Duke Energy shares ways to save money
- PETERSBURG – Duke Energy offers these tips to save money during the coldest weather:
- Set your thermostat to the lowest comfortable setting. Every degree lower means more money in your pocket, without sacrificing comfort.
- Seal leaks and insulate. Prevent cold drafts and keep warmth inside – saving energy and reducing heating bills.
- Have your heating system checked by a professional. Routine maintenance helps your system operate efficiently, prevents unexpected breakdowns and can extend its lifespan.
- Change air filters regularly. Clean filters improve airflow and system performance, reducing energy consumption and keeping your home comfortable.
- Let the sun help heat your home. Open blinds and curtains on sunny days to naturally warm your space, and then close them at night to keep the heat in.
- Operate ceiling fans clockwise in winter. Push warm air down for greater comfort.
Duke Energy offers customers personalized usage alerts and dashboards to track energy use.
On the web: duke-energy.com/SeasonalSavings.
Target lowers prices for holidays
MINNEAPOLIS – Target Corp. is helping families stretch their budgets this holiday season with price reductions on 3,000 essential items, including food, drink and household goods.
The retailer is also bringing back its Thanksgiving meal for under $5 per person.
In addition, Target announced a $500,000 donation to Feeding America.
“It’s important work that will make a difference for families managing tight household budgets during the holidays,” said Lisa Roath, chief merchandising officer. “And it’s work that builds on Target’s legacy of strengthening communities through the way we run our business.”
On the web: Target.com
Companies partner on Dinner and Diamonds
LARGO – Arnold Jewelers and E&E Stakeout Grill are partnering for a special “Black Friday Dinner and Diamonds” promotion.
Customers who spend $500 or more on jewelry from Nov. 21 to 29 at Arnold Jewelers will receive a gift card to E&E Stakeout Grill in Belleair Bluffs.
“This collaboration is a celebration of two long-standing local businesses coming together to share what we love most – exceptional experiences that make life sparkle,” said Chef Erwin Scheuringer of E&E Stakeout Grill, a seafood-oriented steakhouse.
On the web: arnoldjewelers.com or stakeoutgrill.com
Florida among world’s 15th largest economy
ORLANDO – The Florida Chamber Foundation announced that if Florida were a nation, it would now rank as the 15th largest economy in the world, surpassing Spain with a GDP exceeding $1.7 trillion and just $25.5 billion behind Australia.
“Florida’s rise from 18th to 15th is the result of years of principled leadership, free enterprise, and smart policy,” said Mark Wilson, president and CEO.
The milestone was unveiled at the Future of Florida Forum alongside the forthcoming Florida 2030 Blueprint Halftime Report, showing gains in job creation, workforce growth and poverty reduction.
On the web: flchamber.com
AgTech designated as target industry
BALM – FloridaCommerce designated agricultural technology as one of Florida’s target industries during the Nov. 10 groundbreaking of the UF/IFAS Center for Applied Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture.
“By investing in these emerging technologies and supporting institutions like the UF/IFAS Center for Applied Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture, Florida is ensuring we remain at the forefront of innovation that protects and powers our nation,” said J. Alex Kelly, secretary of commerce.
The announcement coincides with FloridaCommerce’s Rural Business Resource Tour, a statewide initiative supporting rural entrepreneurs and industry-specific growth.
On the web: floridasbdc.org/ruraltour.
Karens catch a break
- PETE BEACH – Boulevard Burgers & Tap House is giving back to the Karens of the world who aren’t going viral.
From Nov. 15 to 30, Karens can score a free Boulevard burger with a valid ID. All spellings are accepted and the offer is dine-in only.
Boulevard Burgers & Tap House features an all-day happy hour every day with more than 10 local crafts on draft, free meals for kids on Wednesdays and live music on the weekends. Boulevard Burgers is pet-friendly, offering a Yappy Hour every Saturday afternoon. Private dining is also available in the nautically-acquainted dining room.
On the web: BLVDBurgers.com
North Tampa Bay events
LAND O’ LAKES – North Tampa Bay Chamber will hold a coffee social and luncheon.
- Members network during the Coffee Social from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Nov. 19 at Keystone Title, 4865 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Wesley Chapel.
- Steve Attard, CEO of ApertureAI, discusses “Unlocking Business Growth with Practical AI” during a Lunch N Learn from noon to 1:30 p.m. Nov. 20 at USF Credit Union New Tampa, 20610 Bruce B Downs Blvd., Tampa. The workshop costs $15. Register in advance.
Visit northtampabaychamber.com for details about the chamber and events.
Greater Pasco events
NEW PORT RICHEY – Greater Pasco Chamber members will host a grand opening, brochure exchange and programming for women and young professionals.
- The Professional Women in Business group holds its networking lunch from 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 19 at HCA Florida Hospital Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, Trinity. Members pay $12. Others pay $15. Register in advance.
- Members celebrate the grand opening of Nova Dental Trinity from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 20 at 8925 Mitchell Blvd., New Port Richey. The ribbon cutting starts at noon. Register in advance.
- Members trade company literature during the Trinity Brochure Exchange from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 20 at Seven Springs Golf and Country Club, 3535 Trophy Blvd., Trinity. Members get in free. Others pay $10. Food costs $13. Register in advance.
- Michael Bertha talks about servant leadership at the next Young Professionals Group Coffee Connection from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Nov. 21 at Starkey Market, 3460 Starkey Blvd., Trinity. Register in advance.
Visit greaterpasco.com for details about the chamber and events.
East Pasco events
DADE CITY – East Pasco Chamber members will host networking opportunities and a grand opening.
- New and prospective members learn about the perks of chamber membership during Core Connections from 8 to 9 a.m. Nov. 20 at East Pasco Chamber of Commerce’s Dade City Office, 14112 8th St., Dade City. Register in advance.
- Members meet up for Coffee & Networking from 8 to 9 a.m. Nov. 21 at the chamber’s Zephyrhills office (38550 5th Ave.) and 8 to 9 a.m. Nov. 25 at the chamber’s Dade City location (14112 8th St.). Register in advance.
- Members celebrate the grand opening of The Presidential Barbershop from 10 a.m. to noon Nov. 21 at The Presidential Barbershop & Salon, 7335 Gall Blvd., Zephyrhills. The ribbon cutting starts at 11 a.m.
Visit eastpascochamber.org for details about the chamber and events.
