Business Digest

U.S. business travelers are scaling back travel plans amid rising COVID-19 cases, with 67% planning to take fewer trips. Fifty-two percent expect to cancel existing travel plans without rescheduling and 60% plan to postpone existing travel plans, according to a new national survey conducted by Morning Consult, on behalf of the American Hotel & Lodging Association.

Despite an uptick in leisure travel over the summer, the new survey forecasts a dim outlook for business travel and events, which account for more than half of hotel revenue. They aren’t expected to return to pre-pandemic levels until 2024, the news release says.

The poll was conducted Aug. 11 and Aug. 12, among a national sample of 2,200 adults. The interviews were conducted online, and the data was weighted to approximate a target sample of adults based on gender, educational attainment, age, race and region. Results from the full survey have a margin of error of plus or minus 2%, according to the release.

These pointers from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) can be useful in preparing for a potential storm and responding in the aftermath, if one hits:

• Have a plan that outlines what to do before, during and after a hurricane.
• Be sure your hurricane kit includes masks, hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes.
• Be sure to properly research contractors, to avoid creating a bigger problem.
• If you have damage, immediately contact your insurance adjuster.
• Thoroughly document the damage to your property and possessions. Take pictures and/or a video, when possible.
• Be sure any contractor you are considering to hire is properly licensed, and has current workers compensation and liability insurance.
• Beware of storm chasers and out-of-town contractors soliciting business. Don’t be pressured to make a decision involving an unknown contractor.

BBB offers more resources for storm victims at BBB.org/floridahurricane.

The rising rate of COVID-19 transmissions has prompted the Greater Dade City of Commerce, 14112 Eighth St., in Dade City, to return to a “mask required for entry” policy. The change took effect on Aug. 2, according to an email sent out by the chamber.

The Pasco Economic Development Council has announced that Merritt Martin, chief of staff to the CEO, external relations for Moffitt, has joined the Pasco EDC’s policy council. That council provides strategic guidance to the nonprofit economic development organization. In other news, David de la Parte, executive vice president and in-house general counsel for Moffitt has joined the Pasco EDC board. Moffitt has announced its plans to open a 775-acre campus in Pasco that will highlight research, lifestyle and treatment, and is projected to create 14,500 jobs in Pasco, according to a Pasco EDC news release.

New website aims to help fill hospitality jobs
The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) has launched a new website, aimed at helping employers to post openings and job seekers to find jobs across all levels of Florida’s hospitality industry.

The website, GreatFloridaJob.com, aims to help make connections between those needing work and those needing workers, according to a news release.

“As the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic continues and visitor numbers continue to increase, FRLA is supporting the efforts of our industry members in hiring the best talent to join their teams,” Carol Dover, president and CEO of the FLRA said, in a release.

“Florida’s hospitality industry provides exciting, challenging and fun employment options with great opportunity for advancement, and the establishment of a long-term career path, and we encourage all job seekers to consider returning to or joining Florida’s premier industry – hospitality,” she said.

The release says that Florida’s Department of Economic Opportunity estimates there are more than 460,000 jobs available across the state, including tens of thousands from entry level to managerial in Florida’s hospitality industry.

Florida’s hospitality industry was devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic. As the travel, tourism and hospitality industries shut down internationally, more than 934,000 of Florida’s 1.5 million hospitality employees were furloughed or laid off, the release notes.

As the industry rebounds, the website is intended to help address labor shortages, while helping job seekers at the same time.

North Tampa Bay Chamber ribbon-cuttings
The North Tampa Bay Chamber took part in ribbon-cuttings at these new businesses:

• IV Joint, IV Therapy & Wellness Center, 8628 Hunters Village Road, No. 310, in Tampa. The July 15 event, which included the ribbon cutting, also included free B-12 injections, free oxygen bar, refreshments and tours.
• Oculofacial Surgery & Cosmetic Laser Institute, 24420 State Road 54, in Lutz. The ribbon cutting was on July 14.

Pasco Clerk’s office wins awards
Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Nikki Alvarez-Sowles received awards in all seven categories of the Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers inaugural Excellence in Best Business Practices last month, according to a news release from the clerk’s office.

The office received awards of excellence in each of these categories:

• Bail Bonds Forfeitures
• Compliance Services
• Confidential Judicial Records
• Guardianship Audit
• Marriage License
• Recording Fundamentals
• Service of Pro Se Documents by Clerk.

Alvarez-Sowles expressed her delight in accepting the awards, the release said. The clerk also said the achievements “represent the work, imagination and dedication” of her deputy clerks.

Learn about hiring and building teams
It’s important to get it right during the hiring process — both for the potential employee and for the employer. Learn more about the ins and outs of hiring and building a team through a free program offered by Pasco Economic Development Council Inc.’s SMARTStart program. To find out more and to register, go to the SmartStart.com website.

Tampa Family Health Center opens new Lutz location
Tampa Family Health Center (TFHC) had a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of its new location at 1212 E. Bearss Ave., in Lutz.

The event was scheduled for 10 a.m., on July 21.

Services offered at the new 11,500-square-foot health center will include family medicine, pediatrics, women’s health, behavioral health, adult and pediatric dental, and retail pharmacy, according to a news release.

“This new medical office will offer personalized, convenient, and affordable services in a growing community,” said Sherry Hoback, president and CEO at TFHC, said in the release. “Not only will it help us better meet the needs of youth and families, it will extend our dedication and commitment to Tampa Family’s mission, which is to provide quality, caring and accessible health care to a culturally diverse community.”

TFHC uses a patient-centered approach to provide a range of integrated health care services under one roof. The new facility is in partnership with Mort Elementary, a Community Partnership School, to provide comprehensive health and wellness services to students, families, teachers and school staff, in addition to the surrounding community. The Bearss Avenue location is designed around the needs of children and families to enhance the overall well-being of patients by alleviating barriers to care, such as having to miss school or work for appointments.

Become a SCORE volunteer
Every year, SCORE volunteers help thousands of entrepreneurs achieve new levels of success. Volunteering at SCORE is a way for you to give back, connect with fellow business owners, and share your knowledge with others. To find out more, visit PascoHernando.Score.org.