Sarah Alway, Economic Development Coordinator at Pasco Economic Development Council (Pasco EDC), has been recognized as the 2024 recipient of the Dan Webster Young Innovator Scholarship Award. The award, presented by the Florida High Tech Corridor and Florida Economic Development Council, acknowledges Alway’s achievements and professional aspirations in economic development.
The annual scholarship honors an emerging leader in Florida’s economic development sector. It provides a $5,000 award to be used toward coursework and fees for the Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation.
Alway has served two years at Pasco EDC, during which she earned three promotions and contributed significantly to her organization’s efforts. According to Bill Cronin, President & CEO of Pasco EDC: “Sarah consistently demonstrates innovation in economic development, notably spearheading the successful redevelopment of Pasco EDC’s workforce development website, workforceCONNECT, which underscores her forward-thinking approach and her ability to leverage technology to achieve goals. Her leadership and collaborative skills have cultivated strong relationships within our industry, enhancing her contributions to economic and workforce development, and embodying the spirit of innovation.”
The updated workforceConnect website now features resources for employers and job seekers as well as a tool designed to improve talent engagement. In addition to leading this project, Alway is involved in business retention and attraction initiatives within Pasco County.
Reflecting on her career path so far, Alway said: “Since embarking on my journey in economic development, my ambition has been clear – to become a Certified Economic Developer and effect positive change while breaking barriers as one of the few female business leaders of an economic development organization in Florida.”
Alway holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from West Virginia University with minors in Leadership Studies and English. She also earned a Master of Science in Economic Development from the University of Southern Mississippi.
Florida High Tech Corridor CEO Paul Sohl presented the award during the Florida Economic Development Council’s Diamond Jubilee Awards Dinner at its annual conference. The Dan Webster Young Innovator Scholarship Award was created in 2015 to honor Congressman Daniel Webster for his support of economic development initiatives like the creation of the Florida High Tech Corridor.
Sohl stated: “This scholarship represents our belief in the potential of rising talents like Sarah, who demonstrate the innovation and leadership essential to Florida’s continued economic growth. The Corridor is proud to invest in the next generation of our state’s economic development workforce and empower them to excel in a rigorous process without financial barriers.”
Beth Cicchetti, Executive Director of the Florida Economic Development Council, added: “As an emerging leader in the field of economic development, Sarah embodies the drive, creativity, and passion that are crucial for fostering innovation and growth within our communities. Her achievements set a sterling example for the state’s emerging leaders in economic development.”
Alway joins eleven previous recipients from various organizations across Florida who have also received this recognition.
The Pasco Economic Development Council works with businesses aiming to start or grow operations in North Tampa Bay through programs designed for local business growth. Since 1987 it has partnered with both corporate and public investors focused on supporting Pasco County’s economy.
The Florida Economic Development Council is a membership-based not-for-profit corporation that supports education, advocacy, policy development and networking among stakeholders interested in advancing Florida’s economy.
The Florida High Tech Corridor is an initiative driven by three research universities—University of Central Florida, University of South Florida and University of Florida—to support high-tech growth across 23 counties by connecting innovators with resources such as industry clustering programs https://floridahightech.com/initiatives/cenfluence/, matching grants for university partnerships https://floridahightech.com/initiatives/matching-grants-research-program/, federal research award coaching https://floridahightech.com/initiatives/florida-high-tech-corridor-education-coaching-for-sbir-sttr/ ,and direct support services.
