NTBC Final Friday
The North Tampa Bay Chamber (NTBC) will host Final Friday — a popular networking event for members and other business professionals to meet in a casual business setting — on June 28 at 4 p.m., at Main Event, 2839 Creek Grass Way, Lutz, according to a news release. The event is free to attend and appetizers will be provided. For more information, visit NorthTampaBayChamber.com.
Emergency loan program for flooding
The Florida Department of Commerce has announced the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, activated by Governor DeSantis, according to a news release. This program allocates $3 million to support small businesses in South Florida affected by recent severe flooding. Eligible businesses in Broward, Collier, Lee, Miami-Dade and Sarasota counties, including sole proprietors, can apply for short-term, zero-interest loans to address economic or physical damages, the release says. Applications are open until Aug. 12, or until the funds are depleted. For more information and to apply, visit FloridaJobs.org/EBL.
BBB announces new board chair
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) of West Florida announced Mark Vernick as its new chair on June 18, according to a news release. Vernick, founder and principal of Vernick Financial, has been a board member for 23 years and previously served as chair from 2009 to 2014. He holds a CFP accreditation and an AIF designation. Outgoing chair Steven Klein, vice president at Klein & Heuchan Inc., was recognized for his leadership and will continue to serve on the board, where he has been a member since 2002.
Fertilizer training offered The UF/IFAS Pasco County Cooperative Extension will offer Green Industries Best Management Practices Training for landscaping professionals who apply fertilizers commercially, on July 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the New Port Richey Public Library, 5939 Main St., New Port Richey. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required by July 7. The cost is $30 for green industry professionals and $20 for employees of the Pasco County School Board, Pasco County Government, and City of New Port Richey. For more information and to register, visit mypas.co/JulyGIBMP.
Board of Directors seeking nominations
The Pasco-Hernando Workforce Board is seeking nominations for a vacancy in the Business category on its Board of Directors, according to a news release. The board oversees workforce development in Pasco and Hernando counties by managing state and federal employment and training funds. Nominees should be high-level decision-makers (e.g., owners, CEOs, COOs) within businesses that provide job opportunities in Pasco County, the release says. Directors are volunteers serving terms up to eight years. For nominations or more information, contact Nicole Beverley at or 727-326-1925.
