Business Digest

Chamber to study potential Wesley Chapel incorporation

WESLEY CHAPEL – The North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce is raising money to fund an independent economic impact study regarding incorporation of Wesley Chapel. 

Executive Director Hope Kennedy and board chair Angelique Lenox emailed a note March 13 to stakeholders explaining the effort. 

“Many in the business community have asked the Chamber to lead efforts in exploring the possibility of incorporation,” they wrote. “The Chamber is neither for nor against incorporation. However, as the leading business organization representing Wesley Chapel, we are well-positioned to facilitate the necessary studies to ensure everyone has the facts and data needed to make an informed decision.”

The North Tampa Bay Chamber Foundation will raise the money for the study. Donations will be capped to ensure the study remains impartial. 

“This study is the first step in a long process,” they wrote. “Our goal is to provide accurate, unbiased information so that, when the time comes, Wesley Chapel’s citizens can vote with full knowledge of the potential benefits and challenges of incorporation.”

 

Forbes puts Tampa on a fun list

TAMPA – Tampa is getting national recognition as one of the best places to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and other communities are probably green with envy.

Forbes highlighted the city in a new report, ranking it among the top destinations in the U.S. for the holiday.

The ranking, based on data from WalletHub, compared 200 major cities using 15 key metrics, including the number of Irish pubs and restaurants per capita and affordability of three-star hotels on St. Patrick’s Day. 

Tampa ranked No. 21 and stands out as the only major Florida city to color its river green, earning it the title of the “Nation’s Sunniest St. Patty’s Day Celebration.”

“Tampa has everything you love about St. Patrick’s Day, minus the winter chill,” said Kenyetta Hairston-Bridges, president and CEO of the Tampa Downtown Partnership. “Forget shivering by a green river – in Tampa, you can trade winter coats for flipflops and enjoy a festive waterfront celebration under the sun.”

 

County has new spokesperson

NEW PORT RICHEY – Pasco County Government has added Public Information Officer Amanda Hunter to its Media Relations & Communications team.

She will serve as the official spokesperson/media contact for county government. 

Hunter previously worked with the Pasco Sheriff’s Office.

 

North Tampa Bay Chamber happenings

LAND O’ LAKES – North Tampa Bay Chamber meets for networking and a grand opening in the week ahead. 

• Chamber President Hope Kennedy leads a new member orientation from 9 to 10 a.m. March 26 at North Tampa Bay Chamber Office Wiregrass Mall, 28329 Paseo Drive, Wesley Chapel. Register in advance. 
• Members celebrate the opening of Tiny Tots Playtown from 4 to 6 p.m. March 26 at 24412 State Road 54, Lutz. The ribbon cutting is at 4:30 p.m. 
• Members network in a relaxed setting during Final Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. March 28 at Hyatt Place Tampa/Wesley Chapel, 26000 Sierra Center Blvd., Lutz. 

Visit northtampabaychamber.com for details about the chamber and events.

 

Greater Pasco Chamber happenings

NEW PORT RICHEY – Greater Pasco Chamber members will take part in a Medical Roundtable, ribbon cutting, brochure exchange and more in the days ahead. 

• Members hold a ribbon cutting at Any Lab Test Now from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 26 at 1310 Seven Springs Blvd., New Port Richey. The ribbon cutting is at noon. Register in advance. 
• Members exchange company literature during the New Port Richey Brochure Exchange from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. March 27 at Vesh, 5811 Richey Drive, Port Richey. Registration is free for members and $10 for others. Food costs $15. Register in advance. 
• The Young Professionals Group meets for its monthly Coffee Connections from 10 to 11:30 a.m. March 28 at The Daily Vibe Coffee Company, 5738 Main St., New Port Richey. 
• Reps from Premier Community Healthcare, Cares Clinic, and Good Samaritan Clinic speak during the Greater Pasco Medical Roundtable  from 8 to 9 a.m. April 3 at Morton Plant North Bay Hospital, 6600 Madison St., New Port Richey. Register in advance. 

Visit greaterpasco.com for details about the chamber and events. Register in advance. 

 

Bauducco Foods ready to start construction on plant 

ZEPHYRHILLS – Bauducco Foods, one of the world’s largest producers of baked goods, will break ground March 21 on a new production and distribution center.

Founded in Brazil in 1952, Bauducco has been doing business in the U.S. for more than 20 years. 

Bauducco purchased 72 acres in Zephyrhills and plans to invest $200 million into a 400,000-square-foot building that will create 600 jobs.

Bauducco’s Panettones, Wafers, Cookies and Toasts are sold in stores across the United States. 

On the web: bauducco.com.

 

Register for networking festival

LAND O’ LAKES – Pasco EDC expects hundreds of business professionals to attend its 22nd annual NetFest.

The networking festival takes place from 5 to 8 p.m. April 23 at The Angeline Welcome Center, 11725 Angeline Place, Land O’ Lakes. It will include a dinner, raffle, mini trade show and chili cook-off.

Tickets cost $65. Register in advance at pascoedc.com.

 

Achieva Credit Union welcomes new CEO

DUNEDIN –Achieva Credit Union announced the appointment of Eric Jenkins as the new president and CEO, succeeding leader Gary Regoli, who will retire after 17 years of service.

Jenkins brings over three decades of credit union leadership experience to Achieva Credit Union. Most recently, he served as CEO at SRP Federal Credit Union in North Augusta, South Carolina, and previously led Education Credit Union in Amarillo, Texas. 

 

Hillsborough celebrates 10 years of helping entrepreneurs 

TAMPA – Hillsborough County residents who wanted to start and grow their company have found help at the Entrepreneur Collaborative Center for 10 years.  

With a decade of success under its belt, the office was scheduled to celebrate its decade of success March 14 at its Ybor City center, in which 10 of its most successful entrepreneurs were to share how it helped them. 

 

North Tampa Bay Chamber happenings

LAND O’ LAKES – North Tampa Bay Chamber hosts a Coffee Social, Lunch & Learn and grand openings in the week ahead. 

• Members mingle during a Coffee Social from 9 to 10:30 a.m. March 19 at USF Federal Credit Union, 20610 Bruce B Downs Blvd., Tampa. 
• Chiropractors Abigail & Thomas Farrar discuss “Stress and How It Affects Us” during Lunch & Learn from noon to 1:30 p.m. March 20 at USF Federal Credit Union, 20610 Bruce B Downs Blvd., Tampa. Registration costs $15 per person. Register in advance. 
• Members celebrate the grand opening of Jachimek Chiropractic & Wellness from 4 to 7 p.m. March 20 at 5111 Ehrlich Road, Tampa. The ribbon cutting starts at 4:30 p.m.
• Chamber President Hope Kennedy leads a new member orientation from 9 to 10 a.m. March 26 at North Tampa Bay Chamber Office Wiregrass Mall, 28329 Paseo Drive, Wesley Chapel. Register in advance. 
• Members celebrate the opening of Tiny Tots Playtown from 4 to 6 p.m. March 26 at 24412 State Road 54, Lutz. The ribbon cutting is at 4:30 p.m. 

Visit northtampabaychamber.com for details about the chamber and events.

 

Greater Pasco Chamber happenings

NEW PORT RICHEY – Greater Pasco Chamber members will take part in a grand opening, ambassadors meeting and brochure exchange in the days ahead. 

• Business professionals network during Trinity Brochure Exchange from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 20 at Seven Springs Golf & Country Club, 3535 Trophy Blvd., Trinity. Registration for lunch costs $13. The program is free for members and costs $10 for others.
• Chamber ambassadors convene for their monthly meeting from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 25 at Mia’s Pizza, 4051 Madison St., New Port Richey. Register in advance. 
• Members hold a ribbon cutting at Any Lab Test Now from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 26 at 1310 Seven Springs Blvd., New Port Richey. The ribbon cutting is at noon. Register in advance. 

Visit greaterpasco.com for details about the chamber and events. 

 

LocalShops1 recognizes kitchen construction business

ST. PETERSBURG – In honor of Women’s History Month and Women In Construction Week (March 2 to 8), LocalShops1 is highlighting the work of member Danielle Romack.

Romack founded Kitchens Today in 2022. The company specializes in the kitchen and bath business all over the Tampa Bay area.  

Prior to launching her business, Romack worked in finance, took a leap of faith and transitioned to go out on her own in the kitchen and bath world. She identified a gap in the market when she discovered that few home improvement companies understand how to secure reasonably priced financing for their customers.  

Romack leads a team of 30 that excels in kitchen remodeling. They bring the showroom and samples to customers.  

“The kitchen is the heart of the home and people spend a lot of time in there. It is great when people give good feedback or refer someone,” Romack said. “I also meet a lot of women who want to get in the construction industry.”

On the web: Kitchenstoday.com

 

Leadership Pasco supports Marjorie’s Hope

LUTZ – The Leadership Pasco Class of 2025 was scheduled to host a bowling tournament Feb. 28 at LaneGlo Bowling South in New Port Richey to raise money for Marjorie’s Hope.

This year’s class has 32 participants from leading businesses and nonprofits throughout Pasco and from neighboring counties. Each class is responsible for hosting a fundraiser and choosing a nonprofit in Pasco County to support.

Marjorie’s Hope works to make a difference in the lives of students who need it most. 

“Our class was extremely impressed by the proposal we received from Marjorie’s Hope,” said Garrett Early, Leadership Pasco Class of 2025 president and project manager for Williams Company. “As a class, we knew we wanted to support local youth and when we reviewed their proposal we knew that was the perfect fit. Our class is excited to raise money and put in our own sweat equity to help create a boutique-like shopping experience for underserved children in our community.”

 

Zephyrhills looking to hire for multiple vacancies 

ZEPHYRHILLS – The City of Zephyrhills is looking to fill several positions across various departments.

Job openings include assistant city clerk, chief plant operator, community planner, customer service representative, fleet superintendent, heavy equipment operator, human resources assistant, parks maintenance worker, patrol officer, sanitation worker and senior code inspector.

Visit ci.zephyrhills.fl.us/Jobs.aspx for job descriptions and application details. 

Candidates can apply online or submit applications at Zephyrhills City Hall (5335 8th St., 2nd Floor) Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Contact human resources at or call 813-780-0012 or 813-780-0009 for details.

 

Achieva Foundation awarding $65K in scholarships

DUNEDIN – The Achieva Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Achieva Credit Union, announced it was offering $65,000 in scholarships to students across Southwest Florida.

“By expanding our scholarship program, we’re not just providing financial support – we’re empowering more students to pursue their dreams, reach their full potential and create lasting impact,” said Teresa Hibbard, executive director of the Achieva Foundation. 

Applicants must be an Achieva Credit Union member in good standing, a graduating high school senior or a student in an accredited college or technical school.

Apply at Achievcu.com/scholarships.

 

Greater Pasco Chamber happenings

NEW PORT RICHEY – Greater Pasco Chamber members will take part in a Medical Roundtable, After Hours Social and brochure exchange in the days ahead. 

• Adam Shumaker facilitates the monthly Medical Roundtable from 8 to 9 a.m. March 6 at Morton Plant North Bay Hospital, 6600 Madison St., New Port Richey. Register in advance. 
• Members mingle during an After Hours Social from 5:15 to 6:45 p.m. March 12 at Floridacentral Credit Union, 10175 State Road 54, New Port Richey. Register in advance. 
• Members exchange company literature during the Land O’ Lakes Brochure Exchange from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 13 at 4 & Co. Coworking Spaces, 16703 Early Riser Ave., Land O’ Lakes. Registration is free for members and $10 for others. Food costs $12. Register in advance. 

Visit greaterpasco.com for details about the chamber and events. Register in advance. 

 

North Tampa Bay Chamber happenings

LAND O’ LAKES – North Tampa Bay Chamber hosts a Leading Ladies Network event and grand opening in the week ahead. 

• The Leading Ladies Network convenes for networking and a speaker from 9 to 10:30 a.m. March 7 at USF Federal Credit Union, 20610 Bruce B Downs Blvd., Tampa. Tickets cost $15 per person. Register in advance. 
• Members celebrate the grand opening of Peak Brain and Body with a ribbon cutting from 4 to 7 p.m. March 11 at 2404 Creel Lane, Wesley Chapel. 

Visit northtampabaychamber.com for details about the chamber and events.

 

Streetleaf advocates building storm-resilient communities

TAMPA – Streetleaf has launched its Shine On Florida initiative, a call to action for utility companies, local governments, home builders, HOAs and residents to rethink current infrastructure choices.

Streetleaf’s solar-powered streetlights are built to withstand Category 5 hurricanes and tropical storms, and remain operational even during widespread power outages. 

As part of Shine on Florida, Streetleaf seeks to connect with any and all new projects in Florida to provide a bid for their street and area lighting projects in 2025. 

Whether for new developments, municipal upgrades or private projects, Streetleaf pledges to install the streetlights within three months of any signed contract in Florida in 2025. 

Further, any lights that are purchased before April 1 will be installed prior to the start of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season.

On the web: www.streetleaf.com

 

Tax filing season is underway 

WASHINGTON – The Internal Revenue Service has opened the 2025 tax filing season and is now accepting and processing federal individual tax year 2024 returns.

The IRS expects more than 140 million individual tax returns for tax year 2024 to be filed ahead of the April 15 federal deadline. More than half of all tax returns are expected to be filed this year with the help of a tax professional, and the IRS urges people to use a trusted tax pro to avoid potential scams and schemes.

Taxpayers can visit IRS.gov to get answers to tax questions.

 

Council rolls out employer survey

PASCO COUNTY – The Pasco Economic Development Council has released its Regional Workforce Survey for Pasco & Hernando Counties at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2025BusinessSurvey.

The survey is designed to capture priorities for employers in Pasco and Hernando counties. 

Results will be published on the CareerSource Pasco Hernando website after analysis and will also be used in the Pasco Economic Development Council’s Annual Existing Industry Report.

 

North Tampa Bay Chamber happenings

LAND O’ LAKES – The North Tampa Bay Chamber will take part in grand openings for member businesses as well as a Leading Ladies Network event in the coming week. 

• Members celebrate the grand opening of Fifth Third Bank’s new Sunlake Banking Center from 10 a.m. to noon Feb. 6 at 18710 State Road 54, Lutz. Registration for the event ended Jan. 30.
• Members celebrate the grand opening of ASAP Architectural Signage & Printing from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 6 at 6812 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes.
• Peggy D’Alessandro talks about “Cybersecurity: How to keep your business safe” during the Leading Ladies Network event from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Feb. 7 at USF Federal Credit Union, 20610 Bruce B Downs Blvd., Tampa. Register in advance.

Visit northtampabaychamber.com for details about the chamber and events.

 

Greater Pasco Chamber happenings

NEW PORT RICHEY – The Greater Pasco Chamber will take part in a medical roundtable and other networking events in the coming days.  

• Antonio Cardona, of TemperaturePro Pasco, talks about the  importance of indoor air quality during the Greater Pasco Medical Roundtable from 8 to 9 a.m. Feb. 6 at Holiday Inn Express, 2125 Corporate Center Drive, Trinity. Register in advance. 
• Members exchange company literature during the Land O’ Lakes Brochure Exchange from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 13 at 4 & Co. Coworking Spaces, 16703 Early Riser Ave., Land O’ Lakes. Registration is free for members and $10 for others. Food costs $12. Register in advance. 
• Dan Mitchell, director of the Pasco EDC SmartStart Program, will serve as the guest speaker of the Monthly Membership Breakfast from 8:45 to 10 a.m. Feb. 14 at Heritage Springs Country Club, 11345 Robert Trent Jones Pkwy., Trinity. Registration costs $25 for members and $30 for others. Register in advance. 

Visit greaterpasco.com for details about the chamber and events.

 

Bank joins effort to restore hurricane survivor’s home

TAMPA – Sandra Lawless, a Tampa resident of 50 years, is facing an uphill battle to rebuild her life after Hurricanes Helene and Milton left her home severely damaged. 

The storms tore off her roof and caused extensive water damage, filling her house with sludge and the smell of sewage, forcing her to discard nearly all her belongings.

On Jan. 24, Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay, with critical support from TD Bank, was scheduled to provide painting and landscaping for Lawless’ home. 

“These storms left so many families displaced and overwhelmed by the extent of needed repairs,” said Jose Garcia, CEO of Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay. “We can’t thank the volunteers and our partners at TD Bank enough for helping us give this family a fresh start.”

Other work includes installing a new kitchen and adding insulation into the home. 

“It’s a privilege to contribute to Sandra’s home renovation journey and support Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay’s incredible work in the community as we continue to recover from last year’s hurricanes,” said Scott Daigle, commercial market president of North Florida, TD Bank. 

 

North Tampa Bay Chamber announces award winners

WESLEY CHAPEL – The North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce announced winners of its 2024 Celebrating Excellence Awards.

The following winners were recognized Jan. 16 at PHSC Performing Arts Center:

• Integrity: Pepin Academies.
• Collaboration: Metropolitan Ministries. 
• Innovation: Furr Wegman & Banks Architects.
• Inclusivity: Hilton Garden Inn Wesley Chapel.

On the web: northtampabaychamber.com

 

North Tampa Bay Chamber happenings

LAND O’ LAKES – The North Tampa Bay Chamber will take part in a Business Breakfast, Final Friday networking event and ribbon cutting in the coming days. 

• Members celebrate the anniversary of the TriHealth Family Wellness with a ribbon cutting from 4 to 6 p.m. Jan. 30 at 2253 Green Hedges Way, suite 101, Wesley Chapel. The ribbon cutting is at 4:30 p.m.
• Members let loose during the monthly Final Friday networking event from 4 to 6 p.m. Jan. 31 at Top Shelf Sports Lounge, 3173 Cypress Ridge Blvd., Wesley Chapel. The event is free with a full-service cash bar and appetizers available. 
• Tampa City Councilman Luis Viera serves as keynote speaker during a Business Breakfast from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Feb. 4 at Pasco Hernando State College – Porter Campus, 2727 Mansfield Blvd., Wesley Chapel.

Visit northtampabaychamber.com for details about the chamber and events.

 

Greater Pasco Chamber happenings

NEW PORT RICHEY – The Greater Pasco Chamber will take part in a Young Professionals Coffee Connections event in the coming days. 

• Paul Micklow, of Amerikey Locksmith, serves as the keynote speaker during Young Professionals Coffee Connections from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Jan. 31 at The Daily Vibe Coffee Co., 5738 Main St., New Port Richey. Register in advance.

Visit greaterpasco.com for details about the chamber and events.

 

Bank donates to Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay

TAMPA – Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay will be able to continue its hurricane relief efforts thanks to $50,000 donations from Hancock Whitney Bank and the Tampa Bay Resiliency Fund. 

This funding will support recovery efforts for communities affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, providing much-needed resources to help residents rebuild and return home. 

Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact on the Gulf Coast left thousands of families facing long-term recovery challenges. Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay is committed to addressing these challenges by assisting homeowners with the repairs and resources needed to restore their homes. 

“The path to recovery after a storm of this magnitude requires collaboration and commitment,” said Jose Garcia, CEO of Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay. “Thanks to the Tampa Bay Resiliency Fund and Hancock Whitney Bank, we can help displaced families return to safe, stable housing and rebuild stronger communities.”

 

Leading Ladies discuss brand awareness

TAMPA – Christina Jones, of Christina Jones Studio, will talk about the importance of brand awareness at the next Leading Ladies networking event. 

The event takes place from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Jan. 3 at the USF Federal Credit Union, 20610 Bruce B Downs Blvd. Registration costs $15 per person. 

Leading Ladies is a program of the North Tampa Chamber to empower and support women. Visit northtampabaychamber.com to learn more about this event and others. 

 

Tampa Metro Area gains private sector jobs

TAMPA – The Tampa metro gained the second-highest number of private sector jobs over the year in November 2024 among all metro areas, according to FloridaCommerce.

The area’s private sector employment increased by 16,800 jobs over the year in November 2024. In November 2024, the Tampa metro area also led the metro areas in job gains over the year in manufacturing (+400 jobs).

The Tampa area unemployment rate was 3.8% in November 2024, up 0.7 percentage point from the November 2023 rate of 3.1%. The Tampa area’s labor force was down 1.4% (-23,014) over the year in November 2024.

 

Statewide jobless rate remains lower than national rate

TALLAHASSEE – State job creators added 60,100 private sector jobs in November 2024, surpassing pre-hurricane levels, according to FloridaCommerce. 

Florida’s unemployment rate has remained lower than the national unemployment rate for 49 consecutive months.

As of November 2024, Florida’s private sector employment is 25,100 jobs higher than in September 2024, prior to Hurricanes Helene and Milton making landfall. Over the past three months, the state has averaged an increase of 8,733 private sector jobs per month – a faster pace than the three months leading up to Hurricane Milton. 

Florida job creators have added jobs in 51 of the past 55 months since May 2020. 

 

Federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance deadline extended 

TALLAHASSEE – FloridaCommerce announced a deadline extension for Floridians impacted by Hurricane Milton and Hurricane Helene to apply for disaster unemployment assistance. 

Assistance is available to residents whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted as a direct result of these hurricanes and are not eligible for regular state or federal reemployment assistance benefits. 

Eligible Floridians whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted as a direct result of Hurricane Milton or Helene are encouraged to submit a claim at FloridaJobs.org.

Assistance is available for weeks of unemployment from Oct. 6, 2024 to April 12, 2025 for Milton and Sept. 29, 2024 to March 29, 2025 for Helene as long as the individual’s unemployment continues to be a result of the disaster in the designated-disaster areas. Jan. 7 is the deadline to submit a claim.

Applications are accepted from several counties, including Hillsborough and Pasco.

 

Legal videographer earns national certification

RESTON – Jeffery Reynolds has earned the Certified Legal Video Specialist certification from the National Court Reporters Association.

Reynolds, of Tampa, has worked as a legal videographer for two years.

“Earning certification as a Legal Video Specialist through the National Court Reporters Association has provided not only confidence and competency in the legal field but also elevated and demonstrated the commitment to excellence and professionalism within the craft,” Reynolds said. 

 

U-Haul supports local businesses in Tampa

TAMPA – Slicks Super Suds I and Slicks Super Suds II both signed on as a U-Haul neighborhood dealers to serve the Tampa community, according to U-Haul Co. of Florida.

Slicks Super Suds I (2508 E. 131st Ave.) and Slicks Super Suds II (13200 N. Nebraska Ave.) will offer services like U-Haul trucks, trailers, towing equipment, moving supplies and in-store pickup for boxes.

U-Haul has teamed with independent dealers to offer rental equipment to do-it-yourself movers since 1945.

Models prepare meals at nonprofit

CLEARWATER – The 2025 Hooters Calendar Tour kicked off with some of the models volunteering at Metropolitan Ministries, a nonprofit that helps the homeless in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Polk and Pasco counties. 

Cover model Kiana Mahabir and several others in the calendar helped prepare and serve lunch. 

Calendars come with over $100 of coupons to use throughout the year and are available for purchase at all Tampa Bay area Hooters restaurants.  

 

North Tampa Bay Chamber announces award finalists

LAND O’ LAKES – The North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce has announced finalists for its 2024 Celebrating Excellence Awards.

Finalists and winners will be recognized Jan. 16. 

Finalists are as follows: 

• Integrity: Main Event Wesley Chapel, Pepin Academies and Scenthound Lutz.
• Collaboration: San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union, New Tampa YMCA and Metropolitan Ministries. 
• Innovation: RP&G Printing, Outplay Marketing and Furr Wegman & Banks Architects.
• Inclusivity: Main Event Wesley Chapel, Hilton Garden Inn Wesley Chapel and Turner Construction. 

The 2024 Celebrating Excellence Awards take place from 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 16 at PHSC Performing Arts Center, 8657 Old Pasco Road, Wesley Chapel. 

Networking begins at 6 p.m. The awards ceremony follows at 7 p.m. Advance registration is required. Registration costs $60, which includes access to Heavy Hors D’oeuvres and Cash Bar. Dress is cocktail attire. 

On the web: northtampabaychamber.com

 

Habitat welcomes four leaders to board of directors

CLEARWATER – Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside announceD the addition of four new members to its board of directors. 

They will be tasked with representing Habitat at events, helping Habitat form new relationships in the community, and attracting new homeowner candidates to apply for the homeownership program.

New board members are as follows: 

• Bobby Ginn, Jr., executive at TGH Brooksville & TGH Spring Hill
• Ashley Hofecker, president & CEO of the Greater Hernando County Chamber of Commerce
• Mika Rotunda, Realtor at Heart of Florida Realty
• Ken Wicker, CEO of HCA Florida Oak Hill Hospital

 

Andy’s Frozen Custard opening in Lutz

Springfield, Mo. – Andy’s Frozen Custard will soon open a new location in Lutz. 

The frozen custard and treat shop, known for its made fresh hourly frozen custard and baked fresh daily toppings, will open its doors in mid-December at 19081 Wingshooter Way.

“As we continue to expand, our commitment remains the same: to serve up smiles to the communities we are in, in the form of the freshest, most delicious frozen custard,” CEO and owner Andy Kuntz said. 

Andy’s serves up smooth and creamy vanilla and chocolate frozen custard transformed into Concretes, Jackhammers, shakes, malts, sundaes and hands-free products including floats, Freezes and fresh brewed iced teas.

In addition to a menu of frozen custard treats, the new Andy’s will open with a series of limited-time seasonal offerings to celebrate the holiday season: The Santa Brownie Jackhammer, Santa Brownie Sundae, and the Andy Nog Shake.  

 

Garyline celebrates factory opening

SPRING HILL – Garyline was scheduled to offer tours and hold a ribbon cutting Dec. 5 of its new location. 

The Pasco Economic Development Council announced in December 2022 that Garyline was relocating its New York operations to Pasco County.

The company leased 440,000 square feet within Harrod Properties’ North Pasco Corporate Center, significantly exceeding its initial plans to lease 279,000 square feet. 

Garyline was able to fill over 500 positions in the first six months of operating in Pasco County. The company has invested approximately $16 million to create a modern state-of-the-art manufacturing center.

Garyline has two product lines. Its Promotional Products Division manufactures, prints and assembles plastic products for the promotional industry. Its Packaging Division manufacturers stock rigid/reusable plastic containers primarily for the pharmaceutical, dental and electronics industries.

 

Greater Pasco Chamber happenings

NEW PORT RICHEY – The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce will hold networking events over the next week. 

• The chamber holds its Membership Breakfast from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Dec. 13 at The Florida Room NPR, 5742 Main St., New Port Richey. Donations will be accepted for PACE Center for Girls. Register in advance. Registration costs $25 for members and $30 for others. 
• The chamber holds its monthly ambassadors meeting from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 17 at Zen Kitchen & Bar,  6229 Grand Blvd., New Port Richey. 
• The Professional Women in Business convene for networking from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 18 at HCA Florida Hospital Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, Trinity. Register in advance. Registration costs $12 for members and $15 for others. 

Visit greaterpasco.com for details about the chamber and events. 

 

McIntosh named general counsel of USL

TAMPA – Shumaker lawyer Andrew L. McIntosh has been named executive vice president and general counsel of the United Soccer League.

McIntosh will continue to serve as “of counsel” with Shumaker, ensuring a continued partnership between the firm and the league.

McIntosh, a business and transactions lawyer, began his work with the USL while practicing as a partner at Shumaker. 

“Andrew’s legal acumen has been instrumental in supporting our clients across industries, and it is no surprise that he has been chosen for this exciting new role,” said Bennett Speyer, Shumaker partner and chair of the hospitality, leisure and sports business sector. “His work with the USL is a testament to his skill and reflects Shumaker’s commitment to excellence in sports law and beyond.”