Pair named as chairmen for World Rowing Championships

Rod Hershberger of PGT Industries of Venice and Ed Chiles of the Chiles Group have been named as co-chairmen for the 2017 World Rowing Championships, to be held in September 2017, at Nathan Benderson Park.

Manatee County Administrator Ed Hunzeker appointed Chiles while Sarasota County Administrator Tom Harmer picked Hershberger.

The paired will be asked to rally the community for the championships. They will lead quarterly meetings attended by members of the local organizing committee.

"You're a cheerleader for the event," said Chiles, whose Chiles Group operates the Sandbar, Beach House and Mar Vista restaurants on Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key.

“Being able to have the guidance and expertise of these two gentlemen is setting the foundation for our future success,” said Meredith Scerba, the executive director of the 2017 World Rowing Championships, in a release.

Hershberger is a co-founder of PGT Industries, Inc., in Venice, Florida. He has served the company since its founding in 1980.