Business Digest

BJ’s plans fall opening
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse will open in October, according to an announcement from Simon, a global real estate management company and owner of Tampa Premium Outlets.

BJ’s will join a growing list of restaurants previously opened along State Road 56, in front of the outlet mall, including Chick-fil-A, Culver’s and Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen.

Other restaurants coming to the site include Panda Express and Longhorn Steakhouse.

BJ’s menu offers deep-dish pizzas, salads, sandwiches, pastas, steaks and an array of craft beers.

BJ’s Restaurants Inc., currently owns and operates more than 170 restaurants nationwide.

Women-n-Charge
Join the ladies of Women-n-Charge on Sept. 2 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., at Pebble Creek Country Club, 10550 Regents Park Drive in Tampa. The meeting includes lunch, a fashion show with a local store, and time to network.

The cost is $15 for members, and $18 for all guests. Please register at Women-n-Charge.com.

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

Breakfast meeting
The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly breakfast meeting on Sept. 6 from 7:30 a.m. to 9:15 a.m., at Pasco-Hernando State College, Porter Campus, at 2727 Mansfield Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

Guest speaker will be Paul Tash, chairman and chief executive officer of the Tampa Bay Times and Times Publishing Co.

The cost is $15 for members who register by Sept. 2 and $20 thereafter. Non-members pay $20.

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

Networking breakfast
The Wednesday Morning Networking Group will meet Sept. 7 at 7:30 a.m., at The Lake House at Hungry Harry’s Family Bar-B-BQ, at 3116 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. Each attendee will be able to present a 30-second pitch. The $7 cost for members and $10 for non-members includes breakfast.

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

Toastmaster class
Zephyrhills Toastmasters will have a class on public speaking on Sept. 8 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at Microtel Inn & Suites, 7839 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills.

Overcome your fear of public speaking and deliver more dynamic presentations.

For information, contact Sam Abrahani at (813) 863-4608 or .

Industry awards
The Pasco Economic Development Council will hold its 30th annual Appreciation Banquet and Industry of the Year Awards on Sept. 8 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., at Saddlebrook Resort & Spa, 5700 Saddlebrook Way in Wesley Chapel.

Nominees for this year’s awards are Bayfront Health Dade City, Bayonet Plumbing Heating and A/C, ComPark 75, Crestmark Pharmacy Services LLC, Dixie Belle Paint Company, First National Bank of Pasco, Global Enterprises LLC, Leggett & Platt Adjustable Bed Group, Marjorie’s Hope, Nicopure Labs LLC, Optimum Plumbing LLC, Premier Community Healthcare Group, Rogers Tower P.A., Southeast Bottling & Beverage Co., Southeast Personnel Leasing Inc., Trxade Inc., and USA Underwriting Solutions of America.

The awards recognize top companies in Pasco County that excel in technology, innovations, job creation, growth, capital investment and community involvement. The annual awards banquet is attended by more than 600 business and community leaders, as well as elected officials.

For information on the event, visit PascoEDC.com/events, or call (813) 926-0827, ext. 226.

Business seminar
The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the Pasco Economic Development Council to offer a 10-week business seminar, SMARTstart CO.STARTERS, beginning Sept. 10 from 9 a.m. to noon, at the Wesley Chapel chamber, 6013 Wesley Chapel Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

The Saturday classes will help business owners and entrepreneurs validate their ideas and learn how to turn those ideas into reality. Up to 15 slots are available. Online registration must be completed by Sept. 7 at 4 p.m.

For information, call Pasco EDC at (813) 926-0827, ext. 225; the chamber office at (813) 994-8534; or, visit the SMARTstart Pasco Business Incubator website at SmartstartPasco.com.

Central Pasco meeting
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will have a general membership meeting on Sept. 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Harbor Terrace Restaurant, at 19502 Heritage Harbor Parkway in Lutz.

Members and guests are welcome.

Guest speaker will be State Rep. Danny Burgess Jr.

The cost is $20 if you RSVP by Sept. 8, and $25 at the door.

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

Beer and networking
The North Tampa Chamber of Commerce will host Tap Tasting Tuesday-Networking and Craft Beer on Sept. 13 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza, at 13020 N. Dale Mabry Highway in Tampa.

The event is open to the public. The cost is $25 for appetizers, beer tasting, networking, drawings and prizes.

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

Lunch n learn
SMARTstart Dade City Incubator will have a free Lunch n Learn seminar on Sept. 13 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the SMARTstart Dade City Incubator, at 37837 Meridian Ave., Suite 309, in Dade City.

Confidex Payroll Solutions will offer tips on payrolls and taxes.

To register, or for information, contact the incubator office at (352) 437-4861, or visit tinyurl.com/htrpvph.

Network breakfast
Business Link will have its monthly networking breakfast on Sept. 14 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., at Wesley Chapel Toyota at 5300 Eagleston Blvd., in Wesley Chapel. Come for tips and networking to strengthen your business. This monthly gathering, held at various locations, provides networking and an information-sharing platform for the small business community. A complimentary breakfast will be provided.

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

International housing sales
A survey by the National Association of REALTORS (NAR) found that Florida is in the top tier nationally for home purchases by foreigners, according to a press release from Smith & Associates Real Estate.

From April 2015 to March 2016, residential properties purchased by foreign buyers totaled more than $103 billion in sales, a 3 percent increase over the previous 12-month period. California, Texas, Arizona, New York and Florida accounted for more than half of those sales, with Florida topping the list with 22 percent of all sales, according to the 2016 Profile of International Activity in U.S. Residential Real Estate.

Florida’s year-round warm climate, award-winning beaches and easy access to international airports are attracting foreign buyers, according to the survey.

The top five countries of international buyers in the United States are China, Canada, Mexico, India and the United Kingdom. Their purchases were valued higher than the median price of all U.S. home sales, and most were purchased with cash. Nearly half of the sales were in suburban areas.

The survey found that China exceeded sales from every other country in volume and price, accounting for 14 percent of international real estate activity in the nation.

To promote Tampa Bay on an international level, Smith & Associates Real Estate is partnering with Mayfair International Realty, a global real estate group catering to international buyers.

Job fair
Pasco County’s Department of Emergency Services will host an open-house style job fair on Aug. 24 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at 8744 Government Drive, Building A, in New Port Richey.

The county’s 911-call center has 19 positions available.

The county is looking for people who can be calm under pressure, enjoy helping people and want great job benefits.

The 911-center team handles emergency calls on a state-of-the-art computerized dispatch system and determines the appropriate response for each call for service.

Visit YouTube.com to view a Pasco County 911 Call Center Recruitment video.

Applications can be made online or in person at the job fair.

For more information, visit FL-PascoCounty.civicplus.com.

Economic briefing
The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly economic development briefing on Aug. 25 at 11:30 a.m., at Pebble Creek Country Club, 10550 Regents Park Drive in Tampa. The guest speaker will be Hector Mencia of Costco Wholesale.

The $15 cost includes a buffet lunch.

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

Network luncheon
The North Tampa Chamber of Commerce will host a network luncheon on Aug. 25 at 11:30 a.m., at IHOP, 408 E. Bearss Ave., in Tampa. The theme is relationship building with business neighbors. Order from the IHOP menu. A senior lunch menu will be available to all. Minimum of $5 is required if you do not order food, plus you must pay for your drinks.

For information, call TransAmerica at (813) 334-8998, or email Jenn Beaumont at .

Women-n-Charge
Join the ladies of Women-n-Charge on Sept. 2 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., at Pebble Creek Country Club, 10550 Regents Park Drive, in Tampa. The meeting includes lunch, a fashion show with a local store, and time to network.

The cost is $15 for members and $18 for all guests. Please register at Women-n-Charge.com.

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

Breakfast meeting
The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly breakfast meeting on Sept. 6 from 7:30 a.m. to 9:15 a.m., at Pasco-Hernando State College, Porter Campus, at 2727 Mansfield Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

Guest speaker will be Paul Tash, chairman and chief executive officer of the Tampa Bay Times and Times Publishing Co.

The cost is $15 for members who register by Sept. 2 and $20 thereafter. Non-members pay $20.

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

Breakfast meeting
The Wednesday Morning Networking Group will meet Sept. 7 at 7:30 a.m., at The Lake House at Hungry Harry’s Family Bar-B-BQ, at 3116 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. Each attendee will be able to present a 30-second pitch. The $7 cost for members and $10 for non-members includes breakfast.

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

Toastmaster class
Zephyrhills Toastmasters will have a class on public speaking on Sept. 8 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at Microtel Inn & Suites, 7839 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills.

Overcome your fear of public speaking and deliver more dynamic presentations.

For information, contact Sam Abrahani at (813) 863-4608 or .

Industry awards
The Pasco Economic Development Council will hold its 30th annual Appreciation Banquet and Industry of the Year Awards on Sept. 8 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., at Saddlebrook Resort & Spa, 5700 Saddlebrook Way in Wesley Chapel.

Nominees for this year’s awards are Bayfront Health Dade City, Bayonet Plumbing Heating and A/C, ComPark 75, Crestmark Pharmacy Services LLC, Dixie Belle Paint Company, First National Bank of Pasco, Global Enterprises LLC, Leggett & Platt Adjustable Bed Group, Marjorie’s Hope, Nicopure Labs LLC, Optimum Plumbing LLC, Premier Community Healthcare Group, Rogers Tower P.A., Southeast Bottling & Beverage Co., Southeast Personnel Leasing Inc., Trxade Inc., and USA Underwriting Solutions of America.

The awards recognize top companies in Pasco County that excel in technology, innovations, job creation, growth, capital investment and community involvement. The annual awards banquet is attended by more than 600 business and community leaders, as well as elected officials.

For information on the event, visit PascoEDC.com/events, or call (813) 926-0827, ext. 226.

Business seminar
The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the Pasco Economic Development Council to offer a 10-week business seminar, SMARTstart CO.STARTERS, beginning Sept. 10 from 9 a.m. to noon, at the Wesley Chapel chamber, 6013 Wesley Chapel Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

The Saturday classes will help business owners and entrepreneurs validate their ideas and learn how to turn those ideas into reality. Up to 15 slots are available. Online registration must be completed by Sept. 7 at 4 p.m.

For information, call Pasco EDC at (813) 926-0827, ext. 225, the chamber office at (813) 994-8534, or visit the SMARTstart Pasco Business Incubator website at SmartstartPasco.com.

New assisted living home
The Watermark at Trinity, an assisted living and memory care community, is now open at 1960 Blue Fox Way, in Trinity’s Foxwood Commerce Park.

The first 52 residents will move into The Watermark during the next few weeks.

There are 117 apartments for rent, with various floor plans and sizes. The first floor is dedicated to memory care. The second and third are dedicated to assisted living.

Amenities include a garden, walking paths, a movie theater, beauty salon, barbershop and on-site physical therapy.

Residents can attend and even teach classes, from floral design and chair yoga, to cake decorating and Facebook 101.

Memory care associates – called Nayas – spend the entire day with residents, and can monitor for early signs of concern.

The Watermark at Trinity is owned and managed by Watermark Retirement Communities. It was designed by Tampa-based Chancey Design Partnership.

There are 30 people on staff, but more than 70 full and part-time positions will be created as the community reaches its full occupancy.

For information, call Watermark at (727)- 493-4536, or visit Trinity.WatermarkCommunities.com.

Ribbon cutting
The White Pear will have a grand opening and ribbon cutting on Aug. 18 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., at 1045 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in Wesley Chapel. The women’s formal wear consignment shop is located inside Fancy Frock.

For information, call The White Pear at (813) 995-1732.

Email marketing
An email training course – Email Marketing – It’s Not What You Think! – will be held on Aug. 18 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., at Copperstone Executive Suites, 3632 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

Gayle Hill of UpHill Marketing Group will lead the session, which will debunk email marketing myths, and show you how to create an email marketing strategy that grows your business and your career.

The cost is $20 for members of Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce, and $30 for non-members.

For information, call Hill at (813) 892-2545.

Network luncheon
The North Tampa Chamber of Commerce will have a chamber network luncheon on Aug. 18 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Beef O’ Brady’s, at 8801 Himes Ave. (at Himes Avenue and Busch Boulevard), in Tampa.

Order from the lunch or regular menu. Minimum payment of $5 is required if you don’t order food, and you must pay for your drinks.

A display table will be available for brochures, flyers and promotional items.

For information, email , or call Keller Williams Tampa Properties at (813) 864-6370.

Business forum
A Lunch N Learn Business Forum is scheduled for Aug. 18 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce Don Porter Boardroom, at 6013 Wesley Chapel Blvd., Suite 105.

Guest speaker will be Todd Di Leo, chiropractor and owner of Intrinsic Wellness Clinic. He will discuss genetic cancer testing.

The cost for the forum is $15 including lunch. Please RSVP, as seating is limited.

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

Labor seminar
Paycor will have a free seminar about the U.S. Department of Labor’s 2016 changes to overtime benefits for white collar workers on Aug. 23 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., at Legacy at Highwoods Preserve, at 18600 Highwoods Preserve Parkway in Tampa.

Breakfast will be served.

For information, email The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce at .

Breakfast networking
The East Pasco Networking Group will meet on Aug. 23 at 7:30 a.m., at the Fresh Market Café, at 5518 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills.

Guest speaker will be Diane Kortus, publisher of The Laker/Lutz News.

For information, contact Nils Lenz at (813) 782-9491 or , or visit the group’s website at Meetup.com/EastPascoNetworkingGroup/.

Chamber mixer
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will have a chamber mixer on Aug. 24 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Copperstone Executive Suites, 3632 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

There is no charge. Everyone is welcome.

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

Economic briefing
The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly economic development briefing on Aug. 25 at 11:30 a.m., at Pebble Creek Country Club, 10550 Regents Park Drive in Tampa. The guest speaker will be Hector Mencia of Costco Wholesale.

The $15 cost includes a buffet lunch.

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

Cupcakes ribbon cutting
Gables Motorsports of Wesley Chapel will have a ribbon cutting on Aug. 27 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., to launch The Cupcake Girl, a dessert trailer for the Honda AV dealership, at 28009 Wesley Chapel Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

There will be free cupcakes, giveaways and music. Food trucks Moca Loca, Burger Lab and KC’s Crepes also will participate.

For information, call (321) 438-2981, or email .

Promotion
Laura Holland is now a fully licensed funeral director with Loyless Funeral Home, at 5310 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. Holland completed a one-year internship and passed her state board examination. She also is a certified celebrant, trained to help bereaving families.

Holland grew up in the Tampa Bay area but moved to Dallas where she pursued theater arts in high school. She later attended the University of South Florida and went on to work in radio, as well as hospitality and event planning.

She began an internship with Loyless in 2013, while attending St. Petersburg College where she graduated in 2015.

She married her husband DJ in 2008. She is known as a sports mom and cheerleader for their son as well as her friends and co-workers.

 

 

 

International committee
The Pasco Economic Development Council created an International Committee, which had its first meeting on July 15. Pasco County Commission Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey will chair the committee. Other members include the Pasco EDC staff and business leaders from the technology, manufacturing, banking, retail, tourism, real estate development, workforce development, and legal sectors from Pasco. Participating state and regional organizations include Enterprise Florida, Port Tampa Bay, Tampa Bay Trade & Protocol, the Small Business Development Center at the University of South Florida, and the Franco-American Chamber of Commerce.

The International Committee will focus on assisting Pasco County businesses with export sales and global supply chain development, as well as attracting new foreign investment.

Members will meet bi-monthly at various locations in the county.

For information, visit the Pasco EDC website at PascoEDC.com., or contact Devon Barnett, Pasco EDC economic development manager, at (813) 926-0827, ext. 227.

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

Guest speaker will be Neil Solondz, Tampa Bay Rays’ baseball broadcaster. Solondz will talk about Social Media and the Rays Radio Broadcast components. There will be a question and answer period, time permitting.

The cost is $25 at the door, whether you eat or not.

For information, visit NorthTampaChamber.com, or email .

Business challenge
Pasco Hernando SCORE will have a Business Challenge Workshop on Aug. 16 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at Rasmussen College, 8661 Citizens Drive in New Port Richey.

The free half-day workshop is for existing small businesses to help them develop new strategies to overcome challenges.

Guest speakers are experts in sales, finance, marketing and human resources. Mike Lewis will discuss Growing Your Sales; Jack Grise will discuss Marketing Your Business; Jim Hammond will discuss Financial Management; and, Barbara Pailley will discuss Managing Your Resources.

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

Ribbon cutting
Brookdale Senior Living will have a ribbon cutting on Aug. 16 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at 414 Chapman Road in Lutz.

Brookdale is an independent and assisted living facility, formerly known as Horizon Bay.

RSVP to Kelly Foley at (813) 909-9679 or .

Hispanic business luncheon
The Hispanic Business Leaders luncheon will be Aug. 16 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Land O’ Lakes Community Center, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. The event is hosted by the Hispanic Business Leaders of the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce. Meetings are conducted in English.

The cost is $20 for chamber members, and $25 for non-members, but $15 for members and $20 or non-members if if prepaid by Aug. 11.

For information, email .

Business forum
A Lunch N Learn Business Forum is scheduled for Aug. 18 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce Don Porter Boardroom, at 6013 Wesley Chapel Blvd., Suite 105.

Guest speaker will be Todd Di Leo, chiropractor and owner of Intrinsic Wellness Clinic. He will discuss genetic cancer testing.

The cost is $15 including lunch. RSVP as seating is limited.

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

Breakfast networking
The East Pasco Networking Group will meet on Aug. 23 at 7:30 a.m., at the Fresh Market Café, at 5518 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills.

Guest speaker will be Diane Kortus, publisher of The Laker/Lutz News.

For information, contact Nils Lenz at (813) 782-9491 or , or visit the group’s website at Meetup.com/EastPascoNetworkingGroup/.

Economic briefing
The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly economic development briefing on Aug. 25 at 11:30 a.m., at Pebble Creek Country Club, 10550 Regents Park Drive in Tampa. The guest speaker will be Hector Mencia of Costco Wholesale.

The $15 cost includes a buffet lunch.

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

New hire
Jacqueline “Jackie” Quinones is the new assistant center director for Oasis Pregnancy Care Center, at 5854 Argerian Drive, Suite 103, in Wesley Chapel.

Oasis currently is celebrating its seventh anniversary and expanding services at its Wesley Chapel office. A second office is in Land O’ Lakes, at 3632 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Suite 108, in Land O’ Lakes.

Quinones has nine years of experience in social services in various positions including administration, outreach coordinator, case manager, supervisor and trainer.

She is bilingual in English and Spanish.

Quinones graduated from Saint Leo University with a bachelor’s degree in social work.

She has worked with diverse populations, including homeless people and immigrants. Her prior work includes service with AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America), Crisis Center of Tampa Bay and Lutheran Services Florida.

She is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, and has ties to many nonprofits in Pasco County.

For information, call Oasis in Wesley Chapel at (813) 618-5037, in Land O’ Lakes at (813) 406-4965, or visit OasisPregnancyCenter.org.

Bexley builders
Six home builders are partnering with Newland Communities to construct new homes in the master-planned community of Bexley, located off State Road 54, east of the Suncoast Parkway in Land O’ Lakes.

The builders are CalAtlantic, Cardel Homes, David Weekley Homes, Homes by WestBay, ICI Homes and Lennar. Each will build single-family homes. Lennar also will build courtyard homes, villas and two styles of townhomes.

Bexley is the fourth master-planned community for Newland in the Tampa Bay area.

At completion, Bexley will have more than 1,900 homes on more than 1,800 acres. The community will feature about 1,200 acres of open space for parks, and a 10-mile multi-purpose trail network for walking, hiking and jogging. Bicycle pump tracks will be designed by Avid Trail.

Additional amenities will include The Bexley Club, a lakefront clubhouse with a café, indoor/outdoor fireplaces, information center, two swimming pools, a fitness center, open-air game room, and a bicycle shop for repairs and rentals. The shop will be open to residents and visitors.

Home sales will begin in September, with a grand opening set for October.

For information, visit BexleyFlorida.com.

New business
D. Craig Ostrander, owner and president of Bayside Commercial Funding, recently opened an office at 3914 Meadowlark Court in Land O’ Lakes.

As a commercial loan advisor, Ostrander works with more than 55 lenders to finance small and medium businesses nationwide on a range of needs including accounts receivable, lines of credit, commercial real estate and equipment leasing.

Bayside provides alternative sources when banks aren’t able to provide the help that’s needed, according to Ostrander’s press release.

For information, contact Ostrander at (813) 404-0461 or .

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

The guest speaker will be Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco.

Sponsors are Faithful Friends, Martin Electric and The Laker/Lutz News.

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

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

Women-n-Charge lunch
Join the ladies of Women-n-Charge on Aug. 5 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., at Pebble Creek Country Club, at 10550 Regents Park Drive in Tampa. The meeting includes lunch and time to network.

Guest speaker will be attorney Clementine “CC” Conde. She will discuss “Domestic & Substance Abuse – Another Perspective.”

The cost is $15 for members and $18 for guests. To register, visit Women-n-Charge.com.

For information, contact Judy at (813) 600-9848 or .

Business challenge
Pasco Hernando SCORE will have a Business Challenge Workshop on Aug. 16 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at Rasmussen College, 8661 Citizens Drive in New Port Richey.

The free half-day workshop is for existing small businesses to learn and develop new strategies to overcome challenges.

Guest speakers are experts in sales, finance, marketing and human resources. Mike Lewis will discuss Growing Your Sales; Jack Grise will discuss Marketing Your Business; Jim Hammond will discuss Financial Management; and, Barbara Pailley will discuss Managing Your Resources.

Register online by Aug. 9.

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

Ribbon cutting
Brookdale Senior Living will have a ribbon cutting on Aug. 16 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at 414 Chapman Road in Lutz.

Brookdale is an independent and assisting living facility, formerly known as Horizon Bay.

RSVP to Kelly Foley at (813) 909-9679 or .

Business forum
A Lunch N Learn Business Forum is scheduled for July 21 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce Don Porter Boardroom, at 6013 Wesley Chapel Blvd., Suite 105.

Attendees will learn about IGTech365, a company offering IT management services.

The cost is $15 including lunch. Those attending must RSVP by July 20 because seating is limited.

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

Ribbon cutting
The Pasco Education Foundation will have a ribbon cutting on July 21 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., in District School Board Building 8, at Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

For information, call Jannah McDonald at (813) 794-2705 or email .

Chamber luncheon
The North Tampa Chamber of Commerce will have a chamber networking luncheon on July 21 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Beef O’ Brady’s, at 8810 N. Himes Ave., in Tampa. Attendees can order from the lunch or regular menu. A minimum payment of $5 is required if you don’t order food, plus you must pay for your drinks.

A display table will be available for brochures, flyers and promotional items.

RSVP to , or call Keller Williams Tampa at (813) 864-6370.

New brewery
Craft Life Brewery will have a soft grand opening on July 22 at 4 p.m., at 2624 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. The announcement is on the brewery’s Facebook page.

Wesley Chapel-based Keith’s Kountry Kooking will cater the event.

For information, call the brewery at (813) 575-8440.

Dental ribbon cutting
Lake Park Dental, 19151 N. Dale Mabry Highway in Lutz (new location), will host a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony on July 23 at 10 a.m.

There will be cocktails, food, music, games, raffles and a bounce house. Guests also can tour the practice and meet the team.

For information, call (813) 960-9500, or visit ImplantDentistTampa.com.

East Pasco networking
East Pasco Networking Group will have its breakfast meeting on July 26 at 7:30 a.m., at Fresh Country Café, at 5518 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills.

Guest speaker is Mike Mira, owner of Fresh Country Café.

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

Ribbon cutting
Stilos Salon & Barber will host a ribbon cutting and mixer on July 28 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at 7016 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. The ribbon cutting will be at 6:30 p.m.

Come network, nibble and support a growing new business.

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

Salute to small business
Copperstone Executive Suites will have a Salute to Small Business networking mixer and ribbon cutting on July 28 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Copperstone’s meeting room, at 3632 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

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

Networking luncheon
The North Tampa Chamber of Commerce will host a network luncheon on July 28 at 11:30 a.m., at IHOP, 408 E. Bearss Ave., in Tampa. The theme is relationship building with business neighbors. Order from the IHOP menu. A senior lunch menu will be available to all. Minimum of $5 is required if you do not order food, plus you must pay for your drinks.

For information, phone TransAmerica at (813) 334-8998, or email Jenn Beaumont at .

Economic briefing
The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly economic development briefing on July 28 from 11:30 a.m., at Pebble Creek Country Club, 10550 Regents Park Drive in Tampa. The guest speaker will be Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore.

The $15 cost includes a buffet lunch.

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

Wesley Chapel breakfast meeting
The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly breakfast meeting on Aug. 2 from 7:30 a.m. to 9:15 a.m., at Pasco-Hernando State College, in the third floor conference center, Room B-303, at the Porter Campus, 2727 Mansfield Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

Guest speaker is Kartik Goyani, vice president of Metro Development Group, which is developing Metro Lagoons by Crystal Lagoons.

The cost for chamber members is $15 in advance. Register online by July 29 by 3 p.m. At the door, the cost is $20 for members and non-members.

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

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

The guest speaker is Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco.

Sponsors are Faithful Friends, Martin Electric and The Laker/Lutz News.

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

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

Women-n-Charge lunch
Join the ladies of Women-n-Charge on Aug. 5 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., at Pebble Creek Country Club, at 10550 Regents Park Drive in Tampa. The meeting includes lunch and time to network.

Guest speaker will be attorney Clementine “CC” Conde. She will discuss “Domestic & Substance Abuse – Another Perspective.”

The cost is $15 for members and $18 for guests. To register, visit Women-n-Charge.com.

For more information, contact Judy at (813) 600-9848 or .

Two-day forum
The third annual APTacious Experience, a two-day forum for personal and professional development, will meet on Aug. 5 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., and on Aug. 6 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Residence Inn by Marriott, at Northpointe Village, 2101 Northpointe Parkway in Lutz.

June Hall, founder of Time to APT (Accentuate Positive Thinking), is the event’s organizer. This year’s theme is “Find Your Happiness, Find Your Success.”

There will be live entertainment, food, breakout sessions, door prizes and a fashion show. The event will benefit two nonprofit organizations — Big Brothers/Big Sisters Tampa Bay and Bricks 4 Kidz Wesley Chapel. The organizations are serving as partners for the forum, with Time to APT.

Special hotel rates are available for event attendees.

The cost is $60 for the forum.

For sponsorship opportunities, program booklet ads and exhibitor tables, email Alexandria Blaha at .

For information or to register, visit Aptacious.com/register/.

New board member
The Pasco Economic Development Council welcomes Kevin Glenn to its board of directors. Glenn is vice president of business development with Cutler Associates Inc. The firm recently increased its investment in the PEDC to a corporate-council level of $10,000. Glenn is a veteran of marketing and business development in the architecture/engineering/construction industry, including senior level positions in the Tampa Bay region with Bovis Lend Lease, Turner Construction, Heery International and Kvaerner Construction.

He recently joined Cutler Associates in a leadership role throughout the west coast and central Florida regions.

Cutler Associates is a design/build construction firm specializing in health care, education, industrial/manufacturing and senior living markets in the Tampa Bay area. The company has been active in Pasco County on such projects as Bayonet Point Middle School and Fivay High School. It will serve as construction manager for the new high school in Wesley Chapel, scheduled to open in August 2017.

For information on Pasco EDC and becoming an investor, visit PascoEDC.com, or call (813) 926-0827.

Mixer
Enjoy a monthly mixer on July 14 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Zaytoun Mediterranean Grill at 10970 Cross Creek Blvd., in New Tampa.

There will be samples, door prizes and a dinner special.

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

Grand opening
Bay Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery will have a ribbon cutting and grand opening on July 15 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at 2653 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

The event is free.

Please RSVP to Shar Preslar at (727) 585-8591, or email .

Salon open house
Porte Noire, a salon collective, will have an open house on July 18 at 11 a.m., at its new location in the Palms of Carrollwood, at 13145 N. Dale Mabry Highway in Tampa. Attendees can tour the site and enjoy light refreshments. The event is free.

Porte Noire is a community of independently owned studio salons operated by cosmetology, health and wellness professionals.

For information, visit PorteNoire.com, Facebook.com/portenoire, or call Meaghan Butler at (407) 472-3732.

Hispanic business luncheon
The Hispanic Business Leaders luncheon will be July 19 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Land O’ Lakes Community Center, at 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. The event is hosted by the Hispanic Business Leaders of the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce. Meetings are conducted in English.

The cost is $20 for chamber members, and $25 for non-members, but $15 if prepaid by July 14.

For information, email .

Business forum
A Lunch N Learn Business Forum is scheduled for July 21 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce Don Porter Boardroom, at 6013 Wesley Chapel Blvd., Suite 105.

Attendees will learn about IGTech365, a company offering IT management services.

The cost is $15 including lunch. RSVP by July 20 is required, as seating is limited.

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

Chamber luncheon
The North Tampa Chamber of Commerce will have a chamber networking luncheon on July 21 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Beef O’ Brady’s, at 8810 N. Himes Ave., in Tampa. Attendees can order from the lunch or regular menu. A minimum payment of $5 is required if you don’t order food, plus you must pay for your drinks.

Display table is available for brochures, flyers and promotional items.

RSVP by July 19 to , or call Keller Williams Tampa at (813) 864-6370.

Two-day forum
The third annual APTacious Experience, a two-day forum for personal and professional development, will meet on Aug. 5 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., and on Aug. 6 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Residence Inn by Marriott, at Northpointe Village, 2101 Northpointe Parkway in Lutz.

June Hall, founder of Time to APT (Accentuate Positive Thinking), is the event’s organizer. This year’s theme is “Find Your Happiness, Find Your Success.”

There will be live entertainment, food, breakout sessions, door prizes and a fashion show. The event will benefit two nonprofit organizations — Big Brothers/Big Sisters Tampa Bay and Bricks 4 Kidz Wesley Chapel. The organizations are serving as partners for the forum, with Time to APT.

Special hotel rates are available for event attendees.

The cost is $60 for the forum.

For sponsorship opportunities, program booklet ads and exhibitor tables, email Alexandria Blaha at .

For information or to register, visit Aptacious.com/register/.

 

Business expansion
Global Electronics Testing Services, LLC (GETS) broke ground on June 13 on a new 10,000 square-foot building at the West Pasco Industrial Park, in Odessa. This expansion is a first step toward qualification as a Defense Logistics Agency-laboratory for testing electronic components.

The Pasco Economic Development Council worked with the electronics testing services company’s representatives to obtain permitting for the project.

The company is one of only a few independent electronic component-testing companies in the global market. Clients served by the company from its Pasco County headquarters, and an office in China, include major industries such as automotive, defense/aerospace, medical and electronics. The company is at the forefront of efforts to eliminate counterfeit or substandard electronic components.

“The additional capacity will enable us to increase our output and allow for quicker turn times for our customers,” said Dan Tang, company president, in a Pasco EDC newsletter.

Grand opening
Buttermilk Provisions will have a ribbon cutting on July 6 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., and a grand opening on July 8 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 2653 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

Enjoy samples and giveaways at the ribbon cutting at this bakery and coffeehouse. Try a tasty treat, sip delicious coffee and enjoy the comfortable environment on grand opening day.

For information, call The Greater Wesley Chapel of Commerce at (813) 994-8534, or email .

Grand opening
Intrinsic Wellness Clinic will have grand opening with Mocktails, “NECK”working and Nibbles on July 7 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., at 2808 Windguard Circle, Suite 101, in Wesley Chapel.

The event is free.

For information, email .

Central Pasco meeting
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will have a general membership meeting on July 12 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Harbor Terrace Restaurant, at 19502 Heritage Harbor Parkway in Lutz.

Members and guests are welcome.

Guest speaker will be Bill Cronin, chief executive officer at the Pasco Economic Development Council.

The cost is $20 if you RSVP by July 8, and $25 after and at the door.

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

East Pasco networking
East Pasco Networking Group will have its monthly breakfast meeting on July 12 at 7:30 a.m., at Fresh Country Café, at 5518 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills.

Guest speaker will be Melinda Veldez, manager of Community Impact Initiatives of United Way of Pasco County.

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

Home building award
Custom Craft Homes, an independently owned franchise of Arthur Rutenberg Homes, is the 2016 Arthur Rutenberg Homes’ Builder of the Year. Franchise owner Stuart Sierra and Sierra Building Company President Ernie Lashlee accepted the award at ceremonies in Nassau, Bahamas. This is the company’s fourth win.

More than 40 franchises in six states were eligible.

Sierra and Lashlee founded Custom Craft Homes more than 20 years ago. Custom Craft builds in Hillsborough County in FishHawk Ranch subdivisions. In Pasco County the company builds homes at Sunset Lakes in Land O’ Lakes.

For information on Arthur Rutenberg homes built by Custom Craft Homes, call (813) 961-0047, or visit ArthurRutenbergHomes.com.

Award nominees
The Pasco Economic Development Council announced the 18 nominees for the 2016 Industry of the Year Awards.

Winners will be announced at the 31st annual Appreciation Banquet on Sept. 8 at Saddlebrook Resort in Wesley Chapel.

Nominees are Bayfront Health Dade City, Bayonet Plumbing Heating and A/C, ComPark 75, Crestmark Pharmacy Services LLC, Dixie Belle Paint Company, First National Bank of Pasco, Global Electronics Testing Services LLC, Leggett & Platt Adjustable Bed Group, Marjorie’s Hope, Nicopure Labs LLC, Optimum Plumbing LLC, Premier Community Healthcare Group, Rogers Tower P.A., Southeast Bottling & Beverage Co., Southeast Personnel Leasing Inc., Trxade Inc., and USA Underwriting Solutions of America.

In the next weeks, members of the Pasco EDC Award Committee will complete interviews at each company, using a grading scale to determine scores.

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

Award categories are manufacturing, service/distribution, technology and nonprofits.

The annual awards banquet is attended by more than 600 business and community leaders, as well as elected officials.

For information on the event and to become a sponsor, visit PascoEDC.com/events, or call (813) 92600827, ext. 226.

Ribbon cutting
Chick-fil-A will have a ribbon cutting on June 30 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., at 2349 Sun Vista Drive, in the Cypress Creek Town Center, at 2349 Sun Vista Drive, off State Road 56. However, doors will open at 6 a.m.

The first 100 adults in line will receive a digital offer card loaded with 52 free Chick-fil-A meals – a total of approximately $32,000 in free food. Participants must be 18 years of age or older with identification and may line up no earlier than 24 hours prior to the opening. If there are more than 100 people onsite at 6 a.m. June 29, a drawing will be held to randomly select the First 100. Those chosen are required to camp out until the grand opening on June 30 to secure their spot. This is a community event only open to customers residing in specific zip codes surrounding the restaurant.

Listing of eligible zip codes and rules can be found at www.chick-fil-a.com/Locations/First-100.

Chick-fil-A also will have a book drive on June 29 and June 30 to benefit students at Lutz Elementary School. Customers are asked to bring new or gently used book to donate. The books will be placed in a nearly 3-foot Book House hand-built from old and reclaimed wood and provided by the Chick-fil-A Foundation. In 2015 the foundation donated more than 10,000 books to 89 local organizations in 30 states and Washington, D.C.

Women-n-Charge lunch
Join the ladies of Women-n-Charge on July 1 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., at Pebble Creek Country Club, at 10550 Regents Park Drive in Tampa. The meeting includes lunch and time to network. A “Member Bingo” event will give everyone a chance to get to know each other better. Bring lots of business cards.

The cost is $15 for members and $18 for guests. To register, visit Women-n-Charge.com.

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

Breakfast network
The Wednesday Morning Networking Group will meet July 1 at 7:30 a.m., at The Lake House at Hungry Harry’s Family Bar-B-BQ, at 3116 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. Each attendee will be able to present a 30-second pitch. The $7 cost includes breakfast. The sponsor for this meeting is Exit Prime Realty.

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

Zephyrhills chamber breakfast
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly breakfast meeting on July 7 from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., at Bayfront Health Dade City, at Medical Plaza 1, Classroom 108, at 13100 Fort King Road in Dade City.

Guest speaker will be Shauna McKinnon, chief executive officer of Bayfront Health Dade City.

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

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

Central Pasco meeting
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will have a general membership meeting on July 12 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Harbor Terrace Restaurant, at 19502 Heritage Harbor Parkway in Lutz.

Members and guests are welcome.

Guest speaker will be Bill Cronin, chief executive office at the Pasco Economic Development Council

The cost is $20 if you RSVP by July 8, and $25 after and at the door.

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