USPS preps for busy season
TAMPA – The U.S. Postal Service plans to hire 14,000 temporary employees to support the holiday season, complement the full-time workforce and ensure the agency can handle the extra volume across the country.
USPS has opened hundreds of expanded facilities with new sorting machines, bringing the total to 614 package sorting machines across the country, including one in Tampa. These investments have resulted in a daily processing capacity of 88 million packages, up from 60 million last holiday season.
“Thanks to the investments made in Tampa and across the country, and the hard work of the USPS workforce, we are ready to deliver for you this holiday season reliably, quickly and affordably,” said Jacquelyn Villemaire, local postmaster.
USPS said customers can expect their mail and packages to be delivered, on average, in less than three days this holiday season. Customers can expect a two to three-day turnaround within the same regional service areas.
On the web: usps.com or usps.com/holidaynews
AT&T offers tech etiquette tips
TAMPA – AT&T is sharing practical tech etiquette tips to help families put down their phones and focus on what counts this holiday season.
- Send digital invites with a friendly note about keeping dinner time device-free. Use calendar reminders to reinforce your tech etiquette wishes.
- Encourage guests to use “Do Not Disturb” or “Focus” modes during the meal. Schedule them in advance for a distraction-free table.
- Designate a spot for devices away from the dining area. Setting up a charging station makes it easy for guests to unplug from tech while connecting with family and friends at the dinner table.
- Set up a shared photo album for everyone to upload pictures after dinner. Ask guests to check before posting group shots on social media.
- Schedule video calls with remote loved ones before or after the feast, so mealtime stays focused on those at the table.
Pasco EDC registering sponsors
LUTZ – The Pasco Economic Development Council is registering sponsors for the 23rd annual NetFest.
The event will include a sponsor-exclusive Chili Cook-Off and networking. It takes place from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. March 12 at The Concourse Rotary Pavilion, 11919 Alric Pottberg Road, Shady Hills. General admission costs $65.
On the web: https://pascoedc.com/
Intrepid Powerboats expands dealer network
LARGO – Intrepid Powerboats announced the expansion of its dealer network in partnership with MarineMax, adding multiple new locations across Florida and New York.
Intrepid models will now be available at MarineMax locations in Ocean Reef, Naples, Fort Myers, St. Petersburg, Palm Beach, Dania Beach and Huntington, New York.
“These new locations allow us to meet boaters where they are and deliver an even higher level of convenience and support,” said Terry McNew, president of Intrepid Powerboats. “MarineMax shares our vision for exceptional customer experiences, and together we’re making it easier than ever for customers to explore what makes Intrepid truly different.”
On the web: IntrepidPowerboats.com
AAA warns about unsecured trees
TAMPA – AAA urges drivers to take extra care when transporting freshly cut Christmas trees home.
An improperly secured tree is not only a threat to your vehicle but also a hazard to everyone on the road.
“Nothing will ruin your holiday spirit faster than watching your Christmas tree bounce down the highway,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “AAA encourages drivers to treat tree transport as seriously as any other cargo. When you go to the lot, ensure you bring the necessary equipment to secure your tree. A few extra minutes of preparation can ensure your holiday starts safely and your tree arrives intact.”
Road debris causes 200,000 crashes annually, resulting in approximately 39,000 injuries and 500 deaths, according to AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety research.
North Tampa Bay events
LAND O’ LAKES – North Tampa Bay Chamber will host Coffee Social and Lunch N Learn events.
- Members network during Coffee Social from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Dec. 17 at Subaru of Wesley Chapel, 26570 Silver Maple Pkwy., Wesley Chapel.
- Chad Cooper, a financial planner affiliated with Gateway Financial Advisors LLC, talks about “Beyond Investments: What Financial Planners Really Do?” during Lunch N Learn from noon to 1:30 p.m. Dec. 18 at USF Credit Union, 20610 Bruce B Downs Blvd., Tampa. Registration 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 Veterans Roundtable, Land O’ Lakes Business & Brochure Exchange, Monthly Membership Breakfast as well as women’s and young professional’s programming.
- The chamber hosts its monthly Veterans Roundtable from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Dec. 10 at 4&Co. Coworking Spaces, 16703 Early Riser Ave., Land O’ Lakes. Members get in free. Others pay $10. Register in advance.
- Members celebrate the grand opening of NeuRepair Brain & Spine Wellness Centers with a ribbon cutting from 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 10 at 5083 Little Road, New Port Richey. The ribbon is cut at 5:45 p.m.
- Members trade business materials during the Land O’ Lakes Business & Brochure Exchange from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 11 at SpringHill Suites, 16615 Crosspointe Run, Land O’ Lakes. Members get in free. Others pay $10. Food costs $14. Register in advance.
- Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco speaks during the Monthly Membership Breakfast from 8:45 to 10 a.m. Dec. 12 at SpringHill Suites, 16615 Crosspointe Run, Land O’ Lakes. Members pay $25. Others pay $30. Register in advance.
- Young Professionals Group members hold their holiday party from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 12 at Coastal Bay Tax & Consulting/Coastal Bay Wealth Management Offices, 5709 Tidalwave Drive, New Port Richey. Register in advance.
- Professional Women in Business meet for lunch from 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 17 at HCA Florida Hospital Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, Trinity. Members pay $12. Others pay $15. Register in advance.
- Young Professionals Group members network during Coffee Connections from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Dec. 19 at Starkey Market, 3460 Starkey Blvd., Trinity.
Visit greaterpasco.com for details about the chamber and events.
East Pasco events
DADE CITY – East Pasco Chamber members will host Business Breakfast, Annual Christmas Mixer, Coffee & Networking and a ribbon cutting.
- John Legg, superintendent of Pasco County Schools, speaks during the Business Breakfast at 7 a.m. Dec. 11 at Golden Corral, 6855 Gall Blvd., Zephyrhills. Entry costs $15. Register in advance.
- Members network during the Annual Christmas Mixer from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11 at SouthState Bank, 6930 Gall Blvd., Zephyrhills. Bring an unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots.
- Members meet up for Coffee & Networking from 8 to 9 a.m. Dec. 12 at the chamber’s Zephyrhills location (38550 5th Ave.) and from 8 to 9 a.m. Dec. 16 at the Dade City location (14112 8th St.).
- Members celebrate the grand opening of SR 54 Coffee & Tea Co. with a ribbon cutting from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Dec. 16 at 36950 State Road 54, Zephyrhills.
Visit eastpascochamber.org for details about the chamber and events.
