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Business Digest

Business Digest 11/08/2023

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(Courtesy of the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay)

Board chair named
The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay announced the nonprofit organization’s Board of Directors has named Mellissa Longo as chair of the board for the 2024 fiscal year. The board also named Tim Traud, of Jabil, as the chair-elect, according to a news release. Other board members are: 

  • Immediate past chair: Roger Boothroyd, Ph.D., professor emeritus at University of South Florida
  • Treasurer: Linda Miller, chief operating officer of Lake Charles Methanol LLC
  • Secretary: Attorney Lisa McGlynn, partner at Fisher & Phillips LLP

Longo has served on the board for nearly five years and has served as board secretary and chair-elect.

She has been practicing law for more than 20 years and currently is an associate general counsel for Pathways, a national behavioral health company.

“It’s a tremendous honor to serve as the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay’s Board Chair. I’m extremely passionate about behavioral health and I’ve seen the amazing impact the organization has had on people who need help. I look forward to working with the rest of the board and the Crisis Center leadership team to ensure that no one in our community has to face crisis alone,” Longo said, in the release.

Excellence in Business Awards
The North Tampa Bay Chamber will hold its 2023 Celebrating Excellence in Business Awards ceremony on Nov. 16 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. It will bestow honors in these categories:

  • Excellence in Innovation
  • Excellence in Collaboration
  • Excellence in Integrity
  • Excellence in Inclusivity
  • Community Hero

Networking begins at 5 p.m., with the awards presentation beginning at 6 p.m. Cost is $45 per person for the event, which features heavy hors d’oeuvres, with a cash bar. Cocktail attire is recommended.

The event will be at Treble Makers, Dueling Piano Bar & Restaurant, 6034 Wesley Grove Blvd., Suite 100, in Wesley Chapel. For more information, visit NorthTampaBayChamber.com.

Financial assistance available
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service has announced federal assistance opportunities for agricultural producers through such programs as the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and the Conservation Stewardship program. Applications must be made by Nov. 17. Contact the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service to find out more.

‘Most entrepreneurial state’
Gov. Ron DeSantis has announced that Florida is the most entrepreneurial state in the nation, according to a study published by researchers at The Digital Project Manager.

Florida has the highest percentage of the population that has started a business with 13,238 small businesses per 100,000 residents, which is 3,000 more small businesses per 100,000 residents than the second place state of Georgia, according to a state news release.

“Florida’s pro-business, freedom-first policies make Florida the best state in the nation to do business,” DeSantis said, in the release. “I appreciate those Floridians who have taken a risk to start their own ventures.”

The study also found that new start-up businesses in Florida also had the highest number of jobs created in the first year with 6.53 new jobs per 1,000 Floridians. Florida also leads the nation in new business formations with more than 2.6 million new businesses formed over the last four years.

Florida’s unemployment rate has remained below the national average for nearly three years and more than one million Floridians have joined the workforce. Florida also has outpaced the national rate for labor force growth and private sector job growth for over two years, the new release says.

East Pasco Networking Group
Marianne Brawer, a business services consultant for Pasco-Hernando Career Source, is the featured speaker at the Nov. 14 breakfast meeting of the East Pasco Networking Group. The group meets at 7:30 a.m., on the second Tuesday of each month, except for December, at IHOP, 13100 U.S. 301 in Dade City. For more information or to suggest speakers, contact Nils R. Lenz at 813-782-9491 or

Community Leadership Award
Clara Reynolds, president and CEO of the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, has received the 2023 Community Leadership Award from Women in Leadership & Philanthropy (WLP) at the University of South Florida (USF), according to a news release.

Reynolds received the honor on Oct. 4, during the 17th Annual WLP Fall Symposium at Tampa Marriott Water Street in downtown Tampa.

The Community Leadership Award honors visionary leaders and philanthropists throughout the community who are doing extraordinary things to make Tampa Bay a better place for women to live and work. With the award, WLP showcases individual excellence in leadership as demonstrated by outstanding initiative, impact of work, and inspiration to others.

“I want to express my deepest appreciation to Women in Leadership & Philanthropy for the tremendous honor of being this year’s Community Leadership Award recipient. I started my career in social services to help people who are going through life’s most challenging circumstances. It was my daily motivation 30 years ago, and it’s still my motivation today. I am thankful and humbled to receive this recognition,” Reynolds said, in the release.

WLP was formed in 2005 with the leadership of USF President Emerita and Professor Judy Genshaft, longtime USF supporter Carol Morsani, and Tampa Bay’s leading philanthropists, business professionals and entrepreneurs to promote the educational and research endeavors of women at USF.

Colleen Chappell, chairman of the board of the ChappellRoberts advertising agency, received the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award at the Oct. 4 event.

Florida ranks No. 3 for internet speed
HighSpeedInternet.com recently released its fourth annual report on The Fastest and Slowest States for Internet Speed, and this year Florida ranked No. 3. The report lists the top five states in this order: Connecticut, New Jersey, Florida, Delaware and New Hampshire, according to a news release. Florida’s internet speed statistics say that it has a median download speed of 115.58 Mbps; it has an average download speed of 185.24 Mbps; its year-over-year change in its median speed is plus-0.29 Mbps and its 2022 rank is No. 7 in the U.S. For more information, visit HighSpeedInternet.com.

Business Digest 10/25/2023

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Veteran Symposium
Pasco-Hernando State College will host a Veteran Symposium and grand opening of the Entrepreneurship Innovation Center (ESHIP) on Oct. 27 from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., at its North Campus, 11415 Ponce de Leon Blvd., in Brooksville.

The ESHIP provides training and development solutions for organizations in Hernando County. As part of the Corporate College, the center will present solutions for the growing industry and high demand business needs in Hernando County.

In honor of National Veteran’s Small Business Week, the event will supply veteran entrepreneurs with the support and resources for opening a business:

  • 4 p.m.: Reception, networking veterans entrepreneur symposium (B104)
  • 4:30 p.m.: Presentations
  • 4:45  p.m. to 6 p.m.: Table discussions, entrepreneur resource event (B104)

In addition, there will be a ribbon-cutting in honor of PHSC’s Makerspace at 3:30 p.m.

For information, contact Aaron Ellerman at 727-816-3259 or .

Pasco EDC hauls in nine awards
The Pasco Economic Development Council (Pasco EDC) garnered nine awards during fiscal year 2023, according to a Pasco EDC news release.

The awards were bestowed to the group from five economic development organizations, for work involving multiple marketing initiatives and strategic partnerships,

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) honored Pasco EDC with four awards in category population over 500,000 at its annual conference in Dallas, Texas, on Sept. 19.

A gold rank, the highest honor, was awarded in the Innovation in Economic Development Week category for the Economic Development Week Social Media Campaign. Pasco EDC created a robust campaign sharing its mission and day-to-day activities during IEDC’s Economic Development Week from May 8 through May 12.

In the five-day period, the campaign generated over 1,600 engagements across Pasco EDC’s social media channels and reached more than 15,000 people.

The organization received a silver award in the Digital Media category for the Workforce Wednesday social media campaign, which was created to promote the workforceCONNECT program. Within a year, from November 2021 to November 2022, the number of engagements increased by 334%.

A silver award also was received in the Multimedia/Video Promotion category for the 10 Years of SMARTstart campaign that promoted the SMARTstart program’s 10-year anniversary supporting local entrepreneurs.

Plus, a bronze rank was awarded in the Magazine & Newsletter category for Pasco EDC’s Program Newsletters, a yearlong email marketing campaign specific to each program with different audiences.

The Florida Economic Development Council (FEDC) also honored Pasco EDC with two awards at its annual conference in Orlando, on May 9.

Turner Arbour, senior economic development manager, received the 2023 Toni Jennings Workforce Development Professional Award. Arbour is the youngest recipient of the award, which has been bestowed to a total of 16 people since 2007.

The Innovative Partnership Award recognized the partnership between SMARTstart and the Santander Consumer USA Foundation (Santander). 

The Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council and the National Association of Counties also honored Pasco EDC with two partnership awards for the East Pasco Incubator Kitchen (EPIK) in collaboration with the Pasco County UF/IFAS Extension and the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners.

150 new jobs coming to Pasco
CAP Realty brokers have sold two Pasco County office properties, and the new owner of one of the buildings expects to bring 150 new jobs to the area, according to a news release.

The former U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office at 9912 Little Road was purchased by 9912 Little Road LLC.

The 45,594-square-foot building, which had been occupied for 20 years as an outpatient clinic,  sold for $4.4 million.

Heidi Tuttle-Beisner, broker-owner at Commercial Asset Partners (CAP) Realty represented the seller, Orion New Port Richey FL LLC, in the transaction. The buyer, an affiliate of BoldAge PACE, will operate a state-authorized Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly center from the space, according to the news release. 

In addition, a 30,731-square-foot office building at 5642-5652 Meadowlane St., in New Port Richey, has sold for $2.75 million. 

Tuttle-Beisner represented the seller, Doyle Farm Family Limited Partnership, in the transaction. Deanna DeCubellis with Paradise West Realty represented the buyer, which is doing business as Bayonet, a plumbing, air conditioning and heating services company that will operate from this location. 

The move includes consolidating four properties Bayonet had previously leased or owned in Hudson, Port Richey and New Port Richey, to this one location on Meadowlane Street. 

Check permits before rebuilding
Those making repairs in the aftermath of Hurricane Idalia are reminded by state and national government officials to be sure to consult with their community’s building or planning department to see if permits are necessary before work can commence, according to a news release.

Officials with the Florida Department of Emergency Management’s office of flood plain management and officials with the Federal Emergency Management Agency urge consumers not to rely solely on the contractor’s opinion as to whether permits are required or not.

The property owner is responsible for ensuring that all necessary permits have been obtained – including, if necessary, complying with any flood plain regulations that apply.

Construction must adhere to the Florida building code and to the local flood plain management ordinance.

To find local building contacts, check with your city or county officials.

Consumers also are advised to hire contractors who are licensed and insured.

Residents can look up contractor license information at MyFloridaLicense.com/wl11.asp.

Ribbon-cutting & relaunch
The North Tampa Bay Chamber announced the recent ribbon-cutting and relaunch party of  Prepense business solutions, which was held on Oct. 19 at SmartStart at the Grove, 6013 Wesley Grove, Building 2, Suite 202, in Wesley Chapel. The company shared its vision. The event also featured refreshments and networking opportunities.

Homes by WestBay’s two new divisions
Tampa Bay’s largest, privately held homebuilder, Homes by WestBay, has introduced two new divisions in support of its continued growth. 

The move will position the homebuilder and its subsidiary, Casa Fresca Homes, for increased market share and expansion throughout Central and Southwest Florida, including sub-markets of Hillsborough and Pasco Counties with expansion to Polk, Hernando, and Marion Counties to the North, and the luxury markets of Manatee and Sarasota to the South with further expansion to Charlotte, and Lee Counties in the next few years, according to a news release.

Business Digest 10/11/2023

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Amanda Buffinton is now managing partner of Shutts & Bowen LLP’s Tampa office. (Courtesy of Shutts & Brown LLP)

Managing partner named
Amanda B. Buffinton has been named managing partner of Shutts & Bowen LLP’s Tampa office.

Shutts & Bowen is a full-service business law firm with approximately 270 lawyers and with eight offices across Florida.

“We are excited to welcome Amanda as Tampa Office Managing Partner,” Firmwide Managing Partner Jack C. McElroy, said in a news release. “Her passion for the firm, combined with her knowledge of the Tampa community, is the ideal combination we look for in a leader. We are certain that under her leadership, the Tampa office will continue to grow and thrive.”

The firm’s Tampa office had previously been led by R. Alan Higbee, who is stepping aside after 17 years in this role in order to devote more time to his leadership position on Shutts & Bowen’s firmwide Executive Committee.

Buffinton, a partner in the Construction Litigation Practice Group, is board certified in Construction Law by The Florida Bar and focuses her practice on the litigation and arbitration of complex construction claims on behalf of owners, contractors and design professionals.

“It is a privilege to step into the Tampa Office Managing Partner role,” Buffinton said, in the news release. “I look forward to continuing Alan’s tremendous work in establishing and expanding the Tampa office for the past 17 years. We have an amazing group of lawyers and staff members and I am excited to be at the helm while we continue to grow into the future.”

Committee members announced
The Pasco Economic Development Council (Pasco EDC) has announced the 2024 executive committee for its board of directors. They are: Michele Hintson, chair, Shumaker, Loop and Kendrick; Staceyann Jibbison, vice chair, Rasmussen University; Paul Manuel, secretary/treasurer, Coastal Design Consultants; and Mike Ross, immediate past chair, Ardurra Group, according to a Pasco EDC news release.

The executive committee meets throughout the year to provide guidance and support to the Pasco EDC, which has the mission of stimulating balanced and diversified business growth.

Pasco EDC has 85 investors and 33 board members. 

East Pasco Networking Group
Madonna Wise will be the featured speaker for the next East Pasco Networking Group (EPNG) meeting on Nov. 14 at 7:30 a.m., at the IHOP, at 13100 U.S. 301 in Dade City. Wise is a local author and retired educator. For information contact Nils Lenz, at  813-782-9491, 813-997-3903 or .

Land O’ Lakes brochure exchange
The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce will have a Land O’ Lakes Brochure Exchange on Oct. 12 from 11:30 to 1 p.m., at New Beginnings, 18935 Michigan Lane. The venue is one-fourth mile north of State Road 52, along U.S. 41.

Admission is free (plus the cost of food) for chamber members and $10 (plus the cost of food) for non-members.

If you are not a member but would like to give the event a try, call the chamber office to arrange a one-time free entry. Call 727-842-7651 or 813-909-2722.

GeoPoint ribbon-cutting
GeoPoint Surveying has set its ribbon-cutting event for Oct. 13 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with the ribbon-cutting scheduled for noon. The event will take place at 6735 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

Professional Women in Business
The October meeting of Professional Women in Business is set for Oct. 18 from 11:30 to 1 p.m., at HCA Florida Trinity Hospital, 9330 State Road 54 in Trinity. The group meets on the third Wednesday of each month.

Trinity Brochure Exchange
The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce will have its Trinity Brochure Exchange on Oct. 19 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Seven Springs Golf & Country Club, 3535 Trophy Blvd., in New Port Richey. The cost is $13 for lunch. Registration is free for Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce members and $10 for non-members. The event happens on the third Thursday of each month.

If you are not a member but would like to give the event a try, call the chamber office to arrange a one-time free entry. Call 727-842-7651 or 813-909-2722.

Emergency bridge loans
The office of Gov. Ron DeSantis has announced that more than $6.4 million in emergency bridge loans have been awarded to small businesses in Florida that were affected by Hurricane Idalia.

The state’s announcement says that 161 businesses were approved to receive the funds to bridge the gap while waiting for other long-term funding such as insurance or FEMA funding.

More applications are being approved every day, the state news release says.

The program, administered by FloridaCommerce, provides short-term, no-interest loans to small businesses that experienced economic injury or physical damage due to Hurricane Idalia. Interested applicants can apply now through Oct. 25, or until all available funds are expended.

Visit FloridaJobs.org/EBL to learn more and to apply for the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program.

Business owners needing more information can call 833-832-4494 Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Business Digest 10/04/2023

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Pasco Disaster Recovery Center opens
The State of Florida and FEMA are operating a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Pasco County to provide one-on-one help to people affected by Hurricane Idalia. The center is at the Fasano Regional Hurricane Shelter, 11611 Denton Ave., in Hudson. The hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., daily.

No appointment is necessary to visit a Disaster Recovery Center. Residents are welcome to visit any open DRC — you don’t have to reside in that county.

Disaster Recovery Centers provide disaster survivors with information from Florida state agencies, FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration. Survivors can get help applying for federal assistance, learn about the types of assistance available, learn about the appeals process and get updates on applications.

In addition to visiting a center, people can apply by going online to DisasterAssistance.gov, using the FEMA mobile app, or calling 800-621-3362, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., ET every day. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. The deadline to apply with FEMA is Oct. 30, 2023.

Disaster Recovery Centers are accessible to people with disabilities. They have assistive technology equipment that allows disaster survivors to interact with staff. Video Remote Interpreting is available and in-person sign language is available by request. The centers also have accessible parking, ramps and restrooms.

FEMA Individual Assistance can help with temporary lodging expenses, basic home repairs and other essential disaster-related needs.

New leader of development services
The Pasco County Commission has confirmed the appointment of Roy Mazur to serve as the county’s assistant county administrator for development services. Mazur previously worked in that department but left the county.

County Administrator Mike Carballa recommended Mazur for the post, saying he has a good mixture of private and government experience, as well as solid technical skills.

Commissioner Ron Oakley raised objections to the selection and furnished the clerk with a copy of Mazur’s previous resignation letter, which he asked Nikki Alvarez-Sowsls, the county’s clerk and comptroller, to read into the record.

Other county board members either offered support for Mazur’s selection, or supported Carballa’s right to choose his own administrative team.

Mazur said he believes he can be a catalyst to help county developments to create collaborative relationships to lead the county to the next level.

Mazur’s start date is Oct. 9 and his annual salary is $189,000.

Warby Parker Shops opens
Warby Parker, a vision care company, opened its 15th location in Florida at The Shops at Wiregrass on Sept. 30. Warby Parker Shops at Wiregrass expands the company’s access for customers with vision care needs. It offers eye exams, eyeglasses and contacts.

It is located at 28249 Paseo Drive, Suite No. 100, at The Shops at Wiregrass, which is at the intersection of Bruce B. Downs Boulevard and State Road 56, in Wesley Chapel.

ISI Elite Training to set up
ISI Elite Training will be opening in downtown Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, according to news announced by Avalon Group/sitEX. The fitness center, expected to open in early 2024, is owned by Mark and Tamara Henderson, their daughters Kyrah and Kaylah and their son-in-law EJ McCallum.

The fitness center is committed to providing personalized training in a group setting, utilizing state-of-the-art equipment like the InBody Scanner to help clients achieve their fitness goals. Nutritional guidance, group/team accountability, and fostering a strong sense of community are integral parts of its offerings.

For more information about ISI Elite Training and its services, visit ISIEliteTraining.com.

For more information on Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, visit AvalonParkWesleyChapel.com.

Business banking
Learn about banking essentials — accounts, financing, risk management — for entrepreneurial success. The free session is on Oct. 11 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the SMARTstart Grove Entrepreneur Center, 6013 Wesley Grove Blvd., Suite 202, in Wesley Chapel. The speaker is Michael Anselmo of 5/3 Bank. To register go to SmartstartPasco.com, and click on the events tab.

Free SCORE webinar
Pasco/Hernando SCORE member Bill Gelbach will share pointers on “How to really start your own business” during a free Oct. 10 webinar, from noon to 1 p.m. The webinar will review the basics of starting a business including such topics as business structure, establishing a business name, cash flow, and financing. Visit SCORE.org to find the Pasco/Hernando chapter to register for the webinar.

Business Digest 09/27/2023

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Pat Duncheon stands near the entrance of the new location for Duncheon Nursery, at 10420 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. The nursery has been operating for 33 years in Land O’ Lakes and recently moved down the road. (Courtesy of Duncheon’s Nursery)

Duncheon’s Nursery relocates
After 33 years of operating in Land O’ Lakes, Duncheon’s Nursery has moved — but just 8 miles down the road from its original location, on the east side of U.S. 41, also known as Land O’ Lakes Boulevard.

The nursery’s new address is 10420 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.

Moving to the new location allows the company to offer more choices to its customers and creates the opportunity for potential classes, according to a news release from Duncheon’s.

The business was started by Patrick and Donna Duncheon in 1990 with just a few plants on the side of Land O’ Lakes Boulevard.

Over the years, it became a bustling garden center with a wide array of plants and garden décor.

For more information, drop by for a visit, check the website at Duncheons.com, or call 813-948-1890.

Commercial permit applications
Pasco County Central Permitting will shift to online applications for commercial permits, effective Oct. 2.

The new process allows permits to be obtained electronically through the county’s PascoGateway portal.

Customers can use the portal to apply for commercial permits, upload digital documents for review, schedule inspections and pay fees online.

Commercial permits include permits for multifamily construction, commercial additions, commercial alterations, commercial plans revisions, commercial phasing and fire.

Applicants must register for an account. For registration instructions, visit our PascoGateway training page. To access PascoGateway, visit MyPas.co/Gateway.

To learn more about Pasco’s Building Construction Services, visit MyPas.co/BuildingConstruction.

Pasco EDC microloan program
The Pasco Economic Development Council (Pasco EDC) has a microloan program that’s intended to help entrepreneurs secure loans for their businesses when they have been unable to secure traditional bank financing. To find out more, visit PascoEDC.com.

Florida’s semiconductor industry
Gov. Ron DeSantis has announced a $50 million workforce development initiative dedicated to supporting Florida’s semiconductor industry. This initiative dedicates funds through FloridaCommerce and the Florida Department of Education to projects and workforce education opportunities that support semiconductor manufacturing, advanced packaging, and research and development within the military, defense, and space industries.

FloridaCommerce will dedicate $25 million of the money to the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund and the Florida Department of Education will dedicate $25 million through the Workforce Development Capitalization Incentive Grant Program.

Job figures remain healthy
FloridaCommerce has announced that Florida’s unemployment rate remained steady in August, at 2.7%, while the national average climbed three-tenths of a percent to 3.8%. The state’s August figure marks the 34th consecutive month that Florida’s unemployment rate was lower than the national rate, according to a state news release. Florida also extended its trend, which has lasted more than two years, for outpacing the national rate for private sector job growth and labor force growth.

NTBC seeking nominations
The North Tampa Bay Chamber is seeking nominations for its 2023 Celebrating Excellence in Business Awards, which will be presented on Nov. 16. Award categories are: Excellence in Innovation; Excellence in Collaboration; Excellence in Integrity; Excellence in Inclusivity; and Community Hero.

The chamber invites nominations for businesses that have demonstrated excellence in areas such as innovation, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity, and community involvement, according to a chamber news release. Self-nominations are encouraged.

Applications are due by Oct. 6. They will be judged by a five-member independent panel between Oct. 9 and Oct. 13. The finalists will be announced on Oct. 27 and the awards will be presented at an event on Nov. 16.

For details, visit the chamber’s website at NorthTampaBayChamber.com.

East Pasco Networking Group
The East Pasco Networking Group has announced speakers for the organization’s upcoming breakfast meetings. The group meets on the second Tuesday of each month, except for December, at 7:30 a.m., at the IHOP at 13100 U.S. 301 in Dade City. Upcoming speakers are:

  • Oct. 10: Nikki Alvarez-Sowles, Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller
  • Nov. 14: Madonna Wise, local author and retired educator

Contact Nils Lenz at 813-782-9491 or , for more information.

Commerce & Coffee
The North Tampa Bay Chamber hosts Commerce & Coffee on the fourth Tuesday of each month, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., at Raining Berries, 25595 Sierra Center Blvd., in Lutz. It’s a chance for chamber members to network, without an agenda, in a relaxed setting.

SCORE mentors
Businesses needing help can get it from a SCORE mentor, and people with knowledge to share can volunteer to mentor others. SCORE welcomes those needing assistance, as well as those who are able to provide it. Find out more by visiting SCORE.org/pascohernando.

Business Celebrations
These business celebrations were recently held or will be held soon, based on news releases sent to The Laker/Lutz News, or postings on various organization websites:

  • Euphoric Ink Studio, 2107 Mariner Blvd., in Spring Hill, will host a grand opening on Sept. 29 at 6 p.m., with food, games, raffles and giveaways, and music by DJ Kue. For more information, visit the tattoo studio on Facebook. 
  • Esthetics813 had its grand opening celebrations on Sept. 15, Sept. 16 and Sept. 17 at its second location, at 5700 Saddlebrook Way in Wesley Chapel.
  • Subaru of Wesley Chapel had its grand opening on Sept. 7, at 26570 Silver Maple Parkway in Wesley Chapel.
  • Disruptive Marketing Headquarters hosted its grand opening on Aug. 24, at 9502 N. Florida Ave., Suite B, in Tampa.
  • Brightway Insurance had a ribbon-cutting on Aug. 21, at 2470 State Road 54 in Lutz.
  • Precious Paws Animal Hospital had a grand opening on Aug. 16, at 326 W. Bearss Ave., in Tampa.

Pasco EDC welcomes Don Anderson
Don Anderson has joined the Pasco Economic Development Council’s SMARTstart team and will manage the new West Pasco Entrepreneur Center in Holiday.

Business Digest 09/20/2023

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A new coffee shop has opened in Lutz, serving up premium coffees with a kick, as well as assorted menu items and branded merchandise. (Courtesy of Jillian Bruckner)

Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii opens in Lutz
Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii has opened a franchise in Lutz, at 25195 State Road 54. The shop offers premium coffees with a kick, branded merchandise, and menu items inspired by the Hawaiian Islands, according to a news release. The Lutz location is owned and operated by local entrepreneurs Chris and Jillian Bruckner.

Local to the Tampa area since 2010, the Bruckners have been a part of Tampa’s booming economic growth, opening four gas stations and three Taco Bus franchises to serve the community, according to the release. The Bruckners signed a development agreement that will bring five locations to the Tampa area. The Lutz opening signifies Bad Ass Coffee’s debut in the Tampa area.

Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii – Lutz is open Monday through Sunday 5 a.m.to 10 p.m. For more information, call 813-949-2428, or visit https://locations.badasscoffee.com/list/fl/lutz/.

Pasco EDC annual award winners
The Pasco Economic Development Council (Pasco EDC) had its 34th Annual Awards celebration at  Pasco-Hernando State College’s Instructional Performing Arts Center (IPAC), at 8657 Old Pasco Road, on the evening of Sept. 8.

Here’s a look at the recipients and a condensed description of their contributions, which were detailed in a news release from the Pasco EDC:

  • Pasco Establishment Award: nfant Labs
    This company expanded its business into Pasco County in 2022, adding a 2,000-square-foot product assembly manufacturing location in Port Richey. The business is a medical device and digital health company that produces a product line that helps neonatal intensive care units determine how premature babies are feeding so they can learn to feed on their own, which enables them to go home sooner.
  • Economic Excellence Award (small category): Florida Avenue Brewing Company
    This company recently invested $900,000 in new equipment and increased its brewing capacity from 40,000 kegs to 70,000 kegs. It added eight jobs in manufacturing and sales, including a full-time lab manager, allowing them to run full testing on all products and to help smaller breweries with troubleshooting issues. The company also has expanded to the Destin area and is seeking to expand its presence overseas.
  • Economic Excellence Award (large category): Global Electronic Testing Services
    This company has experienced rapid growth during the past year and has invested $1.6 million in the purchase of an 8,600-square-foot facility in the West Pasco Industrial Park, as well as more than $3 million on automation equipment. It has hired more than 100 new employees. Since 2022, the company has added more than 209 new customers globally and increased its services by nine, bringing the total to 27. It has increased its aerospace and defense market from 10% to 60%. The company also has developed an AI Counterfeit Vision System (patent pending) to improve its efficiency and serve more customers at a quicker pace.
  • SMARTstart Entrepreneur of the Year: Alexis C. Bell and Paul Dunlop, Fraud Doctor
    This company provides robust anti-fraud solutions, helping to safeguard businesses from fraud threats. Their services play an integral role in creating a transparent and fair business environment. Bell and Dunlop, who are the FinTech’s founders, joined SMARTstart in August of 2021 and are based at the SMARTstart at the Grove Entrepreneur Center in Wesley Chapel. They are active in entrepreneur roundtables as well as classes and workshops. Fraud Doctor launched its new Šóta Signal Analytics product less than two years later at the Synapse Summit at Amalie Arena in early 2023.
  • Special Recognition: AmSkills
    This nonprofit provides hands-on training for high-demand trade skills that are helping to shape the future of American manufacturing. AmSkills’ programs are instrumental in bridging the skills gap and ensuring a well-equipped workforce for the industries of tomorrow. The nonprofit’s staff grew from five employees to nine in 2022 and helped to launch more than 200 new careers into the local manufacturing industry. The organization recently has invested $1.3 million for 4.5 acres and $2.2 million in a 13,600-square-foot facility in Holiday, and an additional $1.3 million dollars in Advanced Manufacturing Training Equipment for Mechatronics, Robotics, Machining, 3D Printing, Laser and Metal Fabrication.
  • Leadership Award: Ray Gadd
    Ray Gadd has worked with Pasco County Schools for more than 30 years, serving as deputy superintendent since 2012. He has been involved in numerous education and human service organizations, including the Central Florida Behavioral Health Network, the Pasco Planning Commission, the Pasco Pediatric Foundation and several nonprofit organizations. He played a leading role in helping to pass the first Penny for Pasco Referendum in 2004, and has been heavily involved in numerous school district initiatives and partnerships, including the Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation, Starkey Ranch K-8, Angeline Academy of Innovation, PHSC’s Instructional Performing Arts Center (IPAC) and others.

An estimated 400 local professionals and leaders attended the event.

Business Celebrations
These business celebrations were recently held or will be held soon, based on news releases sent to The Laker/Lutz News, or postings on various organization websites:

  • Euphoric Ink Studio, 2107 Mariner Blvd., in Spring Hill, will host a grand opening on Sept. 29 at 6 p.m., with food, games, raffles and giveaways, and music by DJ Kue. For more information, visit the tattoo studio on Facebook. 
  • Esthetics813 had its grand opening celebrations on Sept. 15, Sept. 16 and Sept. 17 at its second location, at 5700 Saddlebrook Way in Wesley Chapel.
  • Subaru of Wesley Chapel had its grand opening on Sept. 7, at 26570 Silver Maple Parkway in Wesley Chapel.
  • Disruptive Marketing Headquarters hosted its grand opening on Aug. 24, at 9502 N. Florida Ave., Suite B, in Tampa.
  • Brightway Insurance had a ribbon-cutting on Aug. 21, at 2470 State Road 54 in Lutz.
  • Precious Paws Animal Hospital had a grand opening on Aug. 16, at 326 W. Bearss Ave., in Tampa.

Pasco EDC welcomes Don Anderson
Don Anderson has joined the Pasco Economic Development Council’s SMARTstart team and will manage the new West Pasco Entrepreneur Center in Holiday.

Business Digest 09/13/2023

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TD Bank has opened a new store at 17751 N. Dale Mabry Highway, in Lutz. (Courtesy of TD Bank)

TD Bank grand opening
TD Bank recently celebrated the opening of a store in Lutz at 17751 N. Dale Mabry Highway.

As part of the celebration there was entertainment, a Kid Craft event, a photo station, prizes and food prepared by Executive Chef Matthew Lovell, who is owner of the catering business Chefonpoint.

Land O’ Lakes Brochure Exchange
The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce will have a networking event hosted by Judi Fisher of Architectural Signage & Printing on Sept. 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at New Beginnings, 18935 Michigan Lane, which is one-fourth mile north of State Road 52, along U.S. 41.

The Land O’ Lakes Brochure Exchange is held on the second Thursday of each month.

Bring business cards to exchange with other businesses. A barbecue lunch is served by Hungry Harry’s. Admission is free plus the cost of food for chamber members, and $10 plus the cost of food for non-members.

If you are not a member but would like to attend, you may take advantage of a one-time free entry. Call 727-842-7651 or 813-909-2722 for more information.

Pasco County hiring fair
Pasco County government will host a hiring fair on Sept. 14 from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the county’s Internal Services Building, 7536 State St., in New Port Richey.

Managers will conduct on-the-spot interviews, so applicants should bring copies of their resume and put their best foot forward.

Openings include these positions: correctional officer trainees, firefighters, public works/equipment operators, 911 dispatchers, utility positions, engineers, GoPasco bus drivers, engineers, field inspectors, and parks, recreation and natural resources.

To find out more, visit MyPasco.net.

CareerSource hiring event
CareerSource Tampa Bay (CSTB) is partnering with multiple employers to host an in-person hiring event on Sept. 19 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at CSTB’s location at 9215 N. Florida Ave., in Tampa.

Positions will be available from: the University of South Florida, Live Nation – MidFlorida, Integrity Staffing Solutions, Ashford Group & Associates, Prolink, Here We Grow Learning Center, Road Safe, Angels Unaware, MaxHealth, Hillsborough County Public Schools, Moffitt and more.

Pay for the positions typically ranges from $12 an hour to $40 an hour.

NTBC board nominations
The North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce is seeking new members for its Board of Directors. For fiscal year 2024, it has three positions available each for a three-year term.

The chamber is seeking representatives from specific sectors of the membership: real estate, retail and business and professional services.

The nominator and nominee must be a chamber member in good standing. Self-nominations encouraged.
Nominations are open until Oct. 1.

For more information, contact the chamber at ">.

Disaster unemployment assistance
FloridaCommerce has announced Disaster Unemployment Assistance is available to Florida businesses and residents whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted as a direct result of Hurricane Idalia and who are not eligible for regular state or federal reemployment assistance benefits.

To find out more, visit FloridaJobs.org.

Business Celebrations
News of these business celebrations was shared by the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce:

  • Disruptive Marketing Headquarters had its grand opening on Aug. 24, at 9502 N. Florida Ave., Suite B, in Tampa.
  • Subaru of Wesley Chapel had its grand opening on Sept. 7, at 26570 Silver Maple Parkway in Wesley Chapel.
  • Esthetics813 will have its Grand opening celebrations on Sept. 15 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., and on Sept. 16 and Sept. 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at its second location, at 5700 Saddlebrook Way in Wesley Chapel.
  • Precious Paws Animal Hospital had its grand opening on Aug. 16 at 326 W. Bearss Ave., in Tampa.

News of this business celebration was shared by the Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce:

  • Brightway Insurance had its ribbon-cutting on Aug. 21, at 2470 State Road 54 in Lutz.

Pasco EDC welcomes Don Anderson
Don Anderson has joined the Pasco Economic Development Council’s SMARTstart team and will manage the new West Pasco Entrepreneur Center in Holiday.

Pasco EDC microloan program
The Pasco Economic Development Council (Pasco EDC) has a microloan program that’s intended to help entrepreneurs secure loans for their businesses when they have been unable to secure traditional bank financing. To find out more, visit PascoEDC.com.

 

Business Digest 08/30/2023

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Maggie’s Snow Shoppe hosts grand opening
Maggie’s Snow Shoppe, a member of the Pasco Economic Development Council Inc.’s SMARTstart program, was set to have its grand opening celebration on Aug. 25 (after The Laker/Lutz News deadline).

Liz Guerra, founder of the flavored shave ice company, was inspired by the treats her grandmother provided when she was a child, according to a Pasco EDC news release.

“To watch her go from idea to a really neat and trendy mobile shave ice camper in such short order is what makes me love the work we do at SMARTstart,” Dan Mitchell, SMARTstart program director, said in the release.

Guerra’s business has evolved from serving shave ice treats from a tent at farmer’s markets to going mobile.

She uses all-natural fruit-based syrups, made in Pasco, the release says. Maggie’s Snow Shoppe sells a variety of shave ice with syrups and fruit toppings and has plans to add specialty sodas.

Her mobile camper will be serving up shave ice throughout the county and can often be found at 7th Street Mini Golf and Game Parlor.

Pasco EDC’s SMARTstart program is an innovative suite of programs that provides the tools new and growing businesses need for long-term success.

To find out more about SMARTstart and other Pasco EDC programs, visit PascoEDC.com.

Women in Business Empowerment Conference
Women in business who are looking for inspiration, who want to learn about practical tools that can be useful for entrepreneurs and who want to meet other like-minded women may want to check out the Women in Business Empowerment Conference. The event has a slate of featured speakers. It is scheduled for Sept. 15 from 8 .m. to 12:30 p.m., at the Residence Inn by Marriott, 2101 Northpointe Parkway, in Lutz. The registration cost is $20; the deadline for registration is Sept. 8. Register via https://rb.gy/iduj0.

Florida ranks No. 1 in jobs gained during July
Florida ranked No. 1 among the nation’s most populous states, in terms of job creation during July, according to a news release from FloridaCommerce.

The state attributes the high job growth to investments in infrastructure development, workforce training, broadband availability and state policies that continue to attract businesses to Florida. More than 2.5 million new businesses have formed and more than 1 million Floridians have joined the workforce during the past four years, which is highest in the nation, according to the state’s news release.

FloridaCommerce combines the state’s economic, workforce and community development efforts.

North Tampa Bay Chamber breakfast
Deagan Watson, president and CEO of North Tampa Behavioral Health, will be the featured speaker at the North Tampa Bay Chamber business breakfast on Sept. 5 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., at Pasco-Hernando State College’s Porter Campus, 2727 Mansfield Blvd., in Wesley Chapel. 

Cost is $25 for members and $30 for non-members. Registration must be made in advance. For more information, visit the chamber’s website at NorthTampaBayChamber.com.

New specialty shop opens in Lutz
Pickled Makers Local Shop and Studio opened in May, at 2020 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Suite 8, in Lutz. Each item in the store is locally made or curated, according to a news release from the business. The shop aims to be a one-stop shop for locally made products and gifts. To find out more, visit the shop’s website at PickledMakers.com.

J.Joseph Salon opens new location
J.Joseph Salon Wesley Chapel, at 1738 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in Wesley Chapel, hosted a grand opening on Aug. 19.

East Pasco Networking Group
The East Pasco Networking Group (EPNG) meets on the second Tuesday of the month (except for December), at 7:30 a.m., at IHOP, at 13100 U.S. 301, in Dade City. The group’s meetings feature speakers from a wide array of backgrounds. Here is its upcoming slate of speakers:

  • Sept. 12: Todd Vande Berg, director of planning, City of Zephyrhills
  • Oct. 10: Nikki Alvarez-Sowles,  Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller
  • Nov. 14: Madonna Wise, author, local historian and retired educator

For more information about EPNG, contact Nils R. Lenz at 813-782-9491 or  

NTBC seeking nominations for awards
The North Tampa Bay Chamber is seeking nominations for its 2023 Celebrating Excellence in Business Awards, which will be presented on Nov. 16.

Award categories are: Excellence in Innovation; Excellence in Collaboration; Excellence in Integrity; Excellence in Inclusivity; and Community Hero.

The chamber invites nominations for businesses that have demonstrated excellence in areas such as innovation, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity, and community involvement, according to a chamber news release. Self-nominations are encouraged.

Applications are due by Oct. 6. They will be judged by a five-member independent panel between Oct. 9 and Oct. 13. The finalists will be announced on Oct. 27 and the awards will be presented at an event on Nov. 16.

For details, visit the chamber’s website at NorthTampaBayChamber.com.

SCORE mentors
Businesses needing help can get it from a SCORE mentor, and people with knowledge to share can volunteer to mentor others. SCORE welcomes those needing assistance, as well as those who are able to provide it. Find out more by visiting SCORE.org/pascohernando.

Business Digest 08/23/2023

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Pulte Homes plans ‘Vida’s Way’ on portion of DePue Ranch
Pulte Homes is planning Vida’s Way — a residential development — on a portion of a ranch owned by one of Pasco County’s oldest families.

Pulte Homes has purchased more than 332 acres of an 1,800-acre tract that has been owned by the DePue family since the 1800s, according to a news release.

(Courtesy of Pulte Homes)

Vida’s Way, will be built on one of Pasco’s largest undeveloped properties, the release adds. The property is in Wesley Chapel, less than five miles from State Road 54 and State Road 56 with close proximity to Interstate-75. Pulte Homes has acquired the northeast corner of the ranch for more than 700 homes, for its first phase of construction.

The single-home community’s name is an homage to the late Vida Clair Barnes DePue, the family’s matriarch. She was instrumental in managing the ranch through the 1900s and transitioning it into the cattle operation it is today. She was 88 when she passed away in 2010, the release adds.

Pulte Group’s West Florida Division began speaking with the family in early 2020 after the family expressed interest in selling a portion of the ranch.  

“Many developers have reached out to us over the years, but we were impressed with the extensive time and effort the Pulte team took to learn about and understand our rich family history,” Michael Nutt, grandson of Vida DePue,” said in the release. “We believe Vida’s Way will be a lasting tribute to her life. We hope this community provides many years of memories for the families who live there.” 

“Over the last three years, I’ve had the privilege of getting to know the Nutt family and visiting their ranch,” Sean Strickler, president of Pulte’s West Florida Division, said in the release.

“The result has been a highly collaborative working relationship and the development of a community that not only honors their decades of hard work, but also looks to the future with additional residential and commercial development. We are incredibly honored and excited to bring Vida’s Way to the market.”  

Residents at Vida’s Way will be offered a unique collection of homesites and amenities.

Floor plans for Vida’s Way are coming soon. 

Pasco EDC names finalists for awards
Finalists have been named for the Pasco Economic Development Council’s 35th Annual Awards celebration. Those selected to be honored have demonstrated innovation and exhibited economic and community impact, according to a Pasco EDC news release. The 20 in the running for the top honors are:

  • 4 & Co.
  • Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas & West Pasco counties
  • 43 Inc.
  • Amerikey Locksmith
  • Just Market It
  • AmSkills
  • K & K Food Industries
  • Architectural Signage & Printing
  • Marjorie’s Hope
  • NEAT Coffee Bar LLC
  • Baymar Solutions LLC
  • NFFANT Labs
  • Davron
  • Sarah Vande Berg Tennis Center
  • Florida Avenue Brewing Co.
  • Suncoast Clinical Research Inc.
  • Fraud Doctor LLC
  • Ultimate 3D Printing Store
  • Global ETS LLC
  • Vesh Catering

Pasco EDC’s Policy Council also selected Ray Gadd, deputy superintendent of Pasco County Schools, for its annual Leadership Award, which goes to someone who has made an exceptional impact to economic development and to the Pasco County community, according to the release.

The event is scheduled for Sept. 7 from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at Pasco-Hernando State College’s Instructional Performing Arts Center, 8657 Old Pasco Road, in Wesley Chapel. The event typically attracts more than 400 business and community leaders in Tampa Bay, as well as elected state, county and municipal leaders. Festivities include networking and dinner, as well as the awards presentation.

Tickets for the event are $85. For more information, contact , or call 813-355-0668. To register, go to PascoEDC.com.

East Pasco Networking Group
The East Pasco Networking Group (EPNG) meets on the second Tuesday of the month (except for December), at 7:30 a.m., at IHOP, at 13100 U.S. 301, in Dade City. The group’s meetings feature speakers from a wide array of backgrounds. Here is its upcoming slate of speakers:

  • Sept. 12: Todd Vande Berg, director of planning, City of Zephyrhills
  • Oct. 10: Nikki Alvarez-Sowles,  Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller
  • Nov. 14: Madonna Wise, author, local historian and retired educator

For more information about EPNG, contact Nils R. Lenz at 813-782-9491 or  

NTBC seeking nominations for awards
The North Tampa Bay Chamber is seeking nominations for its 2023 Celebrating Excellence in Business Awards, which will be presented on Nov. 16.

Award categories are: Excellence in Innovation; Excellence in Collaboration; Excellence in Integrity; Excellence in Inclusivity; and Community Hero.

The chamber invites nominations for businesses that have demonstrated excellence in areas such as innovation, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity, and community involvement, according to a chamber news release. Self-nominations are encouraged.

Applications are due by Oct. 6. They will be judged by a five-member independent panel between Oct. 9 and Oct. 13. The finalists will be announced on Oct. 27 and the awards will be presented at an event on Nov. 16.

For additional details, visit the chamber’s website at NorthTampaBayChamber.com.

Business Digest 08/16/2023

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Chris Zarreke (Courtesy of Vistra Communications)

Vistra announces new officer
Vistra Communications has named Chris Zarreke as its new chief financial officer (CFO).

Zarreke, a Florida certified public accountant with decades of experience, is stepping into the position that had been held by Zoe Gustafson, who retired after seven years with Vistra.

Zarreke began his career as an auditor and consultant with PwC, also known as PricewaterhouseCoopers, before transitioning to private industry accounting and finance within metals, paper, food distribution, health care, and operations consulting.

“Chris Zarreke brings the right experiences and passion to help take us to the next level,” Brian Butler, president and CEO of Vistra Communications, said in a news release. “His leadership style and appetite for growth, excellence and creative innovation is a great fit for Vistra.”

As Vistra’s CFO, Zarreke is primarily responsible for directing the organization’s financial accounting and reporting, pricing, budgeting and cost management activities in accordance with accounting standards, company values and strategic plans.

“My goal is to help secure our company’s financial and organizational strength for the next decade of growth and success,” Zarreke said, in the release.

Creating a business plan
This webinar focuses on creating a business plan that can guide your company’s daily operation and activity toward the goals and objectives that you have established. You will learn what data is required to write a plan, review the techniques used to acquire the data and learn how to use it to establish realistic goals and objectives. The free webinar will be presented by Roberto Gregori, SCORE Pasco-Hernando member, on Aug. 16 at 5 p.m. To register, go to Score.org/pascohernando, and search for local workshops tab.

Women in Business Empowerment Conference
Women in business who are looking for inspiration, who want to learn about practical tools that can be useful for entrepreneurs and who want to meet other like-minded women may want to check out the Women in Business Empowerment Conference. The event has a slate of featured speakers. It is scheduled for Sept. 15 from 8 .m. to 12:30 p.m., at the Residence Inn by Marriott, 2101 Northpointe Parkway, in Lutz. The registration cost is $20; the deadline for registration is Sept. 8. Register via https://rb.gy/iduj0.

Small Business Executive Program
Are you a small business owner? If so, you can apply for the upcoming Tampa Bay Small Business Executive Program. The program will teach small business owners how to think differently and to work on your business in a classroom environment with 24 other entrepreneurs.

Small business owners can join the fall cohort for free and graduate with a certificate from the Jim Moran Institute and Florida State University, according to a posting in a North Tampa Bay Chamber newsletter. The Small Business Executive Program (SBEP) is ideal for CEOs, entrepreneurs, presidents of small businesses, and immediate successors of businesses.

To find out more and to sign up, reach out to the North Tampa Bay Chamber, at NorthTampaBayChamber.com.

Craig Miller (Courtesy of The Spectrum Companies)
Lane Stewart

The Spectrum Companies expands
The Spectrum Companies, a leading real estate development firm, has announced strategic personnel appointments and expansion initiatives designed to expand its presence in Florida’s multifamily market, according to a news release.

The company’s actions underscore its commitment to Florida as a core market for growth and innovation, according to the release.

Craig Miller, an industry veteran with substantial multifamily experience, has been named senior managing director/multifamily, spearheading The Spectrum Companies’ multifamily development business.

One of Miller’s ongoing projects is development of the master-planned community of Bexley, in Land O’ Lakes.

To support the company’s accelerated growth in Florida, Lane Stewart, who has 17 years of construction experience, including considerable experience in multifamily, will relocate to Tampa as the newly appointed director of development, the release added.

Commerce & Coffee
The North Tampa Bay Chamber hosts Commerce & Coffee on the fourth Tuesday of each month, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., at Raining Berries, 25595 Sierra Center Blvd., in Lutz. It’s a chance for chamber members to network, without an agenda, in a relaxed setting.