Business Digest

Business Digest 01/17/2018

January 17, 2018 By Kathy Steele

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

January 10, 2018 By Kathy Steele

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.

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 01/03/2018

January 3, 2018 By Kathy Steele

SMARTstart workshop
The Pasco Economic Development Council will host a 10-week SMARTstart CO.STARTERS workshop for small business owners and entrepreneurs beginning Jan. 16 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., at the SMARTstart Entrepreneur Center, 37837 Meridian Ave., in Dade City.

The sessions will be on Tuesday evenings, including a celebratory meeting in the 10th week.

The program will provide seasoned and aspiring entrepreneurs with 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 5 p.m., Jan. 8.

To register, visit SmartstartPasco.com.

Central Pasco general meeting
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will have its general membership meeting Jan. 9 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Hilton Garden Inn Tampa Suncoast Parkway, at 2155 Northpointe Parkway in Land O’ Lakes.

Guest speaker will be Steven Roberto of TDI.

Members and guests are welcome.

The cost for members is $20 if you RSVP by Jan. 4, and $25 at the door for members and non-members.

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

East Pasco Networking Group
The East Pasco Networking Group will meet Jan. 9 at 7:30 a.m., at the IHOP, 13100 U.S. 301 in Dade City.

Guest speaker will be Steve Spina, the Zephyrhills’ city manager.

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

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

Heart of Pasco award

The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will present its “Heart of Pasco” award Jan. 10 from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., at Architectural Signage & Printing, at 6812 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

The award recognizes businesses that exemplify the chamber’s mission of aggressively advocating for the interests of our diverse business community by promoting business advancement, economic growth and jobs.

The event is free.

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

Membership lunch
The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly membership lunch Jan. 10 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. Jan. 5. 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.

SCORE seminar
SCORE will have a free seminar, “How to Use the Internet to Market Your Business,” Jan. 10 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the Hugh Embry Branch Library, at 14215 Fourth Ave., in Dade City.

The seminar will focus on Internet marketing technologies, such as emails, newsletters, and social media.

To register, visit PascoHernando.score.org.

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.

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 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 filed a pre-application and scheduled a Dec. 26 meeting with Pasco County planners 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 will host its monthly economic briefing on 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 12/27/2017

December 27, 2017 By Kathy Steele

SMARTstart business wins award
The team of Tracy Ingram, a SMARTstart business entrepreneur, won an award of $15,000 for a prototype of wearable technology that monitors an individual’s vital life signs, according to a news release from the Pasco County Economic Development Council.

The funds will be used in 2018 to advance the technology.

A team of SMARTstart entrepreneurs were award winners at the ‘Hacking the Human Element’ competition. (Courtesy of Pasco Economic Development Council)

The team, which included David Hirschberg, Natalie Concors, Asia Hall, Alex Thurman, Brian Meredith, Steve McCalmont, Yves St. Laurent, and Terry Shaw, participated in the “Hacking the Human Element” competition, held Dec. 1 to Dec. 3.

Hosts of the event were SOFWERX and MD5.

SOFWERX is an Ybor-based organization that develops technology for the United States military. MD5 is a U.S. Department of Defense public/private partnership that works with national research universities in developing civil and military technologies for national security.

“Success stories like this are why we offer the programs we do,” Bill Cronin said in a written statement.

“We want to help provide space for entrepreneurs to create ideas and grow, just like Tracy and his team,” said Cronin, who is president and chief executive officer for the Pasco EDC.

For information, visit PascoEDC.com.

Overchievers named new chapter of BNI
Business Network International named Overachievers as its 50^th chapter in the Tampa Bay region.

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

The Overachievers meets every Wednesday from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. at the banquet room of the Plantation Palms Golf Club, at 23253 Plantation Palms Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

The chapter invites local business owners and professionals to its next meeting on Jan. 3 at no charge. Only one person per profession can be a member in each chapter. Please check ahead to find out if your profession is already represented.

To RSVP, contact Joey Zani of Keller Williams Tampa Properties at (727) 742-0811 or email .

Zephyrhills breakfast
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly breakfast Jan. 4 from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., at the Golden Corral, 6855 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills.

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

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

New artists in town
Artists Bernard W. Brooks and Gwendolyn Aqui-Brooks have opened an art studio at 5242 Riva Ridge Drive in Wesley Chapel.

The retired couple relocated from Washington D.C.

Bernard Brooks worked as chief medical dental illustrator and graphic designer at the Howard University College of Dentistry, and Gwendolyn Aqui-Brooks taught art in the Washington D.C., public schools.

They have held freelance workshops for the Prince George’s County, Maryland Department of Recreation, and the Washington D.C., Commission on the Arts.

Several of Bernard Brook’s artworks have been displayed on television programs, including “Fresh Prince of Bel Air,” “The Parkers” and “The Bill Cosby Show.”

Gwendolyn Aqui-Brooks is a doll maker with creations featured in Doll Magazine. She also is a quilt maker, and is represented by Dr. Carolyn Mazloomi of The Women of Color Quilters.

For information, call (813) 618-0916, or email .

Shumaker, Loop and Kendrick joins Pasco EDC
Attorney Michele Hintson, of Shumaker, Loop and Kendrick law firm, joined the board of directors of the Pasco Economic Development Council.

Shumaker, Loop and Kendrick, or SLK Law, joined the Pasco EDC as a corporate council-level investor.

“Michele has been a valuable member of numerous committees at the Pasco EDC, so we are very excited to now have her on our Board of Directors,” said Bill Cronin, in a press release.

Cronin is the president and chief executive officer of the Pasco EDC.

SLK Law began in 1925. It has more than 260 lawyers, 50 paralegals and 500 employees in its five offices, located in Ohio, North Carolina, and in Tampa and Sarasota.

The council’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.

Anytime Fitness food drive
Employees of Anytime Fitness of Dade City had a food drive for several weeks at 14570 Seventh St., in Dade City, to collect donations for Love One Another.

The outreach ministry is supported by its partners First Baptist Church of Dade City, St. Rita Catholic Church, The Dade City Youth Council, Dade City Christian Church, Calvary Assembly and Dade City/Metropolitan Ministries/Restored Hope/Men of Integrity.

Anytime Fitness employees delivered the donations to the Pasco County Community Services Nutrition Center, where a hot meal, toiletries, dog and cat food (from Dog-Mania & Cats, Dade City Animal Clinic and Farmers Feed), and clothing are provided each Sunday. Anytime Fitness owner Barry Jackson also made a matching donation.

Other churches, including St. Mary’s Episcopal and First United Methodist Church of Dade City, as well as schools and community organizations also are supporting these efforts.

For information on Love One Another, contact Lucy Avila at (352) 424-4972.

Central Pasco general meeting
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will have its general membership meeting Jan. 9, at its new location, the Hilton Garden Inn Tampa Suncoast Parkway, at 2155 Northpointe Parkway in Lutz.

Guest speaker will be Steven Roberto, director of development for The Diversity Initiative (TDI).

Members and guests are welcome.

The cost for members is $20 if you RSVP by Jan. 4, and $25 at the door for members and non-members.

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

Business Digest 12/20/2017

December 20, 2017 By Kathy Steele

YMCA expansion
The Bob Sierra YMCA, at 4029 Northdale Blvd., in North Tampa, had a ribbon cutting Dec. 7 to celebrate a $2.2 million renovation and expansion project.

The project included a renovated and expanded welcome center, wellness floor and Kid Zone. The project’s completion follows the YMCA’s introduction of new group exercise, cycling and mind & body studios.

The larger wellness center provides new state-of-the-art strength training equipment, and an expanded Max Results room for individual and group training.

Other upgrades included cardio equipment with Internet connections, Olympic lifting equipment, bumper plates, faster WiFi speeds and a “ninja-style” training zone, called MoveStrong.

The YMCA offers many programs and services for adults and children that focus on preventing chronic diseases. Programs include the Y Diabetes Prevention Program, Y Weight Loss Program, Pedaling for Parkinson’s, SilverSneakers and LIVESTRONG at the YMCA cancer survivor wellness program.

For information, visit TampaYMCA.org.

New retail
Mellow Mushroom is planning a January opening at the Cypress Creek Town Center, off State Road 56. The town center is across the road from Tampa Premium Outlets.

The pizza restaurant is in a strip mall inside the town center, on Sierra Center Boulevard, off Grand Cypress Drive. Other shops at the site will be Noire Nail Bar, Aspen Dental and Mattress One.

Next door, Taco Bell and Wendy’s have opened, joining current restaurants of Pollo Tropical and Ford’s Garage, also along Sierra Center Boulevard.

Disaster loans
Economic Injury Disaster Loans may be available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small aquaculture businesses and most nonprofit organizations that suffered losses from Hurricane Irma.

Pasco County is one of several Florida counties declared as eligible for federal assistance for hurricane relief. Economic injury applications must be submitted to the U.S. Small Business Administration by June 11, 2018.

The disaster loans are meant to help meet working capital needs caused by the hurricane, and cover financial and physical losses. The loans can be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that could have been paid had the hurricane not happened.

The loans don’t replace profits or sales that were lost due to the hurricane.

Examples of eligible industries include bait and tackle shops, charter boats, commercial fisherman, crabbers, fishing guides, hotels, marinas, owners of rental property, restaurants, retailers, souvenir shops, travel agencies and wholesalers.

The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates of about 3.3 percent for small businesses and 2.5 percent for private nonprofit organizations, with terms up to 30 years. Amounts and terms are set by the small business administration based on each applicants’ financial condition.

Free assistance in preparing the loan application is available from Florida Small Business Development Centers, SCORE, Women’s Business Centers and Veteran’s Business Outreach Centers.

Applicants may apply online at DisasterLoan.sba.gov/ela.

For information, call the Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955, email , or visit Flvbeoc.org.

Applications also can be downloaded from SBA.gov/disaster.

Completed applications should be mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, Texas 76155.

7-Eleven coming soon
7-Eleven is moving into a gas station/convenience store owned by Tampa-based Radiant Group LLC, at 22826 State Road 54.

The station, at the intersection with Collier Parkway, closed in October. It had been operated as a Radiant gas station/convenience store.

According to county permits, work is underway to remodel the store’s interior, install 7-Eleven signs, and to remove and replace existing car wash equipment. The permits were issued beginning in October, with additional permits applied for in late November.

Radiant Group representatives weren’t available for comment.

New U-Haul opens
U-Haul of Florida announced that Local Wraps, an automobile customization business, is now a U-Haul neighborhood dealer for the Land O’ Lakes community, according to a news release from U-Haul International Inc.

Local Wraps, at 7727 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., is now part of the U-Haul Company of Florida family. The business will offer U-Haul trucks, trailers, towing equipment, moving supplies and in-store pickup for boxes.

Company owners are Alana Harris, Harry Wilkins and William Wilkins.

U-Haul Truck Share 24/7 is now available at all U-Haul locations, including Local Wraps. Customers can access trucks and vans at any hour through the self pickup and self-return options on a Uhaul.com account. An Internet-connected mobile device with camera and GPS is required.

For information, call Local Wraps at (813) 527-9488, or visit Uhaul.com.

Block Advisors ribbon cutting
Block Advisors Tax Preparation will have a ribbon cutting on Jan. 4 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at 19054 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

There will be beverages, wine and snacks.

For information, email .

Women-n-Charge
Join Women-n-Charge Jan. 5 from 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Pebble Creek Country 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 Sandra Miniere, who will share three mindfulness strategies for business and life.

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

For information, call (813) 6000-9848, or email .

Toys for Tots
Pure Hair is collecting toys for Toys for Tots through Dec. 23, at its location, at 23608 State Road 54 in Lutz.

Anyone who brings a donation will receive a complimentary deep conditioning treatment, worth $25.

For information, call Pure Hair at (813) 909-2927.

Business Digest 12/13/2017

December 13, 2017 By Kathy Steele

New associate at Century 21
Steven Whiteside is a new sales associate for Century 21 Professional Realty. He will specialize in residential and luxury property sales in the central Florida area, according to a news release from Century 21.

Whiteside recently completed training and licensing through Real Estate Express and Century 21 University.

Whiteside’s passion is meeting new people and helping others. He also loves architecture, music, staying active, traveling and advocating for his clients.

For information, call Whiteside at (352) 398-2391, or email .

Toys for Tots
Pure Hair is collecting toys for Toys for Tots through Dec. 23, at its location, at 23608 State Road 54, in Lutz.

Anyone who brings a donation will receive a complimentary deep conditioning treatment, worth $25.

For information, call Pure Hair at (813) 909-2927.

Gingerbread house contest
Vitis Realty is sponsoring its inaugural Gingerbread House Fundraising Contest for households and businesses. Donations will benefit Meals on Wheels of Pasco.Gingerbread House contest

The winning business entry will get bragging rights as the mayor of Gingerbread Village for 2017. There will be bonus points for designing the gingerbread house to reflect the design of your business.

Businesses are invited to submit donations and gingerbread house entries on Dec. 9 and Dec. 11 from 9 a.m. to noon, at Vitis Realty, at 37915 Heather Place in Dade City.

Entries will be judged by a panel of chamber directors from Dade City and Zephyrhills.

Entry rules require a minimum $25 donation to Meals on Wheels; one gingerbread house entry per business; gingerbread houses must be mounted on 12-inch-by-12-inch or 18-inch-by-18-inch base; homemade or store-bought gingerbread kits are allowed; except for the base and hidden structural elements, such as toothpicks, popsicle sticks, etc., the entire visible display must be made of edible materials.

Sponsorship levels are $25 to $99, for bronze; $100 to $499, for silver; and more than $500, for gold.

Another contest, with no entry fees, also is being held for households. Rules are somewhat different from those required of businesses. Gift certificates will be awarded to the top three winners.

For entry rules on households and businesses, visit VitisRealty.com/gingerbread.

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

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

Top listing agent by units is Michele Christmas; by volume, is Kristy Thurber. Top selling agent by units is Carolyn Hill; by volume, is Kristy Thurber. Top producing agent by units and volume is Kristy Thurber.

Business advice
The Pasco Enterprise Network, or PEN, is a countywide partnership that offers free guidance, assistance and resources to help small businesses get started or to expand.

Small business owners and entrepreneurs can connect with a network of professionals who can provide consultations, education and technical assistance in a variety of areas and subjects.

The PEN website also offers quick access to the most requested business information and resources.

For information, visit PascoEnterprise.com, or contact John Walsh, vice president of the Pasco Economic Development Council, at (813) 926-0827, ext. 223 or .

A toll-free number, (888) 607-2726, also is available.

Wesley Chapel mixer
The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly mixer on Dec. 14 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at Parks Alpha Romeo Fiat of Wesley Chapel, at 28647 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel.

Electronic violinist Jared Burnett will perform.

There will be wine, beer and appetizers at this free event.

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

Salon on 7th ribbon cutting
The Salon on 7th will have an open house and ribbon cutting on Dec. 14 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., at 13960 Seventh St., Suite 1, in Dade City.

The ribbon cutting will be at 5 p.m.

Chef Mark Goldstein will grill pork, Mexican rice and beans starting at 1 p.m., so bring your appetite.

There will be prizes and drawings (must be present to win).

Gift certificates also will be available.

For information, call the salon at (352) 437-3907, or visit Facebook.com/neiddyandaida/.

North Tampa luncheon
The North Tampa Chamber of Commerce will have its December 2017 Momentum Thursday on Dec. 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Brookdale of Lutz, 414 E. Chapman Road, Lutz.

The guest speaker will be Lee Harang of Galloway Johnson.

For early-bird registration, RSVP online with credit card or to the chamber office at by 5 p.m., Dec. 13, 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.

Pasco-Hernando Score can help business owners
If you’re an entrepreneur and you need help with business issues, Pasco-Hernando Score has lots of potential ways to help.

The organization has a website with information about workshops, ways to connect with a mentor and a library chock full of information on a wide array of topics.

To find out more, visit PascoHernando.Score.org.

Business Digest 12/06/21017

December 6, 2017 By Kathy Steele

Pasco-Hernando Score can help business owners
If you’re an entrepreneur and you need help with business issues, Pasco-Hernando Score has lots of potential ways to help.

The organization has a website with information about workshops, ways to connect with a mentor and a library chock full of information on a wide array of topics.

To find out more, visit PascoHernando.Score.Org.

The sessions will be on Thursday evenings, including a celebratory meeting in the 10th week.

The program will provide 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 5 p.m., Jan. 8.

To register, visit SmartstartPasco.com.

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

The sponsor is the San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union.

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

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

Legal matters for seniors
A Lunch and Learn program will be held Dec. 7 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Mulligan’s Pub, at Pebble Creek Golf & Country Club, 10550 Regents Park Drive in New Tampa.

Guest speaker will be Michelangelo Mortellaro, of Beach House, an assisted living and memory care facility at Wiregrass Ranch. He will discuss Medicare laws, power of attorney, wills, trusts and estate planning.

The event is free and lunch will be provided.

For information call Callie Sears at (813) 701-6000, email , or visit BeachhouseWiregrass.com.

Design and Construction Innovations ribbon cutting
Design and Construction Innovations will have a ribbon cutting Dec. 7 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., at 19337 Shumard Oak Drive, Suite 101, in Land O’ Lakes.

The event is free.

For information, email The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce at , or visit DCInnovations.net.

East Pasco Networking Group
The East Pasco Networking Group will have a Christmas mixer on Dec. 12 at 6 p.m., in the Tuttle Room of Golden Corral, at 6855 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills.

Speakers will be Cherrie Lowe of Make a Difference Inc., and Pastor Scott Lindner of Atonement Lutheran Church.

The dinner will be Dutch treat.

There will be door prizes and 50/50 drawing that will benefit Make a Difference.

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

Prime Protection ribbon cutting
Prime Protection LLC will have a ribbon cutting on Dec. 12 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at 14460 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

The event is free.

For information, contact The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce at (813) 994-8534, email , or visit PrimeProtectionllc.com.

Business Link breakfast
Business Link will have its monthly breakfast Dec. 13 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., at Scotland Yards Golf Club, 9424 U.S. 301 in Dade City.

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 by calling (352) 588-2732 or emailing .

Business advice
The Pasco Enterprise Network, or PEN, is a county-wide partnership that offers free guidance, assistance and resources to help small businesses get started or to expand.

Small business owners and entrepreneurs can connect with a network of professionals who can provide consultations, education and technical assistance in a variety of areas and subjects.

The PEN website also offers quick access to the most requested business information and resources.

For information, visit PascoEnterprise.com, or contact John Walsh, vice president of the Pasco Economic Development Council, at (813) 926-0827, ext. 223 or .

A toll-free number, (888) 607-2726, also is available.

Common Ground Pitch Breakfast
SMARTstart CO.STARTERS will host the monthly “Common Ground Pitch Breakfast” Dec. 13 from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., at the SMARTstart Dade City Entrepreneur Center, 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 Andrew Romaner, SMARTstart incubator program manager, at (352) 437-4861.

North Tampa luncheon
The North Tampa Chamber of Commerce will have its December 2017 Momentum Thursday on Dec. 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Brookdale of Lutz, 414 E. Chapman Road, Lutz.

The guest speaker will be Lee Harang of Galloway Johnson.

For early bird registration, RSVP online with credit card or to the chamber office at by 5 p.m., Dec. 13, 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.

Business Digest 11/29/2017

November 29, 2017 By Kathy Steele

Twistee Treat ice cream
Representatives of Twistee Treat have submitted a proposal to Pasco County officials for a shop of approximately 580 square feet on the southwest corner of State Road 54 and Bruce B. Downs Boulevard. The location is in the Village Market of Wesley Chapel.

According to the company’s website, the shops are 20 feet tall and 20 feet wide, twisted into a cone shape and topped with an ice cream swirl.

The original Twistee Treat began as a franchise in North Fort Myers in 1983. Its headquarters moved to Orlando more than a decade later, and it now operates under the name Twistee Treat USA.

Central Pasco mixer
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly mixer Nov. 29 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Copperstone Executive Suites, 3632 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

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

Holiday celebration
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will host its Winter Wonderland Holiday Celebration on Dec. 1 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., at the Heritage Harbor Golf & Country Club, the Harbor Terrace restaurant, at 19507 Heritage Harbor Parkway in Lutz.

There will be dinner and karaoke.

Please bring one unwrapped toy as a donation and receive a free drawing ticket.

If preregistered by Nov. 28, the cost is $30 per person. After that, including at the door, the cost will be $40.

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

Women-n-Charge
Join Women-n-Charge for the Annual Christmas Party Luncheon & Gift Exchange on Dec. 1 from 11:15 a.m. to 1 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 guests.

Bring a gift (no more than $10) for the White Elephant Gift Exchange.

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

Wesley Chapel breakfast
The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly breakfast meeting Dec. 5 from 7:30 a.m. to 9:15 a.m., at Pasco-Hernando State College, Porter Campus, at 2727 Mansfield Blvd., Wesley Chapel.

There will be an end-of-year summary.

The cost is $15 for members who register in advance, and $20 thereafter. Visitors pay $20.

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

Networking breakfast
The Wednesday Morning Network Group will meet Dec. 6 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 Nov. 30; or $10 for members and non-members at the door.

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

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

The sponsor is the San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union.

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

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

Legal matters for seniors
A Lunch and Learn program will be held Dec. 7 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Mulligan’s Pub, at Pebble Creek Golf & Country Club, 10550 Regents Park Drive in New Tampa.

Guest speaker will be Michelangelo Mortellaro, of Beach House, an assisted living and memory care facility at Wiregrass Ranch. He will discuss Medicare laws, the power of attorney, wills, trusts and estate planning.

The event is free and lunch will be provided.

For information call Callie Sears at (813) 701-6000, email , or visit BeachhouseWiregrass.com.

The event is free.

For information, email The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce at , or visit DCInnovations.net.

Business Link breakfast
Business Link will have its monthly breakfast Dec. 13 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., at Wesley Chapel Toyota, 5300 Eagleston Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

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 by calling (352) 588-2732 or emailing .

Business advice
The Pasco Enterprise Network, or PEN, is a county-wide partnership that offers free guidance, assistance and resources to help small businesses get started or to expand.

Small business owners and entrepreneurs can connect with a network of professionals who can provide consultations, education and technical assistance in a variety of areas and subjects.

The PEN website also offers quick access to the most requested business information and resources.

For information, visit PascoEnterprise.com, or contact John Walsh, vice president of the Pasco Economic Development Council, at (813) 926-0827, ext. 223 or .

A toll-free number, (888) 607-2726, also is available.

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

To register, visit SmartstartPasco.com/events, or call Andrew Romaner, SMARTstart incubator program manager, at (352) 437-4861.

Business Digest 11/22/2017

November 22, 2017 By Kathy Steele

Denyse Bales-Chubb, shown here with her husband Jack Chubb, received the Business Leader of the Year Award for 2017. (Courtesy Stephen John Photography)

Wesley Chapel honors excellence
The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce honored business and community leaders at its 2017 Celebrating Excellence in Business Awards Celebration on Nov. 9.

The event was held at the Hilton Garden Inn Suncoast in Land O’ Lakes.

The awards recognize the contributions of business and civic leaders to the regional economy. Categories included small businesses, large businesses, volunteers, civic organizations and business leaders.

The annual dinner attracts more than 200 business and community leaders to celebrate the year with a cocktail reception and dinner.

The winners for the excellence awards were:

New Business of the Year: Pinot’s Palette
Small Business of the Year: RP&G Printing
Large Business of the Year: Morton Plant North Bay Hospital
Business Leader of the Year: Denyse Bales-Chubb of Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel
The Dorothy Mitchell Lifetime Achievement: Bob Memoli of Florida Luxury Realty
The Community Hero Award: Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore

Children’s party
Market Technologies hosted a party for children, and their families, at the Shriners Hospital for Children on Nov. 11 in Tampa.

Market Technologies is a Wesley Chapel-based, family owned software company, at 5807 Old Pasco Road. Company owners partnered with the Shriners to donate a portion of Market Technologies’ sales to benefit children receiving treatment through the hospital.

Partygoers were treated to food, games, and live interactive entertainment from children’s performer, Mr. Tommy.

For information, visit the hospital at ShrinersHospitalForChildren.com, or call Market Technologies at (813) 973-0496.

CORRECTION: Green Chasers Driving Range open house
Green Chasers Driving Range will have a chamber ribbon cutting and open house Nov. 24 at noon, at 35378 State Road 54 in Zephyrhills. Refreshments will be provided.The event will be hosted by The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce.

Also, on Nov. 25 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Green Chasers will host its own open house.

For information, call the chamber at (813) 389-8621, or visit ZephyrhillsChamber.org.

East Pasco Networking Group
The East Pasco Networking Group will meet Nov. 28 at 7:30 a.m., at the IHOP, 13100 U.S. 301, in Dade City.

The guest speaker will be Sue Samson, program manager for the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas Inc.

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

OurTownFLA anniversary
OurTownFLA, a community newspaper website, will have a ribbon cutting and a celebration of its 18th anniversary on Nov. 28 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at 17743 Hunting Bow Circle in Lutz.

The event is free.

For information, email .

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

There will be dinner and karaoke.

Please bring one unwrapped toy as a donation and receive a free drawing ticket.

If preregistered by Nov. 28, the cost is $30 per person. After and at the door, the cost will be $40.

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

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

Bring a gift (no more than $10) for the White Elephant Gift Exchange.

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

There will be an end-of-year summary.

The cost is $15 for members who register in advance, and $20 thereafter. Non-members pay $20.

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

Networking breakfast
The Wednesday Morning Network Group will meet Dec. 6 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 Nov. 30, or $10 for members and non-members at the door.

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

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

The sponsor is the San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union.

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

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

The event is free.

For information, email The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce at , or visit DCInnovations.net.

Business Link breakfast
Business Link will have its monthly breakfast Dec. 13 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., at Wesley Chapel Toyota, 5300 Eagleston Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

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 by calling (352) 588-2732 or emailing .

Business Digest 11/17/2017

November 15, 2017 By Kathy Steele

Lennar’s solar homes
Lennar Homes is building 28 solar-powered homes in Bexley Courtyard, a new community within the Bexley master-planned development in Land O’ Lakes, off State Road 54 at Suncoast Parkway.

Bexley Courtyard, at 17295 Brighton Lake Road, will be the home builder’s first solar-powered community in the Tampa Bay area. Its solar panels are from SunStreet, which uses an advanced solar power technology that produces more renewable energy than most traditional solar panels.

Members of Lennar’s Tampa team, who were present at Lennar’s VIP Solar Home Unveiling event at Bexley were, from left: Kim Coit, Jacque Talley, Kathy Eller, Jeffrey Morin, Pamela Diers and Carlo Eugenio. (Courtesy of B2 Communications)

In addition to the solar-powered homes, Lennar will have single-family homes and townhomes with standard energy in other areas of the community.

Bexley Courtyard will have four floor plans with about 1,800 square feet to about 2,500 square feet. The solar energy is included in the price of each home. All equipment comes pre-installed and ready for activation.

Homeowners would pay a fixed monthly fee to SunStreet that never increases based on energy consumption. Energy produced, but not used, is sent to the homeowner’s utility provider. It may be used as a credit, based on the provider’s policies and procedures.

In cases where the homeowner needs more energy than the solar panels produce, additional energy comes from the utility provider. Credits may be used to offset the cost.

Lennar, with SunStreet as partner, has about 200 solar-powered communities nationally. Babcock Ranch, a master-planned community in southwest Florida, for instance, will run mostly on solar energy and will have about 20,000 homes at build out.

Florida, known as the Sunshine State, has lagged other states in solar power.

According to a June 2017 report by Solar Energy industries Association, the state ranks third in solar capacity potential, but 13th nationally for installed solar capacity.

For information, visit Bexley by Newland Communities at BexleyFlorida.com, or Lennar.com.

Lennar joins Pasco EDC
Mark Metheny, Tampa division president of Lennar Homes joined the board of directors of the Pasco Economic Development Council.

Lennar Homes recently joined the Pasco EDC as a corporate council-level investor.

‘’We are happy an industry leader like Lennar recognizes what we are doing for the community and wanted to join us,” said Bill Cronin, in a press release from the Pasco EDC. Cronin is the organization’s president and chief executive officer.

The council’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.

Women-owned businesses
Florida has an estimated one million women-owned businesses that employ nearly 500,000 people, and report nearly $94 billion in revenues, according to the seventh annual State of Women-Owned Businesses Report. The report is commissioned by American Express OPEN, and relies on data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s Survey of Business Owners. The report also looks at relative changes in the Gross Domestic Product, or GDP.

The report analyzes data by industry, revenue and employment size at the national and state levels, as well as the top 50 metropolitan areas.

It also reviews national growth trends over the past 20 years in women-owned businesses. There currently are about 11.6 million women-owned businesses, with nine million people employed, and about $1.7 trillion in revenues.

Nationally, the number of women-owned businesses increased about 114 percent in the last decade, the report found. That’s a growth rate about 2.5 times faster than the national average.

In comparison, all businesses in that same period increased only 44 percent.

Florida is ranked second in growth of the number of women-owned businesses in the past 20 years, with a 208 percent increase. The state is 20th in growth of jobs created by women-owned businesses, with a 34 percent increase; and 26th in revenue growth, with a 96 percent increase.

Equality Connection mixer
Equality Florida will host an Equality Connection Mixer on Nov. 16 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at The Brass Tap at The Shops at Wiregrass.

The Equality Connection is free and open to the public. It will bring together Equality Florida members, staff and people new to the organization. Mingle, enjoy complimentary appetizers and learn how to get involved with bringing full LGBTQ equality to Florida.

A cash bar also will be available.

Equality Florida is a nonprofit that advocates for a state without discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

For information, visit The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce at WesleyChapelChamber.com, email , or visit EQFL.org/equalityconnection/2017/tampa3.

Zephyrhills mixer
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce will host a membership mixer on Nov. 16 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the Railroad & Industrial Federal Credit Union, at 36239 State Road 54, in Zephyrhills.

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

Lunch N Learn
A Lunch N Learn Business Forum is scheduled for Nov. 16 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce Porter Boardroom, at 6013 Wesley Grove Blvd., Suite 105.

The cost is $15 including lunch. Registration is needed, as seating is limited.

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

Community/Business Expo
Saint Leo University will host a Community & Business Expo on Nov. 16 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the Dan Cannon Auditorium, at the Pasco County Fairgrounds, at 36722 State Road 52 in Dade City.

Local restaurants will offer free samples. There also will be exhibitor giveaways, door prizes, and information about the community and area businesses. Two grand prize winners will receive a $350 gift card.

Exhibitor space is available.

For information, visit DadeCityChamber.com.

Reopening at Plantation Palms
Plantation Palms Golf Club, Weddings, Events & Meeting Center will have a grand reopening and ribbon cutting Nov. 16 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at 23253 Plantation Palms Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

The event is free, and family friendly.

There will be complimentary hors d’oeuvres, drink specials, entertainment and door prizes.

To RSVP, call (813) 996-4653, or email .

Hispanic leaders lunch
The Hispanic Business Leaders of the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will host a luncheon, open to members and guests, Nov. 21 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 Carmen Rodriguez of the U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division.

The cost is $20 for chamber members at the door, or $15 if preregistered by Nov. 16. 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 .