Business Digest

Goodwill job fair
Goodwill is recruiting for sales and processing positions – full and part time. To recruit potential employees Goodwill Temporary Staffing is having a job fair Jan. 11 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Goodwill Superstore at 2390 Willow Oak Drive in Wesley Chapel. The store is located off State Road 56, just east of Interstate 75.

Applicants are encouraged to complete an application at SBSgoodwill.com before attending the job fair, but walk-ins are welcome.  For more information, call (727) 577-6411.

Earth Fare now hiring
Earth Fare, a specialty organic and natural foods grocery store, is having a job fair Jan. 16 through Jan. 19, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., to hire new team members for its Wesley Chapel location. The job fair will be at Hyatt Place Wesley Chapel, 26000 Sierra Center Blvd., in Lutz.

Those attending the job fair should be prepared to discuss their qualifications and provide schedule availability.

Those interested are encouraged to apply online before the hiring event by going to EarthFare.com/wesleychapel.

Appointments are not necessary, and applicants should be prepared for an on-site interview at the fair.

Find out more about at EarthFare.com.

Culver’s now in Wiregrass
Culver’s of Wesley Chapel-Wiregrass began operations on Jan. 7, at 28831 State Road 56.

The restaurant serves fast casual food, cooked-to-order. Its hours are 10:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., daily except for a few holidays, according to a news release.

Marty Roeske is the franchise owner.

Roeske said the restaurant is thrilled to have a location in Wesley Chapel, according to the release. “We think it’s a wonderful area, and we are excited to become a contributing and active member,” he said.

Marty and Ann Roeske also own the Culver’s of Wesley Chapel–Lutz, which opened its doors in March 2016.

Before bringing Culver’s to the Tampa area, the Roeske’s owned and operated a Culver’s restaurant for 18 years in Wautoma, Wisconsin,  according to the release.

East Pasco Networking Group
Cheryl Pollack, of Premier Community Healthcare, is scheduled to be the featured speaker at The East Pasco Networking Group’s Jan. 22 breakfast meeting at 7:30 a.m., at IHOP, 13100 U.S. 301 in Dade City. For more information, call Nils Lenz at (813) 782-9491 or Vicky Jones at (813) 431-1149.  

Florida No. 2 growth state in country
Florida remains No. 2, in terms of growth, according to data collected by U-Haul, analyzing U.S. migration trends for 2018.

Florida arrivals of one-way U-Haul trucks were up 8 percent, while departures also were up 8 percent from the state’s 2017 numbers, according to a news release from U-Haul.

Arrivals still accounted for 50.1 percent of all one-way U-Haul traffic in Florida to make it the No. 2 state for netting do-it-yourself movers.

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

Millennial business women demographics
The National Women’s Business Council has released its “Profiles of Millennial Women,” identifying characteristics of millennial women entrepreneurs.

According to its report, there are more than 1.34 million women entrepreneurs.

They are racially and ethnically diverse. They are more likely than their non-entrepreneur counterparts to be married; they are likely to be college educated; they have a desire for economic independence; they need to resolve work-family conflicts; they are more likely to be involved in a side business, and they are likely to have children.

Del Webb begins building clubhouse
Construction has started on a 19,000-square-foot clubhouse at The Meridian at Bexley, in Land O’ Lakes, a project being done by Del Webb, a pioneer in communities for those ages 55 and older.

The coastal style clubhouse will serve as a community hub for residents to explore, learn and grow socially, physically and intellectually as they approach retirement, according to a news release. It will have a fitness center, resort-style community pool, dog park, community garden, pickle ball and tennis courts and a large social room.

A full-time lifestyle director will manage social and recreational programs.

Del Webb Bexley is the first to be built from the ground up in the Tampa Bay area since 1960.

Del Webb is offering 18 single-family detached home designs for the 850 homesites within Bexley.

Prices start at $234,990. For pre-sales information, visit DelWebb.com/bexley, or call (866) 230-6089.

Lutz rent remains high
The Zumper Tampa Metro Report analyzed active listings in October across 17 metro cities to show the most and least expensive cities, and cities with the fastest growing rents. The Florida state median rent last month was $1,204.

Lutz ranked as the eighth most expensive city for rentals, with a one-bedroom unit renting for $1,070, and a two-bedroom renting for $1,150.

Those rents were a decrease of 5.3 percent and 5.7 percent, respectively.

Metro Development Group turns 15
Tampa-based Metro Development Group celebrated its 15th anniversary in December, during one of the most exciting times in the company’s history, according to a news release.

The developer recently unveiled the nation’s first Crystal Lagoons amenity.

Known for its Metro Places communities, exclusive ULTRAFi technology and its multiple Metro Lagoon projects, the development group is showing no signs of slowing down.

Founded in 2003 by CEO John Ryan, Metro has developed more than 40,000 lots across 70 communities in West Central Florida, valuing at nearly $2 billion, according to the release.

Women-N-Charge
Women-N-Charge will meet Jan. 4 from 11:15 a.m. to 1:15 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 topic for January’s meeting will be social media. The cost is $15 for members and $18 for guests, who RSVP by the Monday prior to the meeting; after that, the cost is $20 for members and $23 for guests.

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

Learn how to start a business
There will be a free workshop Jan. 8 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., to provide an overview of key issues related to starting your own business, including how to structure your business, to develop a business plan, and understand how to manage cash flow.

The workshop is being presented by Pasco-Hernando Score at the Hugh Embry Branch Library, 14215 Fourth St., in Dade City.

To find out about other free seminars and resources available through Pasco-Hernando Score, visit PascoHernando.score.org.

Burger Monger is now Chophouse Burgers
Burger Monger, in Wesley Chapel, has given itself a new name and added 10 new chef-inspired burgers. The restaurant is now called Chophouse Burgers and Barstool Shakes.

The restaurant’s new expanded menu also includes a fresh-breaded chicken sandwich, and new recipes for their hot dogs and side dishes.

Burger Monger has five locations, and the Wesley Chapel location, at 1656 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., is the first to get the makeover.

For more information, go to BurgerMonger.com.

Design and Construction Innovations celebration
Design and Construction Innovations had a party on Dec. 13 to celebrate its anniversary and grand opening. Those attending had the chance to meet the company’s staff, friends and associates and to enjoy food and drinks.

The business is located at 20625 Amberfield Drive in Land O’ Lakes.

Dade City Chamber meeting
Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning was the featured speaker at the recent Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce business breakfast meeting, at the beautiful Edwinola, an assisted living facility in downtown Dade City, according to a chamber news release.

During the session, Cathy Powell, was welcomed as Edwinola’s new executive director, and Browning discussed the school district’s plans. Outgoing Chamber President Kelly Sinn, the CEO of Sunrise of Pasco, also was recognized for her leadership, counsel and business savvy. Chamber Business Breakfasts are the third Tuesday of each month.

Call Jo Uber at (352) 567 3769 to RSVP for upcoming breakfasts.

Curaleaf opens in Lutz
Curaleaf has opened the first medical marijuana dispensary in Lutz, at 1408 Dale Mabry Highway. The 3,000-square-foot dispensary offers medical marijuana products, has a private consultation room, and offers educational seminars on cannabinoid therapies, in its community meeting room. It is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. For more information, patients can call (877) 303-0741.

Women-N-Charge
Women-N-Charge will meet on Jan. 4 from 11:15 a.m. to 1:15 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 topic for January’s meeting will be social media.

The cost is $15 for members and $18 for guests, who RSVP by the Monday prior to the meeting; after that, the cost is $20 for members and $23 for guests.

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

Learn how to start a business
There will be a free workshop Jan. 8 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., to provide an overview of key issues related to starting your own business, including how to structure your business, to develop a business plan, and understand how to manage cash flow.

The workshop is being presented by Pasco-Hernando Score at the Hugh Embry Branch Library, 14215 Fourth St., in Dade City.

To find out about other free seminars and resources available through Pasco-Hernando Score, visit PascoHernando.score.org.

Camp Indianhead Crossings tenants
Camp Indianhead Crossings, a 12,700-square-foot building on a swath of land fronting State Road 54, at the corner of Camp Indianhead Road in Land O’ Lakes, has these announced these tenants:

• Verizon Wireless
• Coffee Time
• Advanced Diagnostics (two spaces)
• Grand Nail Spa

Discussions are underway for the last three spaces, but no information is ready for release yet on those spaces, according to Barry Jackson, managing member of Strategic Properties Group LLC, which is based in Hudson.

Zephyrhills chamber gearing up for Pigz in Z’Hills
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for the ninth annual Pigz in Z’Hills, which is scheduled for Jan. 19 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The event includes a barbecue competition, a cornhole competition, live music, classic cars, craft and food vendors and a kids zone. The event will be at 5300 Airport Road in Zephyrhills.

For more information, call the chamber at (813) 782-1913.

Workforce Development manager joins EDC
The Pasco Economic Development Council Inc., has hired Turner Arbour as its workforce development manager, to run the new Pasco Pipeline Program.

Arbour is a long-time Pasco resident, who holds a degree from the University of South Florida St. Petersburg with a Bachelor of Science in Global Business, according to a news release from Pasco EDC.

Arbour has been working with small businesses since 2010.

“I am very excited about Turner’s experience in Pasco County, and I think he is the right pick for this new and very important program” Pasco EDC President/CEO Bill Cronin said, in the release.

The Pasco Pipeline Program is a three-year pilot program unanimously funded by the Pasco County Commission, with the board’s unanimous support.

The program will spearhead the development of a talent pipeline for employers and job seekers in Pasco County in order to align the supply and demand of talent, and advance the county’s ability to compete for economic development.

Central Pasco restaurants
Diners now have a couple of new choices along State Road 54 in Central Pasco.

First Watch, a restaurant serving breakfast, brunch and lunch has opened a new location at 23865 State Road 54 in Land O’ Lakes. It is open daily from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., except for Thanksgiving and Christmas. For more information, visit FirstWatch.com.

Keke’s Breakfast Café, 22592 State Road 54, Suite 510, in Lutz, is a local chain serving American breakfasts and comfort-food lunches in a modern diner with booth seating. Open 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. For more information, visit Kekes.com.

Business Development week event
Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) is a sponsor of the West Pasco Chamber of Commerce Annual Business Development Week. A series of events will be held at various locations within Pasco County, from Jan. 14 through Jan. 18.

The state college will host events on Jan. 15 at its West Campus in New Port Richey, 10230 Ridge Road, in Conference Room R151:

• Using Emotional Intelligence… Intelligently: 8 a.m. 9:15 a.m. This free session will focus on how emotional intelligence can prepare you for success in business. This includes a light continental breakfast.
• Five Dysfunctions of a Team: 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. This free session focuses on causes of low morale and poor teamwork, and how to change course.
• Successful Women in Business Luncheon Panel: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (Cost is $12, register at WestPasco.com by Jan. 9). Speakers for this panel include Suzanne Legg, CEO, Day Spring Academy; Sharon Hayes, CEO, Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point; and Sero Sigh, owner/president, Jennifer Gardens Assisted Living.

To learn more or to view a full schedule of events, visit WestPasco.com. For information on Pasco-Hernando State College programs, visit PHSC.edu.

Goodwill job fair in Wesley Chapel
Goodwill is recruiting for full-time and part-time sales and processing positions for its Goodwill Superstore in Wesley Chapel, and is having a job fair Jan. 11 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., to attract applicants.

The store, at 2390 Willow Oak Drive, is located off State Road 56, east of Interstate 75.

Applicants are encouraged to complete an online application at SBSGoodwill.com before attending the job fair, but walk-ins are welcome and applications are available at the store.

For more information, call (727) 577-6411.

Pasco mobility fee update
The Pasco County Commission has updated its mobility fee rate schedule, with some new categories and some reductions in specific categories.

Mobility fees are one-time impact fees on new development projects that help fund necessary transportation systems such as sidewalks, bus stops, and roads.

For complete details on the updated ordinance, visit: bit.ly/MobilityFees.

Pasco County offers impact fee calculator
The Pasco County Department of Development Services is now offering an online impact fee calculator to provide easily accessible information on the estimated impact fees for residential property. Impact fees are charged for new construction. To access the online calculator, go to the Impact Calculator Link, bit.ly/PascoIFC, and then enter your parcel ID and click submit.

Pasco County’s prospects are bright
Ian Anderson, market president and publisher of the Tampa Bay Business Journal, talked about Pasco County’s prospects recently during The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce November Business Breakfast at Scotland Yards, according to a chamber news release.

Anderson talked about the impact of population influx to the Tampa Bay market, as this area is growing, while many northern markets are losing population and tax base. Pasco County is especially well-poised for managed growth and development with our proximity to Tampa, the beaches, the Tampa International Airport and employment centers, according to the chamber’s release.

The First National Bank of Pasco sponsored the event.

The Dade City chamber has monthly business breakfasts the third Tuesday of each month, featuring knowledgeable speakers. The breakfast also provides opportunities for networking and business leads.

For additional information, contact John Moors, executive director of the chamber, at or (352) 567-3769.

Do business with Pasco County Schools
If you’re interested in doing business with Pasco County Schools, visit the school district’s Vendors page, which provides helpful information and resources regarding working with the district. The district welcomes the opportunity to have business relationships with interested merchants. Visit the district’s website, Pasco.k12.fl.us, then visit the purchasing department to find out more.

Lunch and learn about the Pasco EDC
The Pasco Economic Development Council Inc., has a Brown Bag Lunch & Learn Series, which is an open invitation for anyone interested in hearing more about the Pasco EDC and programs and services it offers. Bring a lunch and find out what Pasco EDC does. The next session is Dec. 4 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Pasco EDC headquarters, 16506 Pointe Village Drive, Suite 101, in Lutz. The meeting is free. Register on the Pasco EDC website, PascoEDC.Com, and click the Events tab.

North Tampa Bay Chamber annual meeting
The North Tampa Bay Chamber will have its 2018 annual meeting at its monthly breakfast business meeting Dec. 4 from 7:30 a.m. to 9:15 a.m., at Pasco-Hernando State College’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, 2727 Mansfield Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

Cost is $15. Please RSVP and pay in advance, as space is limited.

The breakfast will recognize the accomplishments of the chamber and its members during 2018. It also will include a look at the chamber’s vision for its future and the future of the community. The ambassador of the year will be named and the chamber will thank its board members and ambassadors. The gavel also will be passed from the outgoing board chair to the incoming chair for 2019.

To find out more, visit the chamber’s website, NorthTampaBayChamber.com, or call (813) 994-8534.

Dade City Chamber business breakfast
The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce will have a business meeting Dec. 18 from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., at The Edwinola, 14235 Edwinola Way in Dade City. The Edwinola is sponsoring the breakfast. The cost is $10 for members and $15 for non-members. Anyone wishing to attend must RSVP. For more information, visit DadeCityChamber.org, or call (352) 567-3769.

Hillsborough County Commission names officers
The Hillsborough County Commission has named Commissioner Lesley “Les” Miller Jr., as its chairman, and Commissioner Pat Kemp as its vice chairwoman during its annual organizational meeting. Commissioner Stacy R. White will serve as chaplain, according to a news release from Hillsborough County.

The organizational meeting followed the swearing-in ceremony for the two returning commissioners, White and Ken Hagan, and the two new members of the board, Mariella Smith and Kimberly Overman.

David Weekley model home in Bexley
David Weekley Homes, the nation’s largest privately held builder, has opened its second model home in the Land O’ Lakes community of Bexley, according to a news release.

Open daily for tours, the single-story Tangelo features four bedrooms, three full baths, two half-baths and a three-car garage within 3,000 square feet. The Tangelo is one of five floor plans from Weekley’s Village Series, which range from 2,700 to 3,300 square feet and are situated on 60-foot homesites.

Bexley is an 1,800-acre, mixed-use community, which emphasizes pedestrian-friendly opportunities for outdoor activities, including the nearby wetlands, ponds, and access to 1,200 acres of parks and open spaces, including a dog park and soccer field.

Its amenities also include The Bexley Club with fitness center, pools, and festival lawn for concerts and cookouts.

For more information about David Weekley Homes in Bexley, call (813) 422-6186.

HART schedule change
In observance of Thanksgiving, the Hillsborough Area Transit Authority will operate on a Sunday/Holiday schedule on Nov. 22, for customers looking to get around Hillsborough County Thanksgiving day. The TECO Line Streetcar System will have no service on that day. For more information, visit GoHart.org.

Shop small on Small Business Saturday
Shoppers across the nation are getting ready to shop small on Small Business Saturday, which will be celebrated this year on Nov. 24.

A new Small Business Economic Impact Study from American Express shows that an average of 67 cents of every dollar spent at a small business stays in the local community, according to a news release from American Express.

American Express created Small Business Saturday in 2010 with the aim of getting more customers through the doors of small businesses. Since then, it has become a permanent fixture of the holiday shopping weekend.

According to the 2018 Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey, another study recently released by the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB) and American Express:

• 91 percent of consumers believe it is more important than ever to support small businesses this holiday season
• 83 percent of consumers plan to do at least some portion of their holiday shopping at a small, independently owned retailer or restaurant – either in person or online
• 96 percent of consumers who plan to shop on Small Business Saturday said Small Business Saturday inspires them to go to small, independently-owned retailers or restaurants that they have not been to before, or would not have otherwise tried

Zephyrhills City Hall ribbon cutting
A ribbon cutting is set for the new Zephyrhills City Hall building on Nov. 27 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at 5335 Eighth St., in Zephyrhills. The city is led by Mayor Gene Whitfield and city council members Lance Smith, Jodi Wilkeson, Charlie Proctor, Ken Burgess and Alan Knight.

East Pasco Networking Group meeting
Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey and Maria Reza, business services consultant for CareerSource, are the featured speakers for the East Pasco Networking Group breakfast meeting set for Nov. 27 at 7:30 a.m., at IHOP in Dade City, 13100 U.S. 301.

Also, the networking group is planning a Christmas Mixer on Dec. 13.

For more information on either, contact Nils Lenz at (813) 782-9491 or  , or Vicky Jones at (813) 431-1149 or , or .

Grand opening
Nye Commons of Wesley Chapel, 4839 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., will host a Grand Opening, with multiple ribbon cuttings, Nov. 28 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The North Tampa Bay Chamber will host the ribbon-cutting ceremonies starting at 4 p.m., for each of the businesses, which include: OTB, Board & Brush, Allure Spa & Nails, Color & Co., Keystone Title Agency, Great Florida Insurance, and Nye Commercial Advisors.

There will be appetizers, wine, giveaways and music.

North Tampa Bay Chamber breakfast meeting
The North Tampa Bay Chamber is planning its monthly business breakfast meeting for Dec. 4 from 7:30 a.m. to 9:15 a.m., at Pasco-Hernando State College’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, 2727 Mansfield Blvd., in Wesley Chapel. For more information, call the chamber at (813) 994-8534.

Walk-in clinic adding new location
Doctor’s Urgent Care Walk-in Clinic is expanding with a new clinic in the Trinity/Odessa market. The clinic is slated to open in December at

13256 State Road 54, just west of Gunn Highway, in Odessa. The clinic is owned and operated by Dr. David Dean, who is looking forward to serving the increased need of this region, according to a news release.

Helping hurricane recovery efforts
The Florida Physical Therapy Association is donating $5,000 to help with Hurricane Michael recovery efforts. The association is the state’s only health care professional organization that represents the special interests of practicing physical therapists and physical therapist assistants.

Pulte raises money for at-risk children, families
Pulte Homes’ West Florida Division’s Building to Make Lives Better Golf Tournament raised $109,195 for the Children’s Home Network. The money will help fund operations at Kids Village, Adolescents in Motherhood and other community outreach programs that serve Tampa Bay’s at-risk children and families.

A total of 130 golfers participated in the all-day tournament at Avila Golf & Country Club in Tampa. Platinum sponsors Hill Ward Henderson, Interior Logic Group and Rosen Materials each donated $10,000 to the event. Pulte Homes underwrote all tournament expenses, allowing all proceeds to go to the Children’s Home Network.

“We are grateful to be able to contribute to the well-being of children and their families who are most in need of support,” Sean Strickler, president of Pulte’s West Florida Division, who is also a Children’s Home Network board member, said in a news release. “The residential, family counseling and resource services provided benefit those who face the greatest family challenges. It is important for Pulte and our generous trade partners to give back to the community in which we all live and work, and to assist these very deserving children and families through this incredible charity.”

North Tampa Bay Chamber luncheon meeting
Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey will be the guest speaker for the North Tampa Bay Chamber’s luncheon meeting Nov. 14 at the Fox Hollow Golf Club, 10050 Robert Trent Jones Parkway in Trinity. The event is from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The cost is $20. Please RSVP and pre-pay, if possible. For more information, call (813) 994-8534, or email the chamber’s office at .

Pasco schools job fair
Pasco County Schools is hosting a jobs fair on Nov. 14 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at Sunlake High School, 3023 Sunlake Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. The school district is seeking applicants for these positions: Math, science, exceptional student education, emotional and behavioral disorders specialists, elementary education, school nurse, behavioral analyst, guest teachers and others.

Eye Level Learning Center grand opening
Eye Level Learning Center, at 33905 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel, had a grand opening on Nov. 6. The learning center features an individualized approach to education. For more information about the center’s services, call (813) 670-5000.

Bridging the gap between business theory and practice
Learn how to drive sales with social media and video marketing during this session at the Dade City Entrepreneur Center on Nov. 21 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The center is at 37837 Meridian Ave., No. 309, in Dade City. The session is part of the Entrepreneur Education Series being offered through SMARTStart, a Pasco Economic Development Council program. To RSVP online go to SMARTStartPasco.com/events.

David Weekley Homes collecting food
David Weekley Homes, the nation’s largest privately held builder, is hosting its fourth annual companywide Giving Thanks, Giving Back Thanksgiving Drive for Tampa-area residents.

David Weekley Homes’ team members are accepting nonperishable items through Nov. 15 at all model homes.

How to Start Your Own Business
Learn the ins and outs of starting your own business during a workshop on Nov. 15 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the New River Library, 34043 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel. The workshop includes learning how to structure your business, develop a business plan, and how to manage cash flow. Participants can walk away with a helpful checklist.

Allstate agency owners helping domestic violence survivors
Tampa-area Allstate agency owners are collecting supplies through Nov. 16 to benefit Sunrise of Pasco County and the domestic violence survivors it serves, according to a news release.

The most-needed items include blow dryers, baby and kid’s shampoo, pacifiers, bath towels, pillows and pillowcases, bandages, paper towels and toilet paper.

Tampa-area community members can drop off items for donation at the following Allstate locations:

• Sebastian Dealmenara: 8543 Gunn Highway, Odessa
• Lisette Fernandez: 4935 Van Dyke Road, Lutz
• Michael Lia: 11001 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa
• Naomi Taylor-Kenney 4322 W. El Prado Blvd., Tampa
• Ryan Toombs: 4551 Gunn Highway, Tampa

WOW-TOO networking
Women of Wesley Chapel has expanded to a second group called WOW-TOO, a networking group for women of Trinity and Odessa. The group is part of the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce, but guests are welcome to attend twice before joining the chamber. The group meets on the third Wednesday of the month from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., at the Holiday Inn Express, 2125 Corporate Center Drive in Trinity. The cost is $5 per meeting.

Women-n-Charge
Women-n-Charge meets at 11:30 a.m., on the first Friday of each month, at the Plantation Palms Golf Club, 23253 Plantation Palms Blvd., Land O’ Lakes. The cost is $15 for members and $18 for guests who RSVP by Monday prior to the meeting. Tuesday and after, the cost is $20 for members and $23 for guests. To RSVP, visit Women-n-charge.com/meetings/. For information, call (813) 600-9848.

Need help launching your business?
The Pasco Enterprise Network (PEN) is a countywide partnership to help small and growing businesses find the guidance, assistance and resources they need to grow and prosper. No matter what challenges your business is facing, the network connects small business owners and entrepreneurs to professionals who can offer the help they need to grow, including consulting, education and technical assistance in a variety of areas and subjects.

To find out more, visit PascoEnterprise.com/pen-partners.

Looking for a business mentor?
Pasco-Hernando Score is a good source of information regarding possible mentors to help you as build your small business. Find out more by visiting PascoHernando.score.org.

 

Credit union adding Dade City office
The San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union had a groundbreaking ceremony on Oct. 12 at the site where a new Dade City location is expected to open in 2019.

Those attending the ceremony for the new site included representatives from W. M. Scharber Construction, Financial Facilities Inc., The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce, Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez and City Commissioners, and the credit union’s management, board of directors and supervisory committee.

The property is on the corner of Highway 301 and Sprocket Way in The Shoppes of Dade City, where Publix is located.

Finalists named
Finalists have been named for the North Tampa Bay Chamber’s 2018 “Celebrating Excellence in Business” presented by Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel.

The finalists are:

• Volunteer of the Year: Craig Miller, Damaris Rios, Jannah McDonald
• Small Business of the Year: Buttermilk Provisions, 900 degree Woodfired Pizza, Kona Ice
• New Business of the Year: Noble Crust-Wesley Chapel, Estheti813, Holiday Inn Express-Trinity
• Large Business of the Year: Shriners Hospital for Children, American Consulting Engineers, Cheval Golf and Country Club
• Business Leader of the Year: Dr. Mark O’ Farrell, Roberto Saez, Dr. Kevin O’Farrell

The event is set for Nov. 8 at the Hyatt Place Wesley Chapel, Sierra Conference Center. The cocktail hour begins at 6:30 p.m., and the award program at 7:30 p.m.

Job fair in Dade City
Pasco-Hernando State College, CareerSource Pasco Hernando and The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce are hosting a Job and Internship Fair on Nov. 13, from 9 a.m. to noon, at the state college’s East Campus at 36727 Blanton Road, in Dade City.

“We are thrilled to host another job fair for all community members seeking employment,” Ed Goolsby, D.M., provost, PHSC East Campus, said in a news release. “And, once again, our event will offer internship opportunities for students.”

Local health care, manufacturing and other employers will be on hand to those seeking employment. Attendees are encouraged to wear professional dress and bring plenty of résumés. Job seekers may preregister online at Eventbrite.com, and search for PHSC Job Fair, Dade City.

Hyatt Place grand opening
Hyatt Place had its grand opening on Oct. 25, at 26000 Sierra Center Blvd., in Lutz.

David Weekley Homes collecting food
David Weekley Homes, the nation’s largest privately held builder, is hosting its fourth annual companywide Giving Thanks, Giving Back Thanksgiving Drive for Tampa-area residents.

David Weekley Homes’ team members are accepting nonperishable items from Nov. 1 through Nov. 15 at all model homes.

Veterans Small Business Week
The U.S. Small Business Administration will celebrate the accomplishments of veteran, service member and military spouse small business owners nationwide during National Veterans Small Business Week, Nov. 5 to Nov. 9.

“National Veterans Small Business Week is another opportunity for us not only to highlight the success of our nation’s 2.5 million veteran-owned businesses, but also to recognize the areas where there is still work to be done,” SBA Administrator Linda McMahon said, in a news release. “Entrepreneurship is not a solo mission. I’m proud to be a part of a network that serves the needs of our veteran and military business owners.”

How to Start Your Own Business
Learn the ins and outs of starting your own business during a workshop on Nov. 15 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the New River Library, 34043 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel. The workshop includes learning how to structure your business, develop a business plan, and how to manage cash flow. Participants can walk away with a helpful checklist.

Gulfside to add home health agency services
Gulfside Hospice & Pasco Palliative Care Inc. (“Gulfside”) and Community Aging and Retirement Services Inc. (“CARES”), have announced that the companies have entered into a definitive agreement for Gulfside’s acquisition of certain assets of CARES’ Home Health Agency, which will allow Gulfside to provide licensed skilled home health agency services, according to a news release. The closing of the transaction is subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including obtaining approval for the transaction from the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (“AHCA”).

“This business strategy has been a goal for several years, and soon the addition of skilled home health will complement the continuum of services that Gulfside currently provides, allowing people to remain in their homes with many options for care,” Linda Ward, president and chief executive officer for Gulfside, said in the release.

Small business lending momentum continues
The U.S. Small Business Administration has announced lending numbers for fiscal year 2018, showing that it guaranteed over $30 billion to small businesses that otherwise would not have had access to capital, according to a new release.

“We are providing tools, resources and access to capital for America’s 30 million small businesses, and our FY18 numbers bear that out,” SBA Administrator Linda McMahon said.

In FY18, there was significant growth in the SBA’s smaller loans, including a record volume of dollars lent in the Microloan and Community Advantage Programs. Specifically, over 5,000 loans were approved for over $72 million in the Microloan program and over 1,000 loans for over $150 million in SBA’s Community Advantage program.

For more information about SBA’s loan programs, financial assistance and other services, visit SBA.gov.

Allstate agency owners helping domestic violence survivors
Tampa-area Allstate agency owners are collecting supplies through Nov. 16 to benefit Sunrise of Pasco County and the domestic violence survivors it serves, according to a news release.

The most-needed items include blow dryers, baby and kid’s shampoo, pacifiers, bath towels, pillows and pillowcases, bandages, paper towels and toilet paper.

Tampa-area community members can drop off items for donation at the following Allstate locations:

• Sebastian Dealmenara: 8543 Gunn Highway, Odessa
• Lisette Fernandez: 4935 Van Dyke Road, Lutz
• Michael Lia: 11001 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa
• Naomi Taylor-Kenney 4322 W. El Prado Blvd., Tampa
• Ryan Toombs: 4551 Gunn Highway, Tampa