Honoring small businesses
The Pasco Commission recently approved a resolution to recognize May 4 through May 8 as Small Business Week.
Commissioners also recognized the Pasco Economic Development Council, the SMARTstart Business incubators and the chambers of commerce throughout the county.
Small business makes up 99 percent of all employers in Pasco and 80 percent of the county’s private work force. More than 8,700 small businesses in the county produce more than $2.7 billion in payroll and have helped lower the county’s unemployment rate to 6.2 percent, about half the unemployment rate of five years ago, according to data provided by John Moors, executive director of the Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce.
Commissioners also approved a resolution recognizing May as Pasco County World Trade Month. Pasco has about 80 companies whose exports contribute $53 million to Pasco’s economy.
Tourism grows
The “VisitPasco” Tourism Office is headed toward a record year in tourism as Pasco County and the state of Florida enjoy increased travel to the Sunshine State. Tourism provides about 12,000 full-time jobs in Pasco, according to Tourism Manager Ed Caum. About 500,000 visitors have come to Pasco with travel spending topping $465 million annually.
The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce is making its contribution through events such as the Kumquat Festival and other events. The annual kumquat celebration generated 400 to 500 “room nights” this year, according to John Moors, the chamber’s executive director.
“These results are indicative of the hard work and community spirit it takes to make a successful tourism destination,” Moors wrote in an email. “Congratulations to all, and a special thanks to our community.”
Dual mixer
Enjoy a dual mixer with the Pasco-Hernando Hispanic and the Central Pasco chambers of commerce on May 13 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at Pilot Bank, 17635 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in Tampa.
For information, call (813) 435-1499 or (813) 909-2722.
Business seminar
The Pasco-Hernando State College will host BizGROW2.0 on May 14 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the college’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch. The half-day conference is for entrepreneurs, start-up business owners and established business owners, and will include panel discussions, advice and inspiration on growing your business and lots of networking.
The cost is $35 per person. Registration is required.
For information, visit PascoEdc.com/events.
Free seminars
Pasco-Hernando SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) hosts free weekly business seminars. Upcoming events include “Using the Internet in Your Business” on May 14 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at Regency Park Branch Library, 9701 Little Road, New Port Richey. We will demystify much of the gobbledygook and walk you through an eight-step process of key activities needed to allow you to quickly leverage this technology in almost any business.
On May 21 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., SCORE will host “How to Really Start Your Own Business” at New River Branch Library, 34043 State Road 54 in Zephyrhills. You will learn how to structure your business, develop a business plan and understand how to manage cash flow.
For information, contact SCORE at (727) 842-4638, or email .
Ribbon cutting
Wee Care Clinic will host a ribbon cutting on May 15 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., and a grand opening on May 16 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 38184 Medical Center Ave., in Zephyrhills. The facility is a pediatric urgent care clinic.
Luncheon
The Pasco-Hernando Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will host a luncheon on May 19 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 20735 Leonard Road in Lutz.
The cost is $20 for members, $25 for non-members.
For information, call the chamber at (813) 435-1499.
