Business Digest

Business celebrations
The North Tampa Bay Chamber took part in a number of ribbon cutting celebrations in December:

• Glory Days on Dec. 3, at 28812 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel
• Hampton Inn on Dec. 5, at 11780 State Road 54 in Odessa
• AT&T North Dale Mabry, Dec. 12, at 14446 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa
• Shawn Harrison Associates, Dec. 4, 5331 Primrose Lake Circle, Suite 100, Tampa
• Apricot Lane, Dec. 12, 28211 Paseo Drive, Wesley Chapel
• Profile by Sanford, 14837 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa

Other ribbon cuttings
The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce and the Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce took part in a ribbon cutting recently at the new Hillsboro Bank Ribbon Cutting, on Seventh Street in Dade City.

The Dade City chamber also took part in these ribbon cuttings:

• The Green Door on 8th, at 14148 Eighth St., in Dade City
• Sugarshak Design, 14247 Seventh St., in Dade City
• Dade City Chiropractic, 14122 Seventh St., Suite 2, in Dade City

Commission on the Status of Women
The Pasco County Commission has approved the Women Lawyers of Pasco’s nomination of attorney Jenny Sieg as the organization’s representative on the Commission on the Status of Women. The three-year appointment is effective through December 2022.

North Tampa Bay Chamber luncheon
The North Tampa Bay Chamber monthly membership luncheon is set for Jan. 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Fox Hollow Country Club, at 10050 Robert Trent Jones Parkway in Trinity. To register and for more information, go to NorthTampaBayChamber.com, and click on the events tab.

Chambers gear up for big events
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce are gearing up for big annual events, which occur in January.

The Zephyrhills chamber is getting ready for its 10th annual BBQ & Blues Festival, which is set for Jan. 18 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The event features a barbecue competition, live blues music, food, a beer garden, a kids zone, a business expo, a car show, a cornhole tournament and a military history museum. Admission is free; parking is $10. The event is held at 5200 Airport Road in Zephyrhills.

The Dade City chamber is gearing up for the annual Kumquat Festival in the heart of historic downtown Dade City. The event, set for Jan. 25 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., features all things kumquat, a car and truck show, a variety of vendors and live entertainment. The events draws visitors from far and wide to experience Old Florida Southern charm.

 Tax implications for small businesses
Learn how to create federal and Florida business entities, find out about state and local licensing requirements, and learn about federal and state employment taxes, such as FICA, FUTA, withholding and reemployment. The free session is on Jan. 8 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the Hugh Embry Branch Library, 14215 Fourth St., in Dade City. To register, go to PascoHernandoScore.org, and look under upcoming events.

Business card exchange
The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce will have a business card and brochure exchange at Pizza Villa, 21501 Village Lakes Shopping Center Drive in Land O’ Lakes, on Jan. 9 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., sponsored by Architectural Signage & Printing. A special priced lunch menu will be available.

How to Do a Podcast
Learn how to do a podcast on Jan. 7 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., at the SMARTstart West Pasco Entrepreneur Center, on the first floor of 4532 U.S. 19, in New Port Richey. For more information and to register, check the Pasco Economic Development Council’s website, PascoEDC.com.

COMMON GROUNDS Pitch series
Apply now to take part in SMARTstart’s Common Grounds Pitch series. At each session, two individuals will be selected for a 5-minute pitch and introduce their business idea to the local entrepreneurial community in Pasco County. Each pitch will be followed by a question-and-answer/feedback session with those gathered. The session will be on Jan. 9 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., at the East Pasco Entrepreneur Center, 15089 14th St., in Dade City. For more information and to register, check the Pasco Economic Development Council’s website, PascoEDC.com.

Greater Pasco lunch meeting
The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce will have its general membership lunch on Jan. 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Springhill Suites Tampa North, Land O’ Lakes, at 16615 Crosspointe Run. Call (727) 842-7651 for more information.

Building a Cyber Wall
Learn about securing your networks, data and business during this session on Jan. 15 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at SMARTstart West Pasco, on the first floor of the building at 4532 U.S. 19 in New Port Richey. For more information and to register, check the Pasco Economic Development Council’s website, PascoEDC.com.

Wells Fargo donates to SMARTstart
Wells Fargo has donated $20,000 to the Pasco Economic Development Council Inc.’s SMARTstart program. The program provides tools to help businesses grow.

Aquarium receives donation for coral conservation
Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation (“Great Lakes”) (NASDAQ: GLDD), the largest provider of dredging services in the United States, has announced a two-year gift to support The Florida Aquarium’s world-renown scientists in their coral conservation and restoration work.

“Conservation efforts rely on research, development and resources to be successful,” Roger Germann, president and CEO of The Florida Aquarium said, in a news release. “The level and speed of R&D needed now to save the Florida Reef Tract is unprecedented. We are grateful that Great Lakes believes in the important work we are doing and making an investment in our research. Their support means we can do more to do our part in trying to save corals from extinction.”

Community health partnership
The Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA is teaming up with Tampa Bay Markets to help improve the health and well-being of the Tampa Bay community.

The Tampa YMCA will greet visitors at upcoming Tampa Bay Markets at The Shops at Wiregrass, Hyde Park Village, Seminole Heights and Carrollwood Village. Participating Ys include the New Tampa, South Tampa, East Pasco, Central City and Bob Sierra North Tampa Family, according to a news release.

Chamber breakfast meeting
The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce will have its breakfast meeting on Dec. 20 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., at Seven Springs Golf & Country Club, 3535 Trophy Blvd., in Trinity. The speaker will be from Youth And Family Alternatives, and collections will be accepted for the RAP House Christmas. Donations needed are: Visa, MasterCard, AMEX or Discover gift cards; department store gifts cards; or, cash donations. For more information, call (727) 842-7651.

Women-n-charge
Women-N-Charge is a group of professional women who support and assist each other in managing their businesses more effectively, furthering their professional goals, and promoting their health and financial independence. The group meets on the first Friday of each month, with the next meeting set for Jan. 3, at Plantation Palms Golf Club 23253 Plantation Palms Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. Doors open at 11:15 a.m., with a lunch buffet served at 11:45 a.m., and the meeting to start at noon. Members pay $15 and guests pay $18, if they preregister and pay online. For more information, go to the group’s website, Women-n-Charge.com, or call Nicolosi at (813) 600-9848.

Using the Internet for business
Learn about e-Business and why to get online at this free session offered by SCORE Pasco-Hernando, on Jan. 6 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the SMARTstart East Pasco Entrepreneur Center, 15029 14th St., in Dade City. To register, go to SCORE’s website, PascoHernandoScore.org, and look under upcoming events.

How to value your business
This workshop is designed to help people who are interested in buying a business, or those interested in selling one to assess a fair market price for the company. Key topics covered include financial risks, conservation of value, four methods of valuation, and anticipation of business uncertainties. The free workshop is on Jan. 7 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the New Port Richey Library, 5929 Main St. To register, go to PascoHernandoScore.org, and look under upcoming events.

Tax implications for small businesses
Learn how to create federal and Florida business entities, find out about state and local licensing requirements, and learn about federal and state employment taxes, such as FICA, FUTA, withholding and reemployment. The free session is on Jan. 8 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the Hugh Embry Branch Library, 14215 Fourth St., in Dade City. To register, go to PascoHernandoScore.org, and look under upcoming events.

Business card exchange
The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce will have a business card and brochure exchange at Pizza Villa, 21501 Village Lakes Shopping Center Drive in Land O’ Lakes, on Jan. 9 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., sponsored by Architectural Signage & Printing. A special priced lunch menu will be available.

How to Do a Podcast
Learn how to do a podcast on Jan. 7 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., at the SMARTstart West Pasco Entrepreneur Center, on the first floor of 4532 U.S. 19, in New Port Richey. For more information and to register, check the Pasco Economic Development Council’s website, PascoEDC.com.

TIA gets federal funding
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao has announced that the federal Department of Transportation will award $32.9 million in airport infrastructure grants in Florida, including $6 million for Tampa International Airport, according to a news release. The funding for TIA is for airport terminal building improvements.

Sponsors sought for luncheon
The Pasco Economic Development Council Inc., will present Robert “Tim” McGee at its annual economic luncheon, which is planned for Jan. 31.

McGee is the director of macro strategy and research for U.S. Trust, Bank of America Private Wealth Management. The event is planned for Hyatt Place Tampa/Wesley Chapel.

A variety of sponsorships are available. For more information, email .

County clerk gets redesigned website
Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Nikki Alvarez-Sowles has announced the redesign of her office’s website, PascoClerk.com.

“Everyone involved in developing the new site has had one question foremost in their minds,” Alvarez-Sowles said, in a release. “Will this change help us serve and connect with our customers and our partners?

“I am confident the new, improved PascoClerk.com delivers on that focus.”

The redesigned website will be easier to use, allow for greater user interaction, and will feature enhancements, such as a prominent search function, video, easy access to documents, streamlined directions for online access to a variety of functions, and real-time updates for news and social media posts, the release says.

CareerSource information sessions
CareerSource Tampa Bay (CSTB) will host a series of Summer Job Connection Employer Table Talks for Hillsborough County businesses. The table talks will give employers information on how to participate in the Summer Job Connection 2020 program, which will begin accepting applications on Jan. 6.
These sessions are scheduled in North Tampa:

• Dec. 16, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., at 9215 N. Florida Ave., in Tampa
• Dec. 19, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., 9215 N Florida Ave., in Tampa

Employers are invited to learn about Summer Job Connection Program, and how employers play a vital role in building the future talent pipeline for youth ages 16 to 24.
“This program would not be able to succeed without our business engagement,” Jennifer Wilson, Summer Job Connection coordinator, said in a news release. “Our business community has been key to our success by meeting businesses’ short-term workforce needs, improving our regional talent pipelines and expanding workplace learning opportunities through our paid work experience model.”

Dade City business breakfast
The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce’s business breakfast will be on Dec. 17 from 7 a.m. and 8:30 a.m., at the Dade City Heritage & Cultural Museum, 14206 U.S. 98 Bypass in Dade City. Call the chamber for more information at (352) 567-3769.

Risk Management
This free session, which is part of the Entrepreneur Education Series, will focus on avoiding, reducing and insuring against threats to your business’ potential success. The session is set for Dec. 18 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the SMARTstart West Entrepreneur Center, 4532 U.S. 19 in New Port Richey. The class is on the first floor. To register, visit PascoEDC.com, and click on the December events tab.

Greater Pasco meeting
The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce membership breakfast is set for Dec. 20 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., at Seven Springs Golf Club, 3535 Trophy Blvd., in Trinity. To register, visit GreaterPasco.com, and click on the Events page for December. For more information, call (727) 842-7651.

Coffee First
Sip a cup of coffee and do some networking on the fourth Wednesday of every month at 8 a.m., at the First National Bank of Pasco, 23613 State Road 54 in Lutz. The event is hosted by the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with First National Bank of Tampa. Enjoy a free cup of coffee and stay for the great company and conversation.

Blanket Drive
The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce is helping to spread the word about Blanket Tampa Bay, a 501c3 charitable nonprofit, that is collecting blankets for the homeless and less fortunate. It has a goal of collecting 2,000 clean, new or gently used blankets. Visit Facebook.com/blanketthehomeless for more information. The blankets will be distributed on Christmas Eve at both locations of Trinity Café. For pickup, call (813) 300-9277.

 

North Tampa Bay Chamber coffee
Attend a coffee social with the North Tampa Bay Chamber at the SpringHill Suites Tampa North, Land O’ Lakes, at 16615 Crosspointe Run in Land O’ Lakes. The coffee is held on the first Thursday of every month, which is Dec. 5 this month. The coffee is from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. The event is free. Bring lots of business cards.

Overtime labor law rules
Lourdes Bahr, community outreach specialist for the wage and hour division of the United States Department of Labor, will provide information about the new overtime labor law rules that take effect Jan. 1. The lunch ‘n learn session will be on Dec. 5 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the conference room at the North Tampa Bay Chamber office, 1868 Highland Oaks Blvd., Suite A, in Lutz. Lunch will be catered by Stonewood Grill & Tavern. The cost is $15.

HART receives transportation funding
The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority has received a grant of $4.3 million from the Federal Transit Authority to replace diesel buses with compressed natural gas buses, according to a news release.

The Federal Transit Authority received applications for 318 eligible projects, totaling $1.9 billion. Just 94 projects received funding.

HART operates roughly 35,000 daily trips, covering a service area of 1,266 square miles, and has a bus fleet of 180 buses.

Business celebrations
The North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce planned to take part in these ribbon cuttings in December:

• Glory Days, 28812 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel
• Shawn Harrison & Associates, 5331 Primrose Lake Circle, Suite 100, Tampa
• Hampton Inn, 11780 State Road 54, Odessa
• Apricot Lane Boutique, at The Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Drive, Wesley Chapel
• ATT&T North Dale Mabry, 14446 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa
• Profile by Sanford, 14837 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa
• Scrubs ‘n Such Uniforms, 23016 State Road 54, Lutz

Also, Coffee Speaks ‘N Tea Talks, at 19651 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Suite C-2, in Tampa, had a grand opening ceremony on Nov. 26.

Learn about SCORE, at WOW
Susan Crane, a SCORE mentor and presenter, will talk about the free services that the organization provides and about its volunteer opportunities a the WOW meeting set for Dec. 6 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., at Beach House Assisted Living at Wiregrass, 30070 State Road 56 in Wesley Chapel. WOW is a women’s networking group of the North Tampa Bay Chamber. Preregistration and prepayment are encouraged. Online prepay is $5. Pay at the door is $5 for members and $10 for nonmembers. For more information, visit NorthTampaBayChamber.com, and click on the Events tab.

Membership luncheon
The North Tampa Bay Chamber monthly membership luncheon will spotlight three nonprofit organizations in the community: The Human Society of Tampa Bay, Oasis Pregnancy Care Centers and Sunrise of Pasco Inc. The luncheon is set for Dec. 11 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Fox Hollow Country Club, 10050 Robert Trent Jones Parkway in Trinity. To preregister and prepay, visit NorthTampaBayChamber.com, and click on the Events tab. For more information, call (813) 994-8534.

Dade City business breakfast
The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce’s business breakfast will be on Dec. 17 from 7 a.m. and 8:30 a.m., at the Dade City Heritage & Cultural Museum, 14206 U.S. 98 Bypass in Dade City. Call the chamber for more information at (352) 567-3769.

Risk Management for Entrepreneurs
This free session, which is part of the Entrepreneur Education Series, will focus on avoiding, reducing and insuring against threats to your business’ potential success. The session is set for Dec. 18 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the SMARTstart West Entrepreneur Center, 4532 U.S. 19 in New Port Richey. The class is on the first floor. To register, visit PascoEDC.com, and click on the December events tab.

Greater Pasco breakfast meeting
The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce membership breakfast is set for Dec. 20 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., at Seven Springs Golf Club, 3535 Trophy Blvd., in Trinity. To register, visit GreaterPasco.com, and click on the Events page for December. For more information, call (727) 842-7651.

Wesley Chapel Toastmasters
The Wesley Chapel Speaks Toastmasters meets the first and third Monday of each month at the New Tampa Regional Library, 10001 Cross Creek Blvd., in Tampa. This group seeks to help its members develop and strengthen their public speaking skills, improve their communication and build their leadership skills. Guests can attend two meetings for free; after that, the fee to belong is $55 every six months. Toastmasters is a 501c3 nonprofit organization.

Coffee First
Sip a cup of coffee and do some networking on the fourth Wednesday of every month at 8 a.m., at the First National Bank of Pasco, 23613 State Road 54 in Lutz. The event is hosted by the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with First National Bank of Tampa. Enjoy a free cup of coffee and stay for the great company and conversation.

Blanket Drive
The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce is helping to spread the word about Blanket Tampa Bay, a 501c3 charitable nonprofit, that is collecting blankets for the homeless and less fortunate. It has a goal of collecting 2,000 clean, new or gently used blankets. Visit Facebook.com/blanketthehomeless for more information. The blankets will be distributed on Christmas Eve at both locations of Trinity Café. For pickup, call (813) 300-9277.

Become a SCORE volunteer
Despite its acronym, (Service Corps of Retired Executives) volunteers do not have to be retired or an executive, they simply need the experience and willingness to be able to help small businesses succeed. Current local volunteers have backgrounds in human resources, engineering, accounting, sales, marketing, production and other fields. The needs of the clients the organization serves are even more diverse. To find out more, visit PascoHernando.score.org.

 

Annual chamber meeting
The North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce will have its annual meeting on Dec. 3 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., at the Porter Campus of Pasco-Hernando State College, 2727 Mansfield Blvd., in Wesley Chapel. The breakfast will recognize volunteer ambassadors, salute outgoing board members, swear in new board members, install the board chair and include a look ahead to 2020. To register, visit NorthTampaChamber.com. For more information, call (813) 994-853.

Pasco boards reorganize
The Pasco County Commission has elected Mike Moore as its chairman and Mike Wells as its vice chairman. The Pasco County School Board has elected Colleen Beaudoin as its chairwoman and Allen Altman as its vice chairman.

Bill Cronin selected for international board
Bill Cronin, president and CEO of the Pasco Economic Development Council Inc., who was elected in October to the board of directors of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), will begin his term on Jan. 1, according to a news release from the Pasco EDC.

“We look forward to Bill Cronin’s leadership as a member of the Board of Directors. His appointment is timely, as IEDC heads to Tampa for the 2020 Leadership Summit. We look forward to having his voice on our board. His new leadership role will ensure great accomplishments in 2020 and beyond,” Jeffrey Finkle, CEcD, president and CEO of IEDC, said in the release.

Planning commission appointees sought
The Hillsborough County Commission is seeking applicants for positions on its Planning Commission. Those interested in applying must be registered voters, living in unincorporated Hillsborough County. Members of the Planning Commission serve 4-year terms. Application forms are  available in the County Commission’s reception area on the second floor of County Center, 601 E. Kennedy Blvd., in Tampa. Applications are due by the close of business on Dec. 5.

Learn about SCORE, at WOW
Susan Crane, a SCORE mentor and presenter, will talk about the free services that the organization provides and about its volunteer opportunities a the WOW meeting set for Dec. 6 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., at Beach House Assisted Living at Wiregrass, 30070 State Road 56 in Wesley Chapel. WOW is a women’s networking group of the North Tampa Bay Chamber. Preregistration and prepayment are encouraged. Online prepay is $5. Pay at the door is $5 for members and $10 for nonmembers. For more information, visit NorthTampaBayChamber.com, and click on the Events tab.

Chamber business breakfast
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce will have its business breakfast on Dec. 5 from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., at the Golden Corral, 6855 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills.

Membership luncheon
The North Tampa Bay Chamber monthly membership luncheon will spotlight three nonprofit organizations in the community: The Human Society of Tampa Bay, Oasis Pregnancy Care Centers and Sunrise of Pasco Inc. The luncheon is set for Dec. 11 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Fox Hollow Country Club, 10050 Robert Trent Jones Parkway in Trinity. To preregister and prepay, visit NorthTampaBayChamber.com, and click on the Events tab. For more information, call (813) 994-8534.

Dade City business breakfast
The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce’s business breakfast will be on Dec. 17 from 7 a.m. and 8:30 a.m., at the Dade City Heritage & Cultural Museum, 14206 U.S. 98 Bypass in Dade City. Call the chamber for more information at (352) 567-3769.

Risk Management for Entrepreneurs
This free session, which is part of the Entrepreneur Education Series, will focus on avoiding, reducing and insuring against threats to your business’ potential success. The session is set for Dec. 18 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the SMARTstart West Entrepreneur Center, 4532 U.S. 19 in New Port Richey. The class is on the first floor. To register, visit PascoEDC.com, and click on the December events tab.

Greater Pasco breakfast meeting
The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce membership breakfast is set for Dec. 20 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., at Seven Springs Golf Club, 3535 Trophy Blvd., in Trinity. To register, visit GreaterPasco.com, and click on the Events page for December. For more information, call (727) 842-7651.

Wesley Chapel Toastmasters
The Wesley Chapel Speaks Toastmasters meets the first and third Monday of each month at the New Tampa Regional Library, 10001 Cross Creek Blvd., in Tampa. This group seeks to help its members develop and strengthen their public speaking skills, improve their communication and build their leadership skills. Guests can attend two meetings for free; after that, the fee to belong is $55 every six months. Toastmasters is a 501c3 nonprofit organization.

Coffee First
Sip a cup of coffee and do some networking on the fourth Wednesday of every month at 8 a.m., at the First National Bank of Pasco, 23613 State Road 54 in Lutz. The event is hosted by the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with First National Bank of Tampa. Enjoy a free cup of coffee and stay for the great company and conversation.

Blanket Drive
The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce is helping to spread the word about Blanket Tampa Bay, a 501c3 charitable nonprofit, that is collecting blankets for the homeless and less-fortunate. It has a goal of collecting 2,000 clean, new or gently used blankets. Visit Facebook.com/blanketthehomeless for more information. The blankets will be distributed on Christmas Eve at both locations of Trinity Café. For pickup, call (813) 300-9277.

Skeet range request dropped
A request to allow a private skeet shooting range on a 53-acre property off of Bellamy Brothers Boulevard has been withdrawn.

Dania Vizzi, a champion skeet shooter, had wanted to practice her skills on the property in her quest to make the U.S. team for the 2020 Olympics.

But, she was practicing there before receiving Pasco County’s permission to establish the range, which drew the ire of neighbors and a complaint to the county’s code enforcement division.

At a Pasco County Planning Commission public hearing on Oct. 10, several neighbors said that shooting on the range was disturbing their tranquility and disrupting their way of life.

Both county planners and planning commissioners recommended approval of the request, contingent on a list of conditions.

Matt Newton, an attorney representing applicants Arthur and Doree Vizzi, told planning commissioners that the recommended conditions were cost-prohibitive.

Applicant Arthur Vizzi said the same thing.

But, planning commissioners were not swayed and left the conditions intact.

The Pasco County Commission was scheduled to consider the request on Nov.  5, but the Vizzis withdrew it.

Sponsorships sought
You can enter your company’s float into the parade, be the title sponsor or even sponsor the Santa float in the upcoming 2019 Holiday Street Parade presented by The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club of Holiday. Deadline for sponsorships is Dec. 3 at 5 p.m. To find out more call (727) 842-7651.

Florida is No. 2 for startups
Comparisun has analyzed business survival rates, business application growth, rate of new entrepreneurs, tax rates, education labor costs and the cost of living to reveal the best states in the country to launch a startup.

According to Camparisun’s findings, Florida came in second, behind Texas. The other states rounding out the top 10, in this order are: Ohio, Colorado, Arizona, Utah, California, North Carolina, Georgia and Oklahoma.

E-Marketing workshop
This free workshop on Nov. 19 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., looks at how to implement a marketing campaign using the Internet. It is being presented by Pasco Hernando SCORE at SMARTstart East Pasco Entrepreneur Center, 15029 14th St., in Dade City. Register at PascoHernando.score.org.

Coffee First
Sip a cup of coffee and do some networking on the fourth Wednesday of every month at 8 a.m., at the First National Bank of Pasco, 23613 State Road 54 in Lutz. The event is hosted by the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with First National Bank of Tampa. Enjoy a free cup of coffee, and stay for the great company and conversation.

Ceramic Garden’s grand opening
The Ceramic Garden, at 19213 N. Dale Mabry Highway in Lutz, is having its grand opening on Nov. 16 and Nov. 17, between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. A number of special activities are planned.

The 17-year old company relocated from Northdale and features a relaxing garden atmosphere, several studios for painting pottery, clay (hand-building, sculpture, throwing), and glass art. The company also offers art camps for adults, classes for all ages, workshops, a party room, and afterschool art programs. More information about the company and event can be found at TheCeramicGarden.com.

Aquarium appoints board members
The Florida Aquarium’s Board of Directors has approved Kimberly A. Bruce, as the organization’s new board chair. It also has new board members. They are:

• Douglas Brigman, senior vice president, Raymond James Financial
• Christopher Brandriff, executive director, J.P. Morgan Chase
• John Couris, president and chief executive officer, Tampa General Hospital
• Andrea Gonzmart Williams, owner, fifth generation, Columbia Restaurant Group
• Kyle M. Klement, president and CEO, Klemtek Media
• Craig Kingensmith, president, Coastal Construction of Tampa LLC
• Rita Lowman, president, Pilot Bank
• Larry Shannon Ph.D., president and CEO, Shannon and Associates Consulting
• Lakshmi Shenoy, CEO, EMBARC Collective

Bay Tech expands in Pasco
Bay Tech Industries will invest nearly $1.5 million in building and equipment expansion in Odessa, according to a news release from the Pasco Economic Development Council Inc.

Bay Tech Industries has been in the Tampa Bay area for over 30 years, and nearly a decade in Pasco County.

It is operated by Bob Bourassa, president; Rick Seal, vice president; Bob’s son Bobby, general manager and his daughter Amanda, office manager.

The company is investing $1.5 million in a 12,170-square-foot building expansion and new equipment.

The company’s production demands required a larger space.

“We love working with our existing industries in Pasco County, especially veteran-owned, and seeing them grow,” Bill Cronin, Pasco EDC’s president and CEO, said in the release. “It’s rare to see an entire family work together successfully with the typical stresses of running a business, but they have it figured out, they have a great team.”
Bay Tech Industries specializes in machining, milling, welding and fabrication of components for aerospace and defense.

Bourassa served in the U.S. Army from 1969-1971 in Vietnam, and is a Bronze Star recipient. He and his partner started this business because of the history they have in the defense industry, and the company continues to serve that industry.