Business Digest

Discovery Point Child Care expands
Salim and Andrea Karnaby are taking over as owners of The Discovery Point Child Care Center in Trinity, according to a news release from Trevellino Keller.

It is the second location for the couple who opened their first Discovery Point Child Care Center, at 1812 Crossings Blvd., in Odessa in 2010.

Former owners of the Trinity day care center, Nancy Fields and Cheri Livernois, have retired.

Fields joined the Discovery Point team in 1989 in Snellville, Georgia. She worked in corporate-owned centers before opening her own Discovery Point center in Odessa. Livernois became the center’s director, and later, a co-owner of the day care center, located in the Trinity area, at 2132 Duck Slough Blvd.

Discovery Point has nearly 50 day care centers in the southeast United States, and plans further expansion into Florida in the next year, according to the press release.

For information, visit DiscoveryPointFranchise.com.

Rotary breakfast
The Rotary Club of New Tampa will have its weekly breakfast Aug. 11 at 7:15 a.m., at the Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club, 5811 Tampa Palms Blvd., in New Tampa.

Guest speaker will be Dr. Norin Dollard of the University of South Florida. She will discuss the Kids County Project.

The cost is free for first time guests, and $12 thereafter.

For information, contact Jennifer Cofini at (813) 907-7800, ext. 212 or .

Uncle Maddio’s happy hour
The North Tampa Chamber of Commerce will host Uncle Maddio’s August 2017 Happy Hour on Aug. 16 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 a buy-one, get-one free for house wine and draft beers.

The event is free, but RSVP for a headcount by Aug. 15.

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

Chamber awards dinner
Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce/Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce will have a joint “Soaring to New Heights Dinner & Awards” banquet Aug. 18 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., at the Hilton Garden Inn-Tampa Suncoast Parkway, at 2155 Northpointe Parkway, in Lutz.

The two chambers recently merged their organizations to serve Trinity, Odessa, Lutz and Land O’ Lakes.

The cost is $60 per person. Corporate tables for eight people are available for $500.

A cocktail hour, with cash bar, will be from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. The dinner and awards begin at 7 p.m.

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

Businesses help Faces of Courage
Pasco Ladies Care, a small business bazaar to benefit Faces of Courage, will be held Aug. 19 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at the Land O’ Lakes Community Center, at 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.

Small businesses run by women will sell items, or provide information, to attendees. The event is free and open to the public.

A portion of proceeds from sales will be donated to the nonprofit organization, Faces of Courage.

The cost to business participants who sell items will be $10. For others, not selling items, the cost will be $50.

Faces of Courage hosts camps year-round for people with cancers and blood-related illnesses.

For information, email Tiffany Dodge at .

Lunch N Learn
A Lunch N Learn Business Forum is scheduled for Aug. 17 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce Don Porter Boardroom, at 6013 Wesley Chapel Blvd., Suite 105.

Guest speaker will be Kelly Mothershead, of Fitness Transformation Studio & Salon. She will teach a CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) class. Students will receive an American Heart Association certification card.

The cost is $20 including lunch. Registration is needed, as seating is limited.

For information, visit WesleyChapelChamber.com, or call (813) 994-8534.

SCORE workshop
Pasco Hernando SCORE will have a workshop on “How to Really Start Your Own Business” Aug. 22 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, Land O’ Lakes.

The free workshop will provide information on how to start a business, key issues of starting a business, insurance, legal requirements and information sources.

SMARTstart workshop
The Pasco Economic Development Council will host a 10-week SMARTstart CO.STARTERS workshop for small business owners and entrepreneurs beginning Sept. 7 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., at the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce, 2810 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

The sessions will be on Thursday evenings including a celebratory meeting in the 10th week. Participants will equip seasoned and aspiring entrepreneurs with the insights, relationships and tools needed to turn ideas into action, and passions into sustainable and thriving endeavors.

The cost is $295 for 10 weeks of instruction and materials.

Participants must register online no later than 4 p.m., Sept. 1.

To register, visit SmartstartPasco.com.

SMARTstart roundtable
The SMARTstart Entrepreneur Roundtable will meet Aug. 24 from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., at The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce, at 6013 Wesley Grove Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

Entrepreneur Roundtables bring small business owners and early-state venture founders together on a monthly basis for an exchange of information. Groups typically include six members to 10 members from diverse industries, in a confidential setting, to share the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, and how it affects life at work and home.

Participants have the opportunity to attend two meetings to decide if the roundtable is the right fit for them and their businesses. Thereafter, the annual cost is $150.

Participating in the roundtable is free for SMARTstart business incubator members.

For information, visit SmartstartPasco.com, or call (888) 607-2726.

SCORE grant writing workshop
Pasco-Hernando SCORE Chapter 439 is presenting a workshop on grant writing.

This interactive seminar will explore the truths, the how’s, and the why’s of grant writing. Participants will learn about the key steps in the process of grant writing, matching their needs invariably as not-for-profits with the goals of grantors.

The session will cover many issues regarding grant writing, including:

• Understanding the application process
• Finding out who’s eligible
• Sources of funding
• Where proposals fail

The session will be Aug. 22 from 5 p.m. to 6:50 p.m., at Spring Hill Branch Library, 9220 Spring Hill Drive in Spring Hill.

For information, contact Barbara Sweinberg at or (727) 842-4638.

Pasco award and trade show
The Pasco Economic Development Council will have its Annual Awards & Trade Show Aug. 31 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., at the Saddlebrook Resort Grand Pavilion, at 5700 Saddlebrook Way in Wesley Chapel.

The awards recognize top companies in Pasco County that excel in technology, innovation job creation, growth, capital investment and community development.

In evaluating nominees, the Pasco EDC looks at job creation, increased capital investment and contributions to the community through civic involvement between January 2016 and June 2017.

Industry awards are given in the following categories: small (1-20 employees); medium (21-100 employees); large (101 or more employees); and startup/new within past 24 months.

About 600 community and business leaders attend the annual awards gathering.

Space is limited, and early registration is encouraged. Please RSVP by Aug. 23.

Reservations are $85 per person, or $60 per person for Pasco County staff only.

Sponsorships range from $500 to $5,000, with five benefit levels.

For information, visit PascoEDC.com, call (813) 926-0827, ext. 226, or email .

Microloan program
The Pasco Economic Development Council can help small business owners through its SMARTstart Microloan Fund.

These loans are targeted at small business owners who may not qualify for traditional financing, but who have a sound plan to grow their business. Microloans can be used for working capital, inventory, supplies, furniture, fixtures, machinery and other equipment.

Funds can’t be used to buy real estate or to refinance an existing debt.

The microloan fund seeks to increase job opportunities and build the economy. In particular, it can aid business owners who have difficulty accessing credit, such as women, minorities, veterans and disabled individuals.

For information, call the Pasco EDC at (813) 926-0827, or visit SmartstartPasco.com.

Bilirakis honored at chamber breakfast
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly business breakfast Aug. 3 from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., at the Golden Corral, 6855 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills.

Guest speaker will be U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis who will receive the “Spirit of Enterprise Award” from the United States Chamber of Commerce. The annual award recognizes members of Congress for their votes on critical pro-business legislation.

Sponsors are Bahrs Propane Gas & AC, and IR Staffing.

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

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

The Happy Dough grand opening
The Happy Dough will have a grand opening on Aug. 5 beginning at 10 a.m. at the Tampa Premium Outlets, at 2300 Grand Cypress Drive.

There will be prizes and giveaways every hour including a year of free cookie dough.

The kiosk, which opened on July 25, can be found outside Skechers between Nike and Pacific Sunwear. It is family-owned and operated.

The safe-to-eat cookie dough can be bought to eat raw, baked at home or mixed with another dessert. Special dough treats also are available including gluten-free chocolate chip, Amy’s cookie dough dessert pies, cookie dough sandwiches and cookie dough dip, served with butter pretzels.

Flavors include American chocolate chip, birthday cake, chocolate mint, The Brownie and Rocky Road.

Catering is available by appointment.

For information, visit TheHappyDough.com, or Facebook.com/thehappydough/.

Taco Bell opens soon
Taco Bell is expected to open at Cypress Creek Town Center sometime in August, according to company officials.

The Mexican fast-food restaurant, at 25630 Sierra Center Blvd., is among a handful of new restaurants opening or under construction at the town center, located off State Road 56 across from Tampa Premium Outlets.

Ford’s Garage and Pollo Tropical are already open, and Wendy’s and Taco Bell are next.

Chuy’s Mexican restaurant and Bahama Breeze Island Grille also are potential tenants.

Taco Bell founder, Glen Bell, opened Bell’s Drive-In & Taco Tia in California in 1954. The first Taco Bell, also in California, opened in 1964, according to the website, TacoBell.com.

Common Ground Pitch Breakfast
SMARTstart CO.STARTERS will host the monthly “Common Ground Pitch Breakfast” Aug. 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., at 37837 Meridian Ave., No. 309, in Dade City.

Each month, two people present a five-minute pitch to introduce their business ideas to Pasco County’s local entrepreneurial community. Each pitch is followed by a question-and-answer session, and opportunity for feedback.

The event is free. The SMARTstart programs are supported by the Pasco Economic Development Council.

To register, visit SmartstartPasco.com/events, or call Pasco EDC at (352) 437-4861.

Business Link breakfast
Business Link will have its monthly breakfast Aug. 9 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., at Scotland Yards Golf Club, 9424 U.S. 301 in Zephyrhills.

The monthly gathering, held at various locations, provides networking and an information-sharing platform for the small business community.

A complimentary breakfast will be provided. The event is sponsored by the San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union.

RSVP to Rebecca Gaddis at (352) 588-2732, ext. 1237, or email .

North Tampa luncheon
The North Tampa Chamber of Commerce will have a general meeting Aug. 10, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Iavarone’s Steakhouse & Italian Grill, 3617 Humphrey St., in Tampa.

Guest speaker will be Hillsborough County Deputy Chris Depolis. He will discuss what to do during an active shooter situation.

For early bird registration, RSVP online with credit card or to the chamber office at by 5 p.m. on Aug. 8, 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.

Job search assistance
The Pasco Hernando CareerSource Mobile One unit will be on-site to provide free help in job searches and career assistance, Aug. 10 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Zephyrhills Branch Library, at 5347 Eighth St., in Zephyrhills.

The mobile unit is a self-contained resource room on wheels, with 12 computers, satellite Internet and telecommunications, and printing/copying capabilities.

Job seekers can get help with job searches, creating and printing resumes, accessing local and statewide job listings, and finding information about programs provided by CareerSource.

For information, visit CareerSourcePascoHernando.com, or call the library at (813) 780-0064.

Creative World ribbon cutting
Creative World School will have a ribbon cutting Aug. 12 from 10 a.m. to noon, at Primrose Lake Circle, in Tampa Palms community of New Tampa.

The school is enrolling for preschool, child care and day care.

For information, visit WesleyChapelChamber.com or CreativeWorldSchool.com.

Breakfast meeting
The East Pasco Networking Group will meet Aug. 15 at 7:30 a.m., at the Village Inn at 5214 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills.

Guest speaker will be Pasco County Commissioner Mike Wells Jr., who represents District 4.

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

Hispanic leaders lunch
The Hispanic Business Leaders of the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will host a Hispanic Business Leaders Luncheon, open to all members and guests, Aug. 15 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Land O’ Lakes Community Center, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.

Guest speaker will be Pete Castellani, chief executive officer of Oasis Pregnancy Centers.

His topic will be “What Pregnancy Centers Offer Across Pasco County.”

The cost is $20 for chamber members at the door, or $15 if preregistered by Aug. 10. For non-members, the cost is $20, and they can preregister or pay at the door.

Meetings are in English.

For information, email Ignacio Ruiz at .

Lunch N Learn
A Lunch N Learn Business Forum is scheduled for Aug. 17 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce Don Porter Boardroom, at 6013 Wesley Chapel Blvd., Suite 105.

Guest speaker will be Kelly Mothershead, of Fitness Transformation Studio & Salon. She will teach a CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) class. Students will receive an American Heart Association certification card.

The cost is $20 including lunch. Registration is needed, as seating is limited.

For information, visit WesleyChapelChamber.com, or call (813) 994-8534.

SCORE workshop
Pasco Hernando SCORE will have a workshop on “How to Really Start Your Own Business” Aug. 22 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, Land O’ Lakes.

The free workshop will provide information on how to start a business, key issues of starting a business, insurance, legal requirements and information sources.

For information, contact William Gelbach at , or at (727) 842-4638.

Small business mixer
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will host a Salute to Small Business Mixer Aug. 23 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Copperstone Executive Suites, 3632 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes, in the meeting room.

The free mixer is sponsored by Copperstone Executive Suites and The Laker/Lutz News. Sponsorships are available for $50.

For information, call (813) 298-7363, or email .

CORRECTION: The Salute to Small Business Mixer is set for Aug. 23 at Copperstone Executive Suites, 3632 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. An incorrect date for the event was published on July 12 in The Laker/Lutz News.

Thrift store pop-up for charity
CenterState Bank will host the Gulfside Hospice Thrift Shoppe’s Pop Up Shop in its lobby every Friday through Sept. 29, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 6930 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills.

Proceeds will benefit Gulfside Hospice and its patients in Pasco County.

Items for sale will include jewelry, purses, collectibles, antiques and more.

Employees at the CenterState Bank donated more than $300 to Gulfside Hospice during casual Fridays.

Other area businesses are invited to host their own “pop up” shops for Gulfside Hospice.

Gulfside is the only hospice that serves Pasco exclusively. The nonprofit serves more than 375 hospice patients and more than 100 palliative patients daily.

For information, or to host a pop up, contact Tammy Johnson at (727) 845-5707 or .

The scoop on Ice Dreamery
Land O’ Lakes resident Joe Schembri is dishing handcrafted ice cream and sorbets at Ice Dreamery, at 23912 State Road 54 in Lutz.

Schembri’s ice cream shop opened in May, behind Big Apple Bagel.

The shop serves creamy vanilla bean, rice pudding, sweet corn, Xtreme Snickers and chocolate bacon toffee.

Vegan options, such as coconut and almond joy, also are available, along with adult flavors, such as sangria and Rum Haven. Some flavors change weekly. Everything is made fresh in the shop.

For information, visit Facebook.com/icedreamery, or call (813) 586-3767.

Irish 31 pub in Wiregrass
Irish 31 Pub House & Eatery opened its fifth location on July 6 at The Shops at Wiregrass, at 28358 Willet Way in Wesley Chapel.

The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting.

Other Irish 31 pubs are in Hyde Park Village, WestShore Plaza, Westchase and the Chase Club level at Amalie Arena.

The Wesley Chapel location is the first stand-alone pub house, at more than 2,700 square feet. The pub has wall-to-wall televisions and an outdoor patio. There will be live music nightly, trivia, ladies’ night and a daily happy hour.

Irish 31 is an official partner of the Tampa Bay Lightning, and will host several watch parties during the season.

For a limited time, guests who join Irish 31’s loyalty club, iSociety, will be eligible for cash rewards. One lucky member will win an autographed Steven Stamkos jersey.

For information, visit Irish31.com.

The Learning Experience grand opening
The Learning Experience of New Tampa-Academy of Early Education will have a grand opening July 20 from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., at 20780 Trout Creek Drive in New Tampa.

The academy serves children from 6 weeks to 5 years of age. Come for a tour and meet the staff. Light refreshments will be served.

For information, contact The Greater Wesley Chamber of Commerce at (813) 994-8534 or .

Central Pasco meeting
Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly Community Affairs Committee Meeting July 26 from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., at Copperstone Executive Suites, 3632 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

Guest speaker will be Chase Daniels of the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office.

The meeting is open to all chamber members.

For information, contact Sandy Graves at (813) 817-3011 or .

Small business mixer
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will host a Salute to Small Business Mixer Aug. 23 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Copperstone Executive Suites, 3632 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes, in the meeting room.

The free mixer is sponsored by Copperstone Executive Suites and The Laker/Lutz News. Sponsors are available for $50.

For information, call (813) 298-7363, or email .

Family Fitness cuts ribbon
Land O’ Lakes Family Fitness will have a ribbon cutting on July 26 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at 7016 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Suites 104-106, in Land O’ Lakes.

The free event will have food and giveaways.

For information, visit LolFamilyFitness.com, or call the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce at (813) 909-2722.

Pasco economic development briefing
The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce will host its monthly economic development briefing luncheon July 27 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Pebble Creek Golf & Country Club, at 10550 Regents Park Drive in New Tampa.

Guest speaker will be Shauna Nadeau of CareSync.

The cost is $15 including lunch.

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

The Brick Farmhouse opens
The Brick Farmhouse Antiques & Coffee Shop had a ribbon cutting June 17, at 14220 Eighth St., in Dade City.

The shop offers the chance to browse for antiques or relax awhile with a cup of gourmet coffee. The shop also has an array of crafts and handmade originals, and will host live music events on weekends.

Classes will be offered in adult and child chalk painting, calligraphy, watercolor painting, rock painting and more.

Business hours are Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For information, call the shop at (352) 437-4249, or visit Facebook.com/thebrickfarmhouse/.

Networking breakfast
The Wednesday Morning Network Group will meet July 5 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 June 29, or $10 for members and non-members at the door.

Register online at CentralPascoChamber.com.

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

Internet marketing seminar
Pasco Hernando SCORE will have a free seminar on internet marketing technologies July 11 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the New Port Richey Library, at 5939 Main St., in New Port Richey.

Participants will learn how small businesses can use the Internet to reach customers, and communicate about brand, products and services.

The seminar focuses on search engine marketing, search engine optimization, web analytics, social media and email marketing. It serves as a prerequisite to more advanced e-marketing or e-business workshops that will follow.

The seminar also is part of a curriculum addressing doing business on the Internet. A seminar on Using the Internet in Your Business also is available.

RSVP to Pasco Hernando SCORE at (727) 842-4638, visit PascoHernando.score.org, or email .

Business breakfast
SMARTstart CO.STARTERS will host the monthly “Common Ground Pitch Breakfast” July 12 from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., at 37837 Meridian Ave., No. 309, in Dade City.

Each month, two individuals present a five-minute pitch to introduce their business ideas to the local entrepreneurial community in Pasco County. Each pitch is followed by a question and answer, and feedback, opportunity.

The event is free. The SMARTstart programs are supported by the Pasco Economic Development Council.

To register, visit SmartstartPasco.com/events, or call the PEDC at (352) 437-4861.

North Tampa luncheon
The North Tampa Chamber of Commerce will have a general meeting July 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Iavarone’s Steakhouse & Italian Grill, 3617 Humphrey St., in Tampa.

Guest speaker is Devon Anderson, associate director of development for Children’s Home Network.

For early bird registration, RSVP online with credit card or to the chamber office at by 5 p.m., on July 11, 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.

Dixie Belle Paint nominated
Dixie Belle Paint Company is a finalist in the 2017 Florida Companies to Watch, sponsored by GrowFL and the Edward Lowe Foundation.

Dixie Belle Paint is located at 1641 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Lutz. It is the leading American owned and operated provider of chalk mineral paint, which can be used without sanding, priming or other prep work. The company opened in 2014 and employs 20 area residents.

Dixie Belle Paint distributes its paints and other products to more than 800 small businesses across the country.

Finalists in the competition will be evaluated on criteria such as marketplace performance, innovative products, services, and philanthropy.

The awards were developed by Edward Lowe Foundation to highlight second-stage businesses from a range of industries from all areas within Florida.

Winners will be announced in mid-July. Honorees will receive their awards at a ceremony Oct. 14 at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa.

For information, visit GrowFL.com or DixieBellePaint.com.

Copperstone Executive Suites wins
Copperstone Executive Suites is the third quarter winner of the “Heart of Pasco” award, according to a press release from the Community Affairs Committee of the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce.

An award ceremony is scheduled at Copperstone Executive Suites for June 28 at 8:30 a.m.

The award is given to businesses that promote the chamber’s mission “to advance the general welfare of our area so that its citizens and all areas of its business community will prosper.”

Copperstone Executive Suites, at 3632 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., fulfills that mission by promoting the “incubator” business model in Pasco County.

Copperstone Executive Suites is the winner of previous awards, including the Pasco Economic Development Council’s Service/Distribution Industry of the Year. Copperstone also supports community organizations including Oasis Pregnancy Center, Bizz Buzz, Big Brother Big Sister and Mission to Honduras.

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

Pasco economic development briefing
The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce will host its monthly economic development briefing luncheon June 22 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Pebble Creek Golf & Country Club, at 10550 Regents Park Drive in New Tampa.

Guest speakers will include the leadership team for Lexus of Wesley Chapel. They will talk about the November opening of the Lexus dealership, at 5300 Eagleston Road in Wesley Chapel.

The cost is $15 including lunch.

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

Pasco County business workshops
The purchasing department of Pasco County will have two workshops for vendors June 23, in the first floor boardroom at the West Pasco Government Center, at 8731 Citizens Drive in New Port Richey.

The first workshop is from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., and will focus on “Doing Business with Pasco County.” Participants can offer suggestions and feedback on how the county can better address vendors’ needs.

The second workshop, from 2:30 to 4 p.m., will provide training on how to put together bids and proposals.

For information and to RSVP, contact Stephanie Nunn at or at (727) 847-8194.

Famous Tate ribbon cutting
Famous Tate will have a ribbon cutting and “warm welcome” to the community June 29 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at 21385 Walmart Way in Lutz.

The appliance and bedding store will be the third location in Pasco County for Famous Tate. It is located on an outparcel in front of the Walmart Supercenter, off U.S. 41.

For information, visit FamousTate.com, or email the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce at .

Women-n-Charge
Join the Women-n-Charge July 7 from 11:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., at Pebble Creek Country Club, 10550 Regents Park Drive in New Tampa. The women share their talents and resources, and they build relationships with other women in business.

The cost is $15 for members and $18 for all guests.

No guest speaker is scheduled, so there will be plenty of time for networking.

To register, visit Women-n-charge.com.

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

Lutz business owner on national board
Eric D. Garcia is one of 18 people selected nationwide to serve on the Editorial Advisory Board of the magazine, Veterinarian’s Money Digest, according to a press release from Michael J. Hennessy Associate Inc.

Garcia is founder, chief executive officer, and IT and digital consultant for Simply Done Tech Solutions. The company provides support services for veterinary practices in marketing communications and social media.

The magazine’s advisory board includes experts in business management, practice management, law, valuation, accounting, marketing, human resources and financial services. Many board members, including Garcia, are part of VetPartners, a nonprofit association of business specialists who serve the veterinary profession.

For information, visit VMDToday.com or SimplyDoneTechSolutions.com.

Pulte Homes has new model homes
Pulte Homes hosted a grand opening at Starkey Ranch May 13, with tours of three new model homes: the Heatherton, Arbordale and Valleybrook.

Pulte is selling 16 one- and two-story homes at Starkey Ranch, ranging from about 1,900 square feet to nearly 4,400 square feet. The homes offer open floor plans, granite countertops, ceramic tile floors, covered lanais, two- and three-car garages and paver driveways. Sales prices range from about $284,000 to about $440,000, with each home loaded with ultra-fast fiber connectivity.

About 165 homes are planned in the 90-acre Homestead Park district of Starkey Ranch, off State Road 54.

For information, visit Pulte.com/starkeyranch.

Fifth Third Bank fights hunger
Employees and customers of Fifth Third Bank provided more than a million meals in May to fight hunger during the bank’s annual “Feeding Our Communities” campaign, according to a press release from Fifth Third Bank.

Surpassing the million-meal mark is a first for Fifth Third.

The bank partnered with more than 65 organizations in 10 states during the campaign. Each region identified needs in their local communities and designed volunteer efforts in support.

In Florida, employees and customers provided nearly 59,000 meals during the campaign. Employees provided 438 service hours to area food bank partners, according to the press release.

In the Tampa area, donations went to Metropolitan Ministries. Volunteers helped with food sorting and preparation.

Fifth Third Bancorp is a diversified financial services company headquartered in Ohio.

For information, visit 53.com/commitment.

Renaissance Senior Living opens
Renaissance Senior Living will have a grand opening June 15 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at 16001 Lakeshore Villa Drive in Tampa. A ribbon cutting will be at 5:15 p.m.

The Renaissance-themed event will feature “noble nibbles,” knights, musicians, jugglers and fire eaters, overseen by a Renaissance King and Queen. Sponsors are the Carrollwood Area Business Association (CABA) and the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce.

The senior living facility is managed by Allegro Management Company.

The event is free and open to the public, but an RSVP is requested.

For information, visit RenaissanceSrLiving.com. An RSVP can be made at bit.ly/RenaissanceRSVP.

Central Pasco awards banquet
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will have its 42nd Annual Awards and Installation Banquet June 16 from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., at the Harbor Terrace Restaurant at the Heritage Harbor Golf & Country Club, at 19502 Heritage Harbor Parkway in Lutz.

Business attire, cocktail dresses and long gowns are recommended. No jeans or shorts will be allowed.

Banquet tickets are $50 per person or $90 for two tickets, if registered by June 14. Afterward, and at the door, the cost is $60 per ticket.

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

Hispanic leaders lunch
The Hispanic Business Leaders of the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will host a Hispanic Business Leaders Luncheon, open to all chamber members and guests, June 20 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Land O’ Lakes Community Center, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.

Guest speaker will be Kristen King of Keep Pasco Beautiful.

The cost is $20 for chamber members at the door, or $15, if preregistered by June 15. For non-members, the cost is $20, and they can preregister or pay at the door.

For information, email Ignacio Ruiz at .

North Tampa 70th birthday
The North Tampa Chamber of Commerce will celebrate its 70th anniversary June 21, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Taziki’s Mediterranean Café, at 3825 Northdale Blvd., in Tampa.

Enjoy free food, a silent auction, drawings and an evening of fun.

Please RSVP by June 19 for a head count.

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

Lakeside Pros grand opening
Lakeside Heating, Cooling, & Plumbing will have its grand opening June 21 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at 4608 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

Enjoy fun, food, beer, wine, networking, music and prizes. Event hosts include The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce and The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce.

For information, visit LakesideComfortPros.com.

SMARTstart roundtable
The SMARTstart Entrepreneur Roundtable will meet June 22, from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., at The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce, at 6013 Wesley Chapel Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

Entrepreneur Roundtables bring small business owners and early-stage venture founders together on a monthly basis for an exchange of information. Groups typically include six members to 10 members from diverse industries, in a confidential setting, to share the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship and how it affects life at work and home.

For information, contact SMARTstart Incubator Dade City at (352) 437-4861.

VisitWesleyChapel anniversary
VisitWesleyChapel.com will have a ribbon cutting and one-year anniversary June 23 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., at Cantina Laredo at The Shops at Wiregrass, at 2000 Piazza Ave., in Wesley Chapel.

Enjoy live music, special entertainment, a $10 taco bar and a $5 Mojito drink special.

Please RSVP if you plan to dine at the taco bar.

For information, email .

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

Top listing agent by units is Penny Trovillo; by volume, is Kristy Thurber. Top selling agent by units is Lynette Krull; by volume, is Carolyn Hill. Top producing agent by units is Lynette Krull; by volume, is Diane Laoudis.