Special to The Laker/Lutz News

By Suzanne Schmidt

Staff Writer

In the first year of operation it is reported that half of all small businesses fail. The Small Business Development Center offers counseling, seminars and workshops in order to help prevent that failure.

Jerry Karp, certified business analyst for the Small Business Development Center, offers his expertise to help small business start-ups and existing businesses with marketing and sales.

“I have 40 years of experience in sales and marketing,” Karp said. “I was the CEO of two different companies and I had my own business for 15 years. I can help with determining what the target market is and helping the business to focus on marketing to them.”

One of the best ways to prevent failure in the first year is to have a well-written and thought out business plan.

“We have research that states writing a business plan can cut the failure rate by 60 percent,” Karp said. “A lot of entrepreneurs take the leap, but don’t plan. When somebody comes in to get help with a business plan, we write out the idea and do a feasibility study. It gives them a good plan to follow.”

The center helps small businesses with less than 500 employees; most have fewer than 50 employees.

“Our counselors will be able to help with a wide variety of business solutions,” Karp said. “Small business owners looking for help get one-on-one counseling where they can talk about their challenges. They can sit with the counselor with the appropriate experience to find out what they need to get them on the right track. We have 16 counselors with different areas of expertise. Most of the business counselors have small business experience because they have run their own business.”

The counselors areas of expertise include marketing, marketing research, advertising, financial analysis, business planning, family businesses, business valuation and franchises.

The one-on-one business counseling the center offers is free.

“We can do business health checks or help with expansion,” Karp said. “Through the counseling business owners can come in for counseling as many times as they want for as long as they want.”

Helping small businesses succeed is important for the economy of the whole country.

“Many people think the economic engine in the U.S. is driven by big business, but really it is driven by small businesses,” Karp said. “With the economy the way it is, lots of people are looking to start their own business. We are here to help make sure the business is profitable and not making a detrimental mistake.”

David West, executive director of the Wesley Chapel Chamber, said he decided to invite Karp to speak at the chamber’s monthly breakfast earlier this month because he thinks small businesses should know about the center.

“The Wesley Chapel Chamber’s purpose is to help its members find the counsel and services they need to bring their businesses to the next level,” West said. “The small business development council is one of the local organizations that most people are not aware of.”

Karp said he would advise small business owners to contact the center because even if they do not think they need help, there is something the center can do for them. Everything the counselor and business owner talk about is confidential.

“Many small business entrepreneurs want to do everything themselves,” Karp said. “That is where they run into trouble sometimes because they don’t think to reach out for help or they think it is too costly.”

Low cost workshop topics include business taxes, women and minority certification, Small Business Association loans, steps to starting a small business and disaster preparedness. Seminar topics include building the ultimate business plan, bookkeeping, Quickbooks, business taxes, Internet strategies, financing your business and understanding stimulus loans.

One seminar focuses on how to build the ultimate business plan. The cost for the seminar is $90, which is well worth it according to Karp because business owners will leave with a copy of the ultimate business plan software, which costs hundreds of dollars.

Karp said the computer is one of the best resources at the main office, 1101 Channelside Drive, Suite 210 in Tampa.

“We have two computers that are connected to USF’s servers,” Karp said. “With these computers, you get access to sites you wouldn’t have access to unless you paid thousands of dollars each year for the membership.”

Even though currently the seminars are provided at the Channelside office, Karp said he is hoping to start offering seminars in Pasco.

The center is funded through a partnership between the Small Business Association and the University of South Florida. In addition to having an office in Channelside, they have recently opened an office in Lutz at 16506 Pointe Village, Suite 101.

For more information, visit sbdc.usf.edu.

By Suzanne Schmidt

Staff Writer

The need in Haiti is still great even two months after the earthquake, especially for the Maranatha Orphanage.

A Wesley Chapel family is doing what they can to help the orphanage where they just adopted two children, Gino, 3, and Samuel, 3 by having a F-U-N-draiser from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. March 12 at BounceU, 5419 Village Market in Wesley Chapel. Jen and Tim Pearson and their daughter’s Zoe, 7, and Addie, 4, are all working together to raise money for Heartline Ministries, a nonprofit organization in Haiti that runs the orphanage.

“It will be an open bounce where parents can drop off kids and come back in two hours or they can stay and watch,” Pearson said. “The event is open to kids of all ages. We are hoping for a great big turnout.”

Pearson and her daughter Zoe along with her friends Judah Otero, 7, and Hannah Concepcion, 8, could not wait to do everything they could to help the children in Haiti. They already had a bake sale that raised about $1,000.

“The kids really wanted to do this,” Pearson said. “They are special kids. They have already given every dime they had in their piggy banks. It is almost like they can’t do enough. They already had the bake sale, but the kids wanted to have a fun fundraiser for the kids.”

Debbie Kopycienski, owner of BounceU, said she is happy to help.

“I was taught to always give back,” Kopycienski said. “This is my way to help and be a part of the community.”

Pearson and her husband were two years into the process of adopting two children from Haiti when the earthquake hit. The week of the earthquake, Tim went to Haiti to pick up kids from the orphanage.

“The earthquake expedited everything because we were so close to finishing the process,” Pearson said. “My husband spent a week there. He helped bring 17 kids to the states to be adopted.”

Pearson said her sons are still adjusting to their new environment.

“I can’t imagine life without them,” Pearson said. “It is like they have always been here. We are so glad they are home.”

Now instead of just taking care of kids, the orphanage has been turned into a hospital.

“They have four children remaining there and they have turned it into a hospital until things can be back to normal,” Pearson said. “They are now taking care of tons of people young and old.”

Even before the earthquake, Pearson and her family have been working to help people in Haiti. She and her husband and a few other families in Wesley Chapel have a nonprofit organization called Praxis Haiti. The organization was recently incorporated.

“We have gone to Haiti as a family,” Pearson said. “I love the children of Haiti. We have been trying to help for a couple years. There is so much that needs to be done. So many people in Haiti need help.”

This fundraiser is for Heartline Ministries because they are already an established nonprofit there in Haiti, but Pearson said she is looking forward to future fundraisers because they will be raising money for Praxis Haiti. She said she hopes it will become an international organization one day.

“We are trying to help with long-term sustainability,” Pearson said. “We want to help them to have things that can be reproduced even if we are not there. Also they need schools, running water and other health-related facilities. This is just the first of many fundraisers we hope to have. We are looking for sponsors and partners for not just this event but also in the long term.”

For more information, visit PraxisHaiti.org.

If you go:

• What: open bounce
• When: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. March 12
• Where: BounceU, 5419 Village Market in Wesley Chapel
• Admission: $8
• For information or to help visit PraxisHaiti.org

By Sarah Whitman

Senior Staff Writer

Is it time to ‘fireproof’ your marriage?

It’s a question many couples ask after seeing the movie “Fireproof,” the highest grossing Christian film of all time. To help couples answer that question, Idlewild Baptist Church in Lutz is hosting a conference inspired by the movie March 26 and 27.

“Fireproof” is about a husband and wife who have stopped communicating,” said Mike Kahn, minister to adults at Idlewild. “Our church has been very receptive to the movie. We hope people who liked the movie will come to the conference.”

The conference will feature a variety of speakers including “Fireproof” writers and producers Michael Catt, and Stephen and Alex Kendrick. Psychologist Charles Lowery will provide marriage counseling and gospel artist Alicia Williams Garcia will perform.

The two-day event includes lectures on a wide of range of topics. Sessions include “Speaking the Language of Love” and “Crossing the Finish Line.”

“The speakers will talk about how important it is for a husband and wife to meet one another’s needs,” Kahn said.

Kahn said the success of “Fireproof” is great because the movie helps married couples tackle tough issues. The film’s main character Caleb Holt, played by Kirk Cameron of “Growing Pains” sitcom fame, deals with issues like anger and resentment.

“It gets couples talking,” Kahn said. “It is important for couples to talk, not just about practical things but about their feelings.”

The “Fireproof” phenomenon began at Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia, the home of Sherwood Pictures. The church began making films in 2003 with the release of the family film “Fly Wheel.” Senior pastor Michael Catt acted as executive producer. The Kendricks were writers and co-producers.

“Fireproof,” was Sherwood’s third film and went to theaters in fall 2008. It grossed more than $33 million in theaters and has went on to gross almost $70 million through books and bible studies written by the Kendricks, including the book “The Love Dare,” which challenges couples with 41 daily devotions. Attendees of the Idlewild conference will receive the book as part of the $40 conference fee.

“’The Love Dare’ is a book that was birthed around the same time as “Fireproof,” Stephen Kendrick said. “They work together. ‘The Love Dare’ gives readers a daily challenge to lead them back to falling in love with their spouse.”

Conference attendees will have heard Kendrick’s philosophies on love and marriage.

“When a man or woman comes to me and says I have fallen out of love with my spouse, what I hear is I don’t really understand what that love is about,” Kendrick said.

The conclusion of “Fireproof” isn’t the typical end to a romantic film. It represents a beginning. Through the healing powers of Christ, the main characters discover the meaning of unconditional love and start a renewed life together.

Kahn hopes couples will leave Idlewild’s conference feeling renewed as well.

If You Go

• What:  Fireproof Your Marriage Conference
• When: 7 – 9:30 p.m. March 26 and 8:30 a.m. – noon March 27
• Where: Idlewild Baptist Church
• How much: $40 per person, $80 per couple
• Register at www.idlewild.org or www.lifeway.com

Growing up as the son of a pastor in the 1970s, Tim Mitchell didn’t plan to follow in his father’s footsteps but he said God had a plan all His own.

Today, Mitchell is the senior pastor at the 120-member Chancey Road Christian Church, 34921 Chancey Road, in Zephyrhills. He is also active in the Zephyrhills community, serving on the board of directors for East Pasco Meals on Wheels, Pregnancy Care Center of Zephyrhills, Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce and Samaritan Project of Zephyrhills.

Q: What lead you to become a pastor?

A: I grew up in church my whole life. I have great parents who raised my two brothers, one sister and myself in a Christian home. I felt called into the ministry at about 16 years old but did not want anything to do with being a preacher.

By age 33, I was a successful businessman, happily married with a beautiful 5-year-old daughter and a son on the way. Life seemed really good but something was missing. There was still this call to be in ministry. God was simply waiting for me to come on His terms not mine.

Q: What brought you to Chancey Road?

A: My wife and I began attending Chancey Road Christian Church in 2001. Then we began working with the youth. In 2003, the senior minister at Chancey Road retired and in January 2004, I began as the interim Preaching Minister at the church. I was ordained into the preaching ministry in October of 2004 and have been here at the church ever since.

Q: What are your goals for the church?

A: I don’t know that my goals really matter but fulfilling God’s plans and purposes does. The church should be a place where people like myself can come and feel loved, accepted, involved, completed, forgiven, and cared for.

Q: Why is faith important to you?

A: I guess for me the simplest answer is the best answer. The book of Hebrews chapter 11, verse 6 says, “No one can please God without faith. Whoever goes to God must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” As one who seeks God with his whole heart I want God to be pleased with me.

Q: Describe your pastoral style?

A: My pastoral style is servant based. Jesus came and humbled Himself and served the needs of others. Whether it was healing the sick and the lame, sharing compassion with the broken, or dying on a cross in my place for my sin, Jesus was serving the needs of those whom He loved most, us. I strive, as we all should, to follow the example of Jesus.

Q: Why do you think community involvement is important?

A:  In Matthew 5: 13-16 Jesus says, “You are salt for the earth. But if salt loses its taste, how will it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled on by people. You are light for the world. A city cannot be hidden when it is located on a hill. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket. Instead, everyone who lights a lamp puts it on a lamp stand. Then its light shines on everyone in the house. In the same way let your light shine in front of people. Then they will see the good that you do and praise your Father in heaven.”

In order for salt to be of any use you have to let it out of the shaker every once in a while. I see Chancey Road as that kind of church, we are out of our shaker for Jesus on a regular basis around here. I kinda like the sound of that.

Q: How are you involved in the community?

A: I believe in leading by example, so I am involved in many community and faith based organizations.  I am a member of the Zephyrhills/Wesley Chapel Ministerial Association, the Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce, the Salvation Army Advisory counsel of Dade City and the Conservative Club of East Pasco. I also serve as a volunteer Chaplain for the East Pasco YMCA in Zephyrhills. I believe in being an active participant in each of the organizations that I mentioned. It’s not about building a resume as some critics will claim.

Q: What do you do when you aren’t working?

A: When not working or serving I spend time with the love of my life and wife of 18 years, Missy and our three children Hannah (13), Jacob (8), and Ben (22 mo.) We like to fish, ride bikes, go on picnics, bowl, camp and go to movies. Missy and I enjoy playing on the church softball team every week.

Yard work is my retreat away from the rat race. I do a lot of talking to God or better yet listening to God while working in the yard. Other than that a good book or an old western or sci-fi movie usually fills just about any spare time I have left.

Q: As a Christian, what are your greatest challenges and blessings?

A: As a Christian my greatest challenge is living every day as I have described, as Jesus would. I struggle everyday with wanting to do it my way or under my own strength and that never works. I think the apostle Paul had the best response and that was to die daily to self in order to live for Christ.

My greatest blessing as a Christian is to see others come to know the love of Jesus Christ in such a way that it transforms their life. To see others serve Him with passion. To see others experience the great joy of living life God’s way. To know that you have made a difference not just in the world but in a life, even just one.

For information on Chancey Road Christian Church, call (813) 788-4881.

By Suzanne Schmidt

Staff Writer

LAND O’ LAKES — Some of Rose Seltzer’s second-graders thought they were in trouble when Gary Raulerson walked into the room.

Raulerson, a deputy from the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, was actually at Lake Myrtle Elementary School to read to the students and answer some questions through the Books and Badges program. He also had the added bonus of getting to read to his nephew’s class.

“Reading is an important life skill they will use until college and into their adult lives,” Raulerson said. “I enjoy having the opportunity to interact with children in a positive fashion. It is important because with the technology available today, children can get lost in it. It is good to get in some basic reading so they can use their imagination instead of relying on a game to do it for them.”

Toni Roach, another deputy, put together the event last year when she was the school’s resource officer.

“Last year this was a really great program,” Roach said. “The children loved it. It is a great opportunity to let the kids know how important reading is. Anytime we can have positive relations between law enforcement and the community, it is a good thing.”

Raulerson and the other five volunteer deputies picked their own books.

“They wanted to pick out books that the children would enjoy and that the deputies would like reading to them,” Roach said.

Rose Seltzer, second grade teacher, said she appreciates it any time an adult will come to read to the students.

“Anytime the kids see an adult other than their teacher reading, it helps them to see the value of reading,” Seltzer said. “I think this is very appropriate because it lets the children see the police in a different light. They are not just out catching bad guys, it helps them to see there is a real human being.”

Alana Blackstock, 8, said she loved having the deputy in her classroom.

“I liked the book he read,” Blackstock said. “He showed us his gear and gave us a sticker. I like it when adults come to read because it makes me want to read more books.”

Wade Raulerson, 7, only found out that his uncle would be reading to his class at the moment he saw him in the front office. He said he learned to stay away from guns and had a lot of fun.

“I was really surprised and excited to see him,” Wade said. “I liked the book he read because it was pretty funny.”

Dawn Raulerson, Wade’s mother, volunteers at the school three days a week. She said the students in the class were better behaved than normal.

“They were so quiet when he was reading,” Dawn Raulerson said. “I think they respect the law.”