RESPONSIBLE DEVELOPMENT

Let’s honor our remarkable 2024 Award Winners! A spotlight on our honorees: J. Sam Owens, Jr. is a VCARD founder. Over 40 years ago when the state of Florida introduced its growth management regulations, Sam and other visionaries took the initiative to find reasonable, balanced approaches to how we develop. Among their achievements was a successful implementation of the County's first Stormwater Management Ordinance. Understanding the long-term need for collaboration in the community around growth issues, Sam ensured the creation of VCARD. He even helped hire the organization's inaugural Executive Director, Dave Castagnacci. Sam is a land use attorney with decades of experience, his work shaped many parts of Volusia County. Sam's dedicated leadership laid the foundation for VCARD to become what it is today. Khalid Resheidat served the City of New Smyrna Beach for a remarkable 35 years including his tenure as City Manager. Khalid is known for how he genuinely cared about the well-being of the area and its residents. As City Manager, he exemplified exceptional public service and effective leadership. Working to improve quality of life, Khalid fostered responsible development, particularly efforts to diversity the local economy and create high-value job opportunities. Khalid made his community better and his achievements can be seen all throughout New Smyrna Beach. Help us honor these two outstanding leaders who have made a lasting positive impact on our county. January 17th is right around the corner! Join us for our 37th Annual Installation & Awards Luncheon Banquet at the beautiful Oceanside County Club in Ormond Beach from 12:30pm to 2:30pm. Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor: Cobb Cole Law Firm & to our Major Sponsor: UES Hear from our special guest speaker, Dale Ketcham, V.P. of Government & External Relations, SPACE FLORIDA as he share insights on how recent commercial advancements in aerospace and manufacturing—led by companies like Aura Aero and Boeing in Daytona Beach—are driving job creation, bringing high-paying opportunities, diversifying our tax base and more. Each admission ticket gets you a sit-down lunch and a beverage of your choice. Reserve your tickets or tables now!