A Resolution By The Board Of County Commissioners Of Pasco County, Florida, Recognizing Bill Cronin For Being Named The 2026 Eunice Sullivan Economic Development Professional Of The Year

1:59:51Yeah, Mr. Bill Cronin come forward. I think it might have some family members here.

2:00:03Oh my goodness.

2:00:07Is that Bill talking?

2:00:10By the way, I love the sound of the kids giggling. It just made my morning.

2:00:20Alrighty, resolution number CAO 26-334. A resolution by the Board of County Commissioners of Pasco County, Florida, recognizing Bill Cronin for being named the 2026 Eunice Sullivan Economic Development Professional of the Year. Whereas Bill Cronin has been passionately involved in economic development for over 30 years, demonstrating unwavering commitment and dedication to enhancing the professional landscape of Pasco County. And whereas the Eunice Sullivan

2:00:51Economic Development Professional of the Year Award was presented to Bill Cronin by the Florida Economic Council on Thursday, May the 14th, 2026. And whereas the Eunice Sullivan Economic Development Professional of the Year Award is given annually in recognition of the achievements of an outstanding economic developer within the state of Florida. The award was first given in 1985 and was renamed in 1991 to honor Eunice Sullivan for her dedication and commitment

2:01:21to the Economic Development Profession and the Florida Education. Economic Development Council. And whereas, since 2016, following a nationwide search, Bill has served as the president and CEO of the Pasco Economic Development Council, the EDC, and demonstrates extensive knowledge and experience in the economic development field, including 10 years of work with the State Economic Development Agency, Enterprise Floor. Florida. And whereas Bill holds a bachelor's

2:01:51degree in international affairs and political science and a certificate in Asian Studies from Michigan State University, he serves as a member of the International Economic Development Council and Pasco Hernando State College Foundation Board of Directors, is co-founder of the Human Traffic Foundation, Incorporated, and is involved with the Urban Land. Institute, Florida Tax Watch, the Sun Coast District Committee of Scouting America, Global Pathway Studios Foundation, and

2:02:21the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay. Bill's enduring dedication to strengthening the economic development landscape in Pasco County has made a lasting impact. And whereas, under Bill's leadership, the PASCO EDC is recognized as one of only ninety-two economic development organizations accredited by the International Economic Development Council as an accredited economic development organization. And whereas, since 2016, when Bill became

2:02:51president and CEO, the Pasco EDC has assisted companies with business expansions and relocations, resulting in over $1.8 billion in capital investment and over 11,600 new jobs in Pasco County. Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Board of County Commissioners of Pasco County, Florida, that said board hereby recognizes Bill Cronin for being named the 2026 Eunice Sullivan Economic Development Professional of the Year

2:03:22and for his exemplary service to the citizens of Pasco County. Done and resolved in regular session with a quorum present in voting this 25th day of August, 2010. Twenty six.

2:03:33Second. All in favor say aye. Aye. Aye. Now, Phil I almost have to start this over again because there's actually a new award that you just you just received w with our Smart Start program. Uh Smart Start was included in the Times America Best Incubator and Accelerators of Twenty Twenty Six. And that's a phenomenal achievement as well. So just another thing, but we're not going to redo this thing over again. I'm just kidding. Uh but your your service, happy 10-year anniversary as well. Thank you. What you've done to this county, and I think the team that selected you

2:04:03years ago was very smart to wait for you to the time was right to bring you in. Since you've done that, you've helped us tremendously. Uh led the way with our penny for Pasco being renewed with EDC money to be in there to create jobs for a citizen so they don't have to drive to Tanel Tampa, Pinellas, etcetera, but they can work right here. And all the great companies you brought in. Uh the list is too long and I won't leave anybody else so we're not going to mention m mention 'em all. But uh if you would please come forward and say a few words.

2:04:30Thank you. Thank you, Commissioner. It's it's rare for me to be at a loss for for words and uh I will keep it brief. But um I've been doing this as you know for for a long time in a lot of different communities and being recognized, first of all, this is home. And you can tell we've we planted roots here, we have family here, there's um there's three generations now. here and it's why we do what what we do but it is nothing better than being recognized by the people here in our own community for what we do. You

2:05:00guys have heard me say before, I think what we do is is God's work when we're out helping people and creating jobs and getting jobs so they can lead the life they want to live. So first and foremost glory still goes to God. I think uh next I'd like to say thanks to my family for all the times that I've been on the road and missed events and things like that. I'm glad that they're here locally. I can be with them. And then the team behind me is uh is really the the top notch. These are the best of the best. And uh

2:05:30the Pasco EDC, you all have afforded them the ability to really shine through. your support uh through your personal support through the budget and also with the support of the staff here. So um this is really a a reflection of of Pasco. So I really appreciate it. Thank you. Well

2:05:47then hang in there just a minute because right after this we're gonna do the consent agenda real quick and that's gonna be a good item on there for you. Okay. So with that let's let's everyone come forward take a picture.

2:05:55Yeah, you know. We're gonna stay up here.

2:06:08On it. Come on in. Huddle up.

2:06:20Hey, what's going on?

2:06:52Break that. Yeah, it's gonna.