Business Digest

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

MOD Pizza opens
BBX Capital, the exclusive MOD Pizza franchisee in Florida, opened on Oct. 9 at 2277 Sun Vista Drive, in the Cypress Creek Town Center. The 2,800-square-foot restaurant is in front of Tampa Premium Outlets, in Lutz. The restaurant defines itself as “a leader in the fast, casual pizza category,” according to a news release.

Customers create their own pizzas and salads, using a combination of more than 30 featured toppings, the release says. The price is the same, regardless of the number of toppings, and salads are individually hand-tossed for each customer.

The restaurant expects to have about 30 employees.

During the grand opening, the first 52 guests to arrive were treated to a free pizza. They also had a chance to meet pro football player Mike Evans and his wife Ashli. All of the proceeds from pizza sales on opening day were donated to The Mike Evans Family Foundation.

Commercial Fall Forum
This forum features a variety of topics related to commercial real estate and will include several speakers. The event is on Oct. 18 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Hilton Garden Inn in Wesley Chapel, 26640 Silver Maple Parkway. The cost is $20 for members of the Central Pasco Association of Realtors and $25 for others. The event fee includes lunch. For information, call (813) 948-6966.

Two-part financial series
Learn simple monthly budgeting, how to reduce debt and increase saving in this two-part financial series on Oct. 19 and Oct. 26, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. The courses will be at CREATION Health & Wellness, 38233 Daughtery Road in Zephyrhills. Reservations are required by calling (813) 779-6476.

Pasco EDC CEO Roundtable
The Pasco Economic Development Council is presenting a CEO Roundtable event on Oct. 23 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at Big Storm Brewing Company, 2330 Success Drive in Odessa. Cost is $15 for members and $25 for non-members. For more information, call (888) 607-2726. Go to the events calendar on PascoEDC.com, and click on this event, to register.

East Pasco Networking Group
Zephyrhills Mayor Gene Whitfield will be the featured speaker at the East Pasco Networking Group breakfast meeting Oct. 23, starting at 7:30 p.m. The group meets at IHOP Dade City, at 13100 U.S. 301 in Dade City. For more information, contact Nils Lenz at (813) 782-9491 or .

Succeeding in business: From theory to practice
A session is planned on Oct. 24 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Dade City Entrepreneur Center, 37837 Meridian Ave., No. 309, in Dade City. This is a first in a series of eight free sessions. Others will cover marketing, and aligning your aim at helping companies make smart decisions about their financial future. Representatives from BB&T will address such issues as personal banking, cash flow, borrowing solutions, insurance, employees and more. The seminar will be on the company’s core, identifying customers, taking the guesswork out of leasing, human resources, legal issues and planning. RSVP for the banking session at SmartStartPasco.com/events.

Zephyrhills Economic Summit
The second annual Zephyrhills Economic Summit is set for Oct. 24 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at New City Hall, 5335 Eighth St., in Zephyrhills. The program includes these topics: The City of Zephyrhills: Ready for Growth; State and local representatives: Education; Local: Zephyrhills High School Career Academies; and, Hear it first: Business BizWalk Results. The event costs $10. RSVP by calling (813) 782-1913.