Featuring:
• Crisis Averted: Turning Reputational Threats into Brand Resilience!
Organizations of all sizes and industries face crises that can quickly damage their reputation, from accidents and legal disputes to personnel issues and social media backlash. In this meeting, nationally recognized crisis communications expert George Passantino will share essential strategies to stop small issues from becoming major reputational threats.
• College Interns Can Make Excellent Employees Building talent in your workforce through an internship program allows employers to turn successful interns into valuable employees at affordable costs. Joe Conte will show how the Internship Process is a powerful bridge between education and industry, connecting students with diverse employers to create meaningful success for students and employers.
Also, a Tour of the Wilton Simpson Technical College and more…
8:30 A.M. until 9:45 A.M., Wednesday, April 9, 2025
Wilton Simpson Technical College
17050 Spring Hill Dr, Brooksville, FL 34604
Organizations of all sizes and industries face crises that can quickly damage their reputation, from accidents and legal disputes to personnel issues and social media backlash. In this meeting, nationally recognized crisis communications expert George Passantino will share essential strategies to stop small issues from becoming major reputational threats. Enjoy:
• Free Continental Breakfast.
• Door Prizes.
• Networking with other manufacturers.
• Learn about other resources to help your business.
Speaker:
George Passantino
Managing Partner
Passantino Andersen Communications, LLC
With nearly 25 years of experience in strategic communications and advocacy at the federal, state and local level, George knows what it takes to move public opinion, influence decision makers, build compelling brands and achieve victory for clients, whatever their challenges. Since founding Passantino Andersen Communications in 2007, George has overseen the rapid growth and strategic direction of the award-winning firm. He guides a diverse portfolio of clients that includes global retailers, automakers, homebuilders, school districts, government agencies, tech startups, nonprofits and trade associations. As a crisis manager, he has provided calm direction and media guidance for some of the largest companies and organizations in their respective industries as they faced the most challenging types of public crisis.
George has appeared on television, radio and in newspapers across the nation. He has appeared on FOX News Network, CNN Headline News Local Edition, CNBC, Bloomberg and National Public Radio. He has also been published in the pages of The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, USA Today, The Los Angeles Times, Investor’s Business Daily, The San Francisco Chronicle, and The San Jose Mercury News. He is the former host of “Home Team Radio”, on KTIE News Talk 590, which was broadcast to millions of residents across Southern California.
Before founding Passantino Andersen, George served as Director of Government Reform at the Reason Foundation, a well-respected national public policy think tank. George led Reason’s efforts to effect meaningful policy change at the Federal and State level.
In 2004, George was tapped to serve as a full-time director of the historic California Performance Review for Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Working closely with the Administration, legislative offices and key stakeholders, George helped lead a multi-pronged, top-to-bottom review of state government that to this day remains the most comprehensive review of California State government ever undertaken.
George also previously served as a senior consultant in the California State Legislature. To his credit is a wide range of high-profile legislative accomplishments, including the 1996 passage of California’s version of Megan’s Law, which has helped thousands of parents protect their children from dangerous sex offenders.
George graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Economics and a minor in Statistics from California State University, Bakersfield. He is actively involved in Rotary Club, as well as several local charities.
George and his wife, Aleshia, have five children (yes, five), Georgie, Sarah, Olivia, Molly and Grady. They split their time between the Antelope Valley and the “First Coast of Florida” on beautiful Amelia Island.
George is a rabid outdoorsman, enjoying camping, hiking, mountain climbing, skiing and other opportunities to connect with nature. He is also a proud bass player—a founding member of the legendary Blues Rock powerhouse, Steel Wool. George has also previously completed two marathons, one half marathon, two Tough Mudders and a 193-mile Ragnar relay race. Link
Joe Conte
Bio: Joe Conte is a dedicated higher education professional with a well-rounded background in career services, accounting, IT, and student life. With experience in Career Services at a previous institution, he has helped students discover meaningful professional opportunities. His time working in accounting at a large hospital system provided valuable financial insight, while his IT background strengthened his problem-solving and technical skills.
Joe has always had a passion for business and innovation. In 2014 and 2015, he placed in the top 10 nationally for Small Business Management Planning through the Future Business Leaders of America, an experience that reinforced his commitment to professional growth. He later put that knowledge into action by launching two startup companies in 2016 and 2018, gaining firsthand experience in entrepreneurship.
At Pasco-Hernando State College, Joe has worked closely with students in Student Life, helping them develop leadership skills and campus engagement. Now, as a Career and Academic Advisor, he enjoys guiding students as they navigate their academic and professional journeys. Drawing from his diverse experiences, he is committed to helping students connect their education with real-world opportunities, preparing them for success beyond the classroom.