Good Government award
Clara Reynolds, the CEO of Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, has been named the recipient of the 2023 Ellsworth G. Simmons Good Government Award.
The annual honor is bestowed by Hillsborough County to an individual or individuals who play a significant role in improving government through their leadership and vision.
Reynolds has worked alongside government officials at both a local and state level to ensure that positive change was being made to help community members, according to a news release.
She has overseen expanded partnerships with the tax collector’s office, public schools and the airport; collaborations with fire and law enforcement agencies; the addition of a human trafficking care coordinator ahead of Tampa hosting the Super Bowl; and most recently, the addition of a second dedicated Sexual Assault Services location in south Hillsborough County, the release says.
Coffee & Commerce
Join members of the North Tampa Bay Chamber for casual networking and coffee on the fourth Tuesday of each month, from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., at Raining Berries, 25595 Sierra Center Boulevard, in Lutz. This month the gathering is on April 25. Bring some business cards and mingle.
Greater Pasco Chamber luncheon
John J. Allgeier, the senior director of real estate development for Moffitt Cancer Center’s Pasco County campus, will be the featured speaker at the Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce’s general membership luncheon from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., on April 25.
He will provide updates on what’s happening at the new campus, which is expected to attract researchers from around the world in the quest to cure cancer, and to create thousands of jobs in the area.
The luncheon will be at New Beginnings, 18935 Michigan Lane, in Land O’ Lakes.
The cost is $30 for chamber members and $35 for non-members. Those registering by 5 p.m. on April 24 will receive a $5 early registration discount.
To register or for more information, call 727-842-7651 or email
United Kingdom company to open
Fusion5, a technology brand originally from the United Kingdom, is setting up an assembly line in Pasco County, according to an announcement by the Pasco Economic Development Council, Inc. (Pasco EDC).
Fusion5 is leasing a 5,000-square-foot building in the West Pasco Industrial Park, where it will invest more than $250,000 in lease-hold improvements and equipment, and plans to hire 30 employees.
“Fusion5 is no stranger to expanding globally, and we are thrilled they see the additional value and resources Pasco County can continue to provide them with as they grow,” Bill Cronin, president/CEO, Pasco EDC, said in a news release. “As they continue to look for new markets to export to, we can help through our international program and partnerships, and the company already plans to utilize our local Foreign Trade Zone 193.”
The assembly line will prioritize the production of high-quality and affordable Microsoft Windows Operating System devices made in the United States, which will allow the company to compete with some of the biggest names in the technology industry, the release says.
The laptops and tablet computers produced at the assembly line will be designed to meet the diverse needs of customers in the United States, Mexico and Canada. Fusion5 currently works with retailers like Amazon, Walmart, among others.
Fusion5 also maintains a production facility in Frisco, Texas.
“We strongly believe that technology plays a vital role in people’s lives. That’s why we are passionately committed to providing high-quality products at affordable prices, so that everyone can have access to the latest technology and improve their quality of life,” Gandhi Perla, founder & CEO, Fusion5, said in the release.
“When I was looking for a new location for our assembly line, I saw the number of technical schools and training programs Pasco County had to offer, as well as the area’s potential for future expansion. I knew right away that this was the right choice for our business,” Perla added.
New Brightway Insurance office
Jessica Spivey, who lives in Lutz, has opened a new Brightway Insurance office in Wesley Chapel. Brightway, The Spivey Agency offers customized home, flood, auto, boat, condo, renters, personal articles, RV, motorcycle, umbrella and life insurance policies from numerous companies. Visit online at BrightwaySpivey.com, or call 813-513-0808.
