Center Ice names new CEO
AdventHealth Center Ice, the largest ice sports complex in the Southeast, has announced that James Mitchell is being elevated to the role of CEO (chief executive officer).
A veteran of the business since before its opening in January 2017, Mitchell has filled various roles over his six-year tenure, including marketing director and chief operating officer, according to a news release.
He will assume the role held by Gordie Zimmermann, the managing partner, who will maintain his ownership position, but will devote his time to construction projects and other business pursuits.
Mitchell was a key player in implementing policies to successfully meet the challenges presented by COVID-19.
Mitchell has had the opportunity to learn from the various leadership styles of previous and current management over the past six years.
“I am grateful and humbled by this opportunity,” Mitchell said in the release.
“I want to provide leadership that allows every member of our team to become the best version of themselves,” he added.
AdventHealth Center Ice is a 150,000-square-foot facility featuring five ice rinks (one Olympic-sized, three NHL format, and one mini-rink), 18 locker rooms, a fitness and sports recovery center, off-ice training area, full restaurant/bar, concession stand, and pro shop.
The enterprise supports the activities of community public skaters, professional figure skaters, and is home of the state’s largest learn-to-skate program, 37 youth rec and travel hockey teams, 94 adult league hockey teams, 12 regional high school hockey teams, two university hockey teams, and the Tampa Bay Juniors — the state’s leading junior hockey teams playing in the USPHL (United States Premier Hockey League).
It also hosts numerous tournaments year-round, bringing tens of thousands of participants and visitors to the area, the release noted.
The facility has played a key role in Pasco County’s tourism effort, attracting major tournaments to the area, which has resulted in overnight stays at area hotels and spending at local restaurants, gas stations and local attractions, according to stories previously published in The Laker/Lutz News.
Asurion Tech Repair & Solutions
Asurion Tech Repair & Solutions has opened in Wesley Chapel, at 6431 E. County Line Road.
The electronics repair shop specializes in the same-day professional fixes of personal electronics like smartphones, tablets and computers. Additionally, the team can provide repairs on anything with a power button — from drones and hoverboards to vintage arcade games and light-up Christmas sweaters, according to a news release.
Many basic repairs can be completed in 45 minutes or less.
The store is owned locally by Anton Hoang, who also owns a shop in Brooksville.
Hotel staff shortages
Nearly all hotels are experiencing staffing shortages, and half report being severely understaffed, according to a new member survey conducted by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA).
Of survey respondents, 97% indicated they are experiencing a staffing shortage, with 49% characterizing the shortage as severe. The most critical staffing need is in housekeeping, with 58% ranking it as their biggest challenge, the survey shows.
To meet the demand, hotels are offering a host of incentives for potential hires: nearly 90% have increased wages, 71% are offering greater flexibility with hours, and 43% have expanded benefits.
The efforts have helped, but shortages remain a significant issue, according to the AHLA’s news release.
Admissions Untangled
Admissions Untangled helps high school seniors determine which colleges or universities are the best fit academically, financially, socially, and for the student’s desired major and career goals. Each student receives individual attention and help to develop a list of reach, target and likely schools, and to work through all aspects of the college admissions process. To find out more, email , or visit https://www.instagram.com/admissionsuntangled/.
PowerGals meeting
PowerGals of Zephyrhills meets on the first Friday of each month, from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., at Shell’s Killer Bakery Inc., 5718 Sixth St., in Zephyrhills. The group’s chapter leader is Rosie Paulsen and its co-leader is Monica Young. This group is about empowering women in business, to help them thrive and to help each other.
SMARTstart programs
SMARTstart is the Pasco Economic Development Council Inc.’s capstone program, aimed at engaging entrepreneurs and creating job opportunities in Pasco County. It has a suite of programs intended to benefit companies of all sizes, from start-up to established businesses. It also has incubator and microloan programs.
To find out more, visit SMARTSTARTPasco.com.
