Lazar included in Young Guns & Legends List
DADE CITY – Pro Builder has named Crystal Lazar, president and CEO of Habitat for Humanity of East and Central Pasco County, to its Young Guns & Legends list.
The annual recognition highlights leaders who are shaping the future of the housing industry and driving meaningful change in communities across the country.
Lazar has dedicated her career to advancing affordable housing in one of Florida’s fastest-growing and housing-challenged regions. She has led policy conversations, built partnerships with municipalities and championed equitable housing solutions that expand access to safe, stable and affordable homeownership.
Her work continues to strengthen the region’s housing landscape and create pathways to homeownership in partnership with families and individuals.
“I’ve seen firsthand how affordable homeownership transforms lives, not just for individuals, but for entire communities,” Lazar said. “This recognition reflects the work of our team and our partners who are committed to making homeownership possible alongside families who are often left out of the conversation.”
The feature is available at probuilder.com/young-guns-legends/article/55327520/found-young-guns-legends.
Bill puts more emphasis on tourism
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Reps. Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) and Vern Buchanan (FL-16) celebrated their introduction of the USMCA Travel and Tourism Resiliency Act.
The legislation aims to strengthen the travel and tourism sector during the upcoming joint review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement and position the United States to maximize global travel opportunities ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary.
The legislation ensures the travel and tourism industry has a formal voice in North American trade discussions. The bill directs the U.S. Trade Representative to advocate for the establishment of a Travel and Tourism Trade Working Group as part of the USMCA Joint Review.
“Travel and tourism are major drivers of the U.S. economy, supporting millions of jobs, generating significant export revenue and strengthening communities across the country,” said Bilirakis, co-chair of the Congressional Travel and Tourism Caucus. “As we prepare to welcome the world for America’s 250th anniversary, establishing a dedicated Travel and Tourism Trade Working Group will provide a focused forum to address trade barriers, expand market access and enhance cooperation, ensuring this critical sector continues to contribute to economic growth, competitiveness, and resilience.”
Florida SBDC at USF opens registration for awards
TAMPA – Florida SBDC at USF will celebrate achievements in the small business community within the 10-county Tampa Bay region during the fourth annual Business Awards Luncheon.
The awards take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. May 13 at USF Marshall Center, 4103 USF Cedar Circle, Tampa. Register in advance at https://bit.ly/2026SBDC_BizAwards.
The event offers lunch, networking, exhibitor booths and a keynote address by Haddy CEO Jay Rogers.
Suncoast Credit Union will serve as the presenting sponsor. Other sponsorship opportunities are available.
North Tampa Bay events
LAND O’ LAKES – The North Tampa Bay Chamber will host a Coffee Social, Lunch N’ Learn, New Member Orientation and a grand opening.
- Members network during Coffee Social from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Feb. 18 at Amberlin Wiregrass Ranch, 28355 Sparrows Edge Circle, Wesley Chapel.
- Monica Haberlin Wahl, senior partner of Campbell & Company, talks about how to prepare for taxes, cash flow and retirement during Lunch N’ Learn from noon to 1:30 p.m. Feb. 19 at the chamber office, 28329 Paseo Drive, Suite 195, Wesley Chapel. Registration costs $15. Register in advance.
- Members celebrate the grand opening of Woodies Wash Shack from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 20 at 5618 Oakley Blvd., Wesley Chapel.
- Hope Kennedy, president and CEO, leads a New Member Orientation from 9 to 10 a.m. Feb. 25 at the chamber office, 28329 Paseo Drive, Suite 195, Wesley Chapel.
Visit northtampabaychamber.com for details about the chamber and events.
Greater Pasco events
NEW PORT RICHEY – The Greater Pasco Chamber will host the Greater Pasco Nonprofit Network,Trinity Business Exchange and programming for women.
- The Professional Women in Business meet for a networking lunch from 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 18 at HCA Florida Hospital Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, Trinity. Members pay $12. Others pay $15. Register in advance.
- Members trade company literature during the Trinity Business Exchange from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 19 at Seven Springs Golf and Country Club, 3535 Trophy Blvd., Trinity. Members get in free. Others pay $10. Food costs $13. Register in advance.
- The chamber hosts its Greater Pasco Nonprofit Network from 9 to 10 a.m. Feb. 24 at 4 & Co. Coworking Spaces, 16703 Early Riser Ave., Land O’ Lakes. Register in advance.
Visit greaterpasco.com for details about the chamber and events.
East Pasco events
DADE CITY – The East Pasco Chamber will host Coffee & Networking and Core Connections.
- New and prospective members learn about chamber membership during Core Connections from 8 to 9 a.m. Feb. 19 at the Zephyrhills office, 38550 5th Ave., Zephyrhills.
- Members network during Coffee & Networking from 8 to 9 a.m. Feb. 20 at the Zephyrhills office (38550 5th Ave.) and 8 to 9 a.m. Feb. 24 at the Dade City office (14112 8th St.).
Visit eastpascochamber.org for details about the chamber and events.