Gary Plastic is now hiring
Gary Plastic Packaging Corp. (Garyline) has scheduled a hiring event for Jan. 27, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., at its new facility at 14799 Shady Hills Road, in Spring Hill. A similar event held on Jan. 13 by the company drew quite a crowd. The company is hiring 500-plus employees. It was recruited to Pasco County from New York by the Pasco Economic Development Council, a private, nonprofit economic development organization that is supported by Penny for Pasco tax proceeds and corporate investors.
East Pasco Networking Group
The East Pasco Networking Group invites speakers in on a variety of topics and gives people a chance to do some networking of their own. The group’s meeting begins at 7:30 a.m., at the IHOP in Dade City, 13100 U.S. 301, in Dade City. Here is its list of upcoming speakers:
Feb. 14: Bob Hatfield from the office of U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis; David Wallis, chairman of the Republican Liberty Caucus of Pasco County and candidate for Pasco County Republican Executive Committee
March 12: Melonie Monson, past executive director/CEO of the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce and mayor of Zephyrhills; Randy Stover, provost dean emeritus of Pasco-Hernando State College; Kathryn Starkey, Pasco County Commission, District 3
April 9: Dr. John Legg, candidate for Pasco County Schools Superintendent; Christopher and Tammi Dester, director and founder of the Academy of Spectrum Diversity
May 14: Madonna Wise, retired educator and author
June 11: Peter Castellani, founder and director of Oasis Pregnancy Care Centers; Amy Yarborough, director of the Pregnancy Care Center
July 9: Mike Fasano, Pasco County tax collector; Vicki Wiggins, CEO, the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce
Aug. 13: Bill Cronin, president and CEO of Pasco Economic Development Council
Sept. 10: Brian Corley, Pasco County Supervisor of Elections
Oct. 8: Nikki Alvarez-Sowles, Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller
Nov. 12: Todd Vande Berg, planning director of the City of Zephyrhills
Contact Nils R. Lenz, 813-782-9491 or , or any of the board members for suggested topics that you would like to hear about or to suggest specific speakers. If you would like to speak, contact us now to schedule your time during our networking meetings.
North Tampa Bay Chamber is seeking ambassadors
The North Tampa Bay Chamber is seeking 10 business-minded individuals to become ambassadors for the chamber. Ambassadors take on the responsibility of engaging, encouraging, nurturing and expanding relationships within the chamber. Ambassadors also serve as the primary hospitality arm of the chamber, attending most chamber programs and events. The goal of each ambassador is to personally welcome every attendee and create a positive experience for all members.
To find out more, email . Applications are due by Jan. 31.
Pasco County Day at the Capitol
Join the Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce’s public policy committee for its “Pasco County Day” at the Capitol. Those taking the trip will have the opportunity to visit with our local representatives serving in the Florida Legislature, and to provide advocacy for your business and/or industry. The trip is open to all, not just chamber members. The cost is $40 and this is what you can expect:
* Arrival at Center for Innovation where refreshments will be served
* Break
* Legislative speakers
* Complimentary lunch with legislative speakers
* Senate Chamber with more legislative speakers
* Tour of Old Capitol and/or 22nd floor Capitol Observatory Gallery visit
* End the evening with a social at Proof Brewing Company with complimentary heavy hors d’oeuvres and refreshments
* Bus ride back to Pasco
The chartered bus will be departing from Pasco County at 6:15 a.m., on Feb. 13 and will be returning by 11 p.m., the same day. To reserve your seat or for additional information, call 727-842-7651, or visit the chamber’s website at GreaterPasco.com.
International Tourism & Trade Day
Registration is open for Pasco County International Tourism & Trade Day. The event will bring together Pasco County business leaders, international resource partners and exporters. It offers opportunities to learn about resources available to help Pasco businesses expand their business through exporting.
There will be a panel discussion featuring Pasco County businesses who have participated in trade missions and with resource partners who made that possible. There also will be opportunities to meet resource partners to assist with international business development, and information will be shared about an upcoming trade mission to Canada.
The event is set for Feb. 22 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Florida Avenue Brewing Company, 2029 Arrowgrass Drive, in Wesley Chapel. Seating is limited and a complimentary lunch will be provided.
For more information, reach out to .
$8.1 million earmarked in battle against opioids
Pasco County has approved a multi-pronged approach to battle the ills caused by opioid addiction.
The Pasco County Commission has approved nine recommended projects, submitted to the county’s Opioid Task Force, that are aimed at helping people who are struggling with substance use and mental health disorders, according to a county news release.
The money, which comes from a global settlement with opioid manufacturers and distributors, will go for programs which include: Treatment and supportive services; education and caregiver support; system level abatement; prevention and education; mitigation and enforcement.
“The services funded through these projects are vital tools toward integrating preventative measures and necessary resources into our community,” Pasco County Support Services Director Paula Baracaldo said, in the news release.
“It demonstrates Pasco County’s commitment to fighting the horrible effects and consequences of substance-use disorder.”
Funding will provide access to the following services: mental health support, medical supplies, supportive and transitional housing, comprehensive case management and community outreach efforts.
To learn more about the Opioid Task Force, visit MyPas.co/AdvisoryBoardsCommittees.
