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10th Annual Zephyrhills Economic Summit Spotlighted Industry, Workforce and Infrastructure

EconomicChamberPress Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
10th Annual Zephyrhills Economic Summit Spotlighted Industry, Workforce and Infrastructure
ZEPHYRHILLS, FL — The East Pasco Chamber of Commerce brought together business leaders, community partners and residents for the 10th Annual Zephyrhills Economic Summit on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at Zephyrhills City Hall Council Chambers. The summit featured industry experts, workforce leaders and government representatives who explored the opportunities shaping Zephyrhills’ economic future.

City Manager Billy Poe served as the summit’s moderator. The program also featured remarks from Dr. Randy Stovall, Chairman of the Zephyrhills Economic Development Coalition; Shane Bedward, President and Chief Executive Officer of AdventHealth Zephyrhills; and Rodney Corriveau, Planning and Economic Development Director for the City of Zephyrhills.

Three panels led by the Pasco Economic Development Council examined business growth, workforce development and the infrastructure needed to support continued investment:

“Making It in Pasco County”
Tom Ryan, Vice President of Business Development for Pasco Economic Development Council, led a discussion featuring:

  • David Brown, Vice President for Market Development, Tibbetts Lumber Co.
  • Simo Koncalovic, Founder, Remedial Systems Integrated, LLC
  • Julia Rocha, Human Resource Business Partner, Primo Brands
“Building the Talent Pipeline”
Turner Arbour, Senior Economic Development Manager for Pasco Economic Development Council, led a discussion featuring:
  • Carlos Acevedo, Business Services Consultant, CareerSource Pasco Hernando
  • Rob Aguis, Director of Career, Technical and Adult Education, Pasco County School District
  • Beth Galic, President, Bay Area Manufacturers Association
  • Natasha Sherwood, Chief Executive Officer, AMSkills
“Roads, Rails, Land, & Logistics”
Ryan Gessman, Economic Development Manager for Pasco Economic Development Council, led a discussion featuring:
  • Stacy Bertrand, Senior Economic Development Manager, Duke Energy Florida
  • Aubrey Brown, Senior Manager of Business Development, CSX Transportation
  • Tania Gorman, Executive Director, Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization
Together, the discussions highlighted the connections between industry growth, workforce preparation and infrastructure planning, providing an opportunity for local businesses and community partners to explore Zephyrhills’ continued economic development.

The Chamber extends its sincere thanks to the partners and sponsors recognized in this year’s program: AdventHealth Zephyrhills, City of Zephyrhills, East Pasco Chamber of Commerce, Premier Community HealthCare, Chick-fil-A Zephyrhills, Florida Blue, and Pasco EDC. Their support helped bring together the people, ideas and resources needed to strengthen the local economy.

About the Zephyrhills Economic Development Coalition (ZEDC)
ZEDC seeks to align strategies and streamline resources among local and countywide economic development partners. The City of Zephyrhills supports this effort through grants to the Chamber, which provides partner expertise, knowledge, professional staff and volunteer resources to carry out programs specific to ZEDC’s mission.
For additional information, contact the East Pasco Chamber of Commerce at 813-782-1913 or 352-567-3769, or email ceo@eastpascochamber.org.
 

10th Annual Zephyrhills Economic Summit Spotlighted Industry, Workforce and Infrastructure

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