Pasco EDC award winners
Six businesses and a community leader were recognized during the Pasco Economic Development Council’s 34th annual awards ceremony.
The development council’s event was on Sept. 8, at the Pasco-Hernando State College’s Instructional Performing Arts Center, at 8657 Old Pasco Road, in Wesley Chapel.
This year’s award finalists included companies that exhibited exemplary growth through job creation, capital investment, technology, innovation, and community service, according to a news release from the economic development organization.
Here are the winners from this year’s event:
- Pasco Establishment Award: TouchPoint Medical Inc.
- Innovation in Business Award: Rasmussen University
- International Achievement: Morganna’s Alchemy, LLC
- Economic Excellence Award: Santander Consumer USA
- SMARTstart Entrepreneur of the Year: Life Essentials Refillery
- People’s Choice Award, chosen “by the people” in an online vote: AdventHealth
- Leadership Award: Billy E. Brown, of Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative
Nearly 400 people attended the award program, which was followed by a dessert and networking hour, giving guests a chance to mingle and develop more business connections.
Zephyrhills Chamber breakfast
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce will have its next business breakfast on Oct. 6 at 7 a.m., at the Golden Coral, 6855 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills. Admission is $10 for members and $12 for non-members.
Greater Pasco Chamber bingo
The ambassadors of the Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce will host an Ambassadors Bingo Bash on Sept. 22, at the New Port Richey Elks Lodge, 7201 Congress St. in New Port Richey. Registration is at 5:45 p.m. Games begin at 6:30 p.m.
Contact the chamber for more information, at 727-842-7651 or 813-909-2722.
North Tampa Bay Chamber awards
The North Tampa Bay Chamber is planning its annual Celebrating Excellence Awards for Nov. 10 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar, 6034 Wesley Grove Blvd., Suite 101, in Wesley Chapel.
The awards celebrate businesses in the region, and recognize people and companies that have demonstrated a unique vision, innovation, and best business practices.
The awards are based on the chamber’s four core values.
The awards are broken down by the number of employees — one to 20 and 21-plus — in each of these categories:
- Excellence in Integrity: Honoring an organization that has demonstrated commitment and resilience during the past year that has benefited the community and region
- Excellence in Collaboration: Honoring an organization that has sought to build bridges and partner with individuals and groups that have strengthened the community and region during the past year
- Excellence in Inclusivity: Honoring an organization that has demonstrated, through its organizational culture or in service to the community, leadership in diversity and inclusion practice during the past year
- Excellence in Innovation: Honoring an organization that has demonstrated unique ingenuity during the past year that has benefited the community and region
The ceremony also honors community heroes, who are individuals who have showcased their efforts, concern, and compassionate response to the pandemic.
To nominate an individual or organization for an award, visit NorthTampaBayChamber.com.
New offerings at The Shops at Wiregrass
Two new culinary options have been announced at The Shops at Wiregrass, an open-air shopping center at the intersection of State Road 56 and Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, in Wesley Chapel.
The Living Room Restaurant and Lounge, an eclectic restaurant concept, originally from Dunedin, is now in its soft-opening stage. Its menu is inspired by global cuisine, and its upscale, yet relaxed, dining room invites guests to enjoy an immersive space designed with various curated seating areas for a different dining experience every time. It is now serving a limited menu and has modified hours, but will expand more when it gets closer to its grand opening date.
Another offering, which will open this fall, is Leonidas Belgian Chocolates, a premium chocolate company first introduced to the United States in 1991. The shop is located next to JCPenney and will offer an assortment of fine chocolates.
The Shops at Wiregrass currently has 30 culinary retailers with new additions on the way, such as Crazy Sushi, opening later this year.
To explore The Shops’ dining options, visit TheShopsAtWiregrass.com/directory/#Restaurant.
To learn more about the shopping center, visit TheShopsAtWiregrass.com.
SMARTstart programs
SMARTstart is the Pasco Economic Development Council Inc.’s capstone program, aimed at engaging entrepreneurs and creating job opportunities in Pasco County. It has a suite of programs intended to benefit companies of all sizes, from start-up to established businesses. It also has incubator and microloan programs. To find out more, visit SMARTSTARTPasco.com.
Free business advice
Pasco Hernando SCORE offers free individual, confidential small business mentoring. It also provides a wealth of free, practical help for businesses. To request a mentor or find out more, visit PascoHernando.score.org.
