Carrabba’s Cares event
Carrabba’s Italian Grill, at 25928 Sierra Center Blvd., in Cypress Creek Town Center, will host a Carrabba’s Cares event on Nov. 17 to support Thomas Promise, a nonprofit dedicated to helping provide meals for school children, according to a news release.
At the same time as the event, the restaurant will be showing off a completely original look and feel at its new location in an area commonly known as Wesley Chapel, despite its Lutz postal address.
The special event will run from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., with Carrabba’s donating 100% of the day’s sales, up to $3,000, to Thomas Promise.
The design aims to create a sophisticated but relaxed setting that blends Italian heritage with modern style. It also maximizes efficiency and guest comfort with a reimagined takeout space, the news release says.
Vistra adds new VP of Federal Business Growth
Vistra Communications, based in Lutz, has announced the hiring of Gregory Reyes as its new vice president of business growth.
The appointment demonstrates Vistra’s commitment to enhancing its federal government presence in the national capital region and beyond, according to a Vistra news release.
Vistra provides services to a wide range of federal government agencies.
“Greg Reyes’ addition to our company provides strategic business development leadership in the federal marketplace and emerging markets, allowing us to continue to focus on what we do best in this space,” Vistra CEO and founder Brian Butler, said in the release. “This allows Vistra to better serve our target markets by leveraging a consultative approach and industry best practices to ensure client success.”
Pulte Group wins builders’ awards
The West Florida Division of PulteGroup brought home multiple honors at the 2022 Tampa Bay Builders Association’s Awards of Excellence, according to a news release.
The division earned top awards for its sales, building, and marketing efforts. Several individuals also won awards.
Division President Sean Strickler received the Leadership Appreciation Award for his exemplary leadership of the company over the past year, the release said.
He has guided the construction of an expected 1,500-plus homes this year and expanded the division by 20%.
His leadership also has inspired team members who feel valued, included, empowered, and respected, the release added.
Other awards went to:
- Kelli Bailey: Sales director/vice president of the year
- Zach Garber, Andrew Rizzo, and Shane White: Recipients of the Golden Hammer Award
- “Built to Honor”: Recipient of The Best Special Event/Charity/PR Campaign
- Jacque Gendron: Sales Manager/Director of the Year
The 20-plus Million Dollar Circle recognized Michelle Moss, Renee Gatian, Tracey Brown, Jeremy Epperson, Alex Krumbholz, Christopher Harvey, Jessica Quigley, Dustin Conkright, and Neal Wadhwani
- Nick Richardson: Salesperson of the Year, in the $551,000 to $600,000 category
- Jessica Quiqley: Salesperson of the Year, in the $400,000 to $450,000 category
- Trace Williams: Rookie Salesperson of the Year
- Best Billboard: Del Webb community of Bexley
- Best Floorplan: The Roseland model at the Hawks Reserve community in Riverview
JCPenney helps Hurricane Ian victims
JCPenney has donated $2.4 million in goods to the Salvation Army for Hurricane Ian relief efforts in Florida. It donated 130,000 units of new clothing, bedding and homewares to help families affected by Hurricane Ian.
Business celebration
The North Tampa Bay Chamber has announced that Fabulously Made Salon & Hair Loss Solutions, 8909 Regents Park Drive, Suite 415, is holding its ribbon cutting on Nov. 16, from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. RSVP to Johana via text at 813-444-3229.
Florida ranks high on training workers
Florida’s focus on training workers with technical skills and credentials is paying off as the Sunshine State has been named No. 1 in the United States for attracting and developing a skilled workforce, according to an announcement released by the Office of Gov. Ron DeSantis.
The release says Florida’s ranking is part of Lightcast’s 2022 Talent Attraction Scorecard.
“By keeping Florida free and open, we have created a positive economic environment and invested in our state’s workforce and communities,” the governor said, in the release.
“As a result, Florida is leading the nation in net migration and talent attraction,” the governor added.
This is the seventh year Lightcast has prepared the scorecard. The report measures seven growth areas of the most recent five-year period including net migration of counties adding new residents, education attainment, job creation, skilled job creation, competitive effect, and average annual job openings.
One highlight shared in the release noted that Florida led the nation in talent attraction, with 15 of the state’s large counties listed within the top 50. Hillsborough County ranked No. 8 and Pasco County ranked No. 20 on that list, according to the release.
Florida also led all states in net migration, adding more than 388,000 residents between 2016-20, the release says.
Three Florida counties were among the top 10 large counties nationally, in net migration, including Pasco County, according to the release.
BBQ & Blues preparations
Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Festival is set for Jan. 13 and Jan. 14, and preparations have begun. The Kidz Grillin’ contest is back for Jan. 13 and there will be great sounds from local bands. On Jan. 14, there will be more music, as well as food and fun.
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce welcomes volunteers and also businesses which would like to sign up to be part of the expo.
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.
