In a momentous event on Monday, August 18, 2025, James Dillon, the City of Tavares Director of Public Works, was honored with the prestigious 2025 Management Innovation National Award by America’s Public Works Association. The accolade was bestowed upon Mr. Dillon for his exceptional vision and dedication in establishing the Public Works Transportation Training and Innovation Center (PWTTIC), a pioneering facility that has set new standards in public works training and innovation.
“I am genuinely humbled to accept this award!” Mr. Dillon shared warmly. “The PWTTIC stands as a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation, bringing forth a remarkable facility and has also touched countless lives within the community. Our city’s unwavering commitment to fostering innovation and education has created a nurturing environment where students and professionals alike can thrive for generations to come,” said James Dillon.
The PWTTIC, hailed as a state-of-the-art transportation training hub, has been the fruit of five years of meticulous planning and collaboration among local, state, and federal officials, educators, and business leaders. This groundbreaking center is designed to serve as a vital training transportation hub for professionals in Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and Emergency Vehicle Technician (EVT) fields, specializing in automotive, diesel, and emergency vehicle technologies.
In partnership with the esteemed Lake Technical College, the PWTTIC is committed to enhancing the skills of students and promoting safety within the community. Lake Technical College plays a crucial role in this initiative by providing top-notch educational resources and expertise. With the capacity to support 172 students annually, the center offers transformative job shadowing and apprenticeship opportunities, addressing pressing transportation workforce shortages in the Central Florida region. This collaborative effort aims to meet the urgent demand for ASE and EVT-certified automotive and diesel technicians.
The APWA National Management Innovation Award recognizes initiatives that significantly improve public works services through creative and cost-effective methods. Innovations are judged on their overall positive impact on the agency, public, and community, relative to the delivery of public works services through new and creative methods and programs. This includes materials, design, or equipment that improve efficiency, disseminate information, or educate the public and personnel.
