Pasco commissioners congratulate North Tampa Bay Chamber
The Pasco County Commission adopted a resolution congratulating the North Tampa Bay Chamber for being named 2019 Chamber of the Year for the state of Florida by the Florida Association of Chamber Professionals. The chamber, originally named the Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce, is celebrating its 20th year, this year. It began with 65 members and, as of last week, had 730 members.
Pasco County Commission Mike Moore, who sponsored the resolution, told chamber representatives: “What an honor. What an honor for you, but also what an honor for Pasco county, and the citizens of Pasco County and the business owners of Pasco County. We’re thrilled for you.
“It feels like we do a ribbon cutting almost every other day.
“You continue to be a voice for business owners, large and small alike,” Moore said.
Local bakery one of the top
The Cake Girl, located in Carrollwood, recently announced that it has been named the Sweetest Cake/Cupcake Bakery in Florida by Dawn Foods, in its annual Sweetest Bakery in America contest.
The bakery, owned by Kristina and Kirby Lavallee, competed against more than 1,000 other bakeries in the United States.
“We are so honored to be named the Sweetest Bakery in Florida,” Kristina Lavallee said, in a news release. “We couldn’t have done it without our amazing fans who have supported us along the way.”
Dawn Foods, based in Jackson, Michigan, is a global manufacturer and ingredients supplier.
Jingle & Mingle Mixer
The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce will have its Jingle & Mingle Holiday Mixer on Dec. 18 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Springhill Suites Land O’ Lakes, 16615 Crosspointe Run in Land O’ Lakes. The gathering will feature heavy hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar and games. The party is free for those who RSVP by Dec. 16. To RSVP, email , or call (727) 842-7651 or (813) 909-2722.
Business celebrations
- The Hilton Garden Inn, at 26640 Silver Maple Parkway in Wesley Chapel, recently celebrated its one-year anniversary with an evening of food and fun.
- Atria Lutz Life Guidance Memory Community, at 414 E. Chapman Road in Lutz, recently held its grand opening and ribbon cutting.
- Midgard Self Storage, 23830 State Road 54 in Lutz, planned its ribbon cutting for Nov. 20, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
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RESTORE committee appointee
The Pasco County Commission has appointed Lauren Miceli to fill the workforce development/job creation industry member vacancy on the RESTORE Act Advisory Committee.
The advisory committee solicits project applications, reviews applications, evaluates projects, ranks projects and presents the ranked list to the Pasco County Commission.
AFA Protective Systems relocates
AFA Protective Systems Inc., has relocated to a 5,800-square-foot facility in the West Pasco Industrial Park in Odessa, according a news release from the Pasco Economic Development Council, Inc.
The security technology company is bringing 27 new high-wage jobs to the county, through the relocation of its business.
“AFA Protective Systems is a pioneer in their industry, and we are proud that they now call Pasco County ‘home’,” Bill Cronin, Pasco EDC president and CEO, said in a release. “Pasco’s live, work and play communities are attracting a diverse skilled workforce that puts Pasco in a very competitive position to win future projects.”
The security company, founded in 1873, is the oldest central station alarm company operating in the United States. It designs, installs and monitors fire, safety and security systems.
“Most of our employees live in Pasco County and increasing their quality of life by reducing their commute times really was a major factor in our decision to move to Pasco,” said Jim Johnson, regional manager, AFA Protective Systems Inc., in the release. “Our business is growing in the Tampa Bay region and we like Pasco’s proximity to our customers.”
New director of community engagement
CARES, which stands for Community Aging and Retirement Services Inc., has appointed Melissa Kehler as its new director of community engagement, according to a news release. In announcing the appointment, Jemith Rosa, president and CEO said: “We are so excited to have Melissa join our team. She has an impressive background working with nonprofit organizations and brings a genuine passion for community outreach to CARES.”
Kehler has more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit leadership roles, and most recently served as executive director of Chinsegut Hill Retreat and Museum in Hernando County. Before that, Kehler served as chief operating office for Feed Our Vets, where she focused on fundraising, community partnerships and strategic planning.
