Business Digest

New Port Richey job fair
The “Open for All” Job Fair will be March 16 from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., on the West Campus of Pasco-Hernando State College, at 10230 Ridge Road in New Port Richey.

The community job fair will have representatives from for-profit, nonprofit and government organizations.

For information, call Jackie Eden, assistant director of career and testing services for the college, at (727) 816-3334, or visit PHSC.edu/event/open-all-job-fair.

Women-n-Charge grants
Women-n-Charge is offering two $1,000 grants to be given out this spring.

The organization makes these grants available annually to support its mission of helping professional women manage their businesses more effectively.

The grants can be used for business-related equipment or services, or for continuing education.

Applications can be filled out online and are due by April 14. The winners will be announced May 5 at the monthly meeting at Pebble Creek Country Club in Tampa.

For information, contact Judy Nicolosi, treasurer of Women-n-Charge, at (813) 600-9848 or . To apply, visit Women-n-charge.com/grants.

Lunch and learn
Pasco-Hernando State College will host an “Open for All Lunch and Learn” workshop for local employers on March 16 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at the West Conference Center at PHSC at 10230 Ridge Road in New Port Richey.

The free event will have a panel discussion on the benefits of hiring an individual with a disability. Topics will include strengthening a company’s work culture, tax benefits, wage reimbursement and training assistance.

Panel participants will include representatives of CareerSource Pasco Hernando; The Arc Nature Coast; Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired and Blind; Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services of Florida Inc.; Connections Job Development Program; National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI); and, PHSC’s Office of Disabilities Services.

For information, contact Jackie Eden, the college’s assistant director of career & testing services, at (727) 816-3334 or ., or visit InclusionWorksLunchAndLearn.eventbrite.com.

Aesthetic center ribbon cutting
Meraki Aesthetic Center will have a ribbon cutting on March 16 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at 26907 Foggy Creek Road, Suite 102, in Wesley Chapel.

The center provides a range of clinical and holistic skincare services including facials, waxing, hair removal, massage and advanced peels.

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

Top Realtors
Coldwell Banker F.I. Grey & Son Residential Inc., announced its top sales agents for February 2017. The company is located at 6330 U.S. Hwy. 19 in New Port Richey and at 24620 State Road 54 in Lutz.

The top listing agent by units and volume was Randal Jenkins; top selling agent and top producing agent by units and volume was Lynette Krull.

For information, call Coldwell Banker at (727) 495-2424.

Senior living ribbon cutting
Angels Senior Living at Connerton Court will have a ribbon cutting March 17 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at 21021 Betel Palm Ave., in Land O’ Lakes.

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

Breakfast networking
The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly “Rise & Shine” breakfast meeting on March 21 at 7:30 a.m., at Kafe Kokopelli, at 37940 Oak Ave., in downtown Dade City. The host is Premium Title Inc.

The cost is $5 person.

For information and to RSVP, call the chamber at (352) 567-3769.

Business roundtable
CareerSource Pasco-Hernando State College will have a Manufacturers’ Roundtable on March 23 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., at 4440 Grand Blvd., in New Port Richey.

The roundtable will feature training and workforce needs, business growth and technology, and market trends.

For information and to register, contact Maria Reza (352) 247-0281 or .

Wesley Chapel job expo
The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce will have a Job Expo on April 5 from 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Wesley Chapel High School, 30651 Wells Road in Wesley Chapel.

The expo allows companies to position themselves in front of qualified job seekers.

To participate, a company must have a minimum of two available jobs. Vendors will receive 6 feet of table space, complimentary water and snacks. Setup is at 1:30 p.m.

The expo is free to chamber members and $50 for non-members.

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

Doing business internationally
You can join the Tampa Bay Export Alliance and regional business leaders at Growing Global, a half-day international exporting conference. Registration is $20 for the April 19 event, from 8 a.m. to noon, at the Hilton Garden Inn Suncoast Parkway, 2155 Northpointe Parkway in Lutz. The keynote presenter will talk about doing business in Cuba.

The registration deadline is 5 p.m., on April 14. To find out more, click on the events tab of the Pasco Economic Development Corporations’ website, PascoEDC.com.

 

Clothing retailer opens
CONCEPT is a new local retailer at Tampa Premium Outlets, located off State Road 56, at the Interstate 75 interchange. The shop opened on March 3 across from Armani Outlet.

The 3,200-square-foot shop offers a variety of hip and trendy clothing, shoes and accessories for juniors.

For information, visit ConceptClothingStores.com.

New physicians
Florida Hospital Physician Group had a ribbon cutting March 1 at 18923 State Road 54 in Lutz.

The physicians group represents multiple specialties and has locations throughout West Central Florida, according to its website.

More than 170 providers in the coverage area render care in more than 25 medical specialties in 45 locations. Physicians in Tampa Bay provide care at locations in Carrollwood, North Pinellas, Tampa, Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills and now, Lutz.

For information, visit FHPhysicianGroup.com.

Grand opening
Architectural Signage and Printing had a grand opening March 2 at 6812 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

The company has been in business in Tampa Bay since 1989. Retail and wholesale customers can request a range of signage, and related items, including awards, banners, brochures, business cards, embroidery and real estate signs.

Hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

For information, call (813) 996-6777, or visit SignsByAsap.com.

Business seminar
Pasco-Hernando SCORE will have a free business seminar offering “Financial Tips for Your Small Business” March 9 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at New River Branch Library, at 34043 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel.

The seminar will offer tips on how to finance your business, plan for your financial success and take control of cash flow.

For information, email , or visit PascoHernando.score.org.

Joint mixer
The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce and The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce will host a joint monthly mixer March 9 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at Florida Hospital Center Ice, at 3173 Cypress Ridge Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

The event is free, and open to members and their guests.

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

North Tampa chamber
The North Tampa Chamber of Commerce will have a general meeting March 9 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Iavarone’s Steakhouse & Italian Grill, 3617 Humphrey St., in Tampa.

The guest speaker will be Barry Coziahr of Postcard Mania.

For early bird registration, RSVP online with credit card or to the chamber office at by 5 p.m., on March 7, 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.

Ribbon cutting
Wok Chi restaurant will have a ribbon cutting at The Shops at Wiregrass March 10 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at 28152 Paseo Drive, Suite 160, in Wesley Chapel.

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

Starting a business
Pasco-Hernando SCORE Chapter 439 will host a seminar on “How to Really Start Your Own Business” on March 14 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library, at 2818 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes.

The seminar will provide introductory information and key issues on how to start a business. There also will be information on insurance, local requirements and helpful sources for starting a business.

For more, call (727) 842-4638, email , or visit PascoHernando.score.org.

Central Pasco chamber
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly general meeting on March 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Harbor Terrace Restaurant, at 19502 Heritage Harbor Parkway in Lutz.

Guest speaker will be O.T. “Ollie” Gagnon III, protective security advisor for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Office of Infrastructure Protection. He will discuss measures to protect buildings and venues.

Members and guests are welcome.

The cost is $20 for members if you RSVP by March 9, or $25 at the door for members and non-members.

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

Breakfast meeting
The East Pasco Networking Group will meet on March 14 at 7:30 a.m., at the Village Inn at 5214 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills.

The guest speaker will be historian and author Madonna Jervis Wise, who will discuss “Women’s History Month: A Look at Women Who Rocked!”

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

Info center ribbon cutting
Avalon Park West will celebrate the opening of the master-planned community’s information center on March 15 from 8:30 a.m. to noon, at 33613 State Road 56, in Wesley Chapel. A ribbon cutting will take place at 10:30 a.m.

Light refreshments and baked goods from Stonewall Artisan Bakery & Desserts will be served.

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

Pulte virtual home tours
Pulte Homes invites prospective homebuyers to take virtual tours of its home designs at Starkey Ranch, according to a press release from Larry Vershel Communications.

The virtual tours are in advance of model homes that are under construction. The master-planned community is adjacent to J.B. Starkey Wilderness Preserve, off State Road 54 and Heart Pine Avenue in Odessa.

Visitors to Pulte’s office at Starkey Ranch can sit comfortably in a chair and wear a Samsung preloaded headset to “walk” through decorated model homes, according to Sean Strickler, West Florida division president for Pulte Homes.

Pulte sales staff members introduced the headsets about a month ago. They attribute the headsets to a recent sale of Pulte’s two-story Valleybrook home, one of 15 floor plans offered at Starkey Ranch. The home is about 3,300 square feet and priced from about $364,000.

For information or to schedule a virtual tour, call (813) 391-7580, or visit Pulte.com/starkeyranch to register for VIP updates, including home site details and grand opening information.

Ashton Woods model homes
Two model homes from Ashton Woods will soon be ready for viewing at the master-planned community of Asturia, on State Road 54 near Suncoast Parkway.

The Lincoln model home is about 2,300 square feet, with three bedrooms and 2 ½ bathrooms. The two-story floor plan has a spacious kitchen, with a large center island, granite countertops and a walk-in pantry. The laundry room is on the second floor with the bedrooms. Sales price starts at about $371,000.

The Truman model home is about 1,900 square feet, with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. It has a split floor plan, with a large master bedroom and walk-in closet. The kitchen features a center island, granite countertops, custom backsplash, pantry, 42-inch upper cabinets and black stainless steel appliances. The starting price is about $308,000.

Asturia has single-family homes and apartments, a resort-style pool, nature trails, parks, playgrounds and picnic areas. Base pricing for homes is from the mid-$200,000s.

For information, visit AshtonWoods.com.

Cuban-American restaurant opens
La Yuma will have a grand opening on March 2 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at 16411 N. Florida Ave., in Lutz.

Dinner and drink specials, and live entertainment, are planned.

The casual, fine dining restaurant opened in January, serving lunch and dinner. Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., on Tuesday through Thursday, and also on Sunday. On Friday and Saturday, hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

The menu includes tapas, soups and salads, and favorite Cuban cuisine such as Picadillo Habanero, Ropa Vieja and Cuban sandwiches. A range of beers, Cuba libres and Pepe’s Homemade Sangria are among offerings from the bar.

A children’s menu offers fried shrimp, chicken fingers and burgers.

La Yuma is owned and operated by Lutz residents, Thania Diaz Clevenger, and her husband, Ashley Clevenger.

Chef Pepe Diaz (Tania’s father) is also the owner of El Meson de Pepe in Key West, which he started with his wife, Tania Diaz, more than 30 years ago.

To RSVP, call (813) 374-8514 or email .

For information, also contact the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce at .

Joint mixer
The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce and The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce will host a joint monthly mixer on March 9 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at Florida Hospital Center Ice, at 3173 Cypress Ridge Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

The event is free, and open to members and their guests.

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

 

Chiropractic ribbon cutting
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce welcomed its newest member at a ribbon cutting for Carrazana Chiropractic on Feb. 16, at 1930 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Suite 16.

Dr. Carlos Carrazana’s clinic specializes in car injury accidents, according to the clinic website. Clients can receive chiropractic services, as well as physical therapy and massage therapy.

For information, visit CarrazanaChiropractor.com, or call (813) 591-2506.

 

 

 

 

Take 5 ribbon cuttings planned
The North Tampa Chamber of Commerce will host two ribbon cuttings for Take 5 Oil Change.

The first event will Feb. 23 at 4 p.m., at Take 5 Oil Change, 5309 Gunn Highway. The second event will be Feb. 24 at 11:30 a.m., at Take 5 Oil Change, 4319 Ehrlich Road.

Light refreshments will be served.

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

Job promotion
James Hall, the chief operations officer of Goin’ Postal Franchise Corporation and GP Brands, has been tapped as chief executive officer of GP Brands Inc., as of Feb. 13.

GP Brands offers franchises to serve an array of potential business owners and their consumer markets, including Goin’ Postal neighborhood shipping stores, GP Postal stores (inside Walmart stores), Hut no. 8 clothing and accessory stores, and Sir Face Lift mobile commercial kitchen services.

Marcus Price, former chief executive officer and co-founder of Goin’ Postal, will now focus on the creation of GP Brand’s newest franchise chain, with an estimated launch in the first quarter of 2018. No details on the franchise were available.

Doing business with government
Pasco County will sponsor the Pasco County Reverse Trade Show on March 2 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Center, 3032 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes.

A reverse trade show allows suppliers, consultants, contractors and other company representatives to meet with procurement professionals and department staff from government offices. In addition to Pasco County, participants include Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, County Clerk of Circuit Courts, Dade City, New Port Richey, Port Richey, the City of San Antonio, and the Town of St. Leo.

The goal is to encourage more vendor participation. It also allows departments to see products, and can help streamline the process for contractors and vendors who want to do business with government.

Small businesses, minority-owned businesses, women-owned businesses and disadvantaged businesses are encouraged to attend and network with other companies.

Company representatives can move from table to table on the trade show floor to meet with representatives of government agencies and share information on their goods and services.

Registration is free.

For information, email Christine Davis at .

Women-n-Charge
Join the ladies of Women-n-Charge on March 3 from 11:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., at Pebble Creek Country Club, 10550 Regents Park Drive in Tampa. The women share their talents and resources, and they build relationships with other women in business.

No guest speaker is planned. Instead, there will be extra networking time. Each attendee also will have a minute to introduce herself and talk about her business.

The cost is $15 for members and $18 for non-members.

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

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

Business Link breakfast
Business Link will have its monthly networking breakfast on March 8 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., at Wesley Chapel Toyota, at 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 at (352) 588-2732, ext. 1237.

General meeting
The North Tampa Chamber of Commerce will have a general meeting on March 9 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Iavarone’s Steakhouse & Italian Grill, 3617 Humphrey St., in Tampa.

The guest speaker will be Barry Coziahr of Postcard Mania.

For early bird registration, RSVP online with credit card or to the chamber office at by 5 p.m., on March 7, 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.

Breakfast meeting
The East Pasco Networking Group will meet on March 14 at 7:30 a.m., at the Village Inn at 5214 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills.

The guest speaker will be historian and author Madonna Jervis Wise, who will discuss “Women’s History Month: A Look at Women Who Rocked!”

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

NetFest sponsorships

The Pasco Economic Development Council is seeking sponsors for the 15th Annual NetFest (Networking Festival) on April 6 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Starkey Ranch on State Road 54 in Odessa.

The annual mixer is a night of food, drink, music and networking. Dress is casual. Hats and boots are proper attire.

Sponsorships range from $500 to $2,000 for the “sponsor-only chili cook-off.”

Sponsorship forms can be downloaded at PascoEDC.com.

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

 

 

 

 

 

New Wiregrass restaurant
Wok Chi opened at The Shops in Wiregrass, at 28152 Paseo Drive, on Feb. 6, according to a news release from Wiregrass.

This is the third location for Florida-based Wok Chi, which offers fast, casual Asian stir-fry and fresh dim-sum. Additional restaurants are slated to open in New York City and elsewhere in Florida in 2017.

The restaurant’s first franchise launched in Dubai in 2016.

Wok Chi focuses on fresh, healthy foods promising “no batter, just what matters.”

The 2,400-square-foot restaurant has wok-shaped light fixtures, red and white tile, and bamboo accents. Diners craft their own bowls of Asian stir-fry cuisine, from a selection of all-natural, hormone-free chicken, beef, pork and shrimp; organic tofu; and, fresh seasonal vegetables, sauces and bases.

Each bowl is made to order in the restaurant’s open kitchen.

Dim-sum items, unique to the Wiregrass location, include Spi-Chi Shrimp/Vegetable and Cheese Fritters; Crab Rangoon; and, Lemongrass Pot Stickers. There also are salads and desserts.

Wok Chi is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

For information, visit WokChi.com, or call (813) 862-2315.

New Race Trac
Newland Communities, developer of the master-planned community of Bexley, will add a Race Trac gas station and convenience store at the northeast corner of State Road 54 and Bexley Village Drive.

Race Trac, which is based in Atlanta, currently has 35 stores in Tampa Bay, including eight in Pasco, with another five under development in the area.

The Race Trac store in Bexley is expected to open in 2018. It will feature “made-to-order” food and beverages, enabling customers to personalize their sandwiches, pizzas, smoothies, milkshakes and espressos. There will be a Swirl World frozen treat station featuring ice cream, frozen yogurt, Italian ice options and an array of toppings.

Customers also can enjoy free WiFi and a covered outdoor seating area.

For information, visit BexleyFlorida.com.

Take 5 ribbon cuttings planned
The North Tampa Chamber of Commerce will host two ribbon cuttings for Take 5 Oil Change.

The first event will Feb. 23 at 4 p.m., at Take 5 Oil Change, 5309 Gunn Highway. The second event will be Feb. 24 at 11:30 a.m., at Take 5 Oil Change, 4319 Ehrlich Road.

Light refreshments will be served.

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

School job fair
The Pasco County School District will host a Spring Instructional Job Fair on Feb. 23 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at Wesley Chapel High School gymnasium, 30651 Wells Road.

The district is seeking teachers and student services employees. Positions are available at the elementary, middle and high school levels for reading, math, science, emotional and behavioral disorders/autism spectrum disorder, school nurse and behavioral analyst.

Applicants can have on-the-spot interviews.

For information, visit PascoSchools.org and click the Job Fair banner, or contact human capital partner Lori Perreault at (813) 794-2845 or .

Women-n-Charge
Join the ladies of Women-n-Charge on March 3 from 11:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., at Pebble Creek Country Club, 10550 Regents Park Drive in Tampa. The women share their talents and resources, and they build relationships with other women in business.

No guest speaker is planned. Instead, there will be extra networking time. Each attendee also will have a minute to introduce herself and talk about her business.

The cost is $15 for members and $18 for non-members.

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

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

Breakfast meeting
The East Pasco Networking Group will meet on March 14 at 7:30 a.m., at the Village Inn at 5214 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills.

Guest speaker will be historian and author Madonna Jervis Wise, who will discuss “Women’s History Month: A Look at Women Who Rocked!”

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

CABA Hall of Fame
The Carrollwood Area Business Association honored 10 inductees as the charter class for the organization’s CABA Hall of Fame, at a luncheon on Feb. 1 at Brunchie’s of Tampa, according to a news release from the business group.

An “After 5” mixer and ribbon cutting celebrated Brunchie’s as the home of CABA’s Hall of Fame and also the restaurant’s 10th year at 14366 N. Dale Mabry Highway. The charter Hall of Fame members are from the organization’s first decade, 1986 to 1996.

Brunchie’s owner Bill Kranich renamed his restaurant’s meeting room as the “CABA Room.”

All Hall of Fame inductees have been active CABA members for 10 years or more and have made significant leadership contributions for five years or more, according to Jeff Ryder, the group’s president.

Kranich attributes Brunchie’s survival and ongoing success to the support from CABA members during the past decade. A new Brunchie’s has opened at 24400 State Road 54 in Lutz.

The inductees were John Baumann, founding member of CABA; Robert Ahern, Ahern Insurance Services; Jim Keeper and Debi Ryan, Executive Massage Therapy; Percy J. Legendre II, Bashor & Legendre; Dr. Barry D. Shapiro, Carrollwood Chiropractic Center and Family Medical and Rehabilitation Center Inc.; Jim Kalameris, Kalameris Construction; Nancy Gordon, First Citrus Bank; Sandra Chewning, KohlerHaus; Don Coryell, Greenacre Properties; and, Noreen Klein, Premier Bookkeeping Services.

For information, visit UseCABA.com.

Anne Kibbe joins The Laker/Lutz News
Anne M. Kibbe, a long-time resident of San Antonio, has joined The Laker/Lutz News as the account manager for East Pasco County.

She has lived and worked in Pasco and Hernando counties for 25 years. Her husband, Curt, is a small business owner.

Kibbe has a bachelor’s degree in public communication and graphic design from The College of Saint Rose in Albany, New York. She also has a master’s degree in human resource development from Florida State University.

Her previous experience includes serving as the public communications manager for the Greater Hernando County Chamber of Commerce; helping to develop a corporate brand identity and marketing plan for an architectural stone import company; and, writing copy, designing publications and handling media relations for St. Louis Community College and Wheelock College.

More recently, she was director of corporate training at Pasco-Hernando State College, and director of the Institute for Professional Development for Saint Leo University. Kibbe is an artist, too.

She joined The Laker/Lutz News to help small and large businesses with their marketing and advertising needs.

Kibbe can be reached by calling (352) 457-4464 (cell) or (813) 909-2800 (office) or by emailing .

New Wiregrass restaurant
St. Petersburg-based restaurant, Noble Crust, plans to open at The Shops at Wiregrass in late spring or early summer, according to Greg Lenners, general manager at Wiregrass.

The restaurant will be near Dillard’s and next to Pinchers Crab Shack on Paseo Drive.

“We’re continuing to look at restaurants to see what’s new out there,” Lenners said. “We thought this would be a good fit.”

Noble Crust will be about 3,200 square feet, with room for 170 seats.

The restaurant’s website says that Noble Crust partners Jeff Strouse, T.J. Thielbar and Tim Curci strive for a farm-to-table menu that blends Southern cooking with Italian flavors.

Lenners said the partners will rely on a prep-kitchen facility in Tampa to deliver fresh foods daily to their restaurants.

The St. Petersburg location earned a Golden Spoon award in 2015 from the magazine, Florida Trends.

Ribbon cutting for printing company
Architectural Signage & Printing will have a ribbon cutting on Feb. 9 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at 6812 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

The event is free.

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

North Tampa chamber meeting
The North Tampa Chamber of Commerce will have a general meeting on Feb. 9 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Iavarone’s Steakhouse & Italian Grill, 3627 Humphrey St., in Tampa.

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.

Breakfast meeting
The East Pasco Networking Group will meet on Feb. 14 at 7:30 a.m., at the Village Inn, at 5214 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills.

Guest speaker will be Al Berry, Strawberry Festival director emeritus.

There will be door prizes.

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

New Birchwood Preserve homes
Pulte Homes will build nearly 170 homes in Birchwood Preserve, a new gated community in the Lutz area, off North Dale Mabry Highway and Geraci Road, according to a news release from Larry Vershel Communications.

Sales are underway for new energy-efficient homes, which will feature three bedrooms to six bedrooms, up to six bathrooms, and two- and three-car garages.

Pulte will offer 10 one- and two-story upscale home designs, priced from about $315,000 to $465,000. Features include granite countertops, maple cabinets, 8-foot interior doors and ceramic tile floors. Options include quartz countertops and hardwood floors.

The Millstone model home, at about 3,400 square feet, is estimated to open in late spring. The Millstone has four bedrooms to six bedrooms, up to 4 1/2 baths and a three-car garage.

Birchwood Preserve will have gated access, a private community swimming pool, cabanas and hammocks, a clubhouse, a shaded children’s playground and a multi-purpose activity room.

For information, visit Pulte.com/birchwoodpreserve, or call (888) 500-2107.

McDonald’s opening
A new McDonald’s restaurant has opened in front of Tampa Premium Outlets, at 2300 Grand Cypress Drive, off State Road 56.

The fast-food restaurant, with the Golden Arches, is now part of a “restaurant row” of eateries filling up outparcels at the entrance to the outlet mall. It joined Culver’s, Chick-fil-a, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, Longhorn Steakhouse and BJ’s Restaurant & Brewery.

A grand opening was held Jan. 28.

As part of its opening kick-off, it is offering its 10-piece chicken McNuggets for $2 until Feb. 19.

For information, visit TampaPremiumOutlets.com/tampa or Mcdonalds.com.

Women-n-Charge
Join the ladies of Women-n-Charge on Feb. 3 from 11:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., at Pebble Creek Country Club, at 10550 Regents Park Drive in Tampa. The women share their talents and resources, and they build relationships with other women in business.

The guest speaker will be Sandra Miniere, a life and leadership coach. Her presentation theme is “Be Your Own Valentine: Self-love leads to lasting relationships and abundance.”

The cost is $15 for members and $18 for non-members.

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

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

Business Link breakfast
Business Link will have its monthly networking breakfast on Feb. 8 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., at Scotland Yards Golf Club, at 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.

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

Ribbon cutting for printing company
Architectural Signage & Printing will have a ribbon cutting on Feb. 9 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at 6812 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

The event is free.

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

Zephyrhills chamber breakfast
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly breakfast meeting on Feb. 2, from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., at Golden Coral, at 6855 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills.

The guest speaker will be Pasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley.

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

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

 

January business breakfast
Guests and chamber members at the January Business Breakfast, sponsored by the Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce, got the scoop on the upcoming Kumquat Festival, held on Jan. 28. The Pasco County Fair Association and the Heritage Park Health and Rehabilitation Center also hosted the breakfast mixer at the Pasco County Fairgrounds.

It’s a busy festival season so everyone also got to hear about the annual Pasco County Fair, from Feb. 20 through Feb. 26, and Florida Ranch Days on Feb. 11 and Feb. 12 at Little Everglades Ranch.

Ice rink opening
The Florida Hospital Center Ice will have a ‘Puck Drop Grand Opening’ on Jan. 26 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., at 3173 Cypress Blvd., in Wesley Chapel. The ice rink and sports complex is located off State Road 56 at the Interstate 75 interchange.

The event is free, but registration is required. To register, visit WesleyChapelChamber.com.

For information on the facility, visit FloridaHospitalCenterIce.com.

Economic briefing
The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce will host an Economic Development Briefing on Jan. 26 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Pebble Creek Country Club, 10550 Regents Park Drive in Tampa.

The guest speaker will be Adam Myers, business development manager of the Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Council.

The $15 cost includes a buffet lunch.

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

Job fair
METRO Job Fair Pasco-Hernando State College will take place on Jan. 30 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the college’s Porter Campus, at 2727 Mansfield Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

Metro Places is breaking ground on the nation’s first Connected City, a master-planned community centered around cutting-edge technology. New homes and two manmade Crystal Lagoons will be built in communities of Epperson and Mirada.

New jobs are anticipated. All are welcome to attend. Dress professionally and bring plenty of resumes to give to local employers with job opportunities.

For information, call the college at (813) 527-6725, or Maria Reza, business services consultant with CareerSource Pasco Hernando, at (352) 247-0281. Also, email Reza at .

Networking breakfast
The Wednesday Morning Network Group will meet Feb. 1 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 for members only is $7, if pre-registered by Jan. 26. Thereafter, the cost is $10 for members and non-members at the door.

The breakfast will be sponsored by Uphill Marketing.

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

Marketing awards
The Pasco County Public Transportation Department earned two marketing awards from the Florida Public Transportation Association on Dec. 11, according to a Pasco County news release.

The department won first place for Electronic Media/Audio-Visual for a live-remote broadcast on Aug. 15 celebrating the inaugural bus ride of the new County Connector bus service on State Road 54. Local radio station, Hits 106, aired the broadcast.

A 30-second employee customer service video earned third place for Internal Employee Communications.

For information on bus routes, transportation news and schedules, visit Ridepcpt.com.

 

Liaison named
Joel Brown will serve as liaison between the Southwest Florida Water Management District (Swiftmud) and the county governments, municipalities and community organizations of Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties.

Brown is a graduate of the University of South Florida, where he majored in political science and minored in leadership studies. Previously, he worked as West Central Florida regional manager for Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater, and the Department of Financial Services. He also served as district administrative assistant to the late U.S. Rep. Bill Young of Pinellas County.

Brown will work from Swiftmud’s Tampa office.

To contact Brown, call (813) 985-7481, ext. 2015, or email .

Food partners
Florida Hospital Center Ice entered an agreement to make US Foods the preferred food partner for the new ice rink and sports facility that will open Jan. 26, off State Road 56 near the Interstate 75 interchange.

US Foods is a foodservice distributor that provides food to a variety of facilities including Florida Hospital Center Ice, as well as independent and multi-unit restaurants, health care and hospitality businesses.

Florida Hospital Center Ice will have about 150,000 square feet of floor space to accommodate four ice rinks and a mini-rink. Z Mitch LLC invested about $28 million in the project.

Florida Hospital is the facility’s major sponsor and naming partner. The Tampa Bay Lightning is a program rink partner. Other sponsors include APH Stone Solutions, Bright House Networks, Buffalo Wild Wings, Busch Gardens Tampa, Coca-Cola Beverages Florida, DEX Imaging and The Toni Everett Co.

Lunch n learn
A Lunch N Learn Business Forum is scheduled for Jan. 19 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 David C. Alvarez of DCA Media Consulting. He will offer tips on how to build your brand through social media.

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

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

Law firm ribbon cutting
The Devolder Law Firm will have a ribbon cutting on Jan. 19 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at 8709 Hunters Green Drive, Suite 103, in New Tampa.

The event is free.

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

Spa ribbon cutting
The Cabana Spa will have a ribbon cutting on Jan. 20 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., at 27607 State Road 56 in Wesley Chapel.

Light refreshments and giveaways will be provided.

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

Ribbon cutting
Go Craft Yourself will have a ribbon cutting on Jan. 24 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at 103111 Cross Creek Blvd., Suite A, in New Tampa.

The event is free.

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

Chamber mixer
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will have a “Cup of Joe” and a “No Agenda” mixer on Jan. 25 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., at the law firm of Lucas/Magazine, at 2533 Windguard Circle, Suite 101, in Wesley Chapel.

This mixer takes place the last Wednesday of each month.

For information, call Elayne Bassinger at (813) 495-2336, or visit LucasMagazine.com.

New RaceTrac?
Owners of In Play LLC and Relin Brothers LLC are seeking a zoning change to clear the way for a Race Trac convenience store and gas station at the northeast corner of Land O’ Lakes Boulevard and Ehren Cutoff, according to county records.

The item is on the consent agenda of the Pasco County Planning Commission, which meets Jan. 11 at 1:30 p.m., at the Historic Pasco County Courthouse in Dade City.

Planning staff members recommend approval.

According to county records, the Race Trac Market Store No. 1221 would be about 5,400 square feet. There would be 16 gas pumps. The “build-out” for the project is scheduled for 2018.

Cycle training and anniversary
Cycle Quest is now leasing a space at VisionQuest Fitness Studio, at 24434 State Road 54, in Lutz. And, VisionQuest is celebrating its one-year anniversary.

Cycle Quest owner Dana Newberry began offering cycling classes in December for small groups, generally of six to nine bicycle riders. Private/buddy classes also are available for one to two riders.

Riders can bring their own bicycles or use one of Cycle Quest’s bicycles. Class packages, at varying prices, are available.

VisionQuest Fitness owner Dawn Mong opened her fitness studio in January 2016. The studio offers group classes, boot camps and personal training.

For information on cycling, call or text Newberry at (352) 518-1563, or sign up for classes with the free mobile application, Bookfit!

For information on VisionQuest Fitness, call or text (813) 546-4867, or use Bookfit! to sign up for classes.

Both also are on Facebook.

Job fair
Goodwill Industries-Suncoast Inc., is set to have a job fair on Jan. 11 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Goodwill Superstore, 2390 Willow Oak Drive in Wesley Chapel.

Goodwill is seeking sales associates, donations processing associates and janitorial staff.

Applicants can complete an application at SbsGoodwill.com before attending the fair, but walk-ins are welcome.

For information, visit Goodwill-suncoast.org.

General meeting
The North Tampa Chamber of Commerce will have a general meeting on Jan. 12 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Iavarone’s Steakhouse & Italian Grill, 3617 Humphrey St., in Tampa.

The guest speaker will be Jeff Ruby, founder and president of RedRock Leadership.

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

Employment seminars
CareerSource Pasco Hernando will offer two one-hour seminars on job searches and writing resumes on Jan. 13, at 1500 Citrus Country Drive, Suite 303, in Dade City.

The first seminar is from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. on EFM Essentials. The course will help people who are new to, or have limited experience with, the state’s job search engine. Workshop participants will learn to navigate key EFM functions including background, resume, job search, Virtual Recruiter, online training and self-assessments.

The second seminar is from 11 a.m. to noon, at the same address. It will offer tips on writing winning resumes to make a great first impression on employers.

For information and to register, visit CareersourcePascoHernando.com.

Hispanic leaders lunch
The Hispanic Business Leaders of the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will host a Hispanic Business Leaders Luncheon, open to all chamber members and guests, on Jan. 17 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Land O’ Lakes Community Center, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.

The guest speaker will be Meghan Frisco of Computer Mentors.

The cost is $20 for chamber members, and $25 for non-members. Members pay $15 and non-members pay $20 if prepaid by Jan. 12.

For information, email Ignacio Ruiz at .

Business seminar
The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce will host a business seminar on Jan. 18 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., at its office on 6013 Wesley Grove Blvd., Suite 105, Don Porter Boardroom, in Wesley Chapel.

Founder of Business Success Training Steve Black will explain How to Have the Best Year Ever in 2017.

The event is free but space is limited, so RSVP.

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

Lunch n learn
A Lunch N Learn Business Forum is scheduled for Jan. 19 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 David C. Alvarez of DCA Media Consulting. He will offer tips on how to build your brand through social media.

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

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

Ribbon cutting
The Devolder Law Firm will have a ribbon cutting on Jan. 19 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at 8709 Hunters Green Drive, Suite 103, in New Tampa.

The event is free.

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

Spa ribbon cutting
The Cabana Spa will have a ribbon cutting on Jan. 20 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., at 27607 State Road 56 in Wesley Chapel.

Light refreshments and giveaways will be offered.

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

Economic forecast luncheon
The Pasco Economic Development Corporation has scheduled its 2017 Economic Forecast Luncheon on Feb. 3 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at Florida Hospital Center Ice in Wesley Chapel.

The luncheon will feature Mark Vitner, senior economist at Wells Fargo, who will give a presentation of the regional economy and his forecast for the year.

Vitner regularly meets with business leaders throughout the country, as well as overseas. He is expected to discuss potential impacts on Pasco County and Florida — from changes in local and national leadership.

For information, visit PascoEDC.com.