Prominent lawyer chairs Tampa Bay EDC
TAMPA – Ronald Christaldi, a partner with Shumaker, has been appointed as the chairman of the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council Board of Directors.
Christaldi has been a key member of the EDC, serving in several leadership roles.
As chairman, he will lead the EDC’s efforts to strengthen the Tampa Bay area as a premier location for business expansion, talent recruitment and economic investment.
“With Tampa Bay ranked 35th on the U.S. News & World Report’s ‘Best Places’ list and eighth among metros for economic growth, it’s clear that our community is thriving and on the rise,” he said. “I look forward to working with our partners to continue building on this momentum, fostering growth, and making Tampa Bay an even better place to live, work, and invest.”
Cronin joins governor in Italy
TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis led an international trade and business development mission to Italy from Nov. 11 to 15.
The delegation consisted of 85 representatives from various Florida industries, including higher education, transportation and logistics, aerospace and aviation, military and defense, hospitals, life sciences, and manufacturing. Among them was Bill Cronin, president and CEO of Pasco Economic Development Council.
The trade mission aimed to create numerous economic growth opportunities for the state, as Italy is among Florida’s top 20 trade partners internationally, accounting for $4.4 billion in annual bilateral trade. The delegation scheduled visits to Rome, Viareggio, Florence, Turin and Milan.
“Italy and Florida share a special relationship as peninsular entities with many shared industries, and I was grateful that Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni invited our Florida delegation to visit,” DeSantis said. “This mission will strengthen ties between our state and their nation and bring new and increased opportunities and investments to Florida.”
This initiative is coordinated by SelectFlorida in collaboration with FloridaCommerce.
Greater Pasco Chamber happenings
NEW PORT RICHEY – The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce will hold a pair of networking events in the next week.
They are as follows:
- The Professional Women in Business group celebrates Friendsgiving during its monthly networking event from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 20 at HCA Florida Hospital Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, Tampa. Registration costs $12 for members and $15 for others.
- Business professionals network during Trinity Brochure Exchange from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 21 at Seven Springs Golf & Country Club, 3535 Trophy Blvd., Trinity. Registration for lunch costs $13. The program is free for members and costs $10 for others.
Visit greaterpasco.com for details about the chamber and events.
North Tampa Bay Chamber happenings
LAND O’ LAKES – The North Tampa Bay Chamber will host a coffee social to end the month.
The event takes place from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Nov. 20 at Bella Brava Bexley, 16722 Focus Loop.
Visit northtampabaychamber.com for details about the chamber and events.
Companies support advocacy center
NEW PORT RICHEY – Pasco First Children’s Advocacy Center held its third annual Paint the Night Blue event Nov. 8 at St. George’s Greek Orthodox Church.
The black-tie event served as a fundraiser for the center, which provides child abuse prevention, intervention and treatment services.
Several area companies sponsored the event including The Lyons Law Group, On the Move Wedding & Event Rentals, BayCare | Morton Plant North Bay Hospital, Elle Rudisill Law Firm, Shady Hills Power Company, Sunshine Signing, Go Sass and Advent Health.
Quick Hits
- Ergle Christmas Tree Farm opened its 38th season of providing the community with fresh trees on Nov. 16. The farm operates daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 3331 Treiman Blvd., Dade City
- Vintage Chix in Zephyrhills got into the Christmas spirit by adding lace to its window shelves. The gift shop, located at 38501 5th Ave., specializes in home decor.
- Prelude Academy of the Arts celebrated its third anniversary this week. The company provides music lessons at 14249 7th St., Dade City.
- The Groves Golf and Country Club has launched a Ladies Day promotion Thursdays through May 1, 2025. The course is located at 7924 Melogold Circle, Land O’ Lakes.
