Business Digest

Business awards
Pasco Economic Development Council will hand out Industry of the Year awards at its 29th annual banquet on Sept. 3 at Saddlebrook Resort in Wesley Chapel. More than 600 business and community leaders in Tampa Bay and Pasco County attend the event each year. There also will be a business trade show.

The awards recognize outstanding companies in the categories of manufacturing service, technology and nonprofits that operate in Pasco County.

The 23 nominees for this year’s awards are: Applicant Insight Inc.; Aviation Instrument Technologies Inc.; Big Storm Brewing Co.; Can Can Concealment LLC; Covanta Pasco; Easy Business Software Inc.; Electro Tape Specialties Inc.; Evolution Trikes; Fifth Third Bank, New Port Richey Branch; Florida Custom Mold Inc.; Florida Hospital Zephyrhills; Freedom Scooter & Supply LLC; Manufacturers Distributor Inc.; Millian-Aire Enterprises Corp.; Morton Plant North Bay Hospital; Oasis Pregnancy Care Centers of Pasco; Polaris Sales Co.; Preferred Materials; Retail Process Engineering LLC; SAHM Co.; The Laker/Lutz News & Community News; and Veterans Alternative Therapy.

Farewell to Vonnie Mikkelsen
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce will host a social mixer on June 18 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Manolo’s Italian Restaurant, at 38445 Fifth Ave., in Zephyrhills. Come say farewell to Vonnie Mikkelsen, whose last day as executive director of the Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce is July 2. Pasco News Publications is sponsoring the event. RSVP to receive the first drink free.

For information and to RSVP, contact Pat at the chamber office at (813) 782-1913, or email .

Lunch N’ Learn forum
The Lunch N’ Learn Business Forum will meet on June 18 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce boardroom, 6013 Wesley Chapel Blvd., Suite 105, in Wesley Chapel. Join chamber members to learn how to target your market and build your business around its most profitable audience.

The $15 cost includes lunch, and RSVP and prepayment are required. No walk-in seating is available.

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

Ribbon cutting
Rejuva Med – The Center for Dry Eye and Hormonal Disorders will host a ribbon cutting and grand opening on June 18 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., at 28945 State Road 54, Suite 101, in Wesley Chapel. Meet Dr. Kenneth Andronica, a specialist in ophthalmology as well as anti-aging, functional and regenerative medicine.

The grand opening will offer free food and fun.

For information, call (813) 907-0950.

Grand opening
Divine Connections Massage and Spa will host a grand opening on June 20 from noon to 7:00 p.m., at Van Dyke Crossings Plaza, 6052 Van Dyke Road in Lutz. Meet and greet owners and sisters, Maggie Malast and Mercy Terrill. There will be food and a drawing for a free massage or facial. As an opening special, visitors can buy three massages and get one free.

For information or to RSVP, contact Marketing Director Erica Everett at (813) 857-8678, email , or visit DivineConnectionsMassage.com.

Double ribbon cutting
It Works and TapSnap will host a joint ribbon cutting on June 23 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at Grow Financial Credit Union, at 2579 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in Wesley Chapel. Meet owners Heather Goodloe of It Works and Deb Fry of TapSnap.

It Works offers that “crazy wrap thing” for tightening, toning and firming. TapSnap is a mobile photo entertainment service.

Enjoy free food and wine by Time for Wine. There will also be door prizes and individual and group photos by Deb.

For information on It Works, contact Heather at (813) 300-2502, or email .

For information on TapSnap, contact Deb at (813) 4259, or email

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Chamber lunch
The North Tampa Chamber of Commerce will have a business luncheon on June 25 at 11:30 a.m., at IHOP, at 408 Bearss Ave., in Tampa. Lunch is ordered from the IHOP menu with costs starting at $6.39. All attendees will be able to order from the senior lunch menu. A minimum cost of $5 per person applies if no meal is ordered.

To RSVP by June 23, contact Jenn Beaumont at or phone AIG at (813) 334-8998. For directions to IHOP, call (813) 960-2679.

40th anniversary festivities
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will host its 40th Annual Awards & Installation Banquet on June 26 at 6 p.m., at The Event Factory, at 7565 W. Hillsborough Ave., in Tampa. The event will celebrate award nominees and winners and include the introduction of newly elected board of directors.

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

Family mixer
The East Tampa Networking Group will have a family oriented mixer – “You’re Invited” – on June 29 at 6 p.m., at the Village Inn, at 5214 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills. This is a Dutch treat event with door prizes and a 50-50 drawing that will benefit Helping Hands Pantry of Atonement Lutheran Church. The guest speaker will be Linda Boan, the retiring city clerk of Zephyrhills.

All of the group’s Ovation Award Winners, and the best speakers from the last two years, have been invited.

To RSVP by June 23, call Nils Lenz at (813) 782-9491, or email him at . Guests can also contact Vice Chairwoman Rosie Paulsen at (813) 909-6965, or email her at .

Dual mixer
The Hispanic Business Leaders of Pasco Hernando Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will host a mixer June 10 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at Wesley Chapel Nissan, at 18519 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel. This is a joint event with Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce.

For information, call Hispanic Business Leaders at (813) 435-1499 or Central Pasco chamber at (813) 909-2722.

General meeting
Join the North Tampa Chamber of Commerce for its general meeting on June 11 at 11 a.m., to celebrate the past year’s accomplishments, outstanding member awards and installation of new officers. Sign-up begins at 11 a.m., at Brunchie’s of Tampa, at 14366 N. Dale Mabry Highway. Networking is at 11:30 a.m. The meeting begins at 11:45 a.m.

The cost is $21, payable online or at the door by cash, check or credit card. For information, call the chamber office at (813) 961-2420, or visit NorthTampaChamber.com. For directions, call (813) 908-7023.

New breakfast club
The newly formed Wesley Chapel Breakfast Club will have its first meeting on June 10 from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., at the Quail Hollow Golf & Country Club in Wesley Chapel.

The club meets weekly and brings people together to network and to help each other generate new leads and prospects. Enjoy a customized breakfast menu. There are no dues and no club officers.

For information, call Bill Meyer at (813) 992-3370.

Networking
Business Link will meet on June 10 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., at Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel, second floor of the Wellness Center in the conference room, 2600 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. This monthly meeting offers tools, tips and networking to strengthen businesses. San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union partners with industry experts to provide valuable information each month. A complimentary breakfast will be provided.

RSVP to Rebecca Gaddis at the credit union at (352) 588-2732, ext. 1237, or email .

Women-in-Charge
Join Women-n-Charge on June 12 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., at Pebble Creek Country Club, 10550 Regents Park Drive in Tampa, for lunch and networking.

The guest speaker will be Ginger Rockey-Johnson, the Original Spice Girl of Tampa Bay who will talk about “The Art of the Pitch.” Group members share their talents, build relationships and share their resources with other women in business.

The cost is $15 for members if paid by Tuesday before the meeting, and $18 for all guests and members who pay after Tuesday.

Register online at Women-n-Charge.com.

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

Coffee social
The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly coffee social, June 16, from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., at McDonald’s restaurant on State Road 54. This is a “no agenda” networking event over a cup of coffee in a relaxed atmosphere.

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

Business breakfast
The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly business breakfast June 16 at 7:45 a.m., at the Royal Oaks Nursing Center, 37300 Royal Oak Lane, in Dade City. Anyone attending must RSVP. The cost is $5 per person.

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

Lunch N’ Learn forum
The Lunch N’ Learn Business Forum will meet on June 18 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce boardroom, 6013 Wesley Chapel Blvd., Suite 105, in Wesley Chapel. Join fellow Chamber members to learn how to target your market and build your business around its most profitable audience.

The $15 cost includes lunch, and RSVP and prepayment are required. No walk-in seating is available.

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

New location for Orangetheory Fitness
Orangetheory Fitness opened May 28 at the Shops at Wiregrass at 28210 Paseo Drive, Suite 110, Wesley Chapel. It is the 13th Florida location for the fitness company, co-founded by Terry Blachek.

The one-hour, ever-changing workout consists of diverse components including high-energy cardiovascular and strength training with treadmills, rowing machines, suspension training and free weights with short bursts of intense exercise. Orangetheory Fitness offers 55 classes per week for all levels.

For information, call the studio at (813) 235-0664.

Women of Wesley Chapel
WOW, Women of Wesley Chapel, will host a breakfast meeting on June 3 from 7:45 a.m. to 9 a.m., at the Health and Wellness Center at Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel, in the second floor conference room.

Guest speaker will be Edie Rhea, a survivor of human trafficking.

The 2015 annual WOW membership cost of $10 is due at the meeting and will cover the entire 2015 calendar year for WOW only. This doesn’t include chamber membership. No credit cards will be accepted at the door. Cash or check only.

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

Ribbon cutting
Sliding Door Roller Replacement will have a ribbon cutting and a mixer on June 3 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., at 19121 U.S. Hwy 41 in Lutz. The store is on the east side of the highway, south of County Line Road.

For information, call Michelle Chomo at (813) 909-7655 or (813) 802-6111.

Open house
A Focus on Fitness will host a ribbon cutting and open house on June 3 from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., to celebrate the additions of a hair salon and makeup services to the fitness center at Seven Oaks Professional Park, 2136 Ashley Circle, Suite 101, Wesley Chapel. The event will feature fun, food, prizes, special discounts and celebrating.

For information, call Kelly Mothershead at (813) 344-3325.

Breakfast meeting
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly breakfast meeting on June 4 from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., at the Golden Corral, 6855 Gall Blvd., Zephyrhills. The sponsor is Samaritan Project.

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

Webinars
The U.S. Small Business Administration, SBA South Florida District Office in Miami, offers free webinars on a variety of business-related topics. On June 4, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., sign in to learn about the SBA program and services. Topics include types of loan programs, contracting and counseling.

Also on June 4, from 1 to 3 p.m., there will be a webinar for 7j certified firms on “Special Topics for Construction Management.” It will explain the fundamentals of effective supervision, describe the basis of construction safety procedures and discuss planning and scheduling processes.

For information, visit SBA.gov.

Breakfast meeting
The East Pasco Networking Group will meet June 9 at Rose’s Café at 38426 Fifth Ave., in Zephyrhills.

Networking begins at 8 a.m., with the meeting starting at 8:30 a.m.

Krista Covey of the Pasco Economic Development Commission is the guest speaker.

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

New breakfast club
The newly formed Wesley Chapel Breakfast Club will have its first meeting on June 10 from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., at the Quail Hollow Golf & Country Club in Wesley Chapel. The club meets weekly and brings people together to network and to help each other generate new leads and prospects. Enjoy a customized breakfast menu. There are no dues and no club officers.

For information, call Bill Meyer at (813) 992-3370.

Networking
Business Link will meet on June 10 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., at Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel, second floor of the Wellness Center in the conference room, 2600 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. This monthly meeting offers tools, tips and networking to strengthen businesses. San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union partners with industry experts to provide valuable information each month. A complimentary breakfast will be provided.

RSVP to Rebecca Gaddis at the credit union at (352) 588-2732, ext. 1237, or email .

Women-in-Charge
Join Women-n-Charge on June 12 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., at Pebble Creek Country Club, 10550 Regents Park Drive in Tampa, for lunch and networking.

The guest speaker will be Ginger Rockey-Johnson, the Original Spice Girl of Tampa Bay who will talk about “The Art of the Pitch.” Group members share their talents, build relationships and share their resources with other women in business.

The cost is $15 for members (Tuesday before the meeting), and $18 for all guests (and members paying after Tuesday).

Register online at Women-n-Charge.com.

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

New store
Owners Roger and Lorraine Levesque recently opened the R & L Little Red Barn at 14245 Seventh Street in historic downtown Dade City. Their shop features furniture, antiques, jewelry, tools and clothes. The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce sponsored the ribbon cutting.

For information contact the store at (813) 702-2870 or email .

Award winner
IERNA’s Heating & Cooling is the first Florida Factory Authorized Bryant dealer to earn the prestigious Bryant Pinnacle Award, given out by Bryant Heating & Cooling Systems, a leading supplier of heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment. IERNA earned its fifth consecutive Medal of Excellence award from Bryant in 2014. To win the excellence award dealers must meet a minimum score and then are judged on overall customer satisfaction. IERNA supports community projects including blood drives, sponsoring youth sports leagues and volunteering with Habitat for Humanity.

In a press release announcing the latest honor for the 12-year-old company, Vice President Charlene Ierna said, “We couldn’t achieve success without our dedicated staff.”

For information visit www.IernaAir.com.

Bank branch closing
Centennial Bank will be closing its Wesley Chapel branch at 28909 State Road 54 on Aug.  7, according to a May 5 letter sent to customers.

The bank branch at 23000 State Road 54 in Lutz is located less than 15 miles from the Wesley Chapel office. It is a full-service facility ready to meet your banking needs. Customers will be able to conduct the same transactions and receive the same customer service that has been provided at the Wesley Chapel branch, according to the letter.

For more information, contact Regional Retail Leader Melissa Wade at (352) 518-1504, or email .

Ribbon cutting
Tampa Bay Jaw and Facial Surgery will host a ribbon cutting and grand opening on May 28 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at 29164 Wesley Chapel Drive. Come and meet the physicians, Michael Barbick and Neeraj Nagella, and the center’s staff at this free event.

For information, call (813) 991-6886, or visit www.TBJAFS.com.

Model home opens
Avalon Park West and Beazer Homes will host a free Grand Opening Carnival to showcase the homebuilder’s new St. Augustine II model on May 30 from noon to 4 p.m. at the Avalon subdivision off State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel.

The event will have food and refreshments, a live disc jockey, a rock climbing wall, bungee bounce and pony rides. The model home is located at 5200 Autumn Ridge Drive in the Cypress Village neighborhood of Avalon Park West. Tours will be available.

Beazer’s two-story St. Augustine II has four bedrooms and three bathrooms in about 2,500 square feet. It is priced from about $265,000. Beazer Homes plans to build 55 new three, four and five-bedroom homes, priced from the mid-$200,000 in Avalon Park West, according to a press release from Beazer Homes.

For information call (813) 422-5549 or visit www.beazer.com.

Women of Wesley Chapel
WOW, Women of Wesley Chapel, will host a breakfast meeting on June 3 from 7:45 a.m. to 9 a.m., at the Health and Wellness Center at Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel, in the second floor conference room.

Guest speaker will be Edie Rhea, a survivor of human trafficking.

The 2015 annual WOW membership cost of $10 is due at the meeting and will cover the entire 2015 calendar year for WOW only. This doesn’t include chamber membership. No credit cards will be accepted at the door. Cash or check only.

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

Ribbon cutting
Sliding Door Roller Replacement will hold a ribbon cutting and a mixer on June 3 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 19121 U.S. Hwy 41 in Lutz. The store is on the east side of the highway, south of County Line Road.

For information call Michelle Chomo at (813) 909-ROLL.

Breakfast meeting
The East Pasco Networking Group will meet June 9 at Rose’s Café at 38426 Fifth Ave., in Zephyrhills.

Networking begins at 8 a.m., with the meeting starting at 8:30 a.m.

Krista Covey of the Pasco Economic Development Commission is the guest speaker.

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

Networking
Business Link will meet on June 10 from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel, second floor of the Wellness Center in the conference room, 2600 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. This monthly meeting offers tools, tips and networking to strengthen businesses. San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union partners with industry experts to provide valuable information each month. A complimentary breakfast is provided.

RSVP to Rebecca Gaddis at the credit union at (352) 588-2732, ext. 1237 or email to .

Women-in-Charge
Join Women-n-Charge on June 12 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., at Pebble Creek Country Club, 10550 Regents Park Drive in Tampa, for lunch and networking.

The guest speaker will be Ginger Rockey-Johnson, the Original Spice Girl of Tampa Bay who will talk about “The Art of the Pitch.” Group members share their talents, build relationships and share their resources with other women in business.

The cost is $15 for members (Tuesday before the meeting), and $18 for all guests (and members paying after Tuesday).

Register online at Women-n-Charge.com.

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

Grants awarded
Women-n-Charge awarded two $1,000 grants to women in business that it deemed to be deserving. Centennial Bank sponsored both grants, which are awarded annually.

One grant went to Dawn Easter, on behalf of Pasco Mental Health Foundation, which provides mental health services and education to Pasco residents who wouldn’t be able to access evaluation, counseling, therapy or medications any other way. The other grant went to Connie Lindsay of Liberty Manor for Veterans. The organization provides housing to veterans, specifically targeting honorably discharged veterans who have become homeless.

Women-n-Charge supports and assists women in managing their businesses more effectively.

For information, call Amanda Wright at (813) 501-7220, or email her at .

Spring mixer
East Pasco Networking Group will host its annual Spring Mixer May 20 at 6 p.m., at Blackstone Reef & Grill, 38361 County Road 54 in Zephyrhills. The guest speaker will be Bob Hatfield from U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis’ office.

This is a family oriented event with prizes and surprises. There will be a 50/50 from the first five months that will benefit the Samaritan Project of Zephyrhills.

For information, call the group’s chairman, Nils Lenz, at (813) 782-9491, or email him at . Or call vice chairwoman, Rosie Paulsen at (813) 909-6965, or email her at .

Open house
Small World Pediatrics will have a ribbon cutting and open house on May 20 from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., at 2527 Windguard Circle, Suite 102, in Wesley Chapel. The clinic also is welcoming a new addition to its staff, Dr. Nancy M. Silva.

This free event will have refreshments, prizes, drawings and a special guest for the kids: Mr. Tommy’s Mobile Music Bus, a music classroom on wheels with educational music sessions that are fun. Bring the family, children and neighbors.

To register or RSVP, call (813) 907-8001.

Business forum
The Lunch N’ Learn Business Forum will meet on May 21 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce boardroom, 6013 Wesley Chapel Blvd., Suite 105, in Wesley Chapel.

The guest speaker will be Joanie Sigal, director of business development at SJS Marketing. She specializes in email marketing and social media integration with email marketing. She will discuss how to target your market.

The $15 cost includes lunch. RSVP and prepayment are required. No walk-in seating is available.

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

Bank branch closing
Centennial Bank will be closing its Wesley Chapel branch at 28909 State Road 54 on Aug. 7, according to a May 5 letter sent to customers.

The bank branch at 23000 State Road 54 in Lutz is located less than 15 miles from the Wesley Chapel office. It is a full-service facility ready to meet your banking needs. Customers will be able to conduct the same transactions and receive the same customer service that has been provided at the Wesley Chapel branch, according to the letter.

For more information, contact Regional Retail Leader Melissa Wade at (352) 518-1504, or email .

East Pasco Networking Group
The East Pasco Networking Group will meet May 26 at Rose’s Café at 38426 Fifth Ave., in Zephyrhills.

Networking begins at 8 a.m., with the meeting starting at 8:30 a.m.

Shahra Anderson, regional director for U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson is the guest speaker.

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

Optimist club
The Optimist Club of Dade City will meet on May 26 at 6 p.m., at the First National of Pasco, 13315 U.S. Highway 301 in Dade City.

For information, email .

Ribbon cutting
Tampa Bay Jaw and Facial Surgery will host a ribbon cutting and grand opening on May 28 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at 29164 Wesley Chapel Drive. Come and meet the physicians, Michael Barbick and Neeraj Nagella, and the center’s staff at this free event.

For information, call (813) 991-6886, or visit TBJAFS.com.

Women of Wesley Chapel
WOW, Women of Wesley Chapel, will host a breakfast meeting on June 3 from 7:45 a.m. to 9 a.m., at the Health and Wellness Center at Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel, in the second floor conference room.

Guest speaker will be Edie Rhea, a survivor of human trafficking.

The 2015 annual WOW membership cost of $10 is due at the meeting and will cover the entire 2015 calendar year for WOW only. This doesn’t include chamber membership. No credit cards will be accepted at the door. Cash or check only.

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

Ribbon cutting
Sliding Door Roller Replacement will hold a ribbon cutting and a mixer on June 3 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 19121 U.S. Hwy 41 in Lutz. The store is on the east side of the highway, south of County Line Road.

For information call Michelle Chomo at (813) 909-ROLL.

Women-in-Charge
Join Women-n-Charge on June 12 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., at Pebble Creek Country Club, 10550 Regents Park Drive in Tampa, for lunch and networking.

The guest speaker will be Ginger Rockey-Johnson, the Original Spice Girl of Tampa Bay who will talk about “The Art of the Pitch.” Group members share their talents, build relationships and share their resources with other women in business.

The cost is $15 for members (Tuesday before the meeting), and $18 for all guests (and members paying after Tuesday).

Register online at Women-n-Charge.com.

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

Wesley Chapel networking group
Networking for Your Success meets every Thursday at 8 a.m., at Lexington Oaks Country Club, 2615 Lexington Oaks Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

Cost is $5, and annual membership to the group is $79.

Honoring small businesses
The Pasco Commission recently approved a resolution to recognize May 4 through May 8 as Small Business Week.

Commissioners also recognized the Pasco Economic Development Council, the SMARTstart Business incubators and the chambers of commerce throughout the county.

Small business makes up 99 percent of all employers in Pasco and 80 percent of the county’s private work force. More than 8,700 small businesses in the county produce more than $2.7 billion in payroll and have helped lower the county’s unemployment rate to 6.2 percent, about half the unemployment rate of five years ago, according to data provided by John Moors, executive director of the Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce.

Commissioners also approved a resolution recognizing May as Pasco County World Trade Month. Pasco has about 80 companies whose exports contribute $53 million to Pasco’s economy.

Tourism grows
The “VisitPasco” Tourism Office is headed toward a record year in tourism as Pasco County and the state of Florida enjoy increased travel to the Sunshine State. Tourism provides about 12,000 full-time jobs in Pasco, according to Tourism Manager Ed Caum. About 500,000 visitors have come to Pasco with travel spending topping $465 million annually.

The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce is making its contribution through events such as the Kumquat Festival and other events. The annual kumquat celebration generated 400 to 500 “room nights” this year, according to John Moors, the chamber’s executive director.

“These results are indicative of the hard work and community spirit it takes to make a successful tourism destination,” Moors wrote in an email. “Congratulations to all, and a special thanks to our community.”

Dual mixer
Enjoy a dual mixer with the Pasco-Hernando Hispanic and the Central Pasco chambers of commerce on May 13 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at Pilot Bank, 17635 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in Tampa.

For information, call (813) 435-1499 or (813) 909-2722.

Business seminar
The Pasco-Hernando State College will host BizGROW2.0 on May 14 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the college’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch. The half-day conference is for entrepreneurs, start-up business owners and established business owners, and will include panel discussions, advice and inspiration on growing your business and lots of networking.

The cost is $35 per person. Registration is required.

For information, visit PascoEdc.com/events.

Free seminars
Pasco-Hernando SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) hosts free weekly business seminars. Upcoming events include “Using the Internet in Your Business” on May 14 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at Regency Park Branch Library, 9701 Little Road, New Port Richey. We will demystify much of the gobbledygook and walk you through an eight-step process of key activities needed to allow you to quickly leverage this technology in almost any business.

On May 21 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., SCORE will host “How to Really Start Your Own Business” at New River Branch Library, 34043 State Road 54 in Zephyrhills. You will learn how to structure your business, develop a business plan and understand how to manage cash flow.

For information, contact SCORE at (727) 842-4638, or email .

Ribbon cutting
Wee Care Clinic will host a ribbon cutting on May 15 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., and a grand opening on May 16 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 38184 Medical Center Ave., in Zephyrhills. The facility is a pediatric urgent care clinic.

For information, contact .

Luncheon
The Pasco-Hernando Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will host a luncheon on May 19 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 20735 Leonard Road in Lutz.

The cost is $20 for members, $25 for non-members.

For information, call the chamber at (813) 435-1499.

New law partner
Rogers Towers, one of Florida’s oldest full-service commercial law firms, is expanding its Tampa Bay office to include attorney and shareholder J. Scott Slater. He joins L. Gavan Grant, the firm’s resident shareholder and manager, and shareholder Gregory F. Lunny.

The law office, at 29152 Chapel Park Drive in Wesley Chapel, opened in 2014. Slater practices in litigation and civil trial work.

Rogers Tower was founded in 1905 and has eight Florida locations including in Jacksonville, Orlando and St. Augustine.

For information, call the law office at (813) 995-6444.

Spanish dining
100 Montaditos Wiregrass is serving up a taste of Spain at The Shops at Wiregrass. The restaurant recreates the 19th century feel of a Spanish tavern, serving its signature Montaditos – a crunchy Spanish roll filled with traditional ingredients such as Serrano ham, tortillas and chorizo sauce. The company was founded in 2000 and has locations in Miami, West Palm Beach and Orlando.

100 Montaditos is located at 2000 Piazza Ave., at Wiregrass in Wesley Chapel.

For information, visit us.100montaditos.com.

New business
Campus Gear will be hosting a grand opening and ribbon cutting on May 7 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at 32745 State Road 52 in San Antonio. The new business will offer Saint Leo University Official products along with other collegiate items. The ribbon cutting is set for 5:45 p.m.

For information, call Campus Gear at (813) 783-4364.

Lennar promotion
Lennar has promoted building executive Jeffrey A. Morin to vice president of sales for its Tampa division. Morin will develop strategies for achieving sales goals and manage the sales teams in Lennar’s Pasco County communities.

Morin has more than 17 years of business management experience, with 12 years in the homebuilding industry. He has had key positions at Lennar for more than five years in marketing, purchasing and most recently as planning manager creating a department that oversaw land development and grand openings in more than 50 new communities in central Florida.

Lennar’s Tampa division, which builds new single-family and townhomes priced from the $100,000 to the $400,000, is currently building in 39 communities in the Tampa Bay market.

Chamber breakfast
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce will have its monthly breakfast meeting on May 7 from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., at the Golden Corral, 6855 Gall Blvd. Zephyrhills Economic Development Council is the sponsor.

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

Open house
Oasis Pregnancy Center Wesley Chapel will have an open house on May 11 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., to celebrate the center’s second anniversary. There will be tours, food, fun and friends. Bring business cards for special drawings.

Oasis is located at 5854 Argerian Drive, Suite 103, Wesley Chapel.

For information, call the center at (813) 618-5037.

Dade City Optimist
The Optimist Club of Dade City will meet on May 12 at 6 p.m., at the First National of Pasco, 13315 U.S. 301 in Dade City.

For information, call (352) 206-9370, or email to .

East Pasco Networking Group
The East Pasco Networking Group will meet May 12 at Rose’s Café at 38426 Fifth Ave., in Zephyrhills.

Networking begins at 8 a.m., with the meeting starting at 8:30 a.m.

Kurt Browning, Pasco County’s school superintendent, is the guest speaker.

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

Business tips
Anyone looking for tips to improve their business is invited to Business Link on May 13 at 7:30 a.m., at Quality Inn & Suites, 6815 Gall Blvd., Zephyrhills. The gathering offers tools, tips and networking to strengthen your business. A complimentary breakfast will be provided.

For information, contact Rebecca at (352) 588-1356, or email .

Business seminar
The Pasco-Hernando State College will host BizGROW2.0 on May 14 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the college’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass. The half-day conference is for entrepreneurs, start up business owners and established business owners, and will include panel discussions, advice and inspiration on growing your business and lots of networking.

The cost is $30 per person, or $35 per person after May 12. Registration is required. For information, visit PascoEdc.com/events.

Breakfast meeting
Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will host its Wednesday Morning Networking on May 20 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., at Hungry Harry’s Family Bar-B-Que, 3116 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. The cost is $7 and includes breakfast.

There will be a short networking presentation followed by an opportunity for each attendee to do a “30- second commercial.”

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

Taste of Boston relocates
Taste of Boston plans to relocate from 1944 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in the Wiregrass area, to a shopping plaza at 1930 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Lutz. The seafood restaurant will close its location on Bruce B. Downs on May 31, according to manager Ashley Walker.

By mid-June, Taste of Boston will reopen on Land O’ Lakes with more space, an outdoor patio and live music on weekends.

Wesley Chapel networking group
Networking for Your Success meets every Thursday at 8 a.m., at Lexington Oaks Country Club, 2615 Lexington Oaks Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

Cost is $5, and annual membership to the group is $79.

Taste of Boston to relocate
Taste of Boston plans to relocate from 1944 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in the Wiregrass area, to a shopping plaza at 1930 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Lutz.

The seafood restaurant will close its location on Bruce B. Downs on May 31, according to manager Ashley Walker. By mid-June Taste of Boston will reopen on Land O’ Lakes Boulevard with more space, an outdoor patio and live music on weekends.

Manufacturers job fair
The Pasco-Hernando State College TRADE Grant Office will host the Florida Manufacturing Career Fair on April 22 from 1 to 4 p.m., at the college’s Spring Hill Campus, 450 Beverly Court. The Career Source Pasco Hernando, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, the Manufacturers Association of Florida and the Upper Tampa Bay Manufacturing Association also are sponsors.

The fair will bring job seekers together with representatives of the manufacturing industry.

Employers and job seekers should contact (727) 816-3345 or to register for this free event.

For more information visit PHSC.edu/mfg-cf.

Awards
Pasco Economic Development Council’s Smart Start incubator program received honorable mention at the 23rd Annual Future of the Region Awards ceremony in St. Petersburg on March 27. The awards are hosted annually by the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council to single out achievements in the public and private sectors for resource planning and management in the Tampa Bay region.

The incubator program mentors emerging and startup companies. Pasco County also received first place awards in the categories of development and infrastructure and going green, and second place award in community service.

Economic briefing
The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce will host its monthly economic development briefing on April 23 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at the Hoosier Grille, located within Heritage Isles Golf & Country Club, 10630 Plantation Bay Drive.

Guest speaker is Chris Alvarez, chief financial officer of the Florida Medical Clinic. He will discuss plans to open an 80,000-square-foot medical facility on Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, next to the Florida Hospital.

The cost is $15 including lunch. Register online by 3 p.m., April 22. Guests should pay online, as no credit cards will be accepted at the door.

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

Saint Leo University students
A class assignment with a new Tampa Bay area technology company, Entangle Media, became a real world experience for Saint Leo University students. Rae-Kwon Andrews, Tatiyana Cosme, Cedric Blatch and Elizabeth Schilling assisted the company in its app launch of DealMyBrand.com, a new social media management program.

Entangle Media offers a range of Internet services including web design and maintenance. Saint Leo professor Emma Brown collaborated with James Chittenden, consultant with the Small Business Development Center at University of South Florida, in placing the students at Entangle Media.

Learning center opens
Bricks4Kidz will host a ribbon cutting on April 23 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., at the office of the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce, 6013 Wesley Chapel Blvd.

The learning center will operate at the New Tampa YMCA Meadow Pointe clubhouse and Seven Oaks. It will provide a unique hands-on interactive curriculum focused on STEM concepts (science, technology, engineering and math). Technology and engineering-based camps will be available. More locations will be added.

For information, visit Bricks4Kidz.com/florida-wesleychapel/, or email .

Weight loss clinic
Come to the ribbon cutting for Florida Aesthetics and Medical Weight Loss on April 28 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at 14945 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. Guests can meet the doctors and practitioners who offer a range of services including anti-aging Botox and fillers, laser skin and vein treatment, skin rejuvenation and medical weight loss.

For information, call (813) 345-4044, or visit FloridaAesthetics.com.

East Pasco Networking Group
The East Pasco Networking Group will meet April 28 at Rose’s Café at 38426 Fifth Ave., in Zephyrhills.

Networking begins at 8 a.m., with the meeting starting at 8:30 a.m.

Mike Wells Sr., Pasco County’s property appraiser, is the guest speaker.

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

Networking breakfast
Calling all professionals. Join us for networking and a free continental breakfast on April 30 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., at The Commons on Pretty Pond, 38130 Pretty Pond Road, Zephyrhills.

For information, call (813) 779-4501, or email .

YMCA in New Tampa
The New Tampa Family YMCA will celebrate its grand opening on April 30 from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., at 16221 Compton Drive. Tour the facility and enjoy light refreshments. The facility features an outdoor conditioning area for strength training for adults, teens and children, who want to get active, fight the obesity epidemic and improve overall health. The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce will host the free event.

Non-members who mention the Wesley Chapel chamber ribbon cutting or the new outdoor conditioning area will not pay a join fee. This offer is valid from April 30 through May 7.

For information, call (813) 866-9622.

Business seminar
The Pasco-Hernando State College will host BizGROW2.0 on May 14 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the college’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass. The half-day conference and entrepreneur exchange is for entrepreneurs, start-up business owners and established business owners, and will include panel discussions, advice and inspiration on growing your business and lots of networking.

The cost is $30 per person or $35 per person after May 12. Registration is required. For information, visit PascoEdc.com.

Business Link available monthly
Business Link, a monthly small business gathering hosted by the San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union, meets the second Wednesday of each month beginning at 7:30 a.m.

The meeting is designed to provide a networking and information-sharing platform for the business community.

For locations, details and to reserve a seat, email , or call (352) 588-2732, ext. 1237.

Wesley Chapel networking group
Networking for Your Success meets every Thursday at 8 a.m., at Lexington Oaks Country Club, 2615 Lexington Oaks Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

Cost is $5, and annual membership to the group is $79.