Business Digest

HART welcomes new CEO
The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART) Board welcomed new CEO Adelee Le Grand to the agency at its Jan. 4 meeting, according to a news release.

“I’m super excited to be starting the new year in this capacity,” Adelee Le Grand, HART CEO, said in the release. “I just want to take a moment to say how gracious the residents of Hillsborough County have been. I’ve received so many kind notes from people I’ve never met, including people in City government. Through this exchange, I’ve learned that I am the first Black permanent CEO for HART. I’m excited and honored not only to serve as the CEO but to serve in this historic role. I look forward to moving forward with the team.”

Le Grand was selected for the CEO position at the Nov. 2 board meeting, following a national search that attracted more than 160 applicants.

“The HART Board is confident Ms. Le Grand is the right person to lead the agency and create a long legacy of providing the highest level of service equitably and to openly drive Hillsborough County forward,” Commissioner Mariella Smith, board chairwoman said in the release.

Realtor earns national designation
Linda Nowicke with Inside Tampa Homes has earned the nationally recognized Seniors Real Estate Specialist® designation from the SRES® Council of the National Association of REALTORS, according to a news release.

Nowicke joins more than 15,000 real estate professionals in North America who have earned this designation. Those receiving the designation completed a comprehensive course to understand the needs, considerations, and goals of real estate buyers and sellers, ages 55 and older.

“Working with seniors to meet their housing needs requires an expert understanding of their lifestyle and financial needs, and the SRES® designation means that a REALTOR® has that understanding,” Nowicke said in the release. “Whether they are buying, selling, relocating, or refinancing, seniors can be confident that a REALTOR® with their SRES® designation will be able to help them every step of the way.”

SRES® Council, founded in 2007, is the world’s largest association of real estate professionals focusing specifically on representing senior clients in real estate transactions. There are more than 15,000 active members of the organization worldwide.

For more information, visit SRES.realtor.

Help for women entrepreneurs
The Small Business Administration has announced that it is launching Ascent, a free digital e-learning platform geared to help women entrepreneurs grow and expand their businesses.

To learn more about SBA’s programs and services for women entrepreneurs, visit online at SBA.gov/women, and to find other WBC locations and SBA resources, visit SBA.gov/tools-local-assistance.

Florida ranks No. 3 in growth
Florida is the No. 3 growth state in America, according to U-Haul® data analyzing migration patterns from 2020.

Tennessee edges Texas, the leading growth state from 2016-2018, and Florida, the No. 1 growth state for 2019, for top honors on the new U-Haul chart, according to a news release.

Florida has been among the top four growth states each of the past six years, the release says.

People coming to Florida in one-way U-Haul trucks increased 2% during the past year, while departures rose about 4% from 2019. Despite the larger rise in departures, arrivals still accounted for nearly 50.2% of all one-way U-Haul traffic in Florida during 2020 to make it the No. 3 state for netting do-it-yourself movers, sliding two spots from its previous ranking.

Growth states are calculated by the net gain of one-way U-Haul trucks entering a state versus leaving that state during a calendar year. Migration trends data is compiled from more than 2 million one-way U-Haul truck-sharing transactions that occur annually, according to the release.

F45 Training receives GBAC accreditation
F45 Training at the Grove in Wesley Chapel has received GBAC (Global Biorisk Accreditation Council) accreditation, according to a news release.

To earn the accreditation, the training center had to implement numerous policies and procedures. Those include:

• UV ray lights installed in the ventilation system
• Temperature checks at the door
• A mandatory personal towel and water policy
• Availability of disposable wipes
• Sanitizer at the door
• Wipes and sanitizer at every station
• A social distancing workout layout
• Masks worn by coaches
• Spraying of entire studio after every class

Pasco to conduct business surveys
The Pasco County Commission has approved spending $75,000 to conduct an annual business survey in 2021, 2022 and 2023.

Commissioners voted on Nov. 17 to approve a contract with ETC Institute Inc., to conduct the annual surveys. The contract calls for a not-to-exceed amount of $25,000 in fiscal years 2021, 2022 and 2023, unless canceled in accordance with solicitation documents.

Nine companies responded to the solicitation, including one from Pasco County.

A five-member committee evaluated the submissions, before selecting ETC.

Florida benefits fall short
Money.com did a study of the maximum unemployment benefits paid per state as compared to expenses. The study showed that Florida’s maximum benefits per person was $1.102 as compared to expenses of $2,494, for a difference of $1.302, according to a news release. Florida ranked second only to Arizona, in terms of the size of the gap between unemployment and expenses. The difference in Arizona was $1.322.

AT&T contributes $10,000 for Crisis Center project
AT&T has selected the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay for a $10,000 donation, in support of the  Gateway Contact Center.

AT&T is providing vital communications services for Super Bowl LV in Tampa and is investing in the Tampa Bay community by supporting the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay ahead of the event, according to a news release.

The funding will support the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay’s Gateway Contact Center, which includes the 2-1-1 line, where callers receive immediate information and referrals to local services, as well as emotional support, 24/7.

As the sole provider of these services in Hillsborough County, the Crisis Center anticipates an increase in demand surrounding Super Bowl LV events in Tampa Bay, the release notes.

“The Super Bowl is an incredible opportunity to showcase the Tampa Bay area on a world stage. However, it also means an increased demand on social services in the community due to all of the events surrounding the game, and higher volumes of visitors to our city. We are thankful for the funding from AT&T in support of our contact center during a time when there will be a higher demand on our services,” Clara Reynolds, president & CEO of the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, said in the release.

“AT&T is committed to our Florida communities, and we are honored to support this worthy organization and its mission to help Floridians in their time of need,” Edwin Narain, vice president, external and legislative affairs, AT&T Florida, added in the release.

Hillsborough seeks damage reports from Eta
Hillsborough County is seeking reports from businesses that sustained damages from Tropical Storm Eta. The county is requesting businesses experiencing damage to complete the Florida Business Damage Assessment Survey at FloridaDisaster.biz. This information helps to make assessments and begin the recovery process., according to a Hillsborough County news release.

Professional business consultants are available at no cost to assist small businesses in identifying assistance that may be available for their individual business needs. Contact the Florida SBDC at Hillsborough County or call (813) 204-9267 to request a virtual or phone appointment.

Also, the county reminds businesses to use due care in selecting contractors to make repairs. Fraudulent and unlicensed contractors often seek to victimize vulnerable business owners and residents looking to repair damage.

Deadline approaching for human trafficking training
Florida lodging employees have until Jan. 1 to comply with human trafficking training requirements, according to a news release from the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA).

Legislation was passed in 2019, requiring that human trafficking awareness training be provided and that reporting procedures be established for Florida’s lodging operators and employees.

“Florida’s hospitality industry is committed to stopping human trafficking in our state,” Carol Dover, President & CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA), said in the release. “Properly training our team members on the front lines in lodging is essential to spot and stop this horrific crime. FRLA stands ready to ensure that our people are trained and that our industry is no longer targeted or vulnerable for trafficking.”

State law mandates training for those lodging employees who perform housekeeping duties or work at the front desk or reception areas starts within 60 days of hiring or by Jan. 1, whichever occurs later.

To ensure the utmost vigilance, the FRLA recommends that lodging operators train all guest-interactive staff as well, including concierge, bell staff, valet, and others who have direct guest contact. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), which regulates lodging establishments, released additional details, including:

• Training programs must be approved by the DBPR. The FRLA is an approved trainer and provides online training at no cost in English and Spanish. In-person training is available, too, at a fee.
• Employees must complete training by Jan. 1, or within 60 days of hire, whichever is later. Retraining is required annually.
• Covered lodging properties must implement a procedure to report suspected human trafficking to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, at (888) 373-7888 or local law enforcement. Signage must be posted in employee areas, regarding the hotline.

Pasco CARES increases PPE reimbursement
The Pasco County Commission has increased the maximum funding allowed to help individual small businesses to purchase personal protective equipment.

Commissioners have increased the cap from $1,000 up to $1,500 per business.

The program, which was launched in May, reimburses small businesses in Pasco County for the cost of already-purchased PPE.

If your business has already received funding through this grant, you can reapply to be reimbursed for additional eligible expenses; however, the total reimbursement cannot exceed $1,500.

This assistance is available on a first-come, first-served basis through Dec. 4, or until funds are exhausted, whichever comes first.

Pasco County received funding for this program through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security or CARES Act.

You can apply online at bit.ly/SmallBizPPE.

To qualify, a business must be:

• A for-profit, privately held small business that maintains a place of business in Pasco County established prior to March 1, 2020.
• A small business with two to 50 employees.
• A small business with the majority of its employees residing in Pasco County.
• To learn more about the program, visit bit.ly/PPE_reimbursement, or call Pasco County Customer Service at (727) 847-2411.

Hillsborough’s R3 Program reaches goal
Hillsborough County’s Rapid Response Recovery Assistance Program (R3) has allocated more than $127 million in financial assistance for families and small businesses, reaching its total funding limit for two programs, according to a Hillsborough County news release.

The program was created to help residents and small businesses to help minimize the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic’s financial impacts on the economy.

Hillsborough’s R3 Economic Recovery Financial Assistance program helped small businesses. The County’s R3 Housing and Utility Financial Assistance program helped residents pay rent, mortgages and electric bills. Both were successful in delivering financial assistance across the County.

With all allocated funding either approved or pending approval, the application period has closed. During the next few weeks, staff will complete the processing of all remaining submitted applications for both programs. Businesses with applications in review are expected to receive a final determination of award within the next few weeks.

The Hillsborough County Commission funded the R3 program through the CARES Act, and helped thousands of residents and small businesses infuse capital back into the economy.

Starting a home-based business
You can learn the pros and cons of starting a home-based business in this Nov. 18 webinar, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

A home-based business in these challenging times is a MUST. Working from home provides for a touch of freedom, a path to managing stress, and teaches focus. This webinar will give the attendee some insight into the benefits of having a home-based business.

The webinar will be presented by Sharon Eldridge, a Pasco Hernando SCORE volunteer. Register for the webinar at PascoHernando.score.org.

Starting a nonprofit business
This webinar, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., on Nov. 19, is intended for those who have the passion for giving; serving their community; and those that have the desire to bring that passion to life. Attendees can learn the most effective process to starting and sustaining a nonprofit organization. This webinar will be presented by Sharon Eldridge, Pasco Hernando SCORE volunteer. Register for the webinar at PascoHernando.score.org.

Virtual forum about ports
Enterprise Florida Inc., and the Florida Ports Council have announced that registration is open for the pair’s first-ever virtual forum, focused exclusively on the economic potential of doing business in Florida’s commercial ports.

The event, “Florida Seaports: Focused on the Future,” will spotlight work being done by both organizations, the case for maritime trade, and action items for engaging in future import-export opportunities. It also will cover future goals and plans reflected in the 2020-2024 Five Year Seaport Mission Plan, released by the Florida Seaport Transportation and Economic Development (FSTED) Council.

The event is on Nov. 17 from 10 a.m. to noon, Eastern Time.

Register online at tinyurl.com/y3b3qb6s.

Sid Jarrett to lead Jarrett dealership in Dade City
Jarrett Automotive Group has added another Ford dealership in Port Charlotte, increasing its total to six Ford stores. Clifford Martin, the vice president and general manager of Jarrett Ford, and his wife, Joan, will be relocating to Port Charlotte, in December. Sid Jarrett will be taking over Jarrett Ford Inc., at 38300 Dick Jarrett Way, as was Dick Jarrett’s wish. Sid is Dick Jarrett’s grandson, and Bill Jarrett’s son.

Small Businesses Growing Global
Entrepreneurs can learn how to expand their business into international markets by utilizing resources and tools that are available. Small Businesses Growing Global, presented by the Pasco Economic Development Council Inc., is scheduled for Oct. 22 from 8 a.m. to noon.

Highlights include a consular discussion on “The Importance of Trade,” featuring Juan Jose Sabines, Consul General of Mexico in Orlando; Andreas T. Siegel, Consul General of Federal Republic of Germany, in Miami; and Rodrigo da Costa Fonseca, deputy consult of Brazil, in Miami.

The opening session will be presented by Manuel “Manny” Mencia, senior vice president of international trade and business development for Enterprise Florida Inc. His presentation will focus on “Florida’s Trade.”

The U.S. Small Business Administration, the Florida SBDC, the U.S. Commercial Service and Enterprise Florida Inc., will be represented at the event, which will provide information grant opportunities, financing opportunities, benefits of trade missions, and information about markets.

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey talked up the value of the conference during a recent board meeting, noting that companies can learn about all sorts of opportunities to extend their business to international markets. Businesses can travel to other countries and have meetings set up for them with potential customers, she said.

Some speakers at the event will be from Pasco businesses, who will be sharing their success stories.

The free event will be at Hyatt Place Tampa, Wesley Chapel, 26000 Sierra Center Blvd., in Lutz. In addition to the in-person seminar, participants can attend virtually via the Pasco EDC YouTube Channel. Registered is required online at PascoEDC.com/events.

Realty group office opening
Roman Group, Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices and Florida Property Group are having a ribbon cutting and grand opening at their new location, 6013 Wesley Grove Blvd., in the Grove, in Wesley Chapel. The event will be on Oct. 15 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., and will include refreshments, entertainment and a raffle for a gift basket. The North Tampa Bay Chamber will do a ribbon cutting at 4:45 p.m. For more information, call (813) 997-9775.

Florida has high rate of uninsured
WalletHub compared the health insurance rates for 548 cities and the 50 states. Florida’s uninsured rate is 13.16%, according to the study, giving it a rank of 47 out of 50. Florida did not have any cities in the top 10 or bottom 10 cities ranked in the survey. WalletHub is a personal finance website, and these figures were in its report, Uninsured Rates by City.

Appreciation and awards banquet
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce is set to have its annual Member Appreciation and Awards Banquet on Oct. 22, beginning at 6 p.m., in the new event center at Silverado Golf & Country Club, 36841 Clubhouse Drive in  Zephyrhills.

This year’s theme, “Z’Hills & all that Jazz,” will focus on the community and what makes it special.

Limited seating is available, following CDC guidelines. For more information or to purchase tickets, go to ZephyrhillsChamber.org, or call (813) 782-1913.

The following businesses, individuals and organizations were nominated:

Small Business

• Carts Unlimited
• Head to Toe Salon & Day Spa
• Saigon Café Vietnamese Restaurant
• Sky Dive City
• Zephyrhills Community Pharmacy
• Zephyrhills Brewing Company

Large Business

• AdventHealth Zephyrhills
• CenterState Bank
• City of Zephyrhills
• First National Bank of Pasco
• Publix
• San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union
• Staples

Diamond Award (Non-Profit)

• East Pasco Meals on Wheels
• Fraternity of the Eagles #3752
• Make a Difference
• Pasco County Schools
• Restored Hope
• The Church at Chancey Road
• The Thomas Promise Foundation
• Zephyrhills/Wesley Chapel Ministerial Assoc.

Citizen of the Year

• Beth Aker, East Pasco Meals on Wheels
• Greg First, Retired
• Kevin Bahr, Bahr’s Propane Gas & AC
• Mayor Gene Whitfield
• Tim Mitchell, The Church at Chancey Road

Chamber Member of the Year

• AdventHealth Zephyrhills
• Bahr’s Propane Gas & AC
• CenterState Bank
• Pasco News Publication
• San Antonio Citizens Federal CU

Live2Lead 2020
Pick up ideas, get inspired and learn from widely known presenters with a broad range of experiences at the Live2Lead 2020 program on Oct. 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Wiregrass Sports Campus of Pasco County, 3021 Sports Coast Way in Wesley Chapel.
Speakers are John Maxwell, a leadership expert and best-selling author; Kat Cole, COO and president, FOCUS Brands; Steve Harvey, comedian, businessman, show host and entertainer; and Alan Mulally, former CEO Boeing Commercial Airplanes and former CEO and president, Ford Motor Company.
Tickets are available for in person and virtual attendance. Tickets cost $85, $75, $65 and $55, with discounts available for North Tampa Bay Chamber members.
Go to NorthTampaBayChamber.com, for more information.

In-person brochure exchange
The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce is hosting an in-person brochure exchange networking event/exchange on Oct. 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Hungry Harry’s, 3116 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes, out by the Lake House. This will be an outdoor event, with social distancing. You can place your order, pick it up and meet the group at the tables by the Lake House. The event is sponsored by Architectural Signage & Printing. Call (727) 842-7651, if you plan to attend.

YogaSix New Tampa opening
YogaSix New Tampa announced its grand opening, with a series of special activities, food, music, vendors, giveaways and discounts. The business is at 8602 Hunters Village Road in Tampa. For more information, call (813) 499-9503.

Farrell’s Extreme Bodyshaping ribbon cutting
Farrell’s Extreme Bodyshaping announced its ribbon cutting on Oct. 3, with a complimentary protein snack, Reign Energy drinks, a studio tour, class demo and a chance to meet the owners.
There also was a drawing for a free 10-week membership package. The business is at 19651 Bruce B. Downs, Suite E6, in Tampa. Those visiting the business are asked to wear a mask and help to maintain social distancing. To find out more, call (813) 600-3742.

Job fair
CareerSource Tampa Bay and Commissioner Sandra Murman are presenting the ninth annual Hillsborough County Job Fair on Oct. 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
About 50 employers with a variety of positions are expected to participate.
This year, the job fair will be conducted in a virtual format.
For more information, call Maginda Montero at CareerSource Tampa Bay at (813) 532-7539, or email .
To download a flyer for the event, go to bit.ly/2ZWpDYs.

UrgentVet opens Odessa location
UrgentVet has expanded its presence in the Tampa Bay area by opening a clinic at 12307 State Road 54 in Odessa.
The clinic, which opened on Oct. 1, is UrgentVet’s third location in the Tampa Bay area, according to a news release.
Officially named UrgentVet-New Port Richey, the clinic, at the intersection of State Road 54 and Trinity Boulevard, offers easy access from New Port Richey, Odessa, Land O’ Lakes, Wesley Chapel and throughout northern Hillsborough County.
Its physical location is at the entrance to the Starkey Ranch master-planned development, making it particularly accessible for residents of the booming community.
“Pasco County has some of the fastest-growing neighborhoods in all of Tampa Bay, and we’re excited to open a clinic right in the heart of that growth,” Dr. Jim Dobies, founder of UrgentVet, said in a release. “We feel that this new site allows us to serve a huge population of pet parents who may never have had access to a clinic like ours before.”
The new clinic is UrgentVet’s fifth nationally. It also has clinics in Westchase and Brandon.
All UrgentVet clinics have adopted new processes to ensure the safety of both pet parents and employees, in light of COVID-19, the release says.
UrgentVet-New Port Richey will be open from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m., Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday; and noon to 8 p.m., on holidays.
To find out more, go to UrgentVet.com.

Chamber breakfast canceled
The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with the First National Bank of Pasco, has canceled its Sept. 15 breakfast meeting.

“Even with slightly improving numbers, the safety and comfort level of our chamber members, attendees, volunteers and staff of both the venue and the chamber are paramount,” John Moors, the chamber’s executive director said, in a chamber posting.

“We had provisions to limit the number of attendees and ensure CDC guidelines are followed, but with the uncertainty and planning time, we felt it appropriate, and good leadership, to cancel this event and hope for a successful chamber breakfast in October,” Moors said.

Foundation makes donation
The Wells Fargo Foundation has made a $20,000 donation to the SMARTstart Microloan Fund, which is a program of the Pasco Economic Development Council. During the past decade, Wells Fargo has made 12 donations to the program, for a total of $163,000, according to a Pasco EDC news release. The Microloan Fund supports small businesses and start-ups in Pasco County that are not able to receive loans through traditional means.

“Small businesses are the fabric of our communities,” J. Bradley Smith, a Pasco EDC board member, said in the release. Smith also is manager of the Wells Fargo Pasco East District.

This fiscal year, four microloans have been awarded — to a delicatessen, packaged beverage manufacturer, online home health agency and a gourmet café. The loans totaled $147,500.

“Our SMARTstart program supports Pasco entrepreneurs and small businesses through a variety of resources,” Bill Cronin, president/CEO, Pasco EDC, said in the release. “This donation adds financial support for businesses when they are ineligible for traditional bank loans. The fact that Wells Fargo still sees the value in our small businesses and is willing to help through a private donation speaks volumes to them as strong partners in our community.”

Small business financial assistance
Hillsborough County has paused a business assistance application program — to make a process that’s easier and allows for larger awards.

The assistance is intended to help businesses in Hillsborough that have been affected by the sustained COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, according to a Hillsborough County news release.

The County’s Rapid Response Recovery Program (R3) is being reformatted so that more businesses can qualify for assistance.

The county expected to launch its new Phase 4 program on Aug. 31.

Through the first three phases of the program, the county has been working with more than 3,000 small businesses on requests for nearly $32 million in direct funding.

Phase 4 is designed to expand access to more businesses and increase award amounts, simplify qualifications, and make applications easier. Changes include: Increasing awards to up to $40,000 for operational/working capital expenses to provide an immediate infusion of capital to local small businesses.

The awards will be based the size of the small business, with tiers based on the number of employees. Eligibility has been expanded to businesses established before Jan. 1, 2020.

Applicants who were denied in Phase 1 through Phase 3 may now qualify under the Phase 4 criteria and can simply resubmit their existing application.

Habitat for Humanity help
Wells Fargo Foundation has awarded Habitat for Humanity of East and Central Pasco County with a $15,000 grant to build an affordable home in Dade City, according to a Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce posting.

The funding is part of an $8.1 million donation to Habitat for Humanity International for capacity building and direct mission support to build, renovate and repair more than 350 affordable homes across the United States, according to information shared by The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce.

The grant is provided through Wells Fargo Builds SM and is part of the Wells Fargo Foundation’s $1 billion philanthropic commitment to create more housing affordability solutions by 2025.

New dental office coming
Dr. Jeffrey Barrazueta, DMD, and Samir Barsoum, DMD, soon will offer dental services to the community of Odessa at Dental Care at Starkey Ranch. The full-service, state-of-the-art family dental practice is set to open in a new facility on Sept. 18.

“We are excited to be joining the Odessa community to offer high-quality dental services to families and individuals of all ages,” said Dr. Barrazueta. “Our mission is to provide exceptional experiences to each patient who walks through our doors.”

“Dental health is vital to overall health, so we want to help our patients make the best decisions for their care,” said Dr. Barsoum. “We plan to educate patients on the importance of dental care and encourage them to adopt an ongoing preventative care routine.”

Dental Care at Starkey Ranch is at 2638 Gunn Highway in Odessa. The office is accepting new patients. For more information, call (813) 560-1264, or visit DentalCareAtStarkeyRanch.com.

Job security a big concern, survey says
A new WalletHub survey found that one in three Americans is worried about layoffs.

The survey also found that 74% of people think that Congress should continue to give extra unemployment benefits until the COVID-19 pandemic ends.

The current rate of unemployment is 10.2%, according to WalletHub, which recently released a nationally representative Coronavirus & Labor Day Survey.

The survey also found that 77% of Americans do not trust others to be responsible with social distancing over Labor Day Weekend.

Also, the survey found that half of Americans think they’ve worked harder since the pandemic began.

Black business owners hit hard
The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have varied across demographic groups, and black business owners have shown the biggest decline in business activity, according to information released by the Office of Advocacy for the U.S. Small Business Administration.

The number of black people who were working and self-employed in July 2020 was 18.4% lower than in July 2019, while the decline for everyone else was 6.3%, the SBA reports.

Declines have been bigger for black women than for black men, with a decline for black women in July of 19.8% and a decline for black men of 17.6%.

Read the SBA’s “Small Business Facts: Black business owners hit hard by pandemic” to learn more.