Maggie’s Snow Shoppe hosts grand opening
Maggie’s Snow Shoppe, a member of the Pasco Economic Development Council Inc.’s SMARTstart program, was set to have its grand opening celebration on Aug. 25 (after The Laker/Lutz News deadline).
Liz Guerra, founder of the flavored shave ice company, was inspired by the treats her grandmother provided when she was a child, according to a Pasco EDC news release.
“To watch her go from idea to a really neat and trendy mobile shave ice camper in such short order is what makes me love the work we do at SMARTstart,” Dan Mitchell, SMARTstart program director, said in the release.
Guerra’s business has evolved from serving shave ice treats from a tent at farmer’s markets to going mobile.
She uses all-natural fruit-based syrups, made in Pasco, the release says. Maggie’s Snow Shoppe sells a variety of shave ice with syrups and fruit toppings and has plans to add specialty sodas.
Her mobile camper will be serving up shave ice throughout the county and can often be found at 7th Street Mini Golf and Game Parlor.
Pasco EDC’s SMARTstart program is an innovative suite of programs that provides the tools new and growing businesses need for long-term success.
To find out more about SMARTstart and other Pasco EDC programs, visit PascoEDC.com.
Women in Business Empowerment Conference
Women in business who are looking for inspiration, who want to learn about practical tools that can be useful for entrepreneurs and who want to meet other like-minded women may want to check out the Women in Business Empowerment Conference. The event has a slate of featured speakers. It is scheduled for Sept. 15 from 8 .m. to 12:30 p.m., at the Residence Inn by Marriott, 2101 Northpointe Parkway, in Lutz. The registration cost is $20; the deadline for registration is Sept. 8. Register via https://rb.gy/iduj0.
Florida ranks No. 1 in jobs gained during July
Florida ranked No. 1 among the nation’s most populous states, in terms of job creation during July, according to a news release from FloridaCommerce.
The state attributes the high job growth to investments in infrastructure development, workforce training, broadband availability and state policies that continue to attract businesses to Florida. More than 2.5 million new businesses have formed and more than 1 million Floridians have joined the workforce during the past four years, which is highest in the nation, according to the state’s news release.
FloridaCommerce combines the state’s economic, workforce and community development efforts.
North Tampa Bay Chamber breakfast
Deagan Watson, president and CEO of North Tampa Behavioral Health, will be the featured speaker at the North Tampa Bay Chamber business breakfast on Sept. 5 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., at Pasco-Hernando State College’s Porter Campus, 2727 Mansfield Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.
Cost is $25 for members and $30 for non-members. Registration must be made in advance. For more information, visit the chamber’s website at NorthTampaBayChamber.com.
New specialty shop opens in Lutz
Pickled Makers Local Shop and Studio opened in May, at 2020 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Suite 8, in Lutz. Each item in the store is locally made or curated, according to a news release from the business. The shop aims to be a one-stop shop for locally made products and gifts. To find out more, visit the shop’s website at PickledMakers.com.
J.Joseph Salon opens new location
J.Joseph Salon Wesley Chapel, at 1738 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in Wesley Chapel, hosted a grand opening on Aug. 19.
East Pasco Networking Group
The East Pasco Networking Group (EPNG) meets on the second Tuesday of the month (except for December), at 7:30 a.m., at IHOP, at 13100 U.S. 301, in Dade City. The group’s meetings feature speakers from a wide array of backgrounds. Here is its upcoming slate of speakers:
- Sept. 12: Todd Vande Berg, director of planning, City of Zephyrhills
- Oct. 10: Nikki Alvarez-Sowles, Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller
- Nov. 14: Madonna Wise, author, local historian and retired educator
For more information about EPNG, contact Nils R. Lenz at 813-782-9491 or
NTBC seeking nominations for awards
The North Tampa Bay Chamber is seeking nominations for its 2023 Celebrating Excellence in Business Awards, which will be presented on Nov. 16.
Award categories are: Excellence in Innovation; Excellence in Collaboration; Excellence in Integrity; Excellence in Inclusivity; and Community Hero.
The chamber invites nominations for businesses that have demonstrated excellence in areas such as innovation, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity, and community involvement, according to a chamber news release. Self-nominations are encouraged.
Applications are due by Oct. 6. They will be judged by a five-member independent panel between Oct. 9 and Oct. 13. The finalists will be announced on Oct. 27 and the awards will be presented at an event on Nov. 16.
For details, visit the chamber’s website at NorthTampaBayChamber.com.
SCORE mentors
Businesses needing help can get it from a SCORE mentor, and people with knowledge to share can volunteer to mentor others. SCORE welcomes those needing assistance, as well as those who are able to provide it. Find out more by visiting SCORE.org/pascohernando.
