Hernando County Economic Development Director Valerie Pianta, M EDP, has been named one of the nation’s top 50 economic developers by Consultant Connect, a Michigan-based company that consults with economic developers and site selectors. Those who appear on the agency’s annual Top 50 listing were selected after being nominated for the designation by their colleagues in the economic development and site selection consulting industries. Recommendations were made on the basis of the nominee’s innovation and success in bringing new businesses into the area and supporting the expansion of firms already located there. Pianta has served as Director of Economic Development in Hernando County for more than 20 years.