Construction jobs increasing
The construction industry is facing a work force shortage with 86 percent of companies reporting difficulties in filling hourly and salaried positions, according to an October survey released by The Associated General Contractors of America.
But Doreen DiPolito, owner and president of D-Mar General Contracting and Development, sees that as an opportunity, especially for skilled workers.
“Today’s market conditions give skilled laborers the upper hand, allowing them to command better pay and perks,” DiPolito says in a Nov. 4 news release.
The Clearwater-based company currently is expanding its projects. Among its past projects was the LSG Sky Chefs kitchen at Tampa International Airport. D-Mar also has completed projects for Hess, Dunkin’ Brands, Burger King and Circle K.
The survey’s findings reveal that carpenters are in greatest demand with 73 percent of companies overall reporting a need to fill those positions.
Wages also are increasing for skilled workers, the survey says.
Fifty-six percent of companies are increasing base pay rates, 16 percent are paying more overtime, and 23 percent are providing bonuses, according to the survey.
Contractors are eager to hire new employees, which will lead to quicker build times, DiPolito says, in the release.
For more information, visit D-mar.com.
Sweets for the sweet
Delectable Delights is now open at 16541 Pointe Village Drive, Suite 110, in Lutz. The shop dishes up ice cream from Working Cow, and also offers cakes and pies, gourmet cookies, cake pops, candies and toys. The sweets selection is available at Northpointe Village Shopping Center, at the southwest corner of State Road 54 and Suncoast Parkway.
For information, call (813) 920-4200.
Terra Bella model home
Hovnanian Homes and the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will have a ribbon cutting at the Terra Bella community for its “Messina” model home on Nov. 12 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The model home is at 2300 Via Bella Blvd., off State Road 54 in Land O’ Lakes. Refreshments will be served. Terra Bella is a master planned community, off State Road 54, near Livingston Road. The development is about 2 miles west of Interstate 75, conveniently located near major highways, dining, and shopping.
Business Link breakfast
Business Link will have its monthly networking breakfast on Nov. 12 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., at Quality Inn & Suites, 6815 Gall Blvd., Zephyrhills.
Come for tips and networking to strengthen your business. This monthly gathering, held at various locations, provides networking and an information-sharing platform for small businesses. A complimentary breakfast will be provided.
Please RSVP to Rebecca Gaddis at (352) 588-1356, or email .
Hispanic business luncheon
The Hispanic Business Leaders Luncheon will be on Nov. 17 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Land O’ Lakes Community Center, at 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. Sponsors are the Pasco Hernando Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce.
Guest speakers will be representatives of Sunrise of Pasco County, Farm Worker Self Help, Oasis Pregnancy Care Centers and AmericanNow.
The cost is $20 for members, and $25 for non-members, but only $18 if prepaid. For information contact John Jay Anglada, at Finest DeeJays, at (813) 298-3232.
Uphill celebrates a year
UpHill Marketing Group will host a ribbon cutting and one-year anniversary on Nov. 17 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at Delectable Delights, at 16541 Pointe Village Drive, Suite 110, in Lutz. Join owner Gayle Hill, who is celebrating one year in business and her new membership with Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce.
RSVP at UphillMarketingGroup.com, or call Gayle Hill at (813) 892-2545.
Ribbon cutting
Appliance World, a new member of the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce, will have a ribbon cutting on Nov. 19 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at 47643 State Road 54 in Zephyrhills. The business sells reconditioned appliances including refrigerators, stoves, washers, dryers and dishwashers.
For information, call (813) 312-3885.
Network luncheon
Lunch ‘N Learn with the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce on Nov. 19 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the chamber boardroom, at 6013 Wesley Grove Blvd., Suite 105. The guest speaker will be Thomas Giella, owner of Gear Spinners. He will offer tips on how to make your website and social media deliver a return on your investment.
The cost is $15, with lunch included. Register early, as seating is limited.
For information, call the chamber at (813) 994-8534, visit WesleyChapelChamber.com, or email .
International award
The Pasco Economic Development Council received a Bronze Excellence in Economic Development Award for Business Retention & Expansion-Single Event at this year’s International Economic Development Council Annual Conference.
The award honors the combined efforts of Pasco EDC with community partners, including Pasco County, New Port Richey, and Duke Energy, to keep Applicant Insight in New Port Richey. The company is the city’s largest employer.
“This award serves as a salute to pacesetting organizations like the Pasco Economic Development Council for leading the charge,” said JoAnn Carary, in a press release from Pasco EDC. Carary is chairwoman of International Economic Development Council (IEDC) and president of Saginaw Future Inc.
The IEDC is a nonprofit membership organization serving economic developers.
Representatives of Applicant Insight had begun to search new sites for relocation. But, Pasco EDC representatives met with company officials to discuss issues of concern, including the need for a larger facility, as well as crime and safety.
Instead of relocating, the company signed a lease on a new location in New Port Richey, which keeps 100 high-paying jobs in the area. Applicant Insight has increased jobs by nearly 30 percent with plans to expand in the future.
Job training
CareerSource Pasco Hernando received an $80,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, according to a news release from CareerSource. The funds are from a statewide Sector Partnership National Emergency Grant of nearly $7 million that is targeted at long-term unemployed individuals in health care and manufacturing. The funds will help transition 25 individuals who have been unemployed for longer than 20 weeks. Classroom instruction in manufacturing skills will be offered that will lead to an industry certification. Participants will then be eligible for short-term on-the-job training with a local manufacturer. First enrollments will be in February/March 2016.
For information, visit CareerSourcePascoHernando.com.
SBA award nominations open
The U.S. Small Business Administration is accepting nominations for its 2016 awards competition.
The SBA honors successes of small businesses and small business owners during “National Small Business Week.”
All nominations must be submitted no later than 3 p.m., Jan. 11, 2016.
For information about the awards, please visit SBA.gov/districtoffices.
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 between 10 and 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.
