Wesley Chapel Businesses Grab Hardware At Pasco EDC Gala

By Gary Nager

I’m a little embarrassed to admit that I didn’t know the Pasco County Economic Development Council (EDC) also has an annual award banquet, but I do know that at this year’s banquet — held Sept. 4 at Saddlebrook Resort Tampa on S.R. 54 in Wesley Chapel — businesses located in Wesley Chapel came home with a nice handful of trophies.

Hosting the gala was Al Reuchel of Bay News 9, who helped the EDC give out a number of awards in a total of four categories — “Manufacturing Industry of the Year,” “Service/Distribution Industry of the Year,” “Technology” and “Special Contribution.”

So, it was pretty special that the following Wesley Chapel-based businesses were able to grab this much hardware:

The Shops at Wiregrass Mall (Service/Distribution) — “Because of their upscale style and commitment, the Shops have become an essential part of Wesley Chapel and Pasco County with their signature events. The mall has 42 stores and employs more than 1,200 people.”

Sign-A-Rama of New Tampa (Service/Distribution) — “Full service sign shop that opened in 2010. Now has 14 employees and a 7,500-sq.-ft. manufacturing facility, which has allowed them to become a wholesale facility for other sign shops. Made a $700,000 capital investment in new location and can provide electronic monuments, routed and dimensional signs, as well as custom lettering.”

Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel (Special Contribution) — “Newest hospital in Florida and employs more than 500 people.”

Goin’ Postal (Service/Distribution) — “A franchiser of retail and service businesses with 24 employees headquartered in Zephyrhills.” Goin’ Postal also has a location in Wesley Chapel.

Other nominees that didn’t win awards that are based in Wesley Chapel include Ballywho Social, Caresync, MB2X and Symphonic Distribution.

Congratulations to all of the nominees and winners. For more info & to see special videos created by the EDC for each winner, see PascoEdc.com.