Business Digest

Award nominations
The deadline for nominations for the 2016 Pasco Economic Development Council Industry of the Year Awards is April 29.
Winners will be announced at the 30th annual Appreciation Banquet in September.
The awards recognize top companies in Pasco County that excel in technology, innovation, job creation, growth, capital investment and community involvement.
Nominees should be service, manufacturing or technology companies operating in Pasco County. Award categories are manufacturing, service/distribution, technology and nonprofits/others.
The awards will be separated into divisions based on number of employees. Evaluations are based on job creation, increased capital investment, and contributions to the community through civic involvement between January 2015 and June 2016.
Each year, more than 600 business and community leaders in Tampa Bay and Pasco County, attend the awards banquet, including state legislators, county commissioners and city officials.
Awards were presented to eight companies in 2015, and the winners were The Laker/Lutz News; Applicant Insight; SAHM Co.; Big Storm Brewing Co.; Preferred Materials; Easy Business Software; Veterans Alternative Therapy; and Florida Hospital Zephyrhills.
For information, contact Economic Development Manager Devon Barnett at (813) 926-0827, ext. 227, or Office Manager Suzanne Renczkowski at (813) 926-0827 or .

Grand opening
The Central Pasco Association of Realtors will host an open house and grand opening at its new location on April 27 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at 248123 State Road 54 in Lutz.
Hors d’oeuvres, beverages and prizes will be offered.
For information, email Pete Rundel at , or visit CPARfl.com.

Breakfast mania
East and Central Pasco Marketing Mania will take place on April 28 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., at American House, at 38130 Pretty Ponds Road in Zephyrhills. A continental breakfast will be provided. To RSVP, call (813) 400-2263.
The event takes place every last Thursday of the month. Locations may change periodically.
For information, call (813) 779-4501.

Sleep lab ribbon cutting
Bayfront Health Dade City Sleep Lab is relocating and will celebrate with a ribbon cutting and grand opening on April 28 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at 13100 Fort King Road, in Dade City.
For information, call (877) 232-2717, or visit BayFrontDadeCity.com.

Hair Cuttery helping others
Hair Cuttery and the National Network to End Domestic Violence are teaming up to raise awareness regarding domestic violence and to empower survivors of it. For every haircut purchased at a neighborhood salon on May 2 and May 3, a free haircut certificate will be donated to someone who have suffered from domestic violence locally. To find a location, visit HairCuttery.com/locations.

Open house
DigitalBrainz will have an open house on May 4 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at 2648 Cypress Ridge Blvd., Suite 102, in Wesley Chapel. The company is located in the Medallion Professional Park. “May the 4th Be With You” kicks off a few hours of fun and networking. Come and join us and determine if you are part of the light of the dark side of the force! There will be Star Wars prize drawings, including the newest Star Wars movie.
For information, email , or visit OpenHouseMayThe4thBeWithYou.splashthat.com.

Breakfast network
The Wednesday Morning Networking Group will meet May 4 at 7:30 a.m., at The Lake House at Hungry Harry’s Family 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 the Wesley Chapel Noon Rotary Club Land O’ Lakes Satellite.
Sponsorships for future meetings are available.
For information, call the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce at (813) 909-2722, or email .

Women in charge lunch
Join the ladies of Women-n-Charge on May 6 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. The guest speaker will be Gayle Hanna of UpHill Marketing Group, who will talk about “The Buyers Journey – Understanding Your Content.”
The cost is $15 for members and $18 for all guests. Register online at Women-n-Charge.com. For more information, contact Judy at (813) 600-9848 or .

Job fair
Pasco-Hernando State College career and testing services and CareerSource Pasco Hernando will host a manufacturing job fair on May 11 from 9 a.m. to noon, at the West Campus in New Port Richey, 10230 Ridge Road, in Building R151.
Bring plenty of resumes. Participants will be able to visit with representatives of local manufacturing companies, who will offer on-the-spot interviews.
Job seekers must register at PHSC2016Manufacturing.eventbrite.com.
Local manufacturing employers seeking to hire qualified candidates are invited to participate at no cost.
For event information, call Jackie Eden at (727) 816-3381, or visit PHSC.edu.

Breakfast network
Business Link will have its monthly networking breakfast on May 11 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., at the Ramada Inn at 6815 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills. 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 or .

 

 

 

 

Award nominations
The deadline for nominations for the 2016 Pasco Economic Development Council Industry of the Year Awards is April 29.

Winners will be announced at the 30th annual Appreciation Banquet in September.

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

Nominees should be service, manufacturing or technology companies operating in Pasco County. Award categories are manufacturing, service/distribution, technology and nonprofits/others.

The awards will be separated into divisions based on number of employees. Evaluations are based on job creation, increased capital investment, and contributions to the community through civic involvement between January 2015 and June 2016.

Each year, more than 600 business and community leaders in Tampa Bay and Pasco County, attend the awards banquet, including state legislators, county commissioners and city officials.

Awards were presented to eight companies in 2015, and the winners were The Laker/Lutz News; Applicant Insight; SAHM Co.; Big Storm Brewing Co.; Preferred Materials; Easy Business Software; Veterans Alternative Therapy; and Florida Hospital Zephyrhills.

For information, contact Economic Development Manager Devon Barnett at (813) 926-0827, ext. 227, or Office Manager Suzanne Renczkowski at (813) 926-0827 or .

Lunch and learn
A Lunch N Learn business forum will take place April 21 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce boardroom, at 6013 Wesley Chapel Blvd., Suite 105, in Wesley Chapel.

The guest speaker will be Jan O’ Brien, co-founder of Wandering but Not Lost Coaching, a real estate, business, life coach and training company. O’ Brien will offer 20 power tips on “How to Create an All-Star Linkedin Profile.” The Meaning Center LLC is a co-sponsor.

Cost is $15 including lunch. RSVP required, as seating is limited.

For information, contact Loreen O’ Brien at The Meaning Center, at (813) 447-0338, or visit WBNLCoaching.com.

Welcome center
The master-planned community of Asturia will have a grand opening of its Amenity Center on April 21 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at 14701 State Road 54 in Odessa. Enjoy cocktails and hors d’ oeuvres, and tour the new 5,800-square-foot center, with a community clubhouse, state-of-the-art fitness center, covered outdoor living rooms, resort style swimming pool and open lawn for recreation.

Please RSVP to Jill Fuhrman at (904) 417-9865 or .

For information about Asturia, visit AsturiaFlorida.com.

Chamber mixer
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce will have a mixer on April 21 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Alice Hall Community Center, at 38116 Fifth Ave., Zephyrhills.

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

Happy hour & mixer
New Tampa Chiropractic and Injury Center will host a happy hour and mixer on April 21 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at 2312 Crestover Lane, Suite 102, in Wesley Chapel.

Beer, wine, appetizers and door prizes will be offered.

For information, contact Theresa Ferrantelli at (727) 255-9449 or .

For information, visit New TampaChiropractor411.com.

Spring mixer
The East Pasco Networking Group will have its Spring Mixer on April 22 at 6 p.m., at Blackstone’s Reef & Grill, at 38361 County Road 54, in Zephyrhills. Guest speaker will be Amanda Keith of the Thomas Promise Foundation.

There will be door prizes and a 50/50 drawing that will benefit the foundation.

Please RSVP to Nils Lenz at (813) 782-9491 or ; Vicky Jones at (813) 431-1149 or .

Ribbon cutting
Chevy of Wesley Chapel will have a ribbon cutting and grand opening on April 26 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at 26922 Wesley Chapel Blvd., in Wesley Chapel. The dealership is one mile west of Interstate 75.

Refreshments will be served at this free event.

RSVP at (727) 216-6470 or .

For information, email .

Grand opening
The Central Pasco Association of Realtors will host an open house and grand opening at its new location on April 27 from 4 p. m. to 6 p.m., at 248123 State Road 54 in Lutz.

Hors d’oeuvres, beverages and prizes will be offered.

For information, email Pete Rundel at , or visit CPARfl.com.

Breakfast mania
East and Central Pasco Marketing Mania will take place on April 28 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., at American House, at 38130 Pretty Ponds Road in Zephyrhills. A continental breakfast will be provided. To RSVP, call (813) 400-2263.

The event takes place every last Thursday of the month. Locations may change periodically.

For information, call (813) 779-4501.

Sleep lab ribbon cutting
Bayfront Health Dade City Sleep Lab is relocating and will celebrate with a ribbon cutting and grand opening on April 28 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at 13100 Fort King Road, in Dade City.

For information, call (877) 232-2717, or visit BayFrontDadeCity.com.

Job fair
Pasco-Hernando State College career and testing services and CareerSource Pasco Hernando will host a manufacturing job fair on May 11 from 9 a.m. to noon, at the West Campus in New Port Richey, 10230 Ridge Road, in building R151.

Bring plenty of resumes. Participants will be able to visit with representatives of local manufacturing companies, who will offer on-the-spot interviews.

Job seekers must register at PHSC2016Manufacturing.eventbrite.com.

Local manufacturing employers seeking to hire qualified candidates are invited to participate at no cost.

For event information, call Jackie Eden at (727) 816-3381, or visit PHSC.edu.

CABA mixer
Carrollwood Area Business Association will host “CABA after 5” at Shells Seafood Restaurant, 2101 Fowler Ave., on April 13 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. CABA meets every Wednesday for a coffee or “After 5” event that showcases a CABA member’s business. The events are free and open to all CABA members. Guests may attend two of these events prior to joining CABA. No registration is required.

For information on this event, contact David Canady at (813) 304-2170 or .

Ribbon cutting
Signarama and EmbroidMe of New Tampa will celebrate their grand opening at a new location, 1917 Passero Ave., in Lutz, on April 14 from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The companies began nearly five years ago in Wesley Chapel. The new site gives them a retail and wholesale storefront, with an adjacent 15,000 square feet of printing and fabrication space. The expanded space makes Signarama the region’s largest sign manufacturing facility north of Tampa, according to sales manager Jim Charos.

The free event will include a ribbon cutting at 5:30 p.m., music, food, refreshments, door prizes and tours of the facility. Among restaurants providing food will be Texas Road House, Latin Twist, Bakery Boutique, Kaixo Gourmet, Stacy’s Gluten Free Goodies and Hungry Harry’s Family BBQ. There also will be wine tasting and entertainment from John Jay the DJ. Invited guests include Pasco County Clerk of Court Paula O’Neil, Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore, and State Rep. Danny Burgess. Area chambers of commerce will also participate including Central Pasco, Wesley Chapel, Hispanic Business Leaders, Zephyrhills, Dade City and Trinity-Odessa. All proceeds from the door prizes will be donated to the Pasco Chapter of the American Cancer Society.

For information, contact Signarama at (813) 994-0101, or email .

North Tampa chamber meeting
North Tampa Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly general meeting on April 14, with check-in at 11 a.m., at Brunchies, Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch and Catering at 14366 N. Dale Mabry Highway in Tampa. Networking is until 11:30 a.m., when lunch will be served from a select menu.

For information, contact the chamber at (813) 961-2420, or email .

CareerSource mobile stop
The CareerSource Mobile One-Stop bus will be at the Zephyrhills Public Library, 5347 Eighth St., on April 14 starting at 9:30 a.m.

Those interested can get help in searching for work, creating and printing resumes, accessing local and statewide job listings, and getting information about programs provided by CareerSource. The mobile unit is a self-contained resource room on wheels with 12 computer stations, satellite internet and telecommunications, and printing and copying capabilities.

There is no cost for job seekers.

Pharmacy ribbon cutting
Palms Pharmacy will have a ribbon cutting and open house on April 15 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., at 17008 Palm Pointe Drive in New Tampa. Come enjoy refreshments, a special customer giveaway (while supplies last) and a drawing for a Kindle Fire or a FitBit.

For information, contact Shahida Choudhry at (813) 252-9063.

Grants for women
Women-n-Charge is offering two $1,000 grants that can be used toward business-related equipment, services or continuing education. The mission of Women-n-Charge, in part, is to support and assist professional women in managing their businesses more effectively.

Applications are available online and are due April 15. Winners will be announced at the May 6 meeting at Pebble Creek Country Club in Tampa.

For information, contact Judy Nicolosi, treasurer of Women-n-Charge, at (813) 600-9848, or email .

Hispanic business luncheon
The Hispanic Business Leaders luncheon will be April 19 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Land O’ Lakes Community Center, at 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. The event is hosted by the Hispanic Business Leaders of the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce. The guest speaker will be Robert Chavarrica of the Small Business Administration.

The cost is $20 for chamber members, and $25 for non-members, but $18 if prepaid.

For information, contact John Jay Anglada, of Finest DeeJays, at (813) 298-3232.

Realtors hope to inspire others
Sunlight Realty LLC, in Wesley Chapel, is taking a leadership role in encouraging local businesses to become active in collecting food for those in need.

Real estate broker Sam Turgeon, his wife and real estate agent Winifred Turgeon, and real estate agent Brittany Miller are organizing collections of canned goods and other food items on behalf of the Atonement Lutheran Church Food Bank.

For information, or to become a collection drop-off site for food donations, call Sunlight Realty at (813) 990-0205, or email .

Food also may be dropped off at Sunlight Realty, at 8913 Regents Park Drive, Suite 610, in Tampa.

Business expansion
Thomas Giella is relocating his start-up business, Gear Spinners, to 25344 Wesley Chapel Blvd., Suite 104, in Lutz. The company offers website design for small- and mid-sized businesses. Nearly two years ago, Giella began as a one-man operation at the SMARTstart Pasco Business site in Dade City.

Giella will continue as an off-site member of SMARTstart.

He now has five employees and has added two divisions, one offering complete IT services and another – Tampa Bay Installs – offering audio and visual installations to residential and commercial customers, including wireless speakers and WiFi systems.

For information, call (813) 235-0554, or visit CompleteIt.io.

One-year anniversary
Land O’ Lakes Winery celebrated its one-year anniversary with a party to launch its own wine brand on March 26. Owners Sue Hardy and Corey Kempton entertained guests with live music, a food truck, winery tours, wine and gift giveaways.

The winery, at 3901 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes, teaches courses in how to make wines. The handcrafted brand of wine – Super Tuscan – is made, bottled and labeled at the winery.

For information call (813) 995-9463, visit LandOLakesWinery.com, or become a follower on Facebook at LandOLakesWinery.

Zephyrhills chamber breakfast
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly breakfast April 7 from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., at the Golden Coral, at 6855 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills. The guest speaker will be State Rep. Danny Burgess.

The breakfast sponsor is Ron Oakley, and Bahr’s Propane Gas and A/C.

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

Network shindig
The Pasco Economic Development Council will host its 2016 NetFest on April 7 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Starkey Ranch Welcome Center, at 2500 Heart Pine Ave., in Odessa. This is a chance to connect with Tampa Bay area business and community leaders at Pasco County’s largest, annual networking shindig.

The cost is $45 per person, or $35 for Pasco EDC investors and their guests. Enjoy a barbecue buffet, including two drink tickets and country music entertainment.

For information, visit PascoEDC.com, or call (813) 926-0827.

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

Guest speakers will be Kelly Mothershead and Celeste Kellar of Pepin Academies in Pasco County. Learn about this charter school, its services and how the community and business can partner to help.

RSVP by April 8 and the lunch cost is $20. After that, the cost is $25. Members and guests are welcome.

Oasis Pregnancy Care Center is this month’s sponsor.

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

Breakfast network
Business Link will have its monthly networking breakfast on April 13 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., in the Saint Leo University board room in the Student Community Center, at 33701 State Road 52 in the town of St. Leo. Come for tips and networking to strengthen your business. This monthly gathering, held at various locations, provides networking an an information-sharing platform for the small business community. A complimentary breakfast will be provided.

The guest speaker is Ali Walter of Ali Ann & Co., Your Profit Boss.

Please RSVP to Rebecca Gaddis at (352) 588-2732, or email .

Brenda Minton featured speaker
Brenda Minton, event coordinator for the Pioneer Florida Museum in Dade City, was the guest speaker at the March 15 monthly breakfast meeting of The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce.

The sponsor for the breakfast, held in the Citrus Room of Kafe Kokopelli, was Premium Title, which was co-founded in 2000 by Sharon Sumner and Jeanie Germain. The women credit their success to Sharon’s father and former Pasco County Clerk of Court, Stanley Burnside, and real estate attorney, Robert Sumner. Premium Title supports area nonprofits and organizations including Sunrise of Pasco. Habitat for Humanity, and the Pioneer Florida Museum.

The Pioneer Florida Museum in Dade City holds many special events each year.

For information about events in the Dade City area, contact the chamber at (352) 567-3769 or .

Bakery opening
7 Layers Bakery had a grand opening and ribbon cutting on March 24 at 26306 Wesley Chapel Blvd. The locally owned bakery offers New York-style Italian cookies and cakes among its baked goods and pastries that “taste like home.” Free delivery provided within a 20-mile radius.

For information, call (941) 706-5220, or visit the Facebook page at Facebook.com/7LayerCookieCakes.

Women in business seminar
Local businesswomen will host a free seminar, “Woman Entrepreneurs,” on March 31 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, 3032 Collier Parkway. They will offer advice on empowering women to become their own bosses. Jeannie Holliday, a financial advisor with Raymond James Financial Services, will lead the seminar. Other presenters are Angie Carter, senior team leader and mentor at Origami Owl; Jessica Fogarty, an independent consultant at Princess House; Beth Reed, executive director at Thirty-One Gifts; Erin Green, a 5-star team leader at Jordan Essentials; and Melanie Green, owner of Triassic Media Group.

For information, email Angie Carter at .

Eye center ribbon cutting
Infinity Eye Care Center will have a ribbon cutting on March 31 from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., at 5420 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. Those attending will be able to see the new clinic and meet with vendors.

For information, contact the eye center at (813) 803-4515, or visit InfinityEyeCareCenter.com.

Ribbon cutting
Big Frog T-shirts and More of Wesley Chapel will have a ribbon cutting on April 1 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at 24830 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel. There will be a meet-and-greet with two authors, drawings and giveaways. The free event is open to the public.

For information, call the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce at (813) 909-9235, or visit WesleyChapelChamber.com.

Women-n-Charge lunch
Join the ladies of Women-n-Charge on April 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. The guest speaker will be Barbara Brekke, founder of Go Beyond Your Dreams. She is a certified life coach, and her presentation will be “Living an Extraordinary Life.”

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

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

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

Wesley Chapel breakfast meeting
The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly breakfast meeting on April 5 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 Rick Homans, president and chief executive officer of Tampa Bay Partnership.

The cost for chamber members is $15 in advance. Register online by April 1 at 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.

Breakfast network
The Wednesday Morning Networking Group will meet April 6 at 7:30 a.m., at The Lake House at Hungry Harry’s Family 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 Copperstone Executive Suites. Sponsorships for future meetings are available.

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 April 7 from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., at the Golden Coral, at 6855 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills. Guest speaker will be State Rep. Danny Burgess.

Breakfast sponsor is Ron Oakley, and Bahr’s Propane Gas and A/C.

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

New grocery store
The Grove at Wesley Chapel could soon see an Aldi’s grocery store on a vacant parcel at the shopping center’s entrance at the northeast corner of Wesley Chapel Boulevard and Gateway Boulevard.

According to county records, development representatives scheduled a pre-application meeting on March 8 with Pasco County planners to discuss permitting for the discount grocery store.

 

Shoe trends
Tampa Premium Outlets is adding a Steve Madden shoe store to its lineup. Pasco County issued a permit on March 11 for the chain store that sells fashion trendy shoes and accessories to men and women. The permit is for a 3,000-square-foot shop at 2382 Grand Cypress Drive, off State Road 56.

New Pulte homes
Pulte Homes will unveil two model homes in the gated community of Birchwood Preserve in Lutz, in early 2017, according to a news release from the homebuilding company.

Pulte will offer 169 new homesites, featuring one- and two-story home designs ranging from about 1,800 square feet to 4,500 square feet. The homes will boast granite countertops, maple cabinets, tile floors and have two- and three-car garages available.

Birchwood Preserve is near Dale Mabry Highway and the Veteran’s Expressway. Nearby A-rated schools include McKitrick Elementary, Martinez Middle and Steinbrenner High.

For information, contact Heather Haight, marketing manager of Pulte Group-West Florida Division, at (813) 964-4110 or .

Taco Bell at Ballantrae
The construction of a 2,200 square-foot Taco Bell at the proposed shopping center at the Ballantrae Village subdivision was on a calendar for a March 6 pre-application meeting with Pasco County planner.

Ballantrae is off State Road 54, in Land O’ Lakes.

Dunphy Properties announced late in 2015 plans to bring the Taco Bell to the center, as well as Circle K, Dunkin’ Donuts and Dairy Queen. They would be built on about 17 acres of outparcels on the northeast corner of State Road 54 and Ballantrae Boulevard.

Wiregrass assisted living facility
The Orlando-based Douglas Company received a permit in early March for Beach House, an assisted living facility of 110 beds planned on an outparcel at Wiregrass Ranch.

Site plans filed with Pasco County show a three-story, courtyard style facility of more than 92,000 square feet. Access to Beach House will be off State Road 56 and Hueland Pond Boulevard, county records show.

Networking luncheon
The North Tampa Chamber of Commerce will host a network luncheon on March 24 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 (813) 864-6370.

For directions, call (813) 936-2058.

Women in business seminar
Local businesswomen will host a free seminar, “Woman Entrepreneurs,” on March 31 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, 3032 Collier Parkway. They will offer advice on empowering women to become their own bosses. Jeannie Holliday, a financial advisor with Raymond James Financial Services, will lead the seminar. Other presenters are Angie Carter, senior team leader and mentor at Origami Owl; Jessica Fogarty, an independent consultant at Princess House; Beth Reed, executive director at Thirty-One Gifts; Erin Green, a 5-star team leader at Jordan Essentials; and Melanie Green, owner of Triassic Media Group.

For information, email Angie Carter at .

Eye center ribbon cutting
Infinity Eye Care Center will have a ribbon cutting on March 31 from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., at 5420 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. Those attending will be able to see the new clinic and meet with vendors.

For information, contact the eye center at (813) 803-4515, or visit InfinityEyeCareCenter.com.

Women-n-Charge lunch
Join the ladies of Women-n-Charge on April 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. The guest speaker will be Barbara Brekke, founder of Go Beyond Your Dreams. She is a certified life coach, and her presentation will be “Living an Extraordinary Life.”

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

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

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

Wesley Chapel breakfast meeting
The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly breakfast meeting on April 5 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.

The cost for chamber members is $15 in advance. Register online by April 1 at 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.

Chamber mixer
The Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce will have a mixer on March 17 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., hosted by Meals on Wheels, at the social agency’s offices at 38145 15th Ave., in Zephyrhills.

For information, call Meals on Wheels at (813) 782-2793.

Ribbon cutting
Knowledge Points Learning Center will have a ribbon cutting for its newest location on March 17 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at 10720 State Road 54, Suite 110, in Trinity.

For information, call the center at (727) 484-6178

Breakfast networking
The East Pasco Networking Group will meet on March 22 at 8 a.m., at the Fresh Country Café, 5518 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills. The guest speaker is Hope Allen, executive director of the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce.

For information, contact Nils Lenz at (813) 782-9491 or .

Morning mixer
Grow Financial Credit Union will host a free morning greet-and-meet mixer on March 22 from 9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m., at the credit union office, 2579 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

For information, email .

Networking luncheon
The North Tampa Chamber of Commerce will host a network luncheon on March 24 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 (813) 864-6370.

For directions, call (813) 936-2058.

Eye center ribbon cutting
Infinity Eye Care Center will have a ribbon cutting on March 31 from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., at 5420 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. Come see the new clinic, visit with vendors and welcome a new member to the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce.

For information, contact the eye center at (813) 803-4515, or visit InfinityEyeCareCenter.com.

Wesley Chapel breakfast meeting
The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly breakfast meeting on April 5 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.

The cost for chamber members is $15 in advance. Register online by April 1 at 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.

Board appointment
Carrollwood resident Rachel Revill, owner and chief solutions officer of PerfecTiming Concierge, has been elected to the board of the Network of Executive Women.

PerfecTiming Concierge is a lifestyle management company which provides personal concierge-style services for individuals who struggle with work/life balance issues, and want a more harmonious life between work and home.

PerfecTiming Concierge helps clients achieve professional success while still having enough free time to spend with family and friends, or doing the things that matter most to them. As a member of the Network of Executive Women board, Rachel is vice president of networking and encourages local women/business owners to cultivate relationships through networking opportunities.

Network shindig
The Pasco Economic Development Council will host its 2016 NetFest on April 7 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Starkey Ranch Welcome Center, at 2500 Heart Pine Ave., in Odessa. It’s your chance to connect with Tampa Bay area business and community leaders at Pasco County’s largest, annual networking shindig.

The cost is $45 per person, or $35 for Pasco EDC investors and their guests. Enjoy a barbecue buffet, including two drink tickets and country music entertainment. Please RSVP by March 31.

For information, visit PascoEDC.com, or call (813) 926-0827.

Grants for women
Are you a woman in business who could use $1,000? Women-n-Charge is offering two $1,000 grants that can be used toward business-related equipment, services or continuing education. The mission of Women-n-Charge, in part, is to support and assist professional women in managing their businesses more effectively.

Applications are available online and are due April 15. Winners will be announced at the May 6 meeting at Pebble Creek Country Club in Tampa.

For information, contact Judy Nicolosi, treasurer of Women-n-Charge, at (813) 600-9848, or email .

Catholic Business Network
The Catholic Business Network of Tampa Bay meets every Tuesday from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., in Rosary Hall, Room 5 and Room 6, at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, 2348 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes. The network is a nonprofit membership organization for local business people who want to incorporate their faith into the workplace, and network with other Catholics to foster personal and business relationships. All faiths are welcome.

For information, visit CBNtampa.org.

Grants for women
Are you a woman in business who could use $1,000? Women-n-Charge is offering two $1,000 grants that can be used toward business-related equipment, services or continuing education. The mission of Women-n-Charge, in part, is to support and assist professional women in managing their businesses more effectively.

Applications are available online and are due April 15. Winners will be announced at the May 6 meeting at Pebble Creek Country Club in Tampa.

For information, contact Judy Nicolosi, treasurer of Women-n-Charge, at (813) 600-9848, or email .

Internet seminar
SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) Pasco-Hernando will host a free seminar on Internet Marketing on March 9 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the Hugh Embry Library, 14215 Fourth St., in Dade City. Participants can gain an understanding of the Internet Marketing technologies, and how they enhance the ability of a small business to reach customers and communicate a brand, products and services.

For information, call Jim Karam at (727) 842-4638, or visit Score439.org.

Business podcast
Learn everything you need to know about your business credit through a free online seminar on March 10 at 1 p.m., hosted by SCORE Pasco-Hernando. Ty Kiisel, contributing editor of OnDeck, will discuss three questions most lenders want answered about you and your business. Kiisel will explain how your business credit profile works and dive into the two drivers influencing your profile. You’ll get advice on five things that can build a strong business credit profile.

Kiisel is author of the book, “Getting a Business Loan: Financing Your Main Street Business.” OnDeck is an online platform for small business loans.

For information, visit Score439.org, or email .

General meeting
The North Tampa Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly general meeting on March 10, with check-in at 11 a.m., at Brunchies Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch and Catering at 14366 N. Dale Mabry Highway in Tampa. Networking is until 11:30 a.m., when lunch will be served from a select menu.

For information, contact the chamber at (813) 961-2420, or email .

Franchising seminar
SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) Pasco-Hernando will host a free seminar on March 10 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the New River Library, 34043 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel. The seminar, “Understanding a Franchise Business,” will explain key considerations and expose the myths of owning a franchise business. Participants can learn and understand the potential, the issues, governance, support, resources available and more.

For information, call SCORE at (727) 842-4638, or visit Score439.org.

Hospital ribbon cutting
The Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel will host a ribbon cutting and open house for its Cardiac Cath Lab and MEGA Heart Expo on March 13 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., at 2600 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required.

The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce, Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce and Trinity-Odessa Chamber of Commerce will participate in the 1 p.m. ribbon cutting.

Visitors can step inside the human heart, learn about cardiovascular functions, observe examples of various types of heart disease and see information about some of the latest medical treatments for heart problems.

For information and to register visit, FHWesleyChapel.org/event, or call (813) 929-5432.

Watermark job fair
Watermark Communities will host a job fair for its new Trinity location on March 14 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Marriott Residence Inn at NorthPointe Village, 2101 Northpointe Parkway in Lutz. Watermark is a leader in the senior living industry.

Positions as cook, dishwasher and server are available.

For information, call (727) 597-4082, or visit WatermarkCommunities.com.

Luncheon
The Hispanic Business Leaders luncheon will be March 15 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Land O’ Lakes Community Center, at 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. The event is hosted by the Hispanic Business Leaders of the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce. Guest speaker will be Gayle Hill of UpHill Marketing Group.

The cost is $20 for chamber members, and $25 for non-members, but $18 if prepaid.

For information, contact John Jay Anglada, of Finest DeeJays, at (813) 298-3232.

Chamber mixer
The Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce will host a mixer on March 17 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., hosted by Meals on Wheels, at the social agency’s offices at 38145 15th Ave., in Zephyrhills.

For information, contact Meals on Wheels at (813) 782-2793.

Fresh-food dining experience in Zephyrhills
Zephyrhills is now home to Terra Restaurant, a fresh-food dining experience at 6834 Gall Blvd. Terra offers a varied menu of soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers, pastas, steak, lamb and crepes. A kid’s menu is available. Among Terra’s entrees are a New York strip, Jaeger Schnitzel and mango tilapia. Fruits and vegetables are organic. Soups and side items are made from scratch daily without preservatives or artificial flavors. Wild-caught seafood and grass-fed beef are served, too.

For information, call (813) 355-4862, or visit TerraRestaurantFL.com.

Networking forum
The third annual Open Doors Forum will be on March 3 from 9 a.m. to noon at the TPepin Hospitality Centre, at 4121 N. 50th St., in Tampa. The free forum is to help minority, women and small business owners connect to opportunities in government contracting.

Attendees will be able to meet government prime contractors and subcontractors with the goal of forming new partnerships. Business owners will be able to connect with small business loan specialists and representatives of government agencies. Those attending also have the chance to learn how to do business with local government.

Participating agencies are Hillsborough County, City of Tampa, Hillsborough Area Regional Transit, Hillsborough County Aviation Authority, Hillsborough County School Board, MacDill Air Force Base, Tampa General Hospital and Tampa-Hillsborough Expressway Authority.

Prime contractors will include Beck Group, David Nelson Construction, Kimmins Contracting Corp. and Skanska.

Hillsborough County’s Disadvantaged Minority/Disadvantaged Women Business Enterprise and Small Business Encouragement programs are the event’s organizers.

For information about registering, call (813) 276-2729, or visit HillsboroughCounty.org/OpenDoors.

Ribbon cutting
Aprile Chiropractic & Wellness will have a ribbon cutting on March 3 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., at 1932 Highland Oaks Blvd., in Lutz. The clinic is on the south side of State Road 54, just south of Livingston Road.

For information, call Aprile Chiropractic at (813) 909-1644, or visit AprileChiropractic.com.

Need skilled labor?
Pasco-Hernando State College will celebrate the graduation of 28 students, who now are certified production technicians through the National Emergency Grant program. They are ready for on-the-job training with local manufacturers.  Each graduate comes with up to a $2,000 on-the-job training fund that goes directly to their new employer.

Also, stop in to visit the college’s Engineering Technology Lab and meet the new engineering technology faculty.

Light refreshments will be served.

For information, call (727) 816-3227.

Auto care ribbon cutting
Honest 1-Auto Care will host a ribbon cutting and grand opening on March 8 at 9 a.m., at 14318 N. Dale Mabry Highway in Tampa. Everyone is welcome. Refreshments will be served.

For more information, contact George Maajoun, president of Honorable Auto Care LLC, at (727) 647-3270.

Breakfast network
Business Link will have its monthly networking breakfast on March 9 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.

Please RSVP to Rebecca Gaddis at (352) 588-2732, or email .

Medical career job fair
CareerSource Pasco Hernando will host a Medical Career Job Fair on March 9 from 9 a.m. to noon at Rasmussen College, at 8661 Citizens Drive, in New Port Richey. Dress professionally and bring resumes.

For information, call CareerSource at (352) 200-3020, or visit CareerSourcePascoHernando.com.

Costco ready to build
Costco Wholesale representatives filed permits for the warehouse shell and a Costco gasoline station on Feb. 19, according to Pasco County records.

This follows recent approval by a planning oversight committee for a large display sign for the membership warehouse, located on Grand Cypress Drive next to Tampa Premium Outlets. In January, the company received approval for the sale of wine, beer and liquor. The approximately 153,000-square-foot warehouse building will have a separate liquor store of about 2,100 square feet. Company officials have not announced an opening date.

Chamber mixer
Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will host a mixer on Feb. 24 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at Wesley Chapel Toyota, 5300 Eagleston Blvd., in Wesley Chapel. The gathering offers a chance to network and meet new members.

For information, call the chamber office at (813) 909-2722 or the mixer’s sponsor, Wesley Chapel Toyota & Honda, at (727) 772-3265.

Breakfast network
The Wednesday Morning Networking Group will meet March 2 at 7:30 a.m., at The Lake House at Hungry Harry’s Family 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 Dex Imaging. Sponsorships for future meetings are available.

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

Jersey Mike’s Subs opens
Jersey Mike’s Subs is opening a restaurant at 2081 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes on March 2 with a ribbon cutting, from 9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.

The franchise owners Bill Atkins and Rick Barrett will hold a sub fundraiser from March 2 through March 6 to support Denham Oaks and Lake Myrtle elementary schools and Pine View Middle School.

The new restaurant is circulating 5,000 coupons through the schools and 5,000 throughout the community. The coupons offer a sub sandwich for a minimum $2 donation to one of three schools. The restaurant will collect the contributions and distribute them to the schools. Customers must have a coupon to be eligible. While donations must be at least $2, they can exceed that amount.

The restaurant is covering the cost of the sandwiches, so the schools get the full benefit from the fundraiser.

“We are so excited to be opening the Land O’ Lakes location and educating the community on what Jersey Mike’s is all about,” Barrett said, in a release. “Jersey Mike’s is not only a great sub shop, but a partner in the community.”

The restaurant’s hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week.  To contact this location directly call (813) 949-2929.

Networking forum
The third annual Open Doors Forum will be on March 3 from 9 a.m. to noon at the TPepin Hospitality Centre, at 4121 N. 50th St., in Tampa. The free forum is to help minority, women and small business owners connect to opportunities in government contracting.

Attendees will be able to meet government prime contractors and subcontractors with the goal of forming new partnerships. Business owners will be able to connect with small business loan specialists, representatives of government agencies, and learn how to do business with local government.

Participating agencies are Hillsborough County, City of Tampa, Hillsborough Area Regional Transit, Hillsborough County Aviation Authority, Hillsborough County School Board, MacDill Air Force Base, Tampa General Hospital and Tampa-Hillsborough Expressway Authority.

Prime contractors will include Beck Group, David Nelson Construction, Kimmins Contracting Corp., and Skanska.

Hillsborough County’s Disadvantaged Minority/Disadvantaged Women Business Enterprise and Small Business Encouragement programs are the event’s organizers.

For information about registering, call (813) 276-2729. or visit HillsboroughCounty.org/OpenDoors.

Ribbon cutting
Aprile Chiropractic & Wellness will have a ribbon cutting on March 3 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., at 1932 Highland Oaks Blvd., in Lutz. The clinic is on the south side of State Road 54, just south of Livingston Road.

For information, call Aprile Chiropractic at (813) 909-1644, or visit AprileChiropractic.com.

Need skilled labor?
Pasco-Hernando State College will celebrate the graduation of 28 students, who now are certified production technicians through the National Emergency Grant program. They are ready for on-the-job training with local manufacturers.  Each graduate comes with up to a $2,000 on-the-job training fund that goes directly to their new employer.

Also, stop in to visit the college’s Engineering Technology Lab and meet the new engineering technology faculty.

Light refreshments will be served.

RSVP by Feb. 25 to , or call (727) 816-3227.