Melonie Monson honored for chamber work
Board members of the East Pasco Networking Group honored Melonie Monson, who has stepped away from her role as the CEO of the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce. Monson was the helm of the chamber’s staff for seven years and left the chamber to work in her family’s business, Bahr’s A/C. She received the newly instituted EPNG Platinum Award on Sept. 13, for her service to the Zephyrhills business community. Former Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Paula O’ Neil presented the award during the ENPG’s meeting at the Sarah Vande Berg Tennis and Wellness Center. ‘This is my town, and I graduated from Zephyrhills High, so I’m a Bulldog for life. I love this town and will always be a part of it,’ Monson told the group. Vicki Wiggins, is the chamber’s new CEO.This is just one of the showrooms at El Dorado Furniture that recently opened near the Cypress Creek Town Center, on State Road 54. The business ushered in its new location with an invitation-only grand opening, followed by two days of celebrations for the public.
Grand opening celebrations
The North Tampa Bay Chamber has announced these grand openings and ribbon cuttings:
- Align Right Realty Suncoast is scheduled for Oct. 14,from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at 17427 Bridge Hill Court, Suite B, in Tampa. Food and drinks will be served. RSVP to 813-512-2100.
- Radiant Wellness Spa on Oct. 14 from 10 a.m. to noon, at 33905 State Road 54, Suite 101, in Wesley Chapel. The event will include food, drinks and prizes.
- The Living Room at The Shops at Wiregrass, 2001 Piazza Ave. Suite, 100, in Wesley Chapel, on Oct. 12 beginning at 4 p.m. The event will feature a band, a photo booth, food and drink samples. RSVP to booking@tfgventures.
Epic marketing strategies
Learn more about marketing strategies that can benefit your business at this session called “Epic Marketing Strategies” with Regan Weiss. The session is set for Oct. 19 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the Pasco Economic Development Council’s East Pasco Entrepreneur Center, 15029 14th St., in Dade City. The free session is part of Pasco EDC’s Entrepreneur Education Series, which is part of its SMARTstart program.
Furniture store offers myriad options
El Dorado Furniture, one of the largest furniture retailers in Florida, had its grand opening on Sept. 24 and Sept. 25, at its new location, 25171 State Road 54, in Lutz.
The two-story furniture story in the area of Tampa Premium Outlets. The furniture story has been helping families furnish their homes since 1967.
For more information about the company and its offerings, visit ElDoradoFurniture.com.
Business Recovery Center
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has opened a Business Recovery Center (BRC) to provide one-on-one assistance with submitting a disaster loan application for Florida businesses impacted by Hurricane Ian. SBA customer service representatives will be available to answer questions about the disaster loan program and assist business owners in completing their applications.
The Hillsborough County BRC is located at the Chloe Coney Urban Enterprise Center, 1907 E. Hillsborough Ave., in Tampa. The BRC is open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and closed on Sunday.
Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are available to businesses and residents in Florida following the announcement of a Presidential disaster declaration due to Hurricane Ian.
Businesses and private nonprofit organizations (such as charities, churches, private universities, etc.) of any size may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.
For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private nonprofit organizations, the SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any physical property damage.
Disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $40,000 to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed personal property.
New chocolate shop
Leonidas Chocolate Wesley Chapel recently opened at The Shops at Wiregrass, 28163 Paseo Drive, Unit 105. A ribbon-cutting celebration was held on Oct. 6. The Shops at Wiregrass is located at the intersection of Bruce B. Downs Boulevard and State Road 56.
Virtual construction inspections
The City of Tampa now offers virtual inspections for some construction projects.
Instead of scheduling an on-site visit with a city inspector, those inspections can now be done virtually on some projects, according to a city news release.
The Construction Services staffs approximately 30 inspectors who are assigned to specific regions of the city. The team averages approximately 500 inspections a day. While most projects will still require on-site inspections, by beginning to do virtual inspections for simpler projects, such as door and window replacements.
The new approach is expected to save time for both city employees and the people they’re serving, according to the release.
To get more details, go to the city’s website, at Tampa.gov, and click on permits, then click, online permits, payments and inspection.
