SMARTstart
Pasco EDC Task Forces & Committees
Participation in one of Pasco EDC's task forces or committees is a great way to actively contribute to the cultivation of a vibrant business climate in Pasco County, a climate in which every business can achieve its economic potential.
Productivity & Wellness Task Force
Beginning FY25-26, October 2025
The Productivity and Wellness Task Force, organized by the Pasco EDC, is dedicated to advancing the mental and physical well-being of Pasco County’s workforce as a means of enhancing overall productivity, engagement, and retention. Composed of business leaders, health professionals, workforce experts, and community partners, the Task Force will research best practices and emerging trends in workplace wellness. Members will assess local workforce needs, examine barriers to health and productivity, and provide practical, actionable recommendations for employers. Focus areas include mental health awareness, stress management, ergonomic and safe work environments, access to preventive care, healthy lifestyle initiatives, and programs that foster work-life balance. By promoting a healthier, more resilient workforce, the Task Force aims to strengthen business performance, improve quality of life, and support Pasco County’s long-term economic vitality.
Contact: Tom Ryan, Pasco EDC and .png)
Ryan Gessman, Pasco EDC
Business Retention & Expansion Strategies Task Force
Beginning FY25-26, October 2025
The Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) Strategies Task Force is a collaborative advisory group convened by the Pasco EDC to strengthen and grow the county’s existing business base. Comprised of local business leaders, industry experts, government partners, and economic development professionals, the Task Force will work to identify challenges, opportunities, and trends impacting employers in Pasco County. Through regular meetings, data analysis, and direct outreach to the business community, the Task Force will develop actionable strategies to support business stability, competitiveness, and expansion. Key focus areas include workforce development, infrastructure needs, access to capital, supply chain resilience, regulatory efficiency, and fostering a pro-business environment.
Contact: Turner Arbour, Pasco EDC
Innovation and Technology Task Force
Concluded FY24-25
The Innovation and Technology Task Force promotes economic growth by fostering technological innovation. It focuses on creating innovation hubs, developing tech talent through educational partnerships, supporting R&D activities, and organizing tech events like hackathons. By collaborating with tech companies, universities, venture capitalists, and research institutions, the task force aims to position the region as a tech hub and drive technological advancement.
Business Connections Task Force
Concluded FY24-25
The Business Connections Task Force aims to facilitate collaboration and attract investment for economic development. It focuses on developing relationships with investors, organizing networking events, encouraging public-private partnerships, implementing effective communication strategies, and providing investor support services. By fostering strong networks and keeping stakeholders informed and engaged, the task force seeks to enhance the region's visibility and attractiveness to investors, driving economic growth and development.
Global Competitiveness Committee
Established to collaborate and identify ways to SHAPE international and domestic projects by removing obstacles that may impede the county’s ability to be competitive and aid in enhancing current economic development efforts through innovation. Discussions may include, but are not limited to matters such as transportation, education, workforce, quality of life, reputation, and socioeconomic mobility.
Contact: Turner Arbour, Pasco EDC
SMARTstart Advisory Committee
Continues to bring together advocates who are passionate about small business who advise, assist, and support matters that will strengthen economic development opportunities for companies served by the SMARTstart Entrepreneur Centers.
Contact: Dan Mitchell, Pasco EDC
WorkforceCONNECT Advisory Committee
Continues to bring together advocates who are passionate about workforce development as counsel for the new Pasco Pipeline program initiatives. The committee will provide direction, data and ideas necessary to develop Pasco’s talent pipeline and website to ensure the success of aligning the supply and demand of talent in Pasco County.
Contact: Sarah Alway, Pasco EDC
Marketing Advisory Committee
The Marketing Advisory Committee is a group of industry leaders, with a deep understanding of the Pasco County development landscape, who collaborate to support and ensure alignment of promoting Pasco County as an attractive climate for business growth. The committee works to strengthen messaging and marketing initiatives showcasing Pasco County as an ideal location for fostering business growth through local expansions and recruitment.
Contact: Lauren Miceli, Pasco EDC
Finance Committee
Seeks to safeguard Pasco EDC’s financial health by tracking the stability and diversity of existing funding sources, identifying and mitigating potential risks, and actively pursuing new revenue opportunities. Its focus will include sustaining all of our key programs that make up our START, MOVE, and GROW moniker. The committee will work toward maintaining an optimal mix of public and private support, cultivate relationships with future Pasco EDC Investors and other funding partners, and recommend strategies for increasing earned income and philanthropic engagement, ensuring the EDC remains financially resilient and growth-focused for the long term.
Contact: Dan Mitchell, Pasco EDC