The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Business Digest

Business Digest 03/14/2018

By

(Richard K. Riley)

Dade City Chiropractic opens
Friends, family, and members of The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce celebrated with Dr. Deborah Fisher (holding scissors) at a ribbon cutting for the new office of Dade City Chiropractic, 14122 Seventh St. The office is in the alleyway between Top Drawer Antiques and Antiques Main.

Jelly beans, jelly beans
National Jelly Bean day arrives on April 22.

In honor of the approaching celebration, Candystore.com completed a state-by-state survey identifying the favorite flavors. The results were based on sales data and interactive surveys of more than 12,000 jelly bean eaters.

It revealed some surprises, including the dethroning of black licorice as the national favorite. The winner in 2018 is buttered popcorn, followed by black licorice, cinnamon, watermelon and cherry.

In Florida, the top jelly bean is watermelon, followed by peach and juicy pear. The “peach state” of Georgia prefers buttered popcorn. Cotton candy jelly beans melt in the mouths of Montana residents. And, coconut jelly beans appeal to Massachusetts’ residents.

The tiny, egg-shaped sugary convections are often associated with Easter. They get plopped into the green straw of Easter baskets, nestled next to the chocolate bunny.

President Ronald Reagan famously loved the candies and passed them around to visitors to the Oval Office.

The first known advertisement for jelly beans came from Boston candy maker William Schrafft who asked customers to send them to Union soldiers during the Civil War. But, the candies also can be traced back thousands of years to the Middle East.

For information on the survey, visit Candystore.com.

UPS accident-free drivers
United Parcel Service, widely known as UPS, honored 25 company drivers in Florida for 25 or more years of accident-free driving, including employees from Pasco County, according to a UPS new release.

Jeffrey Coakley, of Land O’ Lakes; Ruben Alfaro, of Lutz; Louis Lasseter of New Port Richey; and Stephen Matis, of Hudson were among more than 1,500 UPS drivers worldwide to be inducted into the Circle of Honor.

Florida has more than 630 Circle of Honor drivers with a combined total of more than 15,000 years of accident-free driving. UPS employs about 5,300 drivers in Florida.

Globally, about 10,500 UPS drivers belong to the Circle of Honor organization.

According to the release, UPS employs about 127,000 small package drivers who are among the safest on the roads. They log more than three billion miles a year and deliver nearly five billion packages annually.

UPS was founded in 1907, and issued its first driver handbook in 1917. The company began recognizing safe drivers in 1923. The safe-driving honor program began in 1928.

New MyPasco app
MyPasco mobile application can now provide wait times for construction permits, according to a news release from Pasco County.

Central Permitting Wait Times is a new addition to the MyPasco app menu. It allows customers of Building Construction Services to see a live view of permitting and zone wait times, as well as peak hours, before heading to the New Port Richey office.

This new mobile application is in addition to another MyPasco feature to Report Illegal Dumping. The app allows Pasco citizens to aid in identifying illegal dumping sites, and pursuing people who are illegally dumping trash and other debris.

NOTE: CORRECTED DATE
Women’s forum
A forum on women’s issues, “We Can Do It: Women Making Strides,” is scheduled for March 21 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Pasco-Hernando State College Porter Campus, 2727 Mansfield Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

The free event is sponsored by PHSC and WOW (Women of Wesley Chapel) of the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce. The host is San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union.

Panelists are Hope Allen, president and chief executive officer of the North Tampa Bay chamber; Denyse Bales-Chubb, president and chief executive officer of Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel; Melissa Harts, vice president of technology and distance education at PHSC; Paula O’ Neill, Pasco County clerk & comptroller; and Natalie Verdina, multimedia journalist for Fox 13 News.

Ghada Jadallah, of Dash of Salt & Pepper, will host a live cooking demonstration.

Registration isn’t required.

For information, visit WesleyChapelChamber.com.

Membership lunch
The Greater North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly membership lunch March 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Fox Hollow Golf Club, 10050 Robert Trent Jones Parkway in Trinity.

The cost is $25 at the door for members and non-members.

For information, call the chamber at (813) 994-8534, or email .

Mixer and ribbon cutting
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce will host a mixer and ribbon cutting for gastroenterology specialists, Nensey & Associates, March 15 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at 5633 Sixth St., in Zephyrhills.

The event is free.

For information, contact the chamber at (813) 782-1913 or .

Hispanic leaders’ mixer
The Hispanic Business Leaders of the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will host a mixer March 20 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at The White Room Bar & Lounge, 6472 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

Enjoy two-for-one drinks, free soft drinks, refreshments and Latin music.

For information, call the chamber at (813) 909-2722, or visit CentralPascoChamber.com.

Business Digest 03/07/2018

By

Dog dining permits
Pasco County approved a new Dog Dining ordinance, which allows restaurants to obtain permits for doggy dining.

At permitted restaurants, owners can bring their dogs to designated, outdoor areas. Participating restaurants can establish their own dog dining hours of operation.

A one-time permit costs $50.

Interested restaurant owners can apply for dog dining permits online at Pasco County Central Permitting. Applications in person must be submitted at 8731 Citizens Drive in New Port Richey.

The county’s MyPasco mobile application provides live Central Permitting Wait Times for applicants to plan their visits.

Dog dining applications must provide specific information, including a diagram and dimensions of the outdoor dining area, entryways and exits, any fences or barriers, and a sample of proposed signage for the dog dining area.

Failure to comply with the ordinance can result in revocation of dog dining permits, and a county citation.

For additional information, visit Central Permitting at PascoCountyFl.net.

(Kathy Steele)

First National Bank of Pasco
The First National Bank of Pasco will have a VIP reception and ribbon cutting March 8 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., at 23613 State Road 54 in Lutz.

There also will be a grand opening March 10 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be free hot dogs, a bounce house, balloon animal artist, face painting, and a free piggy bank for children.

The bank primarily will serve the Lutz, Land O’ Lakes and Wesley Chapel market. It will provide customers a “new age of banking,” with an interior design loaded with technology. First National also offers a joint venture with Jarrett Ford to provide electric vehicle charge stations.

First National Bank of Pasco is the only community bank headquartered in Pasco County, with its main office in Dade City.

For information, call the bank at (813) 607-2555, or visit FNBPasco.com.

North Tampa luncheon
The North Tampa Chamber of Commerce will have its March 2018 Momentum Thursday on March 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Brookdale of Lutz, 414 Chapman Road in Lutz.

Guest speaker will be North Tampa chamber president Jody Fowler, who will discuss how to use LinkedIn Live.

For early bird registration, RSVP online with credit card or to the chamber office at by 5 p.m., March 7, at the discounted rate of $15 (whether you eat or not).

After that date, the cost is $20 (whether you eat or not), payable at the door by cash, check or credit card.

For information, call the chamber at (813) 563-0180, or visit NorthTampaChamber.com.

Land O’ Lakes winery anniversary
The Land O’ Lakes Winery will have its third-year anniversary celebration March 11 from noon to 8 p.m., at 3901 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

Enjoy wine specials, appetizers and door prizes. Singer and songwriter Fred Chandler, of Fred Chandler Epicoustic Events, will perform live original music.

For information, contact the winery at (813) 995-9463 or .

Central Pasco membership meeting
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will have its general membership meeting March 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Hilton Garden Inn Tampa Suncoast Parkway, 2155 Northpointe Parkway in Lutz.

Guest speaker will be Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore.

The cost is $20 for members who register by March 8. Afterward, the cost is $25 for members and guests at the door.

For information, contact the chamber at (813) 909-2722 or CentralPascoChamber.com.

Smart Business Series
The North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce will host its monthly Smart Business Series on March 13 from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., at the Overnight Success Studios, 17743 Hunting Bow Circle in Lutz.

The cost is $20 per person. Seating is limited.

This new program offers professional development opportunities for chamber members and access to business building opportunities. Industry leaders will present each monthly program, which will be taped and made available later for online viewing.

For information, call the chamber at (813) 994-8534.

East Pasco networking
The East Pasco Networking Group will meet March 13 at 7:30 a.m., at IHOP, 13100 U.S. 301 in Dade City.

The guest speaker will be Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano.

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

Membership lunch
The Greater North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly membership lunch March 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Fox Hollow Golf Club, 10050 Robert Trent Jones Parkway in Trinity.

The cost is $20 in advance for members who register online by 3 p.m., March 9. Thereafter, the cost is $25 at the door for members and non-members.

For information, call the chamber at (813) 994-8534, or email .

Hispanic leaders’ mixer
The Hispanic Business Leaders of the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will host a mixer March 20 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at The White Room Bar & Lounge, 6472 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

Enjoy two-for-one drinks, free soft drinks, refreshments and Latin music.

For information, call the chamber at (813) 909-2722, or visit CentralPascoChamber.com.

Business Digest 02/28/2018

By

Netfest sponsors wanted
The Pasco County Economic Council is signing up sponsors and their chili recipes for the sponsor-only Chili Cook-Off at the Pasco EDC 16th Annual Netfest on April 5 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Epperson, 7851 Curley Road in Wesley Chapel.

Put on Western duds, or flip-flops and casual beach attire, to enjoy food, fun and Caribbean music at the Crystal Lagoon.

Trophies will be handed out for the “Best Chili in Pasco County” and “Most Unique.”

The chili cook-off is optional, but come support Pasco EDC and its economic mission.

The cost is $50 per person; $40 for each Pasco EDC investor and guests; and, $30 for Pasco County employees.

For information, call the Pasco EDC at (888) 607-2726.

To register, visit tinyurl.com/ya72otjs.

Coffee social
The North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce will have its Monthly Coffee Social on March 1 from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., at the Hilton Garden Inn Tampa Suncoast Parkway.

This is a “no agenda” event with time for social networking.

For information, call the chamber at (813) 994-8534.

Business breakfast
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly business breakfast March 1 at 7 a.m., at the Golden Corral, 6855 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills.

Guest speaker will be Dennis Harmeson, of the Zephyrhills/Wesley Chapel Ministerial Association.

The cost is $8 for members, and $10 for non-members.

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

Dade City Chiropractic
Dade City Chiropractic will have a ribbon cutting March 1 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at 141227 Seventh St., Suite 2, in the alleyway between Top Drawer Antiques and Antiques Main, in Dade City.

For information, contact The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce at (352) 567-3769 or DadeCityChamber.org.

Women of Wesley Chapel
The North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce will host the Women of Wesley Chapel breakfast mixer March 2 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., at The Beach House Assisted Living & Memory Care, 30070 State Road 56 in Wesley Chapel.

The cost is $5, and is for Women of Wesley Chapel only. Monthly meetings are for networking, business card exchange and friendship.

Please preregister for head count.

For information, contact the chamber at (813) 994-8534 or .

Meritage Homes groundbreaking
Meritage Homes Communities will have a groundbreaking at Lake Hanna Preserves on March 7 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., at 17818 Hanna Road in Lutz.

Breakfast refreshments will be served.

For information, call Marcelle Sebaali, Meritage Homes marketing manager, at (407) 929-7596.

Network breakfast
The Wednesday Morning Network Group will meet March 7 at 7:30 a.m., at Hungry Harry’s Family Bar-B-Que, at 3116 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

Each attendee will be able to present a 30-second pitch. The cost is $7 for members, if preregistered by March 1; or $10 at the door for members or guests.

Register online at CentralPascoChamber.com.

For information, contact the chamber at (813) 909-2722 or .

North Tampa luncheon
The North Tampa Chamber of Commerce will have its March 2018 Momentum Thursday on March 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Brookdale of Lutz, 414 Chapman Road in Lutz.

Guest speaker will be North Tampa chamber president Jody Fowler, who will discuss how to use LinkedIn Live.

For early bird registration, RSVP online with credit card or to the chamber office at by 5 p.m., March 7, at the discounted rate of $15 (whether you eat or not).

After that date, the cost is $20 (whether you eat or not), payable at the door by cash, check or credit card.

For information, call the chamber at (813) 563-0180, or visit NorthTampaChamber.com.

Land O’ Lakes winery anniversary
The Land O’ Lakes Winery will have its third-year anniversary celebration March 11 from noon to 8 p.m., at 3901 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

Enjoy wine specials, appetizers and door prizes. Singer and songwriter Fred Chandler, of Fred Chandler Epicoustic Events, will perform live original music.

For information, contact the winery at (813) 995-9463 or .

Central Pasco membership meeting
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will have its general membership meeting March 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Hilton Garden Inn Tampa Suncoast Parkway, 2155 Northpointe Parkway, in Lutz.

Guest speaker will be Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore.

The cost is $20 for members who register by March 8. Afterward, the cost is $25 for members and guests at the door.

For information, contact the chamber at (813) 909-2722 or Centralpascochamber.com.

Business Digest 02/21/2018

By

Chuy’s Tex-Mex opens in spring
Chuy’s Tex-Mex restaurant will open at the Cypress Creek Town Center this spring, at 25750 Sierra Center Blvd.

The Texas-based restaurant is known for its made-from-scratch dishes and eclectic dining experience. This will be Chuy’s ninth Florida location.

Construction is nearly complete on Chuy’s Tex-Mex restaurant. A spring opening is planned for the restaurant at Cypress Creek Town Center. (Courtesy of Chuy’s)

The Cypress Creek Town Center is off State Road 56, across from Tampa Premium Outlets.

Chuy’s menu prepares dishes made from hand-rolled tortillas cooked fresh on a smooth, flat griddle — known as a comal — right in the dining room. Also, featured are Chuy’s homemade sauces, including the mild Tomatillo and the spicy Hatch Green Chile.

Recipes are authentic to South Texas, New Mexico and Mexican border towns.

Helen Bowen is the local owner and operator of Chuy’s.

Menu items include the “Big As Yo’ Face” burritos, the hand-pulled chicken-stuffed “Chicka-Chicka Boom-Boom” enchiladas and the “Elvis Green Chile Fried Chicken.”

The approximately 8,500-square-foot restaurant includes an outdoor patio. There is an Elvis shrine, the La Chihuahua Bar featuring framed pictures of local dogs, a school of hand-carved wooden fish, metal palm trees and a hubcap-covered ceiling.

Chuy’s will be open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday through Thursday; and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

On weekdays, there will be daily drink specials and a build-your-own nacho station from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

For information, visit Chuys.com or Facebook.com/ChuysTampa.

Carrabba’s Italian Grill delivers
Carrabba’s Italian Grill has launched delivery service from its Lutz location, at 16525 Pointe Village Drive.

Carrabba’s uniformed team members will deliver meals, not a third-party contractor.

Delivery for dinner begins at 4 p.m., daily. Selections include a variety of Carrabba’s signature dishes, such as Chicken Bryan, Pollo Rosa Maria, and Chicken Marsala. Also, there are 10 different “family bundles” that feature complete, made-from-scratch meals for up to five people. Menu items include spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna, and Chicken Parmesan or Chicken Marsala. Warm bread and salad is included.

Prices for the family bundles start at $7 per person. Delivery fee is $4.

For information or to order delivery, visit Carrabbas.com.

No foam cups at Dunkin’ Brands
Dunkin’ Brands, owner of Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin Robbins, plans to phase out its use of polystyrene foam beverage cups by 2020, according to a news release from As You Sow.

As You Sow is a nonprofit that promotes environmental and social corporate responsibility through advocacy, coalition building and innovative legal strategies.

Dunkin’ Brands previously announced plans to begin using a polypropylene plastic cup. Paper cups will be used instead. The decision will remove nearly one billion foam cups from the waste stream annually, the release states.

As You Sow also is encouraging Dunkin’ Brands to go further, and commit to paper cups with recycled fiber content.

Other restaurants also are phasing out foam products.

McDonald’s goal is to remove all foam from its global markets by the end of 2018. Starbuck’s has used 10 percent recycled fiber in its cups for many years.

Economic development briefing
The North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce has scheduled its monthly economic briefing for Feb. 22 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Hunter’s Green Country Club, 18101 Longwater Run Drive in Tampa.

Guest speaker will be Sandra Doran, the founder of North Tampa Christian Academy. The kindergarten through 12th-grade private school is under construction at 5619 County Line Road in Wesley Chapel. It is expected to open for the 2018-2019 school year.

The cost is $15 for members and $20 for non-members.

For information, call the chamber at (813) 994-8534.

Crossfit Aero re-launch
Crossfit Aero will have a “re-launch” party and ribbon cutting Feb. 24 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., at 4450 Pet Lane, Building 102, in Lutz.

A ribbon cutting is planned for 7 p.m.

The event is free. Wear workout clothes and get some exercise.

For information, call Crossfit Aero at (813) 786-2610, or email owner Josh Willis at .

North Tampa charity bingo
North Tampa Chamber of Commerce will host “Drag Queen Bingo” to benefit K-9 Heroes 4 Our Heroes Inc., Feb. 26 at 7 p.m., at Hamburger Mary’s, at 1600 Eighth Ave., in Ybor City.

Enjoy fun and games.

For a $10 donation, you can play 10 games of Bingo for 10 chances to win. There also will be a 50/50 drawing.

Half of all proceeds will be donated to K-9 Heroes 4 Our Heroes Inc.

Anyone wishing to donate a prize, as a way to advertise your business, should email .

Please RSVP for a head count.

To register, visit NorthTampaChamber.com.

For information, call the chamber at (813) 563-0180, or email .

Central Pasco mixer/grand opening
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will celebrate its new location with a mixer and grand opening Feb. 27 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at 1930 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Suite 16, in Land O’ Lakes.

The event is free.

For information, call the chamber at (813) 909-2722, or email .

East Pasco Networking Group
The East Pasco Networking Group will meet Feb. 27 at 7:30 a.m., at the IHOP, 13100 U.S. 301 in Dade City.

Guest speaker will be Gary Joiner, Pasco County’s property appraiser.

For information, contact Nils Lenz at or (813) 782-9491; or Vice Chairwoman Vicky Jones at or (813) 431-1149.

Business Digest 02/14/2018

By

New Identities Hair Studio opens
New Identities Hair Studio had a ribbon cutting and open house on Feb. 7 for its third salon location, at 19038 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in New Tampa.

Other locations are in Tampa Palms at 15307 Amberly Drive and 10639 Big Bend Road in Riverview.

For information, call the studio at (813) 579-1575, or visit NewIdentitiesSalon.com.

Membership lunch
The North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly membership lunch Feb. 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Fox Hollow Golf Club, 10050 Robert Trent Jones Parkway in Trinity.

Guest speakers will be from the Pasco Economic Development Council. They will discuss the council’s SMARTstart Microloan Fund.

The cost is $25 at the door for members and non-members.

For information, call the chamber at (813) 994-8534, email , or visit WesleyChapelChamber.com.

Goodwill job fair
Goodwill Industries-Suncoast Inc., will have a job fair Feb. 15 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the CareerSource office, 9350 Bay Plaza in Tampa.

At least 36 job positions will be available at a new Goodwill Store and distribution center, at 1407 U.S. 301 in Tampa.

Applicants must be 18 years of age.

Job positions include retail management staff members, sales and donations processing associates, and dock workers.

Hiring managers will be onsite to interview applicants.

Goodwill offers a benefits package and is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Goodwill is a drug-free workplace.

The new 20,000-square-foot store will sell donated clothing, household items, furniture and a variety of new products. It is expected to open sometime in February.

The 200,000-square-foot distribution center will house transportation and logistical operations for Goodwill-Suncoast, which are relocating from the headquarters on Gandy Boulevard in St. Petersburg. It is expected to open in early April.

Walk-ins are welcome, but job seekers are encouraged to apply online at Goodwill-suncoast.org/careers, prior to the job fair.

Hispanic leaders’ mixer
The Hispanic Business Leaders of the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will host a mixer Feb. 20 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at The White Room Bar & Lounge, 6472 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

Enjoy two-for-one drinks, free soft drinks, refreshments and Latin music.

The event is free.

For information, call the chamber at (813) 909-2722, or visit CentralPascoChamber.com.

Beach House open house
Beach House Wiregrass Assisted Living & Memory Care will host an open house Feb. 21 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at 30070 State Road 56 in Wesley Chapel. There will be a ribbon cutting at noon.

Enjoy tours of Beach House, as well as international cuisine and music from three countries.

The event is free, but an RSVP is requested by Feb. 16.

For information and to RSVP, call Callie Sears or Linda Mena at (813) 508-6677, or visit BeachHouseWiregrass.com.

Uncle Maddio’s happy hour
The North Tampa Chamber of Commerce will host Uncle Maddio’s February 2018 Happy Hour on Feb. 21 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Uncle Maddio’s, at 3949 Van Dyke Road in Lutz.

The restaurant will offer $1 off any pizza, and buy-one, get-one- free deal for house wine and draft beers.

The event is free, but RSVP for a headcount by Feb. 20.

For information, call the chamber at (813) 563-0180, or email .

Economic development briefing
The North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce has scheduled its monthly economic briefing for Feb. 22 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Hunter’s Green Country Club, 18101 Longwater Run Drive in Tampa.

Guest speaker will be Sandra Doran, the founder of North Tampa Christian Academy. The kindergarten through 12th-grade private school is under construction at 5619 County Line Road in Wesley Chapel. It is expected to open for the 2018-2019 school year.

The cost is $15 for members and $20 for non-members.

For information, call the chamber at (813) 994-8534.

Sieg & Cole ribbon cutting
Sieg & Cole will have a ribbon cutting for its new law office on Feb. 22 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at 2945 Defuniak St., in Trinity.

The event is free.

For information, call the law office at (727) 842-2237, or visit SiegColeLaw.com.

East Pasco Networking Group
The East Pasco Networking Group will meet Feb. 27 at 7:30 a.m., at the IHOP, 13100 U.S. 301 in Dade City.

Guest speaker will be Gary Joiner, Pasco County’s property appraiser.

For information, contact Nils Lenz at or (813) 782-9491; or Vice Chairwoman Vicky Jones at or (813) 431-1149.

Business Digest 02/07/2018

By

Connerton wins gold
Connerton, Pasco County’s largest master-planned, mixed-use community, won the 2018 Gold Award for Best Lifestyle Program for a Community at the National Association of Home Builders’ National Sales and Marketing awards gala, according to a news release from Connerton.

Connerton holds many events during the year for residents and the public. (File)

The gala was held at the Hyatt Regency in Orlando on Jan. 10. More than 1,000 real estate professionals from the International Builders’ Show attended the event.

The awards honor the best in the building industry for determination, integrity, creativity and endurance.

Over three days, a panel of seven industry professionals from across the country picked winners from more than 1,300 entries.

“Our Connerton staff works hard to provide our resident adults and their children with the exciting and rewarding activities that set us apart from the rest and make our community such a special place to live,” Stew Gibbons, Connerton’s general manager, said in a written statement.

Hundreds of people enjoyed a day of festivities at this 2016 Fourth of July celebration at Connerton.

Community events held annually at Connerton include Eggstravaganza, Nation Celebration, Hometown Harvest, and Winter Wonderland. Weekly and monthly events for adults include Parents Night Out, Pops on the Patio, and Doggie Dress Up Pawty. Connerton has a resort-style water park and splash pool where children can enjoy Wiggles and Giggles fitness classes, and poolside snow cones and cotton candy.

In 2017, Connerton and Lennar Homes awarded a veteran and his family a mortgage-free home.

Connerton is a 4,800-acre community, located off U.S. 41 in Land O’ Lakes, about 30 miles north of Tampa.

For information, visit Connerton.com or Facebook.com/connertonfl.

Bexley best in living
Bexley by Newland Communities received a Best in American Living Award from the National Association of Home Builders, according to a news release from The Leytham Group.

Bexley is an award-winning master-planned community off State Road 54 in Land O’ Lakes. (File)

Bexley won the highest honor of a Platinum Award in the category for Best Single-Family Community having more than 100 homes.

The Best in American Living Awards recognizes outstanding achievement by builders and designers in the housing industry, including single-family production, custom-built, apartments, affordable, remodeling and interiors.

Bexley opened in November 2016 off State Road 54, east of the Suncoast Parkway. It offers a variety of home designs, including single-family, town homes and villas, as well as luxury homes by six builders. The community’s amenities include Avid multi-modal trails, outdoor fitness stations, pools, a BMX bicycle pump track and dog parks.

The playground at Bexley is one of many amenities provided at the master-planned community, off State Road 54 in Land O’ Lakes.

The Twisted Sprocket Café is a restaurant open to residents and the public.

Bexley also received two Grand Aurora Awards from the Southeast Building Conference for Best Master-Planned Community and Best Recreational Facility in the Southeast.

Metro Study ranks Bexley as one of the Top 10 communities for New Home Starts in the Tampa Metropolitan Service Area.

For information, call (813) 425-7555, or visit BexleyFlorida.com.

 

North Tampa luncheon
The North Tampa Chamber of Commerce will have its February 2018 Momentum Thursday on Feb. 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at St. Joseph’s John Knox Village, at 4100 E. Fletcher Ave., in Tampa.

Guest speaker will be Clinton W. Babcock of Sandler Training.

For early bird registration, RSVP online with credit card or to the chamber office at by 5 p.m., Feb. 7, at the discounted rate of $15 (whether you eat or not).

After that date, the cost is $20 (whether you eat or not), payable at the door by cash, check or credit card.

For information, call the chamber at (813) 563-0180, or visit NorthTampaChamber.com.

Metro Places job fair
Metro Places, which is developing master-planned communities of Epperson and Mirada, will have its second annual job fair Feb. 13 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Pasco-Hernando State College Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, 2727 Mansfield Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

Epperson and Mirada are part of a special development district for the Connected City corridor, located in northeast Pasco County.

More than 30 employers, involved in developing these communities, will be at the job fair looking for applicants who want to be part of the Connected City development.

For information, visit JobFair.MetroPlaces.com.

East Pasco Networking Group
The East Pasco Networking Group will meet Feb. 13 at 7:30 a.m., at the IHOP, 13100 U.S. 301 in Dade City.

Guest speaker will be Paula O’Neil, Pasco County Clerk and Comptroller of the Circuit Court.

For information, contact Chairman Nils Lenz at or (813) 782-9491; or Vice Chairwoman Vicky Jones at or (813) 431-1149.

Membership lunch
The North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly membership lunch Feb. 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Fox Hollow Golf Club, 10050 Robert Trent Jones Parkway in Trinity.

Guest speakers will be from the Pasco Economic Development Council. They will discuss the council’s SMARTstart Microloan Fund.

The cost is $20 in advance for members who register online by 3 p.m., Feb. 9. Thereafter, the cost is $25 at the door for members and non-members.

For information, call the chamber at (813) 994-8534, email , or visit WesleyChapelChamber.com.

Uncle Maddio’s happy hour
The North Tampa Chamber of Commerce will host Uncle Maddio’s February 2018 Happy Hour on Feb. 21 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Uncle Maddio’s, at 3949 Van Dyke Road in Lutz.

The restaurant will offer $1 off any pizza, and buy-one, get-one free deal for house wine and draft beers.

The event is free, but RSVP for a headcount by Feb. 20.

For information, call the chamber at (813) 563-0180, or email .

Business Digest 01/31/2018

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Vistra acquires Marketing Associates
Vistra Communications LLC, with two offices in Lutz, acquired Tampa-based Marketing Associates USA, according to a news release from Vistra.

Marketing Associates is an award-winning marketing, promotional and branding agency specializing in strategies and services for major corporations and federal agencies.

Vistra, with headquarters in Tampa, serves corporate, government and nonprofit clients. Two of its offices are in Lutz, at 15961 N. Florida Ave., Suite C, and 18315 U.S. 41.

“This acquisition is part of our long-term strategy of growing our large corporate client portfolio, while extending our government services,” Brian Butler, Vistra president and chief operating officer, said in the release.

The merger became effective Jan. 2 on the 40th anniversary of the founding of Marketing Associates by Jeff Darrey, the company’s president.

Marketing Associates USA has been renamed Marketing Associates – A Division of Vistra. Marketing Associates staff members now are Vistra team members.

Butler and Darrey met while discussing their shared interest in Trinity Cafe, a nonprofit restaurant in Tampa that has served more than 1.3 million meals to the homeless.

Darrey is chairman of Trinity Café’s board, and its founding director.

Butler founded Vistra in 2007 after serving in the United States Army. His agency has about 70 employees.

Vistra was the 2016 Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business of the Year in the 21-50 employee category.

Optimal Performance
Optimal Performance & Physical Therapies is a new clinic in Wesley Chapel, at 26830 Ridgebrook Drive, Unit 102.

Office hours are Monday and Wednesday, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The clinic’s services include injury rehabilitation, sports medicine/sports injury rehabilitation, joint replacement rehabilitation, pre/post operative physical therapy, and sports specific strength and conditioning programs.

Staff members are Clinic Manager Paul Frizelle and physical therapist Julie Tellefsen.

Optimal Performance is a private physical and occupational therapist-owned group of outpatient rehabilitation clinics. The company operates 13 facilities in the Tampa Bay area, with patients from Pasco, Hillsborough and Pinellas counties.

For information, call (813) 345-4915, or visit TheOPPT.com.

Women-n-Charge
Join Women-n-Charge Feb. 2 from 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Pebble Creek Club, 10550 Regents Park Drive in New Tampa.

The women share talents and resources, and build relationships with other women in business.

Guest speaker will be Liza Marie Garcia, of NOW SC PRESS, who will talk about “Perfecting Your Pitch.”

Please note the new costs are $15 for members and $18 for guests who RSVP by Tuesday prior to the meeting. Afterward, the cost is $20 for members and $23 for guests.

Register at Women-n-charge.com/meetings/.

For information, call (813) 600-9848, or email .

Networking breakfast
The Wednesday Morning Network Group will meet Feb. 7 at 7:30 a.m., at Hungry Harry’s Family Bar-B-Que, at 3116 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

Each attendee will be able to present a 30-second pitch. The cost is $7 for members, if preregistered by Feb. 1; or $10 for members and non-members at the door.

Register online at CentralPascoChamber.com.

For information, call the chamber at (813) 909-2722, or email .

BNI breakfast
Business Network International, or BNI, will have a kick-off breakfast for the new Land O’ Lakes chapter Feb. 7 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., at Plantation Palms Golf Club, 23253 Plantation Palms Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

BNI is a networking organization with more than 8,000 chapters worldwide.

The kick-off breakfast is an opportunity for the area business community to find out about BNI.

Seating is limited.

For information and to RSVP, call Joey Zani at (813) 948-3584.

North Tampa luncheon
The North Tampa Chamber of Commerce will have its February 2018 Momentum Thursday on Feb. 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at St. Joseph’s John Knox Village, at 4100 E. Fletcher Ave., in Tampa.

Guest speaker will be Clinton W. Babcock of Sandler Training.

For early bird registration, RSVP online with credit card or to the chamber office at by 5 p.m., Feb. 7, at the discounted rate of $15 (whether you eat or not).

After that date, the cost is $20 (whether you eat or not), payable at the door by cash, check or credit card.

For information, call the chamber at (813) 563-0180, or visit NorthTampaChamber.com.

Business Digest 01/24/2018

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2018 Economic Summit
The Central Pasco Association of Realtors will host the 2018 Economic Summit on Feb. 1 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at the Conference Center of the Pasco-Hernando State College, 2727 Mansfield Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

The keynote speaker will be Brad O’ Connor, chief economist for Florida REALTORS. Other participants are David Gwynn, District 7 secretary at the Florida Department of Transportation; Bill Cronin, president and chief executive officer of the Pasco EDC; Camille Hernandez, mayor of Dade City; Kathryn Starkey, Pasco County commissioner; Mary Yeargan, director of district management at the Florida Department of Environmental Protection; and Bob Thompson, program moderator at Thompson Event Partners.

The summit will provide residential and commercial REALTORs, and businesses, with insight into the “2018 Market and Economic Trends.”

The cost, which includes a continental breakfast, is $20 for CPAR members; and $25 for everyone else.

For information, call (813) 948-6966, or visit CentralPascoRealtors.org.

Central Pasco partners with NFIB
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce agreed to a partnership with the National Federation of Independent Business, or NFIB.

Board members said the partnership will provide the chamber with a stronger voice on policy issues in Tallahassee and Washington D.C., according to an email from Central Pasco chamber.

NFIB is the largest business group in the United States, with more than 300,000 members nationally, and more than 9,400 members in Florida.

The chamber will be able to track legislative matters through NFIB. The partnership also gives the chamber access to NFIB’s policy directors, who work with state and federal executive, legislative and judicial bodies on issues important to business owners.

The NFIB offers small and independent business owners opportunities to become involved with the state’s Leadership Council, Small Business Legal Center and the NFIB Political Action Committee.

The NFIB is offering a special membership rate of $199 a year for new members, with the promotional passcode of PASCO199. Members will be eligible to vote on NFIB member ballots, access NFIB benefits, participate in teleforums, and receive updates on state and federal legislative and regulatory matters.

For information, call Central Pasco chamber at (813) 909-2722, or visit NFIB.com/signup.

Florida Hospital ER ribbon cutting
The Florida Hospital ER Central Pasco will have a family block party and ribbon cutting Jan. 28 from noon to 3 p.m., at 16625 State Road 54, in Land O’ Lakes.

The free event will have behind-the-scenes tours, fun activities, demonstrations, music, food and more.

For information and to RSVP, visit http://tinyurl.com/FHCentralPascoER.

Jaime’s Adult Day Center anniversary
Jaime’s Adult Day Center will celebrate its one-year anniversary with a ribbon cutting on Jan. 31 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at 18590 N. Dale Mabry Highway in Lutz.

The event is free. Champagne and hors d’oeuvres will be served.

For information, email .

Economic forecast luncheon
The Pasco Economic Development Council has scheduled its 2018 Economic Forecast Luncheon for Feb. 2 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at Hilton Garden Inn Tampa Suncoast Parkway, at 2155 NorthPointe Parkway in Lutz.

The luncheon will feature Kyle Baltuch, director of development and economist at Florida TaxWatch. He will discuss his views on the regional economy, with an analysis and forecast for 2018.

TaxWatch is a nonprofit watchdog organization that analyzes tourism, economic development, job creation, manufacturing, health care and municipal pensions.

Advance registration is required no later than Jan. 31.

The cost per person is $35. The cost for Pasco County staff only is $25.

For information, call the Pasco EDC at (888) 607-1726, or visit PascoEDC.com.

Women-n-Charge
Join Women-n-Charge Feb. 2 from 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Pebble Creek Club, 10550 Regents Park Drive, in New Tampa.

The women share talents and resources, and build relationships with other women in business.

Guest speaker will be Liza Marie Garcia, of NOW SC PRESS, who will talk about “Perfecting Your Pitch.”

Please note the new costs are $15 for members and $18 for guests who RSVP by Tuesday prior to the meeting. Afterward, the cost is $20 for members and $23 for guests.

Register at Women-n-charge.com/meetings/.

For information, call (813) 600-9848, or email .

Networking breakfast
The Wednesday Morning Network Group will meet Feb. 7 at 7:30 a.m., at Hungry Harry’s Family Bar-B-Que, at 3116 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

Each attendee will be able to present a 30-second pitch. The cost is $7 for members, if preregistered by Feb. 1; or $10 for members and non-members at the door.

Register online at CentralPascoChamber.com.

For information, call the chamber at (813) 909-2722, or email .

BNI breakfast
Business Network International, or BNI, will have a kick-off breakfast for the new Land O’ Lakes chapter Feb. 7 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., at Plantation Palms Golf Club, 23253 Plantation Palms Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

BNI is a networking organization with more than 8,000 chapters worldwide.

The kick-off breakfast is an opportunity for the area business community to find out about BNI.

Seating is limited.

For information and to RSVP, call Joey Zani at (813) 948-3584.

North Tampa luncheon
The North Tampa Chamber of Commerce will have its February 2018 Momentum Thursday on Feb. 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at St. Joseph’s John Knox Village, at 4100 E. Fletcher Ave., in Tampa.

Guest speaker will be Clinton W. Babcock of Sandler Training.

For early bird registration, RSVP online with credit card or to the chamber office at by 5 p.m., Feb. 7, at the discounted rate of $15 (whether you eat or not).

After that date, the cost is $20 (whether you eat or not), payable at the door by cash, check or credit card.

For information, call the chamber at (813) 563-0180, or visit NorthTampaChamber.com.

Business Digest 01/17/2018

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CORRECTION:
The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce has relocated to 1868 Highland Oaks Blvd., Suite A. An item in Business Digest published on Jan. 10 said a different chamber had made the move.

Pasco EDC hits $1 million microloan mark
The Pasco Economic Development Council reached a $1 million milestone for its microloan program when it awarded a $35,000 loan to Superior Precast, according to a news release from the Pasco EDC.

Since the program’s launch five years ago, the Pasco EDC has provided 38 microloans, which resulted in the creation or retention of 270 jobs in Pasco County.

To fund the program, Pasco EDC collected $724,000 from private donations and the business community. The Pasco County Commission allocated $400,000 from the Penny for Pasco Jobs and Economic Opportunities Fund.

To qualify for a microloan, small business owners must demonstrate experience, resources, a solid business plan, and also be unable to obtain a traditional loan.

“When I see a success story and milestone like this come around, it makes me feel proud of the investments we are making in our community to help our small businesses,” said Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Wells, in a written statement.

Superior Precast is a new project supplier to the Florida Department of Transportation. It manufactures precast concrete products for the Reinforced Earth Company (REC), for use in major Florida road projects. The company is located in nearly 63,000 square feet of industrial space in Dade City.

The $35,000 loan is the largest amount that can be loaned. The money will be applied to the company’s working capital budget to support increased product demand.

Applications for the microloan program are accepted from small business owners who run a for-profit company in Pasco. Proceeds from the loan may be used for working capital, inventory, supplies, furniture, fixtures, machinery and equipment. The funds can’t be used to buy real estate or to refinance existing debt.

For information, visit PascoEDC.com.

FASTSIGNS opens
FASTSIGNS of New Tampa/Wesley Chapel will have a ribbon cutting Feb. 2 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at 19651 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

The sign, graphics and visual communications company offers visual marketing solutions to customers of all sizes, and across all industries, according to a company news release.

FASTSIGNS’ owner, Brian Levinson, is a Florida native who recently relocated to the Tampa area to launch his company. He formerly worked for a defense contractor, where he managed teams that developed cyber security solutions for fighter jets, naval combat systems and missile defense systems.

Adam Duty is graphics designer; Corinn Pope is outside sales professional; Alyiah Merlo is customer service specialist; and Christina Krenek is with corporate communications.

For information, call Levinson at (813) 575-3888, or email ; or, call Krenek at (813) 214-346-5663 or email .

East Pasco Networking Group
The East Pasco Networking group will meet Jan. 23 at 7:30 a.m., at the IHOP, 13100 U.S. 301 in Dade City.

Guest speaker will be Cliff Martin, general manager of Jarrett Ford.

For information, contact Chairman Nils Lenz at or (813) 782-9491; or Vice Chairwoman Vicky Jones at or (813) 431-1149.

Economic development briefing
The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce has scheduled its monthly economic briefing for Jan. 25 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Hunter’s Green Country Club, 18101 Longwater Run Drive in Tampa.

Guest speaker will be Loren Rhodes, of the Rhodes Group. He will talk about the Hyatt Place Hotel and Convention Center.

The cost is $15 for members and $20 for non-members.

For information, email the chamber at ., or visit WesleyChapelChamber.com.

 

Business Digest 01/10/2018

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CORRECTION:
Wesley Chapel chamber gets a new home

The Greater Wesley Chamber of Commerce has moved to a new location.

As of Jan. 2, its new offices are at 1868 Highland Oaks Blvd., Suite A, in Lutz.

The chamber previously had its offices in The Grove at Wesley Chapel.

For additional information, call the chamber at (813) 994-8534 or visit WesleyChapelChamber.com.

Living Food Bakery open house
Living Food Bakery & Café will have an open house Jan. 13 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 38201 10th Ave., in Zephyrhills.

There will be free samples of bakery and cage items throughout the day.

Live music begins at 5 p.m.

The bakery and café is a farm-to-table experience offering breads, pastries, subs and salads. Classes in the healthy benefits of essential oils also are taught free of charge.

For information, call (813) 399-4467, or visit Facebook.com/livingfoodbakery/

Medical center open house
The Medical Center of Trinity will host an open house at its soon-to-open ER 24-7 on Jan. 13 from 9 a.m. to noon, at 1430 Dale Mabry Highway, next to Walmart in Lutz.

The open house will feature tours of the emergency room and an opportunity to speak with the health care staff members.

Children can visit the teddy bear clinic and receive an ER 24-7 teddy bear that will be “examined” by ER nurses, get an X-ray and more.

Refreshments will be served.

ER 24-7 will provide traditional emergency room care, but will also have telemedicine capabilities. It will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week for acute care of serious illness or injury. Patients will be accepted by ambulance, and there will be on-site CT scans, ultrasounds, X-rays and laboratory services.

The facility will have national certifications through its affiliation with the Medical Center of Trinity.

For information, call (727) 834-4867.

Coldwell Banker Top Realtors
Coldwell Banker F.I. Grey & Son Residential Inc., announced the following Top Realtors for the month of December.

Top listing agent by units and volume is Randal Jenkins; top selling agent by units and volume is Robert Werner; and, top producing agent by units and volume is Carolyn Hill.

Hispanic leaders lunch
The Hispanic Business Leaders of the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will host a luncheon, open to members and guests, Jan. 16 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Land O’ Lakes Community Center (renamed the Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park), at 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.

Guest speaker will be Melinda Velez of United Way of Pasco County.

The cost is $20 for chamber members or $18 if preregistered. For non-members, the cost is $25.

For information, call the chamber at (813) 909-2722, or register at PHHchamber.com/prepay-lunch/.

North Tampa luncheon
The North Tampa Chamber of Commerce will have its January 2018 Momentum Thursday on Jan. 11 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at St. Joseph’s John Knox Village, at 4100 E. Fletcher Ave., in Tampa.

Guest speaker will be Lee Bolin of the Foundation for the Civilly Disadvantaged.

For early bird registration, RSVP online with credit card or to the chamber office at by 5 p.m., Jan. 10, at the discounted rate of $20 (whether you eat or not).

After that date, the cost is $25 (whether you eat or not), payable at the door by cash, check or credit card.

For information, call the chamber office at (813) 563-0180, or visit NorthTampaChamber.com.

Alliance Property Management ribbon cutting
Alliance Property Management will have a ribbon cutting Jan. 12 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at 5814 Old Pasco Road, in Wesley Chapel.

Refreshments will be served

For information, call The Greater Wesley Chamber of Commerce at (813) 994-8534, or visit WesleyChapelChamber.com.

Coffee social
The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly coffee social Jan. 16 from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., at Buttermilk Provisions, 2653 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Suite 117, in Wesley Chapel.

Join chamber members in a “no agenda” get-together over a free cup of coffee.

For information, call the chamber at (813) 994-8534, or email .

PanasonicCityNOW joins the Pasco EDC
Program Manager Amie Devero, of PanasonicCityNOW, joined the board of directors of the Pasco Economic Development Council.

PanasonicCityNOW joined the Pasco EDC as a corporate council-level investor.

“The innovation and technology PanasonicCityNOW brings to the table is crucial in a time when technology is ever-changing,” said Bill Cronin, president and chief executive officer of the Pasco EDC.

CityNOW is inspired by the Fujisawa Sustainable Smart Town, a Panasonic-led development in Japan, about 30 miles outside Tokyo. With a special focus on the United States, the company supports smart and sustainable developments, neighborhoods, campuses, districts and cities.

The Pasco EDC’s board is responsible for governing the organization and guiding its economic strategy. It works in partnership with Pasco County in promoting economic growth in the county.

For information, visit PascoEDC.com.

Shadow Training Center
Representatives of B & W Associates have filed a pre-application and were set to meet with Pasco County planners Dec. 26 to discuss a proposal for a private training facility outside Dade City, with shooting ranges for law enforcement and civilian shooters, according to county records.

The pre-application meeting is only an initial discussion of the proposal.

The facility, at 12955 Bellamy Brothers Blvd., would keep as much as possible of the natural landscape and incorporate shooting ranges surrounding the property.

The project is under contract pending the county’s approval, according to the pre-application submitted by B & W Associates.

Economic development briefing
The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce has scheduled its monthly economic briefing for Jan. 25 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Hunter’s Green Country Club, 18101 Longwater Run Drive in Tampa.

Guest speaker will be Loren Rhodes, of the Rhodes Group. He will talk about the Hyatt Place Hotel and Convention Center.

The cost is $15 for members and $20 for non-members.

For information, email the chamber at ., or visit WesleyChapelChamber.com.