Insurance firms form partnership
Chris Black Insurance, a Lutz-based independent insurance firm, has formed a partnership with Insurance Seguros of America Ricketts LLC, located in Wesley Chapel.
The merger became final in October.
Chris Black Insurance was founded in 2008 with the mission to provide customized insurance packages for their clients across the state of Florida.
Tina Ricketts founded Insurance Seguros of America Ricketts LLC, in 2011. Ricketts has developed a strong expertise in the transportation (trucking) insurance industry and will continue to serve her clients as a commercial risk advisor with Chris Black Insurance.
With expanded carrier access and compounded support resources, both firms are looking forward to the opportunity for growth in the transportation insurance segment throughout the southeastern United States.
“We’re extremely excited to have Tina join our team,” Chris Black, managing partner at Chris Black Insurance. “Tina has an excellent reputation in the community as a dedicated risk advisor, and has a passion for helping Spanish and English-speaking families and businesses protect what’s most important. Our broader array of insurance carrier partners will open new opportunities for existing and future clients while allowing us to continue providing best-in-class products and services.”
Insurance Seguros of America Ricketts will inherit the Chris Black Insurance name.
Lutz rents decreasing, but remain high
Zumper has just published its first Tampa Metro Report for 2019, which covers 17 cities in the metro area — highlighting the most/least expensive cities and cities with the fastest growing rents.
This month, Lutz ranked as the ninth-most expensive city to rent.
The price of one bedroom units fell 2.7 percent to $1,080, while two bedroom units decreased 3.3 percent to $1,170.
East Pasco Networking Group
Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley will be the featured speaker at the Feb. 12 breakfast meeting of the East Pasco Networking Group. The meeting, which starts at 7:30 a.m., will be at IHOP, at 13100 U.S. 301 in Dade City.
North Tampa Bay Chamber economic development
Cheryl Flood, executive director of the Florida State Fair Authority, will be the speaker at the North Tampa Bay Chamber’s economic development briefing on Jan. 24 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Hunter’s Green Country Club, 18101 Longwater Run Drive in Tampa.
The North Tampa Bay Chamber has economic development briefings on the fourth Thursday of each month. The charge is $25 for nonmembers; $20 for members at the door and $15 for members who prepare. For more information, call Grace Martin at (813) 994-8534.
Apartments at Wiregrass Ranch
A pre-application meeting was set between a representative for an applicant named Encore and Pasco County’s planning staff on Jan. 14, regarding a proposal for 300 walk-up apartments with at-grade parking and resident amenities in Wiregrass Ranch.
Saltgrass Steakhouse
Representatives for Saltgrass Steakhouse were scheduled for a pre-application meeting with Pasco County’s planning staff on Jan. 15. The proposal calls for a 8,133-square-foot restaurant on a 1.7-acre parcel at Cypress Creek Town Center, which is at State Road 56 and Interstate 75.
Saltgrass Steakhouse is an American restaurant concept with more 50 locations across the country, according to the company’s website. The company is based in Houston, and is owned by Landy’s Inc.
Central Pasco Chamber
Rena Romano will be the featured speaker at the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce’s general membership meeting on Feb. 12 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Plantation Palms Golf Club, 23253 Plantation Palms Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. Romano will talk about “Accountability and Leadership Skills to Succeed in Business.” The cost for the luncheon meeting is $20 for members who RSVP by the Thursday before the meeting, and $25 for non-members and members at the door. To contact the chamber, call (813) 909-2722.
SBA loans
Learn how to apply for a Small Business Administration loan during this free seminar on Feb. 13 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the Hugh Embry Branch Library, 14215 Fourth St., in Dade City. The seminar, offered by the Pasco-Hernando chapter of SCORE, also will cover various SBA assistance programs that are available.
Applying for a business loan
During this workshop, participants will have a chance to find out how to meet the individual loan requirements for their needs, which can range from business start-ups, to mature businesses, to purchase of existing businesses. Sources for loans ranging from $5,000 to $5 million will be covered, as well as business plans to accompany the applications. The free session, offered through the Pasco-Hernando chapter of SCORE, is set for Feb. 28 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. It will be at the New River Branch Library, at 34042 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel.
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