Business Digest

Main Street accreditation
Main Street Zephyrhills Inc., has been designated as a Main Street America program for meeting rigorous accreditation standards, according to a news release from the Main Street Zephyrhills office. The performance of Main Street Zephyrhills Inc., is evaluated annually by the Florida Main Street Program, which works in partnership with the National Main Street Center to identify the local programs that meet 10 national performance standards, the release says.

Chambers joining forces
The Central Pasco Chamber and the West Pasco Chamber are joining forces, and the new name for the unified organization will be revealed at a “Come Together” mixer on May 8 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., at Springhill Suites Tampa North Land O’ Lakes, 16615 Crosspointe Run, Land O’ Lakes.

Home Health ribbon cutting
A ribbon cutting ceremony is set for May 9 at 9 a.m., at 1930 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., to celebrate the launch of Gulfside Home Health, a business line under Gulfside Healthcare Services, formerly known as Gulfside Hospice & Pasco Palliative Care.

Pasco Kids First open house
Pasco Kids First is hosting an open house and ribbon cutting on May 10 from noon to 2 p.m., at its new East Pasco office in the Dade City Business Center, 15000 Citrus Country Drive, Suite 103. Pasco Kids First is a private, nonprofit organization serving families and children in Pasco County. The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce will hold the ribbon cutting at 1 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.

Tourist council opening
Pasco County’s Destination Management Organization is seeking an applicant for the Pasco County Tourist Development Council.

The position is  voluntary. Council members serve for four-year terms.

The TDC typically meets monthly, alternating between New Port Richey and Dade City.

Applicants must live and be registered to vote in Pasco County and must be actively involved with the tourism industry, such as a hotel representative, attraction partner or something along those lines.

The TDC is an advisory council to the Pasco County Commission.

For more information, visit bit.ly/PascoTDC, or email Kolby Kucyk Gayson at .

Business workshop
The Pasco County Purchasing Department invites all local vendors interested in doing business with Pasco County to attend a vendor workshop on May 14 from 9 a.m. to noon, at the Pasco County Historic Courthouse, at 37918 Meridian Ave., in Dade City. The workshop will cover the ins and outs of doing business with the county. To learn more about the county’s purchasing department, visit bit.ly/PascoPurchasing.

East Pasco Networking
David West will be the featured speaker at the May 14 breakfast meeting of the East Pasco Networking Group. The meeting, which starts at 7:30 a.m., will be at IHOP, at 13100 U.S. 301 in Dade City.

Energy, maintenance costs lower in Pasco schools
The Florida Department of Education recently released a  2017-2018 cost comparison for energy and maintenance/operations costs among school districts. Based on that report, Pasco County Schools spent $8.3 million less than the state average.

Some of the reasons that the district’s costs are lower include setting thermostats at 76 degrees and controlling the air systems from a central location, and having fewer employees per square foot than average, according to a school district news release.

Hispanic entrepreneurs fare well
The growth rate for Latino firms has been two to three times the national average according to the website WalletHub. The website compared more than 180 U.S. cities across 24 key metrics, and found that Tampa ranked seventh among the top 20 cities.

WOW-Too (WOW of Trinity and Odessa)
WOW-Too started as Women of Wesley Chapel and was so popular that it expanded into Trinity and Odessa. The group meets on the third Wednesday of each month, from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., at the Holiday Inn Express Trinity, 2125 Corporate Center Drive in Trinity.

Chamber scholarships
The North Tampa Bay Chamber’s scholarship fund makes awards to local students, and this year the program will provide scholarships to students graduating from Cypress Creek, Wesley Chapel, Wiregrass Ranch, Freedom and Wharton high schools.

The chamber’s goal is to present 20 scholarships, each in the amount of $500. It is still seeking sponsors for the program. Each sponsorship is $650.

The chamber has partnered with the career counselors at each campus where students apply by completing an application, including a short essay.

Sponsors have an opportunity to present a ceremonial check to the recipient.
Remaining event dates are Wiregrass Ranch, May 23 at 6 p.m.; and, Cypress Creek, May 28 at 9 a.m.

If you have additional questions regarding the program, email .

Paula O’ Neil to speak
Paula O’ Neil, the clerk and comptroller for Pasco County, will be the featured speaker at the KNOW (Knowledgeable Network of Women)  meeting, set for May 17 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will be at Rosecastle of Zephyrhills, 37411 Eiland Blvd., in Zephyrhills. Call (813) 782-1913, or email to RSVP. KNOW is a personal and professional development program for business women in the Greater Zephyrhills region.

Additional staff authorized
Pasco County Commissioners have authorized the funding for five field inspectors, at a total cost of $318,512.

Commissioners agreed to the increase based on material supplied by county staff, outlining the need for additional staff because of the market demand.

“Pasco County field inspectors are currently performing over double the amount of inspections per year compared to similar jurisdictions,” according to the backup material accompanying the request.

“This pace Is unsustainable,” the agenda backup says.

On another agenda item, the board approved two additional field investigators that had been approved during budget deliberations, but were not included in the budget because of a clerical error.

yoga grand opening
A grand opening celebration is planned for past tense yoga and massage studio, at 18474 U.S. 41 in Lutz, on May 3 through May 5. Festivities kick-off on May 3 at 4:30 p.m., with a ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring Lutz Guv’na Dominic DiFanpe, followed by a partners wine-sipping yoga class beginning at 6:30 p.m.

On May 4 and  May 5, between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., there will be an opportunity to meet the teachers, take a yoga sampler class, get a chair massage, and enjoy refreshments Cinco de Mayo-style. past tense offers a variety of yoga classes, massage, skin care treatments and other services.

Find out more at MyPastTenseStudio.com.

Chamber scholarships
The North Tampa Bay Chamber’s scholarship fund makes awards to local students, and this year the program will provide scholarships to students graduating from Cypress Creek, Wesley Chapel, Wiregrass Ranch, Freedom and Wharton high schools.

The chamber’s goal is to present 20 scholarships, each in the amount of $500. It is still seeking sponsors for the program. Each sponsorship is $650.

The chamber has partnered with the career counselors at each campus where students apply by completing an application, including a short essay.

Sponsors have an opportunity to present a ceremonial check to the recipient.
Event dates are: Freedom, April 25 at 6 p.m.; Wharton, April 25 at 6:30 p.m.; Wiregrass Ranch, May 23, 6 p.m.; and, Cypress Creek, May 28, 9 a.m.

If you have any additional questions regarding the scholarship program, contact Eliana at .

Local business celebrations

• Coffee Time, at 22299 State Road 54, Suite 102, in Land O’ Lakes, had its grand opening on April 22 with a ribbon cutting, live music, activities and giveaways.
• Cora Physical Therapy New Tampa, 27227 State Road 56, Wesley Chapel, is hosting an open house on April 24 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., with giveaways, a chance to meet the therapists and food by Capital Tacos.
• Wild Magnolia Creative, 2406 Cypress Glen, Suite 101, in Wesley Chapel, will have a ribbon-cutting celebration April 30 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be social media tips, networking, gift bags and refreshments.
• Familia Upholstery, 1641-6 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Lutz, will have a ribbon cutting and grand opening on May 1 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The celebration will include beverages and appetizers.

Nominations sought
The Pasco Economic Development Council Inc., has an annual awards program that recognizes achievements of top companies in Pasco County for their technology, innovation, job creation, growth and capital investment in the area.

The economic development council also measures companies’ involvement in community activities.

Nominations for this year’s awards are accepted until the close of business on April 30. Winners will be announced at the Pasco EDC’s 33rd annual Awards and Trade Show in September.

For specifics on the categories, visit PEDC.com.

Work underway to merge chambers
Due diligence efforts have been completed for the merger of the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce and the West Pasco Chamber of Commerce, with the expected merger to become effective on July 1.

Work is underway to make the organizational changes necessary to operate as a single chamber, including the selection of a new name.

Any chamber member who wants to be involved in a task force is asked to email Les Saland, president of the Central Pasco Chamber as soon as possible. He can be reached at .

East Pasco Networking
Cliff McDuffie, retired mayor of Zephyrhills, will be the featured speaker at the April 23 breakfast meeting of the East Pasco Networking Group. The meeting, which starts at 7:30 a.m., will be at IHOP, at 13100 U.S. 301 in Dade City.

Welbilt joins board of directors
Joel Horn, executive vice president of Welbilt Inc., has joined the Pasco Economic Development Council Inc.’s board of directors, according to a Pasco EDC news release.

Welbilt Inc., is a commercial food service equipment manufacturer.

It recently invested in the Pasco EDC, and at its level of investment it receives a seat on the EDC’s board. The company appointed Horn to fill the role.

“We are thrilled to have worked with Welbilt on numerous project announcements over the years, and to now have them represented on our Board of Directors,” said Bill Cronin, president/CEO, Pasco EDC.

Cronin described Welbilt as a huge asset in the community, and a great partner and supporter of Pasco EDC.

Jersey Mike’s Subs givesJersey Mike’s Subs just wrapped up its ninth annual “Month of Giving,” raising more than $7.3 million to help charitable causes across the country.

That’s more than $1 million more than was raised during last year’s campaign, according to a company news release.

The campaign culminated on March 27, Day of Giving, when 1,500 Jersey Mike’s restaurants donated 100 percent of sales, not just profits, to more than 200 different charities across the nation.

Throughout March, customers were invited to come in to their local Jersey Mike’s restaurant and make a donation to a local designated charity partner. Then, on Jersey Mike’s “Day of Giving,” 100 percent of the day’s sales were donated to each local charity partner. The charity recipients included schools, hospitals, youth organizations, food banks and more.

Jersey Mike’s 37 locations in Tampa/St. Petersburg/Sarasota raised $120,560 to support High Risk Hope, an organization that provides support, encouragement, information and resources to women and families who are experiencing a high risk pregnancy resulting in hospital bed rest, potential premature birth and neonatal intensive care after delivery, according to an attachment, to the release.

Knotted Roots ribbon cutting
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce plans to take part in a ribbon cutting at Knotted Roots on the Lake, on April 17, at 3310 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. The event will be from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., with the ribbon cutting set for 6 p.m. Knotted Roots is a new venue for gatherings.

Coffee Time grand opening
Coffee Time, at 22299 State Road 54, Suite 102, in Land O’ Lakes, is holding an all-day grand opening event, on April 22, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., with a ribbon cutting planned by the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce at 5:30 p.m. The event will include live music, free mini-massages, chiropractic adjustments, coffee tasting, artists, latte art, and giveaways throughout the day.

Physical therapy open house
Cora Physical Therapy New Tampa, 27227 State Road 56, Wesley Chapel, is having an open house on April 24 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Stop by to meet physical therapists and other staff members. The free event will be catered by Capital Tacos. The ribbon cutting will be at 5 p.m. There also will be free giveaways.

Pasco administrator to speak
Pasco County Administrator Dan Biles will be the featured speaker at the North Tampa Bay Chamber monthly membership luncheon on April 10. Doors open at 11:15 a.m., the buffet begins at 11:30 a.m., and the program starts at noon. The event will be at the Fox Hollow Golf Club, 10050 Trent Jones Parkway in Trinity. To RSVP, prepay or for other information, go to NorthTampaBayChamber.com/events.

Chamber networking
The Central Pasco Chamber of commerce will have its Wednesday morning networking on April 3 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., at Hungry Harry’s Family Bar-B-Que, 3130 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. The charge is $12 at the door for a full breakfast.

Women-n-Charge
Join the ladies of Women-n-Charge on April 5 from 11:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at Plantation Palms Golf Club, 232523 Plantation Palms Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. The meeting includes lunch, a presentation and time to network. The theme of the meeting is “Networking to Highlight Your Business.” To register or to RSVP, call (813) 600-9848, or email .

Central Pasco Chamber
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will have its general lunch and membership meeting on April 9 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Plantation Palms Golf Club, 23253 Plantation Palms Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. For more information, visit CentralPascoChamber.com.

SBA emerging leaders
The U.S. Small Business Administration announced the launch of the 2019 Emerging Leaders Initiative for executives of small businesses poised for growth in emerging markets. Local area recruitment for the 2019 training cycle is ongoing at designated SBA District Offices. Those interested in learning more should contact their local SBA office, or visit SBA.gov/emergingleaders.

Open Doors Forum
The 2019 Open Doors Forum aims to connect minority-owned businesses, women-owned businesses, and small businesses to opportunities in government contracting, across Hillsborough County. Nearly 50 exhibitors are expected at the event offering opportunities for companies to do work with them. The event is set for April 5 at 9 a.m., at the T. Pepin Hospitality Centre, 4121 N. 50th St., in Tampa. To register or get more information, call (813) 307-8309 or visit HCFLGov.net/MWSBE.

Pasco EDC seeks award nominations
The Pasco Economic Development Council Inc., has an annual awards program that recognizes achievements of top companies in Pasco County for their technology, innovation, job creation, growth and capital investment in the area.

The economic development council also measures companies’ involvement in community activities.

Nominations for this year’s awards are accepted until the close of business on April 30. Winners will be announced at the Pasco EDC’s 33rd annual Awards and Trade Show in September.

For specifics on the categories, visit PEDC.com.

New director of sales
Laura Formon has joined Home Care Now as its director of sales and marketing. Home Care Now offers in-home support in Pinellas, Pasco and Hillsborough counties. To reach Forman, email , or call her at (727) 243-1017.

Zephyrhills Chamber
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce has its breakfast meeting on the first Thursday of the month at 7 a.m., at Golden Corral, 6877 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills. The cost is $8 for members and $10 for visitors. Cash, checks and debit/credit cards are accepted.

East Pasco Networking
Cliff McDuffie, former mayor of Zephyrhills, will be the featured speaker at the April 23 breakfast meeting of the East Pasco Networking Group. The meeting, which starts at 7:30 a.m., will be at IHOP, at 13100 U.S. 301 in Dade City.

Dade City Chamber
Dr. Rodrigo Torres, chief medical officer for AdventHealth Dade City and AdventHealth Zephyrhills, will be the speaker at the Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting on April 16, at 13100 Fort King Road, Classroom 108. Networking begins at 7 a.m., followed by breakfast and program at 7:30 a.m.

RSVP and pre-payment are required by noon on April 11. Even those with 12-month pre-pay offer must RSVP.

‘Saucy Queen’ is featured speaker
Michele Northrup, also known as the Saucy Queen, will be the featured speaker at the WOW-TOO meeting on April 17 from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., at the Holiday Inn Express-Trinity, 2125 Corporate Center Drive in Trinity. The charge is $5 for online prepay or at the door. The charge is $10 for non-members or if the fee is invoiced. For more information, visit NorthTampaBayChamber.com/events.

NetFest 2019
NetFest, a networking festival presented by the Pasco Economic Development Council Inc., is set for April 4 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at The Epperson Lagoon by Metro Places. The event gives business and community leaders a chance to network and have fun. The cost is $40 for Pasco EDC investors and guests, and $50 for others. For more information, call (813) 926-0827, or email .

Joint ribbon cuttings
Ribbon cuttings were held for Copperstone Executive Suites and Clinical Professional Connections on the afternoon of March 19. The celebration was at Copperstone Executive Suites, 3632 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. The event also doubled as a grand reopening for Copperstone, which is now under new ownership. The occasion included food, drink, giveaways and a lively crowd.

Women-n-Charge
Women-n-Charge is set to meet April 5 from 11:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at Plantation Palms Golf Club, 23253 Plantation Palms Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.  The meeting includes lunch, a presentation, and time to network. The theme of the meeting will be “Networking to Highlight Your Business!”

The group shares their talents, builds relationships and shares their resources with other women in business.

For more information or to RSVP, please call (813) 600-9848 or email .

Campaign for Honorary Mayor
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce kicked off its annual race for Honorary Mayor of Land O’ Lakes contest at the Land O’ Lakes Music Fest, held over the weekend at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park. Those campaigning for the honorary title help to raise funds to support the chamber, and the winner gets a portion for his or her designated cause. The winner also attends chamber ribbon cuttings and other events.

Central Pasco Chamber networking
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will have its Wednesday morning networking session on April 3 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., at The Lake House at Hungry Harry’s Family Bar-B-Que, 3130 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. Go to the events page of chamber’s website, CentralPascoChamber.com, for more information.

Chamber breakfast meeting
The North Tampa Chamber of Commerce has its breakfast meeting on the first Tuesday of the month from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., at Pasco-Hernando State College’s Porter Campus, 2727 Mansfield Blvd., in Wesley Chapel. The next meeting is April 2. For more information on costs and to reserve a spot, go to NorthTampaBayChamber.com/events/details/business-breakfast.

Fashion entrepreneur to speak
Sumita Bhojwani, a fashion entrepreneur, will be the featured speaker for the April 5 meeting of WOW, which stands for Women of Wesley Chapel, a group which is part of the North Tampa Bay Chamber. The group meets on the first Friday of the month from 7:30 a .m. to 9 a.m., at Beach House Assisted Living at Wiregrass, 30070 State Road 56. The cost is $5 at the door, or $10 if invoiced. For more information, call (813) 994-8534.

Chamber membership luncheon
Pasco County Administrator Dan Biles will be the featured speaker at the North Tampa Bay Chamber membership luncheon set for April 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The group meets at the Fox Hollow Golf Club, 10050 Trent Jones Parkway in Trinity. For costs and other information, go to the chamber’s website at NorthTampaBayChamber.com.

Development briefing
The North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce has a development briefing on the fourth Thursday of each month from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The group meets at Hunter’s Green, 18108 Longwater Run Drive in Tampa. For costs and other information, go to the chamber’s event at NorthTampaBayChamber.com.

Grand re-opening at Copperstone
Copperstone Executive Suites, 3632 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes, will host a grand re-opening March 19 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The building is under new ownership and management.

There will be food, drinks and giveaways. Guests can enter to win four free hours of meeting room space.

For information, call (813) 298-7363.

Carrollwood Bar Association changes name
The Carrollwood Bar Association has changed its name to the North Tampa Bar Association to better reflect the area in which its members live and work, according to a news release from the organization.

The North Tampa Bar Association’s mission is to serve its members and the residents of the North Tampa area by fostering respect for the law, by advancing the competent and ethical practice of the legal profession, and by providing programs to its members that will enhance their practice and enrich their experience in the legal profession.

The organization has contributed to area charities since its inception. Last year, it assisted Elves for Elders and Community Food Pantry.

For more information, visit NorthTampaBarAssociation.com.

Brightway Insurance now in Lutz
Brightway Insurance Agency, Westchase, has moved from Tampa to 1577 Dale Mabry Highway, Suite 100, in Lutz, according to a news release from the company. The insurance provider has also rebranded as Brightway, The Lutz Agency.

The company provides a broad array of insurance choices.

Dade City Chamber breakfast
Pasco County Commission Chairman Ron Oakley will be the featured speaker at The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting March 19, at 37411 Eiland Blvd., in Zephyrhills. Networking starts at 7 a.m., and breakfast is served at 7:30 a.m.

RSVP and prepayment are required no later than March 14 at noon. Go to DadeCityChamber.org/chamber-breakfast, to reserve your spot.

Hobby Lobby grand opening
Hobby Lobby is scheduled to have its grand opening festivities March 18, between 8:45 a.m. and 10 a.m., with a ribbon cutting ceremony planned for before 9 a.m., when the store will open for its first day. The store is at 25675 Sierra Center Blvd., in the Cypress Creek Town Center in Lutz.

NetFest 2019
NetFest, a networking festival presented by the Pasco Economic Development Council Inc., is set for April 4 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at The Epperson Lagoon by Metro Places. The event gives business and community leaders a chance to network and have fun. The cost is $40 for Pasco EDC investors and guests, and $50 for others. For more information, call (813) 926-0827, or email .

WOW-Too
WOW-Too started as Women of Wesley Chapel and was so popular that it expanded into Trinity and Odessa. The group meets on the third Wednesday of each month from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., at the Holiday Inn Express Trinity, 2125 Corporate Center Drive in Trinity.

North Tampa Bay Chamber briefing
The North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce has an economic development briefing on the fourth Thursday of each month, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The group meets at Hunter’s Green, 18108 Longwater Run Drive in Tampa. For more information and to register, visit NorthTampaBayChamber.com.

NetFest 2019
NetFest, a networking festival presented by the Pasco Economic Development Council Inc., is set for April 4 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at The Epperson Lagoon by Metro Places. The event gives business and community leaders a chance to network and have fun. The cost is $40 for Pasco EDC investors and guests, and $50 for others. For more information, call (813) 926-0827, or email .

County supports Gran Fondo
The Pasco County Commission has approved a sports event sponsorship agreement with Haute Route LLC, relating to the Gran Fondo Florida event. This year, the cycling event is scheduled to take place on March 23 and March 24 in San Antonio. The agreement calls for awarding up to $4,800 to support the event, which will be based on a rate of $12 per night per room, based on the actual number of room nights generated by the event in Pasco County.

The gran fondo format differs from other bike races, because it’s not a “start to finish” race. Instead, there are timed segments throughout the courses, which are used to calculate a rider’s competitive time.

Kevin Barber appointed
The Pasco County Commission has confirmed the recommendation from the Pasco-Hernando Workforce Board executive committee and has appointed Kevin Barber, representing Iron Workers Local 397, to the Pasco-Hernando Workforce Board.

Planning Commission terms
The Pasco County Commission has approved a resolution that specifies that the county’s Planning Commission will be appointed through staggered terms. The initial terms range from one year to three years, and two-year terms after the expiration of the initial terms. Members may be reappointed and member vacancies will be filled using the same manner as the original appointment. The resolution also establishes the annual election of a chairman and vice chairman for the planning board.

East Pasco Networking Group
Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano and Madonna Wise will be the featured speakers at the March 12 breakfast meeting of the East Pasco Networking Group. The meeting, which starts at 7:30 a.m., will be at IHOP, at 13100 U.S. 301 in Dade City.

Pasco Schools job fair
Pasco County Schools is hosting a Spring Job Fair on March 7 from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at River Ridge High School, 11646 Town Center Road in New Port Richey.

The district has openings for teachers, maintenance workers, bus drivers and other positions.

Applicants can get on-the-spot interviews and prizes for participating.

Positions are available at the elementary, middle, and high school levels in various areas, including:

• Food and nutrition services
• Plant manager
• Intermediate elementary teacher
• Child care assistants
• Registrars
• Sports coaches
• Licensed practical nurse
• Custodian
• Bus drivers

For more information about the Job Fair and to register, visit PascoHires2019.eventbrite.com.

Visit Pasco.Tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx, to view job listings.

North Tampa Bay Chamber briefing
The North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce has a development briefing on the fourth Thursday of each month, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The cost is $15 if members prepay and $20 for members at the door; for non-members, the cost is $25. The group meets at Hunter’s Green, 18108 Longwater Run Drive in Tampa.

Zephyrhills Toastmasters
Zephyrhills Toastmasters is hosting an open house March 12 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at the Microtel Inn and Suites, 7839 Gall Blvd., in  Zephyrhills. The organization helps individuals develop public speaking and leadership skills. Food will be provided. For more information, contact Zain Nensey at (813) 951-3248 or .