Business Digest

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.

 

New day spa and salon
The belle ame Day Spa & Salon has opened at 21758 State Road 54, in the Osprey Cove Professional Park, in Lutz. The day spa and salon will feature organic and natural products. Both women and men are welcome.

Services include massage, facials and skin are, body treatments, waxing, hair styling, manicures and pedicures. The spa is open seven days a week.

For information, call the spa at (813) 949-8400, email owner Lisa Huston at , or visit BelleAmeDaySpa.com.

Open house
OTB Delight Café will celebrate its second anniversary with an open house on Feb. 18 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at 2653 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in Wesley Chapel. The event is free.

The café’s menu includes salads, sandwiches, burgers and desserts, made from farm fresh, free range and organic produce and meats.

For information, call (813) 973-8880, or visit OTBDelightCafe.com.

Breakfast meeting
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce will have its quarterly meeting – “Join Us for Java” – on Feb. 18 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., at Florida Hospital Zephyrhills, 7040 Gall Blvd. Come to the FHZ Creation Cafe on the first floor. Complimentary valet parking will be available for chamber guests at the hospital’s main entrance.

Guest speaker will be honorary lifetime member Cliff McDuffie, who will talk about how to “Match Expectations to Results.”

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

Burgess joins law firm
State Rep. Danny Burgess is joining the law firm of Lucas/Magazine, which is adding an office at 2533 Windguard Circle, Suite 101, in Wesley Chapel. The firm specializes in personal injury and also other practices, including nursing home abuse, criminal law and estate planning.

Burgess is an east Pasco native who attended Pasco County schools. He served as mayor of Zephyrhills, and is captain in the United States Army Reserve as a judge advocate. He and his wife Courtney have two children.

Burgess was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2014, and represents the 38th District, which includes Wesley Chapel, Land O’ Lakes, Zephyrhills, Trilby and Dade City.

Business training
Interested in doing business with Hillsborough County government and want to know how to start? Or, are you already doing business with Hillsborough but want to learn more?

The county now offers training to experienced vendors and new suppliers who want to learn how to navigate the self-service, iSupplier portal. The program allows vendors to directly access information and enter business transactions through the county’s procure-to-pay process.

A two-hour training session is offered on the second Tuesday of each month. Topics include navigating the Procurement Service website, registering in iSupplier, updating vendor profiles, submitting bids and reviewing business opportunities in Hillsborough County

Training sessions are from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Entrepreneur Collaborative Center, at 2101 Palm Ave., in Tampa. The sessions are free, but advance registration is required.

For information call (813) 272-5790,  email , or visit HillsboroughCounty.org/procurement.

Lunch and learn
The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce will “Lunch N Learn” on Feb. 18 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the chamber’s boardroom at 6013 Wesley Chapel Blvd., in Suite 105, in Wesley Chapel.

The guest speaker will Dr. Bill Scheu from the New Tampa Chiropractic & Injury Center. He will talk about stress and techniques to use at work, to manage stress and become healthier.

The cost is $15, including lunch.

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

Ribbon cutting
Liberty Tax Services will have a ribbon cutting on Feb. 23 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., at Towne Square Plaza, at 5522 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills. Light hors d’oeuvres and drinks will be served.

For information, call Liberty Tax office at (813) 540-1212.

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.

Free business seminars
Land O’ Lakes residents Ed and Ivonne Ortiz will host free business seminars on how to start your own business every Thursday from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Classes will be at the Carrollwood offices of Primerica, at 8902 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Suite 117, on the west side of the highway, south of the apex in Lutz.

Topics include “how to begin and grow a business without cold calling,” “financial products that help people plan for the future,” and “license exam preparations for insurance and mutual funds.”

For information or to register, call Ed Ortiz at (813) 269-7400 or (813) 546-9060.

New hotel near outlets
The owner of Impact Properties is proposing a six-story, 130-room Hyatt Place hotel at Cypress Creek Town Center, according to Pasco County records. A conceptual plan filed with the county’s planning department shows the hotel at the west corner of State Road 56 and Wesley Chapel Boulevard, and on the east end of the proposed Sierra Center Road. This section of the proposed town center is north of State Road 56, opposite Tampa Premium Outlets.

New restaurant and coffee
On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina and Starbucks are in the mix for retail on parcels located outside Tampa Premium Outlets. Pasco County records show Hunt Real Estate filed a pre-application and conceptual plan for On the Border, at about 6,000-square-feet, and Starbucks, at about 2,100 square feet. The location is 2257 Sun Vista Drive, according to Pasco County records. Other restaurants also under construction or planned for Sun Vista or Grand Cypress Drive include Cheddar’s Casual Café and Panda Express.

Donut shop planned
A Zephyrhills’ Dunkin’ Donuts is on the drawing board. Plans are to build the donut shop, with a drive-through, at State Road 54 between Dean Dairy and Seaberg roads, according to Pasco County records.

Pet paradise
Developers are proposing to build Pet Paradise Resort on the northeast corner of State Road 56 and Cypress Ridge Road, near the Interstate 75 interchange, according to Pasco County records.

Conceptual plans and a pre-application form show an approximately 14,800- square-foot building. The pet resort would offer daytime care, training, grooming, boarding kennels, indoor and outdoor play areas, a pet swimming pool and an overnight manager’s office.

Free business seminars
Land O’ Lakes residents Ed and Ivonne Ortiz will host free business seminars on how to start your own business every Thursday from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Classes will be at the Carrollwood offices of Primerica, at 8902 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Suite 117, on the west side of the highway, south of the apex in Lutz.

Topics include “how to begin and grow a business without cold calling,” “financial products that help people plan for the future,” and “license exam preparations for insurance and mutual funds.”

For information or to register, call Ed Ortiz at (813) 269-7400 or (813) 546-9060.

General meeting
The North Tampa Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly general meeting on Feb. 11, 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 .

Ribbon cutting for CPA
FMA Fox, Martukovich & Associates CPA will have a ribbon cutting on Feb. 11 from noon to 1:30 p.m., at 1527 N. Dale Mabry Highway, on the west side of Dale Mabry, south of the apex, in Lutz.

For information, call Amanda at (727) 530-0036.

Luncheon
The Hispanic Business Leaders luncheon will be Feb. 16 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 sponsor is Rivera Chiropractic.

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

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

Lunch and learn
The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce will “Lunch N Learn” on Feb. 18 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the chamber’s boardroom at 6013 Wesley Chapel Blvd., in Suite 105, in Wesley Chapel.

The guest speaker will Dr. Bill Scheu from the New Tampa Chiropractic & Injury Center. He will talk about stress and techniques to use at work, to manage stress and become healthier.

The cost is $15, including lunch.

For information, call the chamber at (813) 994-8534, 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, Rooms 5 and 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.

 

 

New management
Beef O’ Brady’s on U.S. 41 at Sunset Lane, in Lutz, is under new management. New managing owner Greg Gilbert brings more than 20 years of franchise experience to the Lutz community, including service at T.G.I. Friday’s and Ruby Tuesday’s. Gilbert’s team is committed to customer satisfaction and top quality in food, beverage and service. Plans also are under way to increase community involvement by supporting and sponsoring local sports leagues and school teams.

The restaurant is accepting pre-order “To Go” requests for Super Bowl 50 on Feb. 7.

For information, call (813) 909-2300, or visit BeefOBradys.com/Lutz.

Monthly breakfast
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly breakfast Feb. 4 from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., at the Golden Corral, at 6855 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills. The guest speaker will be Casio Jones, wellness director for Florida Hospital Zephyrhills. He will explain why “Age is Limitless.”

The cost is $7 for members and guests.

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

Grand opening
Florida Hospital Zephyrhills will celebrate the grand opening and ribbon cutting of CREATION Health Wellness Center on Feb. 4 from noon to 2 p.m., at 38233 Daughtery Road, Zephyrhills. There also will be a joint Florida Hospital Community Open House. Come tour the facilities, meet the staff, and have light refreshments. There also will be door prizes. Check out the fitness room, smoothie bar, and education room with kitchen.

For information, visit FloridaHospital.com/Zephyrhills/events.

Ribbon cutting
Aprile Chiropractic will host a ribbon cutting on Feb. 4 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., at 1932 Highland Oaks Blvd., off the south side of State Road 54, in Lutz.

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

Women-n-Charge lunch
Join the ladies of Women-n-Charge on Feb. 5 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., at Pebble Creek Country Club, at 10550 Regents Park Drive in Tampa. The meeting includes lunch and time to network. Come share talents, build relationships and share resources with other women in business. The guest speaker will be international singer and songwriter Thanecha Anderson, who will talk about “Overcoming all Odds to Change the World.”

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 .

Breakfast networking
The East Pasco Networking Group will meet on Feb. 9 at 8 a.m., at the Fresh Market Café, at 5518 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills. The guest speaker is Carol Scheckler, president of the Samaritan Project of Zephyrhills.

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

Centra Care ribbon cutting
Centra Care Florida Hospital Urgent Care will host a ribbon cutting on Feb. 9 from 11 a.m. to noon, at 1127 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in Wesley Chapel. Light refreshments and lunch will be served.

For information, email .

Ribbon cutting for CPA
FMA Fox, Martukovich & Associates CPA will have a ribbon cutting on Feb. 11 from noon to 1:30 p.m., at 1527 N. Dale Mabry Highway, on the west side of Dale Mabry, south of the apex, in Lutz.

For information, call Amanda at (727) 530-0036.

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, Rooms 5 and 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.

Jobs event
A Career Expo will help match top technology graduates with local companies in a two-day event on Feb. 25 and Feb. 26 hosted by the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. The expo will be at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, and will feature career center directors from more than 45 of the nation’s top universities including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Georgia Tech, Cornell, Notre Dame, Purdue, the University of Central Florida, the University of South Florida and the University of Florida.

Career center directors and local business professionals will participate in receptions, breakfasts, luncheons and individual meetings to discuss talent needs.

The Corridor Council encourages the attendance of businesses within a 23-county region including Hillsborough, Pasco and surrounding counties.

The event kicks off on Feb. 25 with keynote speaker Bill Johnson, the chief executive officer of Enterprise Florida.

The Florida High Tech Corridor Council is an economic development initiative of UCF, USF and UF. Its mission is to encourage innovation and expand the high tech industry through partnerships that support research, marketing, work force and entrepreneurship. More than 25 local and regional economic development organizations, state and community colleges, and 12 CareerSource boards participate.

Registrations are available for companies to participate. For information, email Owen Wentworth at .

A full list of attending universities, the Career Expo schedule, and other details are available at FloridaHighTech.com/career/career-expo-2016.

Lutz Kmart closing
The Kmart store at 22920 State Road 54 in Lutz will close its doors in mid-March. The store’s 62 employees will be eligible to receive severance or to apply for positions at area Sears or Kmart stores, according to an email from Howard Riefs, spokesman for Sears Holdings.

Most of the employees are part- time, hourly wage earners.

A liquidation sale at the store began Jan. 14.

In his email, Riefs explained the closure here and at other stores as part of a company-wide effort to cut expenses and speed up transformation of the company’s business model.

Catholic Business Network
The Catholic Business Network of Tampa Bay meets every Tuesday from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, at 2348 Collier Parkway in Rosary Hall, Rooms 5 and 6. 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. However, all faiths are welcome.

For information, visit CBNtampa.org.

Breakfast mania
East and Central Pasco Marketing Mania will take place on Jan. 28 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., at the Commons at Pretty Pond, at 38130 Pretty Pond 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.

Networking luncheon
The North Tampa Chamber of Commerce will host a network luncheon on Jan. 28 at 11:30 a.m., at IHOP, at 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 directions, call (813) 960-2679.

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

The cost for chamber members is $15 in advance. Register online by Jan. 29 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.

Wednesday morning networking
The Wednesday Morning Networking Group will meet Feb. 3 at 7:30 a.m., at The Lake House at Hungry Harry’s Family B-B-            Q, at 3116 Land O’ Lake 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 UpHill Marketing Group. Sponsorships for future meetings are available.

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

Ribbon cutting
Aprile Chiropractic will host a ribbon cutting on Feb. 4 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., at 1932 Highland Oaks Road, off the south side of State Road 54, in Lutz.

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

Women-n-Charge lunch
Join the ladies of Women-n-Charge on Feb. 5 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., at Pebble Creek Country Club, at 10550 Regents Park Drive, in Tampa. The meeting includes lunch and time to network. Come share talents, build relationships and share resources with other women in business. The guest speaker will be international singer and songwriter Thanecha Anderson, who will talk about “Overcoming all odds to change the world.”

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

To register, visit Women-n-Charge.com.
For information, contact Judy at (813) 600-9848 or .

Jobs event
A Career Expo will help match top technology graduates with local companies in a two-day event on Feb. 25 and Feb. 26 hosted by the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. The expo will be at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, and will feature career center directors from more than 45 of the nation’s top universities including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Georgia Tech, Cornell, Notre Dame, Purdue, the University of Central Florida, the University of South Florida and the University of Florida.

Career center directors and local business professionals will participate in receptions, breakfasts, luncheons and individual meetings to discuss talent needs.

The Corridor encourages the attendance of businesses within a 23-county region including Hillsborough, Pasco and surrounding counties.

The event kicks off on Feb. 25 with keynote speaker Bill Johnson, the chief executive officer of Enterprise Florida.

The Florida High Tech Corridor Council is an economic development initiative of UCF, USF and UF. Its mission is to encourage innovation and expand the high tech industry through partnerships that support research, marketing, work force and entrepreneurship. More than 25 local and regional economic development organizations, state and community colleges, and 12 CareerSource boards participate.

Registrations are available for companies to participate. For information, email Owen Wentworth at .

A full list of attending universities, the Career Expo schedule, and other details are available at FloridaHighTech.com/career/career-expo-2016.