Business Digest

Mettler Toledo job fair
Mettler Toledo will have a job fair May 24 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at 1571 Northpointe Parkway, off State Road 54, in Lutz.

Job openings are available for electrical and mechanical assemblers; electrical and mechanical engineers; regional sales manager; welders; direct marketing specialist; sales engineers; order entry administrators; field service engineers; and more.

Mettler Toledo had its grand opening at Northpointe Village in April. The Swiss-owned manufacturing plant is a global supplier of precision scales and services uses in research, and the packaging and production of food and pharmaceuticals.

Mettler Toledo offers an entrepreneurial environment, and competitive salary and benefits, including health, dental, vision, prescription, life, short-term disability and long-term disability. The company also offers 401k accounts with a company match; tuition reimbursement, employee referral bonuses; and training.

For a full list of available positions and to apply online, visit MT.com/careers.

The Main Ingredient opens
The Main Ingredient opened at the corner of State Road 54 and Collier Parkway, behind the new 7-Eleven convenience store.

The specialty food store offers bulk food bins of organic, vegan, gluten-free and paleo foods. Other items include specialty tea leaves, fresh roasted coffee beans, specially blended spices and rubs, infused olive oils and balsamic vinaigrette.

Customers can scoop and weigh as much or as little as they want.

Hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The store is family-owned and operated.

Planet Smoothie opens
Planet Smoothie opened at 1941 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in The Shoppes at New Tampa plaza in Wesley Chapel.

The new fruit smoothie shop, a franchise operation, is part of the national Planet Smoothie brand. It is across from The Shops at Wiregrass.

The first shop opened in Atlanta in 1995. Planet Smoothie’s headquarters are in Arizona.

For information, contact Insiya Choilawala at (386) 538-6006.

Dickey’s Barbecue opens
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit opened April 30 at 23048 State Road 54, Suite 505, in Lutz.

Franchise owner is local entrepreneur Sunny Patel, according to a news release from the Dallas-based, Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants Inc.

World War II veteran Travis Dickey opened the first Dickey’s Barbecue in Dallas, Texas in 1941.

To celebrate the grand opening, Dickey’s Barbecue will offer four weeks of specials and giveaways on the following days:

• Thursdays: A free Big Yellow Cup with free refills all day
• Fridays: All first responders in uniform will receive a 50 percent discount. Guests also can make donations to Dickey’s charitable foundation — Barbecue, Boots & Badges.
• Saturdays: $2 pulled pork sandwiches from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Sundays: Guests receive one free Kids Meal with each $10 adult purchase.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week.

For information, call (813) 406-5259.

Scrub-A-Dub Bin Cleaning opens
Scrub-A-Dub Bin Cleaning opened recently at 27027 Fordham Drive in Wesley Chapel.

The business offers a monthly service of scrubbing clean residential trash and recycling bins at curbside. Scrub-A-Dub uses eco-friendly, biodegradable disinfectants and deodorizers. A specially equipped truck will reclaim the dirty water used to clean the bins, so there is no runoff. Waste water is then disposed of at a waste water treatment facility.

For information, contact owner Jennifer Trudel at (844) 727-8229 or , or visit ScrubaDubBinCleaning.com.

Free business seminar
SCORE will host a free business seminar, “How to Really Start Your Own Business” May 10 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the New River Library, 34043 State Road 54 in Zephyrhills.

The seminar will cover the idea, testing and protecting the idea, finding good people, how to structure your business, cash flow and more.

Seating is limited.

To register, visit PascoHernando.score.org.

For information, email , or call (727) 842-4638.

North Tampa luncheon
The North Tampa Chamber of Commerce will have its May 2018 Momentum Thursday on May 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Brookdale of Lutz, 414 Chapman Road.

For early bird registration, RSVP online with credit card at NorthTampaChamber.com or by email to the chamber at  by 5 p.m. May 9, 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.

Backyard Pool Supplies opening
Backyard Pool Supplies will have a grand opening and ribbon cutting May 10 from 10 a.m. to noon, at 6417 County Line Road, Suite 103, in Tampa. The store is on the southwest corner of Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, between Winn Dixie and LA Fitness.

Refreshments will be served.

For information, email Charlene Kutzan at .

North Tampa Bay Chamber grand opening
The North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce will have its grand opening and ribbon cutting May 10 from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., at 1868 Highland Oaks Blvd., Suite A, in Lutz.

There will be hors d’ oeuvres, an office tour, networking and a cash bar.

Please RSVP to the chamber at (813) 994-8534, or email Grace Martin at .

Coffee social
The North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce will have its Monthly Coffee Social on May 15 from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., at Buttermilk Provisions, 2653 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

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

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

Discovery Village anniversary
Discovery Village at Tampa Palms will have its one-year open house anniversary May 16 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at 17470 Brooksdale Trace Court in New Tampa.

This free event will have cocktails, appetizers, live music and door prizes.

Come tour this senior-living community.

For information, contact Kim Frattini at (813) 600-5994 or .

Local training dollars available
Career Source Pasco Hernando offers financial assistance for employee training through the Employed Worker Training Program.

The program aids the employer by improving company efficiency, increasing employee retention and building employee morale.

Up to half of the employers’ direct training costs can be reimbursed through the EWT program. Employers can choose a specific trainer, curriculum or training course that benefits the company’s needs.

The program has yielded 77 certificates, to date, for 2017-2018.

Training grants are limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

For information, visit CareerSourcePascoHernando.com, or call: in east Pasco County (813) 377-1327; in west Pasco County (352) 293-1335; or in Hernando County (352) 200-3027.

Chamber annual business awards
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations for its annual business awards.

The deadline for nominations is noon of May 4.

A Nominating Committee will review all nominees.

Nominees must be members in good standing for at least one year, and have a record of outstanding business and civic contributions to the community.

Reasons for the nomination, including accomplishments, must be part of the application. Additional reasons or comments on a separate sheet of paper are welcome.

Awards are given to the Non-Profit of the Year, Small Business of the Year, Large Business of the Year, Chamber Member of the Year and a Community Service Award.

Mail nominations to 1903 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Suite 16, Land O’ Lakes, FL 33549. Or, email to .

Nominations also can be submitted online at CentralPascoChamber.com.

Culver’s ribbon cutting
Culver’s of Zephyrhills had a ribbon cutting April 30 to celebrate the fast-food restaurant’s opening at 6386 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills.

Hours of operation are seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., with the exception of some holidays.

Culver’s signature sandwich is the “Butterburger.” The restaurant also offers three flavors of frozen custard: vanilla, chocolate and Flavor of the Day.

Franchise owner and operator Mark Murphy started his Culver’s career in 2013 as general manager at Culver’s in Mauston, Wisconsin, according to a news release from Culver’s.

The restaurant’s menu includes Wisconsin cheese curds, fresh garden salads, and chicken and fish dinners. Kid’s meals also are available.

For information, visit Culvers.com.

Creativity Unpinned opens at Wiregrass
Creativity Unpinned opened its doors at The Shops at Wiregrass, at 28163 Paseo Drive, Suite 180, in Wesley Chapel.

The store helps artisans and crafters find customers who want to buy handmade products. It features distinctive items in apparel and home décor.

Founder Wendy O’Neill attended CO.STARTERS, a SMARTstart program offered through the Pasco Economic Development Council. She learned how to price items, and also got advice from local business owners.

Women-n-Charge
Join Women-in-Charge May 4 from 11:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., at the new meeting location at Plantation Palms Golf Club, 23253 Plantation Palms Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

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

Guest speaker will be Christy Maldonado of Social Media Marketing. She will discuss Facebook basics and marketing tools.

The cost is $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 .

Florida Hospital Dade City ribbon cutting
Florida Hospital Dade City will host a community celebration and ribbon cutting May 8 from 5:30 to 7 p.m., at 13100 Fort King Road in Dade City.

For information, call The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce at (352) 567-3769.

Business seminar
SCORE will host a free business seminar, “Learn How to Start a New Business Successfully” at the New River Library, 34043 State Road 56 in Zephyrhills.

The seminar will cover the business idea, testing and protecting the idea, finding good people, how to structure your business, cash flow and other relevant issues.

Seating is limited.

Register at PascoHernando.score.org.

North Tampa luncheon
The North Tampa Chamber of Commerce will have its May 2018 Momentum Thursday on May 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Brookdale of Lutz, 414 Chapman Road.

For early bird registration, RSVP online with credit card at NorthTampaChamber.com or by email to the chamber at  by 5 p.m. May 9, 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.

Backyard Pool Supplies opening
Backyard Pool Supplies will have a grand opening and ribbon cutting May 10 from 10 a.m. to noon, at 6417 County Line Road, Suite 103, in Tampa. The store is on the southwest corner of Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, between Winn Dixie and LA Fitness.

Refreshments will be served.

For information, email Charlene Kutzan at .

Business seminar
SCORE will have a free business seminar on “YouTube and Small Business” May 8 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the Hugh Embry Library, 14215 Fourth St., in Dade City.

Space is limited.

To register, visit PascoHernando.score.org.

New Lutz development
A ground-breaking ceremony recently was held for Lake Hanna Preserve, a single-family home community in the heart of Lutz, and just 10 miles from downtown Tampa and 12 miles from Tampa’s International Airport.

The gated community has 48 lots of 1-acre-plus homesites, with 18 lots featuring serene lake views.

Those purchasing lakefront lots have the opportunity to install docks for direct water access, and all homeowners in the development will be able enter Lake Stemper via a community dock. That amenity will feature a kayak launch and an elevated boardwalk leading to the lake.

Lake Hanna Preserve is scheduled to grand open the Kerrville III model this summer. There are seven home designs, ranging from 2,516 square feet to 5,170 square feet.

Every home also will be equipped with energy efficiency, which will help buyers to save up to 50 percent on their utility bills.

For more information, contact Marcelle Sebaali at (813) 386-8747, or visit MeritageHomes.com/tampa.

Chamber scholarships
The North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce is expanding its high school scholarship fund to include recipients from Wesley Chapel High School, Wiregrass High School, Freedom High School and Wharton High School.

The chamber’s goal is to award 14 scholarships in the amount of $500 each. To fund the scholarships, sponsorships of $650 each are needed.

The chamber has partnered with career counselors at each campus. Students who apply will complete an application that includes a short essay.

Sponsors will have the opportunity to present ceremonial checks to each recipient. Each school organizes the events.

Event dates are:

• Wiregrass Ranch, May 17 at 6:45 p.m.
• Wesley Chapel High, April 25 at 7:30 a.m.
• Freedom High, April 24 at 6 p.m.
• Wharton High, to be announced

To become a sponsor, email Grace Martin at .

Jersey Mike’s donations
Jersey Mike’s Subs raised more than $6 million for local charities nationwide in a single month, including more than $104,000 for High Risk Hope in the Tampa/St. Petersburg/Sarasota area, according to a news release from Splash Communications.

There were 35 restaurants participating in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Sarasota.

High Risk Hope is a nonprofit that helps women and families struggling with high-risk pregnancies resulting in bed rest, potential premature births, and neonatal care after delivery.

Nearly $560,000 in total was raised in Florida.

The month-long campaign ended on March 28, the Day of Giving, when 1,360 Jersey Mike’s restaurants donated 100 percent of sales – not just profits – to more than 170 different charities across the country.

For information, visit JerseyMikes.com/mog.

Ashton Woods at Asturia
Ashton Woods announced the availability of move-in ready homes at the master-planned community of Asturia, off State Road 54.

They are the Monroe, Lincoln, Truman and Arlington homes.

The Monroe is about 2,500 square feet, with four bedrooms and 2 ½ bathrooms. A laundry room is on the second floor and office space is on the first floor. It sells for about $387,000.

The Lincoln is a two-story home, with about 2,400 square feet, four bedrooms, and a laundry room on the second floor. Sales price is about $375,000.

The Truman is about 2,000 square feet with three bedrooms and an outdoor area that features a fire pit. It sells for about $350,000.

The Arlington is a 2,000-square-foot home with three bedrooms, 2 ½ bathrooms and an open family room. It sells for about $280,000.

Asturia is on State Road 54, near the Suncoast Parkway and U.S. 41.

For information, visit AshtonWoods.com/tampa/asturia-heritage-series.

Marketing seminar
SCORE will host a free seminar, “Results-Based Marketing for Small Business,” April 18 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the Hugh Embry Branch Library, at 14215 Fourth St., in Dade City.

Learn how to cut through information overload to get the word out about your business.

For information, call Sheila Neisler, of CatalystGetsResults.com, at (727) 842-4638, or email .

Uncle Maddio’s happy hour
The North Tampa Chamber of Commerce will host Uncle Maddio’s April 2018 Happy Hour on April 18 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 deals for house wine and draft beers.

The event is free.

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

Dairy Queen anniversary/ribbon cutting
DQ Grill & Chill will host a Dairy Queen anniversary and ribbon cutting April 24 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the Shoppes at Ballantrae, at 17826 Aprile Drive in Land O’ Lakes.

Come enjoy tasty treats at this free event.

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

East Pasco networking
The East Pasco Networking Group will meet April 24 at 7:30 a.m., at IHOP, 13100 U.S. 301 in Dade City.

The guest speaker is Melonie Monson, executive director of the Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce.

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

Economic development briefing
The North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly economic briefing lunch April 26 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 J.D. Porter, who will give an update on Wiregrass Ranch.

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

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

Joint mixer
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce and the West Pasco Chamber of Commerce will host a joint mixer April 26 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Residence Inn Tampa Suncoast Parkway, in the Northpointe Village, at 2101 Northpointe Parkway.

There will be one free drink per person, refreshments and door prizes.

For information, call the Central Pasco chamber at (813) 909-2722 or the West Pasco chamber at (727) 842-7651.

SONG Printing & Design moves
SONG Printing & Design will have a “new location” celebration and ribbon cutting April 26 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at 38514 Fifth Ave., in Zephyrhills.

Celebrate with a glass of beer or wine at this free event.

For information, call owners Mike and Sue Prenderville at (813) 715-2212, or visit SongPrinting.com.

Chuy’s hiring and opening soon
Chuy’s Tex-Mex is hiring in all positions for its new restaurant in Cypress Creek Town Center, at 25750 Sierra Center Blvd.

Applications can be made at an on-site trailer.

Hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Opening day currently is scheduled for April 24. The first 50 customers will receive 12 certificates for dinner for two.

For information, call Chuy’s at (512) 367-9363.

North Tampa luncheon
The North Tampa Chamber of Commerce will have its April 2018 Momentum Thursday on April 12 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Brookdale of Lutz, 414 Chapman Road.

For early bird registration, RSVP online with credit card at NorthTampaChamber.com or by email to the chamber at by 5 p.m., April 11, 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.

Hispanic leaders’ mixer
The Hispanic Business Leaders of the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will host a mixer April 17 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.

Coffee social
The North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce will have its Monthly Coffee Social on April 17 from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., at Buttermilk Provisions, 2653 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

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

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

Pulte homes win
Pulte Group’s West Florida Division won two awards in the Grand Winner category at the Tampa Bay Builder’s Association Annual Parade of Homes.

Pulte’s West Florida division had four model homes open to the public. Two won grand prizes in their categories.

More than 95 model homes were open for tours for the 2018 annual event.

The Oasis model from the Centex Summerset at South Fork community in Riverview won the grand prize for homes in the $250,000 to $299,000 price range. The Heatherton model home from Pulte’s Starkey Ranch in Odessa won the grand prize for homes in the $700,000 to $749,000 price range.

For more information, visit Centex.com/summerset or Pulte.com/starkeyranch.

Meritage Homes breaks ground
Meritage Homes broke ground on a model home at Lake Hanna Preserves in Lutz, in March.

The site is located on the west side of Hanna Road, south of Sunset Drive.

Homes of four and five bedrooms are planned on large, landscaped lots in this gated community.

For information, call Marcelle Sebaali, marketing manager, at (813) 386-8747, or visit MeritageHomes.com.

Marketing seminar
SCORE will host a free seminar, “Results Based Marketing for Small Business,” April 18 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the Hugh Embry Branch Library, at 14215 Fourth St., in Dade City.

Learn how to cut through information overload to get the word out about your business.

For information, contact Sheila Neisler, of CatalystGetsResults.com, at (727) 842-4638, or email .

Uncle Maddio’s happy hour
The North Tampa Chamber of Commerce will host Uncle Maddio’s April 2018 Happy Hour on April 18 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 deals for house wine and draft beers.

The event is free, but RSVP for a headcount by April 17.

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

Economic development briefing
The North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly economic briefing lunch April 26 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 J.D. Porter, who will give an update on Wiregrass Ranch.

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

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

SONG Printing & Design moves
SONG Printing & Design will have a “new location” celebration and ribbon cutting April 26 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at 38514 Fifth Ave., in Zephyrhills.

Celebrate with a glass of beer or wine at this free event.

For information, call owners Mike and Sue Prenderville at (813) 715-2212, or visit SongPrinting.com.

Hair loss certification
Johanna Amarante, a New Tampa cosmetologist, completed a hair-loss certification course at the Hilton Garden Inn in Kennesaw, Georgia.

As a certified hair-loss specialist, she can work with dermatologists and oncologists to provide services.

Amarante said she was encouraged to participate in the “Look Good, Feel Better” program sponsored by the American Cancer Society. The program helps women who have hair loss during chemotherapy.

Amarante is trained to aid men, women and children, by learning to measure and fit a client for a hair-loss system and/or unit.

Amarante works at the Fabulously Made Salon, 20707 Center Oak Drive, Suite 304, in New Tampa.

For information, call (813) 444-3229, email , or visit FabulouslyMadeSalon.com.

Business networking for women, minorities
The fifth annual Open Doors Forum will be April 5 from 8:30 a.m. to noon at TPepin’s Hospitality Centre, 4121 N. 50th St., in Tampa.

A Government Contracting Panel will kick off the event at 8:30 a.m., with representatives from Hillsborough County, Hillsborough County Aviation Authority and Hillsborough Area Regional Transit. Exhibits for networking will open at 9 a.m.

The forum is part of Hillsborough County’s initiative to increase participation in local government contracts by minority-owned, women-owned, and small businesses.

There will be nearly 40 exhibitors from the Tampa Bay region.

Attendees will be able to meet with government prime contractors and subcontractors with the goal of forming new business partnerships. Small business loan specialists and representatives of multiple government agencies will be available to discuss how to do business with local governments.

Public agencies participating include the cities of Tampa and St. Petersburg, Pinellas County, Hillsborough Community College and the University of South Florida.

For information or to register, call (813) 276-2729 or visit HCFLGov.net/MWSBE.

Domino’s in Ballantrae hiring
Domino’s new “pizza theater” store, at 17792 Aprile Drive, is open outside the Ballantrae subdivision, off State Road 54.

The store also is hiring delivery drivers.

The new Domino’s offers free WiFi, open-area viewing of food preparations, a drive-thru, and a lobby screen indoors that tracks carryout orders electronically. Customers also can get creative or leave comments on a chalkboard.

Jerry Longen is the franchise owner. He began working at Domino’s as part-time pizza maker in 1987, and became a franchise owner in 1998. He currently owns six locations in the Tampa area.

More than 90 percent of Domino’s franchise owners began as part-time employees, according to a news release from the company.

For information or to apply for a job, visit Jobs.dominos.com.

To place an order at the new Domino’s, visit Dominos.com, or call (813) 670-2424.

Donate to Connections Job Development
Connections Job Development Program will be the featured charity at the Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office in April, according to a news release.

Since 1991, the jobs program has helped residents of Pasco County learn skills to prepare a resume, do interviews, operate computers and more. It connects job seekers and employees.

All services are free.

Anyone interested in helping Connections Job Development can make a contribution at any of the five tax collector offices in Pasco. All proceeds will go to the job program.

Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano highlights one charity a month as a recipient of donations.

For more information on the tax collector’s program, visit Pascotaxes.com. For information on Connections Job Development, call Ann Wilkinson, executive director, at (727) 849-4724, or visit ConnectionsJobDevelopment.org.

Pet care business opens
Dear Madison, a pet care and pet boarding facility, will have its grand opening April 5 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at 7180 Frances Drive in Wesley Chapel.

The location is off Old Pasco Road, a few miles from The Grove at Wesley Chapel.

Dear Madison caters to all pets from pocket pets to reptiles to cats and dogs.

The grand opening is free. Drinks and refreshments will be served.

Everyone who attends will get one free night of pet boarding.

For information, call Jean Ann at (727) 248-7874, or email .

Women of Wesley Chapel network
Women of Wesley Chapel (WOW), will meet April 6 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., at the Beach House Assisted Living & Memorial Care, at 30070 State Road 56 in Wesley Chapel.

Guest speaker will be Linda H. Hamilton, president of Bridging Freedom Inc. Her topic will be “Sex Slavery in Wesley Chapel: True or False?”

The cost is $5 for members or prospective members.

For information, call the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce at (813) 994-8574, or email .

Central Pasco membership meeting
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will have its general membership meeting April 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Hilton Garden Inn Tampa Suncoast Parkway, 2155 Northpointe Parkway.

Guest speaker will be Bill Herrie of the nonprofit National Federation of Independent Business.

The sponsor is Emerald Inspection Services.

The cost is $20 for members who register by April 5. After that, the cost is $25 for members and guests at the door.

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

North Tampa luncheon
The North Tampa Chamber of Commerce will have its April 2018 Momentum Thursday on April 12 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Brookdale of Lutz, 414 Chapman Road in Lutz.

For early bird registration, RSVP online with credit card at NorthTampaChamber.com or by email to the chamber at by 5 p.m. April 11, 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.

Chuy’s is hiring
Chuy’s, the Austin-based Tex Mex restaurant, will hire 175 employees for its first Tampa Bay area location, at the Cypress Creek Town Center in Wesley Chapel.

Chuy’s is hiring for full-time and part-time positions, including hosts, servers, bussers and bartenders. The restaurant also is looking for kitchen staff members to help prepare from-scratch dishes, hand-rolled tortillas and homemade sauces.

Applicants can apply in-person from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 27750 Sierra Center Blvd., in Cypress Creek Town Center, located off State Road 56.

For more information, visit Chuys.com.

JC Audiology adds audiologist
Dr. Judith Reese announced the addition of Dr. Jennifer Steed to JC Audiology. The Lutz practice opened in 2005, and has served about 2,200 patients, according to a news release from the clinic.

Steed previously worked with the Central Florida Speech and Hearing Center in Lakeland, as well as with ear, nose and throat practices in central Florida.

She is an honors graduate of the University of South Florida and earned a Doctorate of Audiology at USF in 2003. She is a member of the American Academy of Audiology and the Florida Academy of Audiology.

Steed also has served as mentor for graduate audiology students, and was lead audiologist on pediatric craniofacial/cleft palate team meetings with Children’s Medical Services Polk County.

In addition, she has offered seminars and lectures to the community on hearing health, hearing loss and available treatments.

For information, call the audiology clinic at (813) 949-1331.

Network breakfast
The Wednesday Morning Network Group will meet April 4 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.

Sponsors are RE/MAX Champions Russell and Patricia Bly.

The cost is $7 for members, if preregistered by March 29; or $10 at the door for members or guests.

Register online at CentralPascoChamber.com.

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

Coffee social
The North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce will have its Monthly Coffee Social on April 5 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.

Cost Plus World grand opening
Cost Plus World Market will have a ribbon cutting April 5 at 8:45 a.m., and the store will open at 9 a.m., at 5831 Wesley Grove Blvd., in The Grove at Wesley Chapel.

A grand opening will last from April 5 through April 8. Events include giveaways, raffle, live entertainment, and sampling of food and wine.

Cost Plus World Market sells furniture, décor from around the world, wine and beer, and gourmet food.

For information, visit WorldMarket.com.

Zephyrhills chamber breakfast
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly business breakfast April 5 from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., at the Golden Corral, 6855 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills.

Guest speaker is Pasco County School Board Member Allen Altman. The sponsor is Rosecastle.

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

For information, call the chamber at (813) 872-1913, or email .

Pasco EDC Netfest
Pasco Economic Development Council will host its 16th annual Netfest on April 5 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Epperson, 7852 Curley Road in Wesley Chapel.

The event will have a “Caribbean Cowboy” theme, with opportunities to mingle and network with business and community leaders near Epperson’s Crystal Lagoon.

The cost is $50 per person. The fee for Pasco EDC investors and guests is $40 per person, and for Pasco County staff members, $30 per person.

Sponsorships also are available.

For information, call Suzanne Renczkowski at Pasco EDC, at (813) 926-0827, ext. 226, or email .

Office condo sold
Hold-Thyssen, a full-service commercial property firm in Winter Park, negotiated the $590,000 sale of a 4,650-square-foot office condo in the Trinity Professional Center in Trinity, according to a news release from the firm.

Carol L. Kinnard, transaction specialist in Hold-Thyssen’s Clearwater office, handled the negotiations.

Todo Gato Holdings LLC purchased the condo. The company was represented by Nancy Phaneuf of Commercial Realty and Development.

The condo, which was built in 2005, has three units at 8820 Belagio Drive, 8824 Belagio Drive and 1842 Health Care Drive, within the now vacant Building No. 2. Previous tenants included a law firm, financial consultants, insurance agencies and medical practitioners.

Hold-Thyssen provides commercial property brokerage, leasing and management services to institutional and private investors nationwide. The 40-year-old firm’s portfolio includes more than 100 commercial properties.

Central Pasco membership meeting
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will have its general membership meeting April 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Hilton Garden Inn Tampa Suncoast Parkway, 2155 Northpointe Parkway.

Guest speaker will be Bill Herrie of the nonprofit National Federation of Independent Business.

The sponsor is Emerald Inspection Services.

The cost is $20 for members who register by April 5. Afterward, the cost is $25 for members and guests at the door.

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

CORRECTION: A free forum, “We Can Do It” Women Making Strides, will be held on March 21 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Pasco-Hernando State College Porter Campus, 2727 Mansfield Blvd., in Wesley Chapel. An incorrect date was published in Business Digest on March 14 in The Laker/Lutz News.

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 NorthTampaBayChamber.com.

Florida Hospital hires communications manager
Florida Hospital West Florida Division hired Ashley Jeffery as communications manager.

Jeffery will work on internal and external media projects, serve as direct contact for media, manage crisis communication, and serve in public relations role for the West Florida Division.

Jeffery previously served as community relations and marketing manager for Hillsborough Community College.

She is an award-winning communicator with a decade of experience in communications, including seven years as a broadcast journalist in Augusta, Georgia, and at Bay News 9 in Tampa.

Jeffery has a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism from the University of South Carolina. She is a member of the National and Tampa Bay Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America, and the National Council for Marketing & Public Relations.

She is a diehard Pittsburgh Steelers fan, and loves to travel. Most recently she traveled to Cuba.

Hobby Lobby coming
Hobby Lobby plans to open a store at the Cypress Creek Town Center in the summer of 2019, according to an email from Bob Miller, communications coordinator for Hobby Lobby’s advertising division.

The arts and crafts store expects to hire between 35 and 50 new employees.

Cypress Creek Town Center is located off State Road 56, next to the Interstate 75 interchange and across from Tampa Premium Outlets.

Hobby Lobby currently has more than 45 store locations in Florida.

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.

Scott Love Insurance opens
Scott Love recently opened Scott Love Insurance at 24626 State Road 54. The independently owned insurance agency is part of Moody Davirro & Associates, and Agents Net.

Love has 14 years of experience in home, auto and flood insurance in the Tampa Bay are, and represents more than 20 homeowner companies, 11 auto companies, and three flood companies.

Love also has partners who specialize in life, health and commercial insurance.

For information, contact the agency at (813) 580-5040, or visit ScottLoveInsurance.com.

Economic development briefing
The North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly economic briefing lunch March 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 Jason Aughey, senior director of the Tampa Bay Sports Commission.

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

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

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

The guest speaker will be Bill Cronin, president and chief executive officer of the Pasco Economic Development Council.

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

Active shooter training
The North Tampa Chamber of Commerce will host an active shooter incident training session March 27 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at the Carrollwood Cultural Center, 4537 Lowell Road in Tampa.

Sean Mahabir, with the special operations division of the Tampa Police Department, will conduct the training. Officer Mahabir is an emergency planner in the Special Incidents Management Unit.

He will provide information on how to survive an active shooter incident, how to reduce the risk that the shooter will use his weapon, and how to minimize the chances of anyone getting hurt.

To register, visit NorthTampaChamber.com.

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.

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.

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.