Company expansion
TRU Simulation + Training is expanding its operations at its Lutz facility. The expansion includes the addition of 75 employees in training, engineering and production. The Pasco Economic Development Council helped the company acquire permits to retrofit the 60,000-square-foot facility and obtain job creation incentives, as the company prepares to launch a new training program.
Beginning in June, the new FAA certified Part 142 center began offering instructor-led training for pilots of Cessna CJ1/2/3 and Conquest I and II series aircraft. By fall, ProFlight expects to also offer entitlement training for new Beechcraft King Air turboprops outfitted with the Pro Line Fusion avionics system.
For information, visit TRUSimulation.com.
Deadline looming for Hillsborough economic funds
The Economic Development Innovation Initiative is accepting applications until July 10. The initiative is a comprehensive program, which aims to drive the growth of technology, innovation and small businesses. It provides financial, technical and infrastructure support, to support and build entrepreneurship. For more information about the program, visit HillsboroughCounty.org/EDI2.
Breakfast meeting
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce will host its monthly breakfast meeting on July 2 at 7:30 a.m., at Bayfront Health Dade City, 13100 Fort King Road, in Dade City. The meeting will be in Classroom 108 at Medical Plaza 1. The guest speaker will be Shauna McKinnon, the hospital’s chief executive officer.
The cost to chamber members, with breakfast included, is $7. For non-members the cost is $10.
For information, contact the chamber office at (813) 782-1913, or email .
Ribbon cutting
Cameo Salon and Spa will host a grand opening and ribbon cutting on July 2 at 5 p.m., at 1817 Collier Parkway in Lutz. Come and meet salon owner Lori Malm and her team of hair, makeup and massage specialists.
For information, contact the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce at (813) 909-2722, or email .
Networking
Business Link will meet on July 8 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., at the Saint Leo University Student Community Center Boardroom. The event is a networking opportunity with a complimentary continental breakfast, sponsored by the San Antonio Federal Credit Union.
For information, contact Rebecca Gaddis at (352) 5888-2732, Ext. 1237, or email .
Luncheon
The North Tampa Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly general meeting July 9, with check-in at 11:00 a.m., at Brunchies Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch and Catering at 14366 N. Dale Mabry Highway in Tampa. Networking is until 11:30 a.m., when lunch will be served from a select menu.
For information, contact the chamber at (813) 961-2420 or email .
Publix construction
The first Publix in Dade City likely will open its doors by early fall, according to Publix spokesman Brian West. An official announcement will be made about three weeks prior to the opening date. The approximately 45,000-square-foot grocery store will anchor the Shoppes of Dade City, at the corner of U.S. 301 and Clinton Avenue. The nearest Publix currently for Dade City residents is in Zephyrhills.
New incubator
Micro Drone Vision is the newest on-site business to join the SMARTstart Business Incubator in Dade City. The program is operated by the Pasco Economic Development Council to encourage startups and grow new businesses.
Micro Drone provides education, safety training and Federal Aviation Administration certification training for unmanned aerial systems operators. Currently, the company is working with public and private schools to integrate drone flight training with their curriculum through workshops and summer camps.
For more information about Micro Drone, visit www.MicroDroneVision.com.
Business awards
Pasco Economic Development Council will hand out Industry of the Year awards at its 29th annual banquet on Sept. 3 at Saddlebrook Resort in Wesley Chapel. More than 600 business and community leaders in Tampa Bay and Pasco County attend the event each year. There also will be a business trade show.
The awards recognize outstanding companies in the categories of manufacturing service, technology and nonprofits that operate in Pasco County.
The 23 nominees for this year’s awards are: Applicant Insight Inc.; Aviation Instrument Technologies Inc.; Big Storm Brewing Co.; Can Can Concealment LLC; Covanta Pasco; Easy Business Software Inc.; Electro Tape Specialties Inc.; Evolution Trikes; Fifth Third Bank, New Port Richey Branch; Florida Custom Mold Inc.; Florida Hospital Zephyrhills; Freedom Scooter & Supply LLC; Manufacturers Distributor Inc.; Millian-Aire Enterprises Corp.; Morton Plant North Bay Hospital; Oasis Pregnancy Care Centers of Pasco; Polaris Sales Co.; Preferred Materials; Retail Process Engineering LLC; SAHM Co.; The Laker/Lutz News; and Veterans Alternative Therapy.
Wesley Chapel networking group
Networking for Your Success meets every Thursday at 8 a.m., at Lexington Oaks Country Club, 2615 Lexington Oaks Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.
Cost is $5, and annual membership to the group is $79.
Free business guidance
If you’re looking for some help to start a new business or retool an existing one, the expert volunteers with Pasco-Hernando SCORE may be able to help you get on the right track.
Historically known as the Service Corps of Retired Executives, this organization taps into the wealth of knowledge that comes from real-world, relevant experience of its volunteers.
The volunteers can help with a myriad of issues, including the development of business plans to secure financing. The organization offers free weekly seminars at local libraries and also offers online access to many free small business tools.
To find out more, visit PascoHernando.score.org.
Tools to help you succeed
The Pasco Enterprise Network offers a one-stop resource for finding help with your business challenges.
No matter what the issue is, the network can connect small businesses and entrepreneurs with assistance to help them succeed.
Pasco Enterprise Network is a collaborative effort of not-for profit agencies committed to ensuring the success of small businesses in Pasco County, Florida. Our PEN Partners provide consulting, counseling, education and technical assistance in a variety of areas and subjects.
To find out more, visit PascoEnterprise.net.
