Homebuilder hires leader
TAMPA – Metro Development Group has hired Jim Bavouset as its new president.
Bavouset has more than 20 years of experience in the homebuilding and land development industry. He most recently served as executive vice president of national land operations at Lennar.
“He’s got the know-how and the successful track record to be the perfect fit to lead Metro into its next phase of growth and innovation,” said John Ryan, Metro’s CEO.
Bavouset said Metro Development Group has established itself as a leader in community development in Florida and he looks forward to working with the company to drive new opportunities here and beyond.
On the web: metrodevelopmentgroup.com
EDC accepting nominations
PASCO COUNTY – Pasco EDC is accepting nominations for its 2025 Pasco Economic Development Council Annual Awards through April 30.
Nominate business for honors like the Pasco Establishment Award, Economic Excellence Award, International Achievement Award and Innovation in Workforce Development Award.
Nominees will be evaluated based on work from January 2024 to March 2025.
Winners will be announced at Pasco EDC’s 37th Annual Awards on Sept. 4 at Saddlebrook Resort.
AAA offers travel tips
TAMPA – AAA – The Auto Club Group teamed up with the Sister Accord Foundation to offer Safety in Sisterhood, a resource for women and solo travelers who travel locally or abroad.
The resource offers tips and strategies to help women and solo travelers be prepared and protected.
“Traveling alone as a woman can be empowering and exciting, yet there is a certain level of risk that comes with traveling alone,” said Debbie Haas, vice president of travel for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “We want to equip travelers with resources, such as guided vacations, and advice so they can safely and confidently travel and explore new destinations and experiences.”
These resources and more can all be accessed at: AAA.com/TheSisterAccord
Firms help family move in
TAMPA – The Corporation to Develop Communities of Tampa celebrated a home blessing April 10 at the 8000 block of North Edison Avenue.
CDC of Tampa collaborated with Suncoast Credit Union, Valley Bank and Raymond James Bank on helping the family achieve homeownership.
The Nehemiah Fund by CDC of Tampa contributed $394,000 toward construction. JC Newman Cigar Company chipped in $10,000 to cover pre-development expenses, including architecture, land acquisition, rezoning, permits, title search, surveys and environmental assessments.
Hogan beer sponsors racing
TAMPA – Real American Beer has united with the World of Outlaws Late Model Series and World Racing Group in a multi-year deal that will showcase the brand to race fans across the country.
Co-founded by WWE legend Hulk Hogan, Real American Beer will serve as the title sponsor of World of Outlaws Late Models. Select tracks across the country will carry the beer.
The company will also serve as the Official Beer of the World of Outlaws Late Model Series, World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series, Super DIRTcar Series, American Sprint Car Series and Xtreme Outlaw Midget Series presented by Toyota.
Real American Beer is also an official partner of WWE and Arena Football One.
North Tampa Bay events
LAND O’ LAKES – North Tampa Bay Chamber will host a Final Friday networking event.
- Members enjoy live music, food and drinks during Final Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. April 25 at The Shops at Wiregrass & Pinchers, 28330 Paseo Drive, Suite 185, Wesley Chapel.
Visit northtampabaychamber.com for details about the chamber and events.
Greater Pasco events
NEW PORT RICHEY – Greater Pasco Chamber members will host several networking events including its annual On Cloud Wine social.
- Members share materials during the New Port Richey Brochure Exchange from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. April 24 at Vesh, 5811 Richey Drive, Port Richey. Register in advance. Members get in free. Others pay $10. Lunch costs $15.
- The Young PRofessionals Group meets for coffee from 10 to 11:30 a.m. April 25 at RE/MAX Champions, 11541 Trinity Blvd., Trinity. Register in advance.
- Members celebrate the grand opening of Finehirsh Realty’s new office from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 25 at 5235 State Road 54, New Port Richey. The ribbon cutting starts at noon. Register in advance.
- Chamber ambassadors host the fourth annual On Cloud Wine social event from 4 to 6 p.m. April 26 at Strong Tower Vineyard, 17810 Forge Drive, Spring Hill. Register in advance. Chamber members pay $40. Others pay $45.
Visit greaterpasco.com for details about the chamber and events.
East Pasco events
DADE CITY – East Pasco Chamber members will the Joe Kiefer Golf Tournament, Coffee & Networking and a ribbon cutting.
- Members celebrate the grand opening of Giella Insurance Agency from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 24 at 37837 Meridian Ave., Suite 102, Dade City. The ribbon cutting starts at noon.
- The chamber hosts its 40th annual Joe Kiefer Golf Tournament at 9 a.m. April 25 at Lake Jovita Golf and Country Club, 2900 Lake Jovita Blvd., Dade City. Register in advance.
- Members meet for Coffee & Networking from 8 to 9 a.m. April 25 at the Zephyrhills Office (38550 5th Ave.) and 8 to 9 a.m. April 29 at the Dade City Office (14112 8th St.).
Visit eastpascochamber.org for details about the chamber and events.
