Hundreds were in attendance at the Pasco EDC 31^st Annual Awards and Trade Show, including many local business leaders and government officials.

“I think people thoroughly enjoyed the upbeat tempo and all of the networking opportunities,” said Bill Cronin, Pasco EDC, President/CEO. “We love having the opportunity to honor Pasco companies, and all 24 nominees have had such an important impact on economic development. It was difficult for the awards committee to narrow it down, but the seven winners truly deserve this honor.”

Nominees were scored based on: company growth, leadership in current business issues, and corporate citizenship.

The 2017 Pasco EDC Award Winners are:

Business of the Year- Start-Up Category: Florida Hospital Center Ice

Florida Hospital Center Ice is a 150,000-square foot facility just off Interstate 75 in Wesley Chapel, with over $30 million in capital investment.

Business of the Year- Small Category: Express Employment Professionals

Headquartered in Oklahoma City, the local franchise remains in the top 15 percent of the company for its fifth consecutive year.

Business of the Year- Medium Category: FACTS Engineering LLC

FACTS Engineering has seen a sales increase of 33 percent over the last year. During that time, they invested over $250,000 in a parking lot expansion, and over $200,000 in office, warehouse and IT enhancements.

Business of the Year- Large Category: TRU Simulation and Training, Inc.

TRU recently invested over $5 million in facility expansion and purchased another $15 million in simulation devices.

Special Contribution- North Tampa Behavioral Health

Their $15 million facility expansion will help them focus on their veterans and active duty program CORE: Challenge, Overcome, Restore, and Empower. They provide the only services in the area that offer treatment for emergency responders.

Special Recognition- Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point

In August 2016, lightning struck the generators on the hospital roof, catching fire, and causing all power on the campus to be lost. They were able to overcame the situation and safely evacuate over 1,000 patients, visitors and personnel in under seven hours without any injuries.

Leadership Award- The late, James “Don” Porter

Porter’s passion, strong will, persistence, and dedication, served him well as he led the convening of county stakeholders in creating a world-class master planned development, Wiregrass Ranch. You can still see evidence of Don’s work and vision around Wiregrass Ranch today.