Florida on upswing
Twelve of Florida’s metropolitan areas grew at a faster rate than the rest of the nation in 2014 in terms of gross domestic product, according to a news release from Gov. Rick Scott’s office.
Based on growth in domestic product, the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater area, which includes Pasco County, grew by 2.7 percent, compared to the previous year.
The fastest-growing area in the state was the Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island metropolitan area, which had a 5.6 percent increase.
Jacksonville had a 2.9 percent increase.
Florida had the largest real GDP in the nation in 2014 at nearly $770 billion, up 2.7 percent, the release said.
Business workshops
Copperstone Executive Suites is collaborating with Lane Business Consulting to offer a yearlong intensive program called “The Business Mastery Academy.” Each month, the program includes two on-site workshops, one telephone conference call, and a one-on-one coaching session for each participant. Two business consultants and 10 to 15 business owners will offer their expertise.
Copperstone Executive Suites is offering 10 to 15 grants of $600 each to business owners who complete an online application and are accepted into the program. The remaining monthly cost for the business owner is $47 per month.
For more information, and to apply for a grant, visit Copperstone.info, or call Copperstone Executive Suites at (813) 298-7363, or Lane Business Consulting at (813) 486-2837.
Contest giveaway
CenterState Bank is sponsoring the “Community Act of Kindness Contest” through Oct. 30. One winner will be chosen at random to receive a $5,000 Publix gift card. CenterState Bank also will donate $5,000 in cash or a Publix gift card to a nonprofit food bank or charity for use in the county where the individual winner lives. Participating branches also will collect food for their local food banks.
Contest entries can be made in person at any CenterState Bank branch or wherever contest forms are available. A valid Florida identification and contact information are required for registration.
Complete contest rules are available at CenterStateBank.com.
Wednesday Morning networking
The Wednesday Morning Networking group will meet Oct. 7 at 7:30 a.m., at The Lake House at Hungry Harry’s Family Bar-B-Que, at 3116 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. Each attendee will be able to present a 30-second commercial. The $7 cost includes breakfast.
For information, contact the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce at (813) 909-2722, or email .
Chamber luncheon
The North Tampa Chamber of Commerce will host a luncheon on Oct. 8, with check-in at 11a.m., at Brunchies Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch and Catering at 14366 N. Dale Mabry Highway in Tampa. Networking is until 11:30 a.m., when lunch will be served from a select menu.
The guest speaker will be Dexter Lewis, director of partnerships with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay.
For information, call the chamber at (813) 961-2420, or email .
Annual breakfast
Opening Doors Worldwide will host its annual “Businessman/Businesswoman’s Breakfast” on Oct. 14 from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., at the Alice Hall Community Center, at 38116 Fifth Ave., in Zephyrhills. The buffet will include many homemade items such as quiche, banana muffins, home fries, grits, biscuits and gravy, and more. The cost is $10 per person. A reserved “table sponsor” with your company’s name is $100. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Event sponsors are CenterState Bank and Pasco Cardiology Associates.
For information, contact , or call toll free (844) 676-3667.
Business Link breakfast
Business Link will have its monthly networking breakfast on Oct. 14 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., at Saint Leo University, 33701 State Road 52 in St. Leo.
Come for tips and networking to strengthen your business. This monthly gathering, held at various locations, provides networking and an information-sharing platform for our small business community. A complimentary breakfast will be provided.
Please RSVP to Rebecca Gaddis at (352) 588-2732, ext. 1237, or email .
Franchise seminar
Pasco-Hernando Chapter of Score will have a free workshop on “Understanding a Franchise Business” on Oct. 14 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at Hugh Embry Branch Library, 14215 Fourth St., in Dade City.
If you are starting a franchise business, thinking about changing your business or curious about how copyright and patent law may affect your business, this meeting will offer relevant information. Register and check latest information on the website at PascoHernando.score.org.
