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The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

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Business Digest

Business Digest 05/22/2019

May 22, 2019 By B.C. Manion

Honorary Mayor events
Meet candidates Kathy Balthazard, of First National Bank of Pasco, and Melissa Brown, of Nautilus Soap Company, who are vying for the title of Honorary Mayor of Land O’ Lakes.

The women will be at a June 3 fundraiser from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Hungry Harry’s Family BBQ, 3116 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. Fifteen percent of the total sales will be split between the candidates. Patrons are invited to eat in or take out.

They also will face off on June 6 at the Land O’ Lakes Honorary Mayor Slow Pitch Softball Game, at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.

It will be Kathy Balthazards’s Rotary Renegades vs. Melissa Brown’s Bath Bombers. The gate opens at 5 p.m., with the game set for 6 p.m. There will be 10 players on the field, and players must be 18 or older to play. There is a $25 fee to play. There is also a $5 admission charge.

Food and beverage will be available for purchase.

For more information, call the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce office at (813) 909-2722.

Tourism and Travel Week
The Pasco County Commission declared May 5 through 11 as Travel and Tourism Week in Pasco County. The resolution, adopted by commissioners, acknowledged that the week was nationalism tourism week, that tourism is Florida’s top economic driver and that in 2018 the tourism industry contributed more than $615 million to Pasco County’s economy, including more than $436 million in direct spending by 965,000 visitors.

New pet resort
The Barkmore Resort recently opened at 10125 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. It offers overnight care, doggy daycare and dog training. It’s a place where pets stay, play and bark, according to the company’s website. For more information, visit BarkmoreResort.com.

Chamber business breakfast
David Gwynn, P.E., the District Seven secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation, will be the featured speaker at the North Tampa Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting on June 4. The meeting is from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., at Pasco-Hernando State College’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, 2727 Mansfield Blvd., in Wesley Chapel. For more information, visit NorthTampaBayChamber.com.

Academy groundbreaking
Join the North Tampa Bay Chamber at the groundbreaking for Pinecrest Academy K-8 on June 5, at 33425 State Road 54. The groundbreaking is at 10 a.m. The celebration lasts until noon. For more information about the school, visit PinecrestWesleyChapel.com.

Teal Plank ribbon cutting
Join the North Tampa Bay Chamber at the ribbon cutting for the Teal Plank Workshop, at 10353 Cross Creek Blvd., Building No. 10. The event is on June 6, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The business is a do-it-yourself home décor store. To find out more, visit TealPlankWorkshops.com.

Zephyrhills chamber breakfast
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce will have its chamber business breakfast on June 6 from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., at the Golden Coral, 6855 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills.

East Pasco Networking
Bob Hatfield from the Office of U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis will be the featured speaker at the East Pasco Networking Group’s June 11 meeting. The group meets at 7:30 a.m., at the IHOP at 13100 U.S. 301 in Dade City. Maria Reza, a business services consultant at Career Source Pasco-Hernando, will be the featured speaker at the group’s June 25 meeting.

 

Business Digest 05/15/2019

May 15, 2019 By B.C. Manion

Senior Living groundbreaking
Blue Heron Senior Living Community, at 29701 Stockton Drive in Wesley Chapel, will have a groundbreaking ceremony on May 15 at 9 a.m. The facility will include assisted living, rehabilitation, memory care and skilled nursing.

Blue Heron will offer 95 resort-style private suites where individuals will be provided assistance, as needed. It will feature a health spa, theater, wellness gym, activity center, resident art gallery, library, bistro shop and town square.

A separate wing of 22 apartments will be specifically dedicated to residents with Alzheimer’s or other forms of age-associated memory impairment.

The first residents of Blue Heron Senior Community will begin to move on campus in the spring of 2021. The senior living community is expected to create more than 225 new jobs.

For more information, call (765) 664-5400.

Market & Café ribbon cutting
Farmhouse Market & Café, 14124 Fifth St., in Dade City, is having its ribbon cutting ceremony on May 18 at 10 a.m. The café, housed in a 5,000-square-foot building, will serve breakfast, lunch and coffee. The business also will offer custom-made furniture, home décor, jellies, jams, honey, meats and fresh produce. Most recently, Thornhill’s Auto Repair operated in the 1926 building.

Virtual building inspections
Pasco County is now offering VuSpex, a virtual building inspections tool that provides inspection services to contractors, remotely, through the use of a Smartphone or tablet. The VuSpex app connects offsite inspectors with onsite contractors via video, which saves time and, therefore, money.

The inspectors remotely direct the onsite contractors as the contractors record videos, photos and notes at the jobsite. A geo-locator ensures that the inspection location matches the permit address. To find out more, visit bit.ly/PascoVuSpex.

East Pasco Networking
Melonie Monson, the executive director of The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce, and Randy Stovall, president of the Zephyrhills chamber, will be the featured speakers at the East Pasco Networking Group’s May 28 meeting. The group meets at 7:30 a.m., at the IHOP at 13100 U.S. 301 in Dade City.

Chamber breakfast
The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce business breakfast is set for May 21, with registration and networking at 7 a.m. and breakfast at 7:30 a.m. The breakfast will be at AdventHealth Dade City, 13100 Fort King Road, Medical Plaza 1, in Classroom 107 and 108. The education committee will be introducing and presenting four Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce Community Service and Involvement Scholarships. The recipients are Paul Leon, Sarah Peterson, Kaleigh Sinka and Megan Simonelli.

To RSVP and pay online, go to DadeCityChamber.org/chamber-breakfast.

Good place for startups
WalletHub, a personal finance website recently took a look at 2019’s Best Large Cities to start a business and compared 100 U.S. cities across 19 key indicators of startup viability. Tampa came in No. 5 on the list, following only Orlando; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Miami; and Austin, Texas. Miami ranked No. 1 for the number of startups per 100,000 people, with a rate of 234.72. That’s 3.2 times as many as Winston-Salem, North Carolina, which had the fewest at 74.40 per 100,000.

Upcoming celebrations
These businesses and organizations are planning celebrations soon.

  • Licciardo Stables, 3007 Sunset Lane in Lutz, May 18 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Pioneer Florida Museum & Village, 15602 Pioneer Museum Road in Dade City, May 20 at 5:30 p.m.
  • Maus Family Chevrolet, 16414 N. Dale Mabry Highway, May 22 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Other recent celebrations took place at the Dental Associates of Florida, 23461 State Road 54 in Lutz; Fit 4 you Foods, NTBC Office, 1866 Highland Oaks Blvd., Suite A, in Lutz; and, Blue Heron Communities, 5085 Eagleston Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

 

Business Digest 05/08/2019

May 8, 2019 By B.C. Manion

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.

Business Digest 05/01/2019

May 1, 2019 By B.C. Manion

Jim Larreau is the franchise operator for the new Chick-fil-A opening on May 2 at 28295 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel. (Courtesy of CP Communications Inc.)

Chick-fil-A opening in Wesley Chapel
Chick-fil-A is opening its first location in Wesley Chapel on May 2, at 28295 State Road 54, with a community celebration that is a 15-year tradition for the restaurant. One hundred adults have a chance to win free Chick-fil-A meals for a year. People of all ages will join an overnight First 100 Campout party, beginning with registration beginning on May 1 at 6 p.m., in the store’s parking lot. The franchise operator for this location is Jim Larreau.

The restaurant also will partner with Bridging Freedom, to combat domestic minor sex trafficking. Those attending the grand opening celebration are asked to bring individual craft kits, toilet paper, paper towels, tissues, healthy snacks and gardening seeds to the new restaurant during opening week, to be given to the organization.

Prizes will be awarded on May 2 at 6 a.m., shortly before the store opens.

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.

WOW features Katie O’ Farrell
The WOW-Women of Wesley Chapel Networking group will feature speaker Katie O’ Farrell at its May 3 meeting from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., at Beach House Assisted Living at Wiregrass, 30070 State Road 56 in Wesley Chapel.

To register, go to NorthTampaBayChamber.com.

WOW is a women-only group for members and prospective members of the North Tampa Bay Chamber. The networking group was formed 10 years ago.

YouTube in Your Business
The Pasco-Hernando chapter of SCORE is offering a workshop aimed at learning how to utilize YouTube in Your Business. This seminar will help if you want to learn how to upload your videos to YouTube or design/develop your YouTube videos. The course will also cover how to integrate YouTube into your current social media efforts. The workshop will be on May 9 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the New River Branch Library, 34043 State Road 54 in Zephyrhills.

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.

How to start your own business
Learn the ins and outs of starting your own business at a free Pasco-Hernando SCORE workshop on May 21 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library, 2818 Collier Parkway. The discussion will include how to find good people, how to structure your business, understanding cash flow, legal issues and other important topics.

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.

 

Business Digest 04/24/2019

April 24, 2019 By B.C. Manion

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.

 

Business Digest 04/17/2019

April 17, 2019 By B.C. Manion

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.

 

Business Digest 04/10/2019

April 10, 2019 By B.C. Manion

HomeGoods to open at Cypress Creek Town Center
HomeGoods is opening its new store on April 14 at 8 a.m., at 2555 Sierra Center Blvd., in the Cypress Creek Town Center, off State Road 56, west of Interstate 75.

HomeGoods is opening its 11th store in the Tampa market on April 14 at 8 a.m., at 2555 Sierra Center Blvd., in the Cypress Creek Town Center, on the north side of State Road 56. (File)

Special grand opening day hours are from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Regular store hours are Monday through Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The 20,088-square-foot store will offer off-price home décor items, with an ever-changing selection of merchandise from top brands all over the world.

“Our amazing values, brand names and vast assortment make HomeGoods an exciting destination for shoppers,” states John Ricciuti, president of HomeGoods, in a release.

“With a large variety of special merchandise from around the world, customers will always find something thrilling in our treasure hunt environment at great values. We are happy to provide Lutz with a local HomeGoods,” Ricciuti said.

Merchandise departments include furniture, rugs, lighting, decorative accessories, kitchen and dining, bedding, bath, kids’ décor and toys, pet accessories, storage, workspace, outdoor, gourmet, wellness and more.

The store is expected to have 65 full- and part-time positions.

This is the 11th HomeGoods store in the Tampa market, according to a news release.

Art Slingers opens in Land O’ Lakes
Art Slingers, which is focused on children studying and learning about world famous artists, has opened at 7016 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Unit 102, in Land O’ Lakes. The company offers classes for children age 2 and older. The company also offers yoga for children age 2 and older, through a partnership with Florida Power Yoga, which at the same location, but in Unit 101. Art Slingers and Florida Power Yoga also offer a free Saturday morning Yoga class for parents and children, beginning at 8:30 a.m. For additional information, visit ArtSlingers.com.

Walkabout Bakery & Eatery opens
Walkabout Bakery & Eatery has opened at 18430 Livingston Ave., in Lutz, where the former Hot Rods was located.

The restaurant offers authentic Australian and American food. The restaurant commenced after Regina Johnson moved from her homeland in Australia, and decided to bring Australian pastries and hospitality to the U.S.A. She immigrated to the U.S. with her two daughters and her husband, who is an American.

The restaurant specializes in food freshly made-to-order and friendly customer service, in a family owned business with a family environment.

The restaurant serves lunch and dinner daily, and breakfast on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. It has live music on Sunday afternoons, and it has a happy hour daily from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Express Oil Change now open
Express Oil Change and Tire Engineers, at 11964 State Road 54 in Trinity Lakes, had a grand opening on March 6. The company offers oil changes, tire services and mechanical services. For more information, call (813) 580-8779.

Business financing workshop
A free SCORE workshop on Financing Opportunities with the Small Business Administration will be offered on April 16 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at The Land O’ Lakes Branch Library, at 2818 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes. The session will cover the types of loans available through the SBA. It will cover qualifications, banks participating and the types of businesses that are eligible.

Lunch & Learn with Pasco EDC
The Pasco EDC Brown Bag Lunch & Learn is an open invitation to anyone who wants to know more about what the Pasco Economic Development Council Inc., does and how it may be of assistance to companies that are already here, or those interested in locating in Pasco County.

The next Lunch & Learn is set for April 11 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the East Pasco Entrepreneur Center, 15029 14th St., in Dade City. Bring your own lunch.

To RSVP, go to PascoEDC.com and find it on the events tab.

 

Business Digest 04/03/2019

April 3, 2019 By B.C. Manion

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.

Business Digest 03/27/2109

March 27, 2019 By B.C. Manion

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.

Business Digest 03/20/2019

March 20, 2019 By B.C. Manion

Pasco EDC economic development manager
Jennie Sammur is the Pasco Economic Development Council Inc.’s new economic development manager.

Jennie Sammur

She will be responsible for local business retention and expansion as well as increasing the international trade and foreign direct investment marketing program, according to a Pasco EDC news release.

Sammur was selected after an extensive search, the release says.

“I am very excited to join a team whose efforts in connecting resources and businesses are instrumental in making Pasco county one of the fastest growing counties in the state of Florida,” Sammur said,  in the release. “I look forward to cultivating relationships and assisting local industries with their needs, as well as serving as an international liaison for export and trade opportunities.”

Sammur’s background includes working as owner/broker of Dabar & Associates Real Estate Services and serving on numerous nonprofit boards, allowing her to cultivate a broad array of relationships.

She currently attends the University of South Florida, in pursuit of a master’s degree in Urban & Regional Planning. She holds a bachelor of science degree in administration from Barry University.

Her role at the Pasco EDC will allow her to use her real estate skills and institutional knowledge in economic development, according to the release.

“I am very excited about Jennie joining our team of professionals here at the Pasco EDC,” said Bill Cronin, Pasco EDC President/CEO.

“Her background in real estate and business in Pasco County will be a great asset to our stakeholders. Jennie understands what our Pasco-based companies need to be successful,” Cronin said, in the release.

Credit union ribbon cutting
Suncoast Credit Union Trinity, at 11370 State Road 54 in Trinity, had a ribbon cutting and grand opening celebration on the evening of March 14. Dewey Mitchell was the special guest at the branch opening. Mitchell is the co-owner/broker with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, Florida Properties Group.

For more information, contact Janette McElwain at or at (800) 999-5887, ext. 86281.

Pasco community development director
The Pasco County Commission has confirmed the appointment of Marcy Esbjerg to the position of community development director, effective March 17.

She had been serving as acting community development director and previously was operations manager in that department.

Before joining Pasco County, she worked for the City of Burlington, in Vermont and in Collier County in the areas of economic development, housing, veterans services and human services.

She also was responsible for the administration of grant programs and local programs related to community development.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in human services from Simmons College in Boston and a master’s degree in public administration from Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers.

New U-Haul dealer
Golden Gate Automotive, 35330 Condominium Blvd., in Zephyrhills, is now offering U-Haul products and services. For more information, call (813) 788-2450.

Motto Mortgage grand opening
Motto Mortgage, 23612 State Road 54 in Lutz, had its grand opening, food drive and ribbon cutting on March 7. Those attending were asked to bring a nonperishable food item for the Mission Against Hunger food drive.

East Pasco Networking Group
Sgt. Sam Papenenna, of the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, will talk about cyber investigations at the March 26 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.

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 .

Chamber breakfast meeting
The North Tampa Bay Chamber has its Monthly Business Breakfast on the first Tuesday of the month at 7:30 a.m., at Pasco-Hernando State College’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, at 2727 Mansfield Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

WOWWOW — Women of Wesley Chapel — meets at The Beach House Assisted Living & Memory Care, 30070 State Road 56 in Wesley Chapel, on the first Friday of the month, at 7:30 a.m.

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.

Economic briefing
The North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce’s March 28 economic development briefing will feature Edwin D. Epperson III, president of Vertical Fund Management. He will be speaking about opportunity zones, and how they impact families, communities and investors. The briefing will be 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.

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