoedc.com)

Source: Business Journal: Satellite offices in Tampa Bay prove useful during Sandy