The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Business Digest

Business Digest (09-25-24): Partnership improves affordable housing

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Here is a look at the kitchen after renovations to Armature Place Apartments. Photo courtesy of  Hillsborough County

Hillsborough, Corporation improve affordable housing

TAMPA  – Hillsborough County and the Corporation to Develop Communities of Tampa recently celebrated the acquisition and improvement of a 96-unit affordable housing complex near Busch Gardens.

Armature Place Apartments offers one- and two-bedroom rental apartments for residents making 80% or less of Area Median Income. 

The year-long project involved extensive renovations, including new kitchen and bathroom cabinets and countertops, flooring and appliances. Other work included major HVAC and plumbing improvements, new sidewalks and the addition of a racquetball court.

Hillsborough County contributed $16.2 million in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act to help the Corporation to Develop Communities of Tampa purchase and rehabilitate the apartment complex.

 

Sen. Burgess to talk with chamber

WESLEY CHAPEL – Sen. Danny Burgess will meet with the business community during the North Tampa Bay Chamber’s next Coffee & Conversation event. 

Coffee & Conversation will take place from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Oct. 1 at Fairfield Inn & Suites Tampa-Wesley Chapel, 2650 Lajuana Blvd. Admission costs $10. Seating is limited. Online registration is required. 

On the web: https://northtampabaychamber.com/

 

Flagship Bank has new chief administrative officer

CLEARWATER – Amy Perdek has joined Flagship Bank, a subsidiary of West Florida Bank Corporation, as executive vice president/chief administrative officer. 

Perdek will oversee the bank’s daily operations and administrative functions, ensuring internal operations remain seamless by developing and implementing policies, managing budgets and ensuring regulatory compliance.

“Her expertise in process optimization and client service, along with a strategic approach to operations, will strengthen our ability to serve our customers and community,” said David Key, president and CEO of Flagship Bank. “Perdek is the right leader to help us continue our growth and uphold our commitment to excellence.”

 

Business Digest (09-18-24): Pasco offers Brownfields grant program

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Program explores revitalizing commercial properties

HUDSON – Do you own commercial property?  Are you thinking about buying property to expand your business or build a new one? 

If so, Pasco County’s Office of Economic Growth invites you to learn about its Brownfields Redevelopment Grant Program.

This funding, while helping you to assess and plan for cleanup of your commercial property, also ensures future protection should additional issues be found following initial reports. 

While focusing on property with possible contamination from prior use, the Brownfields program also includes blighted or semi-blighted properties, and is available for all of Pasco County.

The event takes place from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 18 at Hudson Regional Library, 8012 Library Road. 

Learn how Pasco’s Brownfields Grant Program, funded by the Environmental Protection Agency, can offer free assistance site assessments, phase I and II reports, and cleanup planning. Discover how these benefits can help redevelop or resell commercial property. 

 

Conference to empower minority-owned businesses

TAMPA – Kelvin McCree, chief learning officer of Laser Focus Leadership Solutions, will serve as keynote speaker for the Minority Enterprise Development Corp’s MED Conference 2024. 

The conference is built around the theme “Inspire, Innovate, Influence: Unlocking Potential & Empowering Growth. It takes place Oct. 3 and 4 at the Sheraton Tampa Brandon. 

The conference allows networking among minority businesses, in addition to workshops and an awards luncheon. 

Sponsors include Hillsborough County and the Hillsborough Transit Authority. 

On the web: www.flmedc.org

 

Nominate outstanding businesses 

WESLEY CHAPEL – The North Tampa Bay Chamber is accepting nominations for its 2024 Celebrating Excellence in Business Awards.

Nominations will recognize excellence in collaboration, Inclusivity, Innovation and Integrity as well as a community hero. 

The event will include networking, an awards ceremony, heavy hors d’oeuvres and cash bar. 

It takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 14 at the PHSC Performing Arts Center, 8657 Old Pasco Road. Registration costs $60. Register at northtampabaychamber.com.

 

Suncoast Credit Union Foundation supports Better Together 

TAMPA – Better Together, a nonprofit dedicated to families and children, has received a $5,000 donation from Suncoast Credit Union Foundation to support its programs.

These funds will support Better Together’s Better Families program in Hillsborough County, which builds strong families and prevents the need for foster care by empowering parents with meaningful connections, work opportunities, mentoring and short-term care for children. 

Suncoast Credit Union, Florida’s largest credit union, founded the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation to promote the education, health and emotional well-being of children in the community. Each time a Suncoast member uses their debit or credit card, the credit union donates two cents to the Foundation to fund local initiatives. Since its inception in 1990, the Foundation has raised and donated over $45 million.

 

Business Digest (09/11/24): Noire Nail Bar secures location

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Noire Nail Bar has over 400 locations throughout the Southeast, including 10 in Central Florida. Photo courtesy of CrossMarc Services LLC

Noire Nail Bar secures location

WESLEY CHAPEL —  CrossMarc Services LLC represented the owners of boutique salon chain Noire Nail Bar in a new long-term lease of 2,100 square feet at 32265 Overpass Road.

It will open with a staff of 20 in the fourth quarter of this year at Publix-anchored Epperson at Innovation Springs, which is the retail piece of a 1,000-home community with a 7.7-acre crystal lagoon in Epperson Ranch.

Flavia Kanyago, vice president of sales and leasing for CrossMarc Services, negotiated the transaction on behalf of the tenant. The listing agent David Conn with CBRE represented the landlord, Epperson Ranch Retail.    

 

Mike Gross

Outplay Marketing earns recognition

LAND O’ LAKES – Outplay Marketing, a digital marketing agency, has been awarded the title of Best of Florida Regional Winner for 2024. 

Outplay Marketing specializes in delivering digital marketing strategies that help businesses grow, engage their audience and build lasting reputations. 

The agency offers review and reputation management, website creation, SEO, social media lead generation, content marketing and other services.

“Winning the Best of Florida Regional Award is a tremendous honor and a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team,” owner and CEO Mike Gross said. “We are passionate about helping businesses thrive in the digital landscape, and this award is a reflection of our commitment to delivering exceptional results for our clients.”

On the web: outplaymarketing.com.

 

Ellianos Coffee offers a Southern twist on traditional coffee shop fare. Photo courtesy of Ellianos Coffee

Ellianos Coffee signs four-store deal

TAMPA BAY – Ellianos Coffee announced an expansion into the Tampa Bay area with a new four-store development agreement. 

The expansion into the Tampa metro market follows the drive-thru specialty coffee brand’s growth in other parts of Florida. It has already expanded into Orlando and other areas of Central Florida. Ellianos has eight stores in the Jacksonville area.

Ellianos Coffee offers a Southern twist on traditional coffee shop fare. It currently operates 54 stores.

 

Chamber looks for board members

WESLEY CHAPEL – The North Tampa Bay Chamber is accepting nominations for its board of directors. 

The chamber will have four board positions available for the 2025 fiscal year. The chamber could use leaders from the legal, finance, and healthcare sectors.

Nominees must be chamber members in good standing. 

On the web: northtampabaychamber.com/

 

Chamber celebrates Palm Endovascular

WESLEY CHAPEL – The North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce will help Palm Endovascular celebrate its grand opening.

The free event takes place from 4 to 6 p.m. Sept. 18 at 2344 Crestover Lane. Light refreshments and snacks will be available.

On the web:northtampabaychamber.com

 

Chamber warms up with networking

TAMPA – The North Tampa Bay Chamber invites members for some early business networking during a Coffee Social.

The event takes place from 9 to 10 a.m. Sept. 18 at USF Credit Union, 20610 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.

On the web: northtampabaychamber.com/

 

Better Together partners with church for job fair

TAMPA  – Better Together is partnering with Exciting Central Tampa Baptist Church to host a community job fair.

The church-based job fair connects job seekers with local employers who are ready to hire, while also providing resources to facilitate stronger connections and more hires. Free one-on-one job coaching sessions are available to job seekers to review resumes and interviewing skills, and additional services will be available onsite.

The job fair will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 3 at Exciting Central Tampa Baptist Church, located at 2923 N. Tampa St. Registration is open for hiring employers and job seekers.

Register at BetterTogetherUS.org/ExcitingCentral or by texting “JOBS” to 844-987-3949. 

Better Together’s “Better Jobs” program has helped 45,000 applicants connect with employment opportunities across 24 states. 

 

Commission seeks applicants for vacancies

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Bar Board of Governors is seeking applicants for two vacancies on the Florida Judicial Qualifications Commission. 

The vacancies are for two attorneys to serve six-year terms commencing Jan. 1, 2025. Applicants must be members of The Florida Bar in good standing.

The 15-member commission is authorized under Article V, Section 12, Florida Constitution, to investigate complaints against judges whose conduct demonstrates a present unfitness to hold office and to recommend disciplinary action to the Supreme Court for any judge whose conduct during term of office warrants such discipline. 

Persons interested in applying for these vacancies may download the Application for Special Appointment or call Bar headquarters at 850-561-3127, to obtain the application form.  

Business Digest (09/04/24): Design firm expands in Pasco

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Florida Design Consultants considered other sites for expansion but landed at 54 Crossings with the help of the Pasco Economic Development Council. Photo courtesy of Pasco EDC

Florida Design Consultants expands in Pasco County

Florida Design Consultants recently moved to a 9,000-square-foot office at 54 Crossings and invested over $300,000 in relocation expenses to the new space.

The new location will allow Florida Designs Consultant to add 12 new positions above the average county wage.

“We are pleased to continue our growth in a new space that aligns with our focus on teamwork and collaboration,” said Ed Rogers, CEO of Florida Design Consultants. “The location’s convenience and the bright, more open office design helps create an energized atmosphere for our team.”

Florida Design Consultants offers civil engineering, land planning, landscape architecture and environmental services. The company has been serving clients throughout Florida for over 30 years.

“Florida Design Consultants chose a wonderful location as they continue to flourish in Pasco County,” said Bill Cronin, president and CEO of Pasco Economic Development Council. “I look forward to continuing to develop our relationship with them not only as our existing industry, but as Pasco EDC investors as well.”

The Pasco EDC provided advisory services to Florida Design Consultants, helping to identify available buildings in Pasco County, as well as local and state workforce development programs to raise awareness of career opportunities within the company, particularly for high-skilled workers in surveying and civil engineering. 

The Pasco EDC Business Retention and Expansion program will also provide ongoing assistance with recruiting and training new employees through the WorkforceCONNECT Program.

“Florida Design Consultants’ expansion is a testament to the strength of Pasco County’s business environment,” said Pasco County Commissioner Lisa Yeager. “Their decision to invest in our community not only brings new jobs but also underscores the growing opportunities for Pasco County.”

 

This image still taken from award-winning videos posted to YouTube shows how Pasco County uses rich imagery and humor to break down difficult topics like biosolids and lost pooches. 

Pasco County wins gold, bronze Telly Award

Pasco County’s media relations and communications division has clinched two Telly Awards, which honor excellence in video and television across all screens. 

The team won its first gold Telly Award for the video, “A Stinky Story: How Pasco County is turning Poop into Profits,” which explains how the county turns biosolids into fertilizer.  

The team garnered a bronze award for the video, “Finding Home: Pasco Offers Steps to Help Strays Get Home,” which helps connect lost dogs with their worried owners. 

“This is an incredible honor for our Media Relations & Communications team and for our entire organization,” said Pasco County Administrator Mike Carballa. “This is the MR&C team’s fifth Telly Award, highlighting our dedication and commitment to sharing our stories with the community we serve.”

 

Owner talks about minimizing tax liabilities

Tiffany Watson, owner of All Abora Financial Tax Preparation Service, will speak at the North Tampa Bay Chamber’s next Leading Ladies event.

Watson will talk about minimizing tax liabilities with proven strategies. 

The event takes place from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Sept. 6 at the North Tampa Bay Chamber – Wiregrass Office, 28210 Paseo Drive #190, Wesley Chapel. Admission costs $15. Register in advance at northtampabaychamber.com.

Leading Ladies is a networking series designed to uplift women in the chamber. 

 

Fancy Flea Vintage heads to downtown Zephyrhills

The renowned Fancy Flea Vintage Market will make its way to downtown Zephyrhills as part of its 2025 Spring Show Tour, according to Main Street Zephyrhills

Vintage on 5th Avenue will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 1, 2025, at 38500 5th Ave, Zephyrhills.

Voted as one of the top vintage markets in the country, Fancy Flea’s Vintage on 5th Avenue will feature a curated selection of vendors. Attendees can expect antiques, chic furniture, prairie and farmhouse styles, cottage and mid-century pieces and repurposed items.

“We are beyond thrilled to welcome The Fancy Flea to the Zephyrhills historic downtown district,” said Linda Starr-Kerns, president of the Main Street Zephyrhills Board of Directors. “The ‘Vintage on 5th Avenue’ event will be more than just a market. It’ll be an experience that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship and community. We look forward to seeing both locals and visitors come out to enjoy everything Fancy Flea has to offer.”

Visit www.fancyflea.net for details. 

Business Digest 08/28/2024

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(Courtesy of Pasco Economic Development Council)

Food tech company opens in Pasco
Xgenex, a technology company specializing in food safety through innovative AI-driven solutions, has opened a 3,655-square-foot facility at The Edison Suncoast, according to a news release. Xgenex focuses on eliminating pathogens like salmonella and E. coli using FDA and USDA-approved ingredients. The new facility includes the Xymethius Artificial Intelligence Operations Center and will support local workforce development through an internship program. For more information about the company, visit Xgenex.com

Rate agreement approved
The Florida Public Service Commission has approved Duke Energy Florida’s multi-year rate agreement, which will reduce typical residential electric bills by an estimated 5% in January 2025, according to a news release. The agreement supports investments in reducing outages, enhancing response times, expanding clean energy generation and exploring new technologies. Over the three-year period, there will be an average annual bill increase of 2%, but costs from fuel under-recovery and storm restoration will be removed by the end of 2024, leading to lower bills in 2025. For more information about the agreement and the benefits to Duke Energy Florida customers, visit Duke-Energy.com/FL-Rates.

New SBDC office in Polk County
The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the University of South Florida is expanding with a new satellite office in Polk County, according to a news release. Starting Sept. 4, the office will be open every first and third Wednesday of the month at the Haines City Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) building, 303 Ledwidth Ave., at Lake Eva Park in Haines City. Randy Hayes, a business consultant from the Florida SBDC at USF, will provide free consultations at this location. The expansion aims to offer more accessible support for local entrepreneurs and businesses in Haines City. For more information, visit SBDCTampaBay.com.

St. Leo Roundabout Business Day
The Town of St. Leo will host a Roundabout Business Day on Sept. 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 33024 CR 52 (the Town Center property). This event aims to support local businesses affected by the CR 52 closure due to roundabout installation, according to a news release. Attendees can enjoy food and drink specials, a bounce house, games, contests and “touch-a-truck” vehicles. The event will be family friendly. For more information about St. Leo, visit TownOfStLeo.org

Halloween Event at rec complex
Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex will host a Halloween event on Oct. 18 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., with setup beginning at 4:45 p.m, according to a news release. The event will be held at the football field at 3032 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes. Businesses and organizations are invited to participate as vendors, where they can distribute candy and promotional items (sales are not permitted). Tables and chairs will be provided, and vendors are encouraged to bring canopies and decorations. To reserve a spot, email , or call 813-929-1220.

Fresh Kitchen opens new location
Fresh Kitchen opened its 15th location at 17629 Harpers Run Road in Lutz on Aug. 20. To celebrate, the restaurant hosted Friends & Family events on Aug. 18 and Aug. 19, featuring complimentary bowls and accepting donations to support Vibrant for All, a local mental health organization. Known for its build-your-own-bowl concept with healthy, fresh ingredients, Fresh Kitchen also introduced a new Online Ordering Drive-Thru at this location. For more information, visit EatFreshKitchen.com.

Achieva names new president
Achieva Credit Union has appointed Renee Grauer as president of Retail Sales and Service, according to a news release. Grauer brings over 40 years of banking experience from her previous role at Wells Fargo, where she led regional turnarounds and improved branch performance. At Achieva, she will oversee retail banking operations, aiming to enhance member service and drive growth. Grauer is originally from North Carolina and a long-time Tallahassee resident. 

For more information about Achieva Credit Union, visit AchievaCU.com. 

Habitat names new executive director
Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas, West Pasco, and Hernando Counties has appointed Whitney Dinu as executive director to lead its expansion into Hernando County, according to a news release. Dinu, who has more than 15 years of experience in marketing and community engagement, will oversee growth initiatives and build strategic partnerships. She will also help establish the Hernando Leadership Council to advocate for Habitat’s mission. The organization recently acquired its first lot in Hernando County and plans to break ground soon.

For more information, visit HabitatPWP.org.

GuideWell and Florida Blue name new director to board
Will Weatherford, managing partner of Weatherford Capital and chairman of the University of South Florida’s board of trustees, has joined the board of directors for GuideWell Mutual Holding Corporation, a health solutions company, and Florida Blue, a health insurer, according to a news release. Weatherford brings experience in technology, finance and business services. Weatherford previously served as the youngest speaker of the Florida House of Representatives.

Business Digest 08/21/2024

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The Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County received a $500,000 award from FlordaCommerce. (Courtesy of Florida Commerce)

Tech grants awarded
FloridaCommerce awarded over $11 million through the ConnectedFlorida Digital Connectivity Technology Program to 15 local education, workforce, and community development partners across Florida. These funds will enhance digital literacy, education, training, mentorship and employment opportunities, particularly in small and rural communities, according to a news release. 

The recipients were: Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County ($500,000), Bridge To Hope W.O.C., Inc. ($404,693), Centro Campesino ($779,018), Figgers Foundation ($5,499,580), Gadsden County Board of County Commissioners ($355,200), Hardee County Industrial Development Authority ($391,380), Helping Advance and Nurture the Development of Youth, Inc. (HANDY) ($242,571), Miami-Dade County ($1,417,600), OIC of South Florida ($408,313), Pasco County Board of County Commissioners ($149,765), Polk State College ($114,642), Santa Rosa County ($100,000), S.E.E.K Foundation, Inc. ($496,125), St. Petersburg College Board of Trustees ($258,735), and The District Board of Trustees of Miami-Dade College ($462,866)

For more information, visit FloridaJobs.org.

(Courtesy of Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas County and West Pasco Counties)

Habitat Women Build
Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties has launched the 2024 Women Build, inviting female leaders from the Tampa Bay area to help construct a home for a local single mother, according to a news release. This initiative offers participants exclusive build days and opportunities to collaborate with other professionals. Honorary Co-Chairs Heather Ford, CFO at Power Design, and Marsha Droste, Partner at Pete & Shorty’s and Hooters, will help recruit and raise awareness for the project.

For more information, visit HabitatPWP.org/womenbuild.

The AmSkills Innovation Center (Courtesy of Pasco EDC)

Rapid Prototyping Bootcamp
The Pasco Economic Development Council’s SMARTstart entrepreneurship program has partnered with AmSkills to host a Pasco Rapid Prototyping Bootcamp, Sept. 23 to Sept. 27, at AmSkills Innovation Center, 4606 Darlington Road in Holiday. This five-day bootcamp is designed for entrepreneurs looking to develop their business ideas. Participants will learn to use tools like laser cutters, 3D printers and CNC machines, as well as gain knowledge on patenting and go-to-market strategies, according to a news release. After completing the bootcamp, they will receive a “LabPass,” granting access to labs and workshops for further product development. The bootcamp costs $545 and includes lunch.

For more information and to register, visit PascoEDC.com/events/details/pasco-rapid-prototyping-bootcamp.

Duke awards nonprofits
To celebrate its 40th anniversary, the Duke Energy Foundation awarded $40,000 in grants to four nonprofit organizations in Florida, each receiving $10,000, according to a news release. The recipients are Feeding Florida, the Florida State Park Foundation, the American Red Cross, and Prospera (Hispanic Business Initiative Fund). These grants aim to support the organizations’ efforts in strengthening communities, providing food aid, preserving state parks, offering disaster relief, and supporting Hispanic entrepreneurs.

For more information, visit Duke-Energy.com/community/duke-energy-foundation/Florida. 

Emorys Rock Realty grand opening
The North Tampa Bay Chamber will host a grand opening and ribbon-cutting for Emorys Rock Realty on Aug.22  from 4 p.m to 7 p.m., at Signature Workspace, 28210 Paseo Drive in Wesley Chapel. The event is free and will include light bites and raffles.

Drive Now offers U-Haul
Drive Now Motors, 14230 N. Florida Ave., in Tampa, has become a U-Haul neighborhood dealer, offering U-Haul trucks, trailers, towing equipment and moving supplies. The

business, owned by Raouia Ben Youssef, now provides essential moving services to the community 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. To make a U-Haul reservation, call 813-498-0952, or visit Uhaul.com/Locations/Truck-Rentals-near-Tampa-FL-33613/033195.

Snowbird earns NHWA accreditation
Snowbird Home Patrol Home Watch Services in New Port Richey, a company founded by Jodie Sullivan, has earned its fifth-year accreditation from the National Home Watch Association (NHWA). Home Watch involves visual inspections of properties to identify any obvious issues while the owner is away, and the NHWA sets standards for home watch and absentee homeowner services across the U.S. and Canada, according to a news release. For more information, visit SnowBirdHomePatrol.com.

Business Digest 07/31/2024

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Habitat CEO Mike Sutton (Courtesy of Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties)

CEO named to 2024 Tampa Titan 100 List
Mike Sutton, president and CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties, has been named a 2024 Tampa Titan 100. This program recognizes Tampa’s top 100 CEOs and C-level executives for their exceptional leadership, vision and passion, according to a news release. 

The 2024 honorees will be featured in a limited-edition Titan 100 book, profiled online and honored at an awards ceremony on Oct. 24, at The Motor Enclave in Tampa, with opportunities to network throughout the year.

Second Cycle opens in Tampa
Second Cycle opened its first charitable donation center in Tampa on July 18, at 12898 Race Track Road. The grand opening generated proceeds benefiting Clean International, a nonprofit focused on providing clean water worldwide. The center aims to reduce household waste by offering a convenient drop-off location for clothing and household items, promoting environmental responsibility, and supporting global clean water initiatives, according to a news release. For more details, visit SecondCycle.com.

Leading Ladies Network meeting
The North Tampa Bay Chamber Leading Ladies Network will meet on Aug. 2 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., at the North Tampa Bay Chamber – Wiregrass Office located in the Signature Workspace Building, at 28210 Paseo Drive, Wesley Chapel. The group aims to connect, collaborate and uplift women from various fields, according to a news release. The speaker will be Dr. Davina Jones, campus provost, Pasco-Hernando State College Porter Campus. The event costs $15 per person and online registration is required. For more information, visit NorthTampaBayChamber.com.

New fire rescue PIO welcomed
Pasco County Government announced the addition of Jessica Imbimbo as the new public information officer (PIO) for Pasco County Fire Rescue. A native of Pasco County, Jessica returns after serving as PIO for Lexington County, South Carolina, where she managed communications for over 35 departments, including public safety, according to a news release. Imbimbo can be reached at 727-207-5751 or .

Annual awards registration opens
Registration is now open for the 36th Pasco EDC Annual Awards, to be held on Sept. 5 from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at the Pasco-Hernando State College Instructional Performing Arts Center (IPAC) in Wesley Chapel. The awards are one of Pasco County’s premier business events, attracting over 400 business and community leaders, including state legislators, county commissioners and city officials, and highlights local companies excelling in job creation, capital investment, technology, innovation and community service, according to a news release. For more information, visit PascoEDC.com.

BBB announces military and veterans initiative
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) serving West Florida will participate in the BBB Military & Veterans Initiative. This program, launched by the BBB Institute for Marketplace Trust, aims to educate and empower active-duty military personnel, veterans and their families on navigating the marketplace and securing their financial futures, according to a news release. The year-long “train-the-trainer” program will prepare trainers to deliver in-person and virtual education across the U.S., starting in Q3 2024, says the news release. For more information, visit BBBmarketplacetrust.org/military-veterans-initiative.

Business Digest 07/24/2024

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Florida ranks third in new business starts
A new study by Eton Venture Services reveals Wyoming as the state with the highest rate of business applications, at 7,149 per 100,000 people in 2022, with Delaware ranking second with 4,465, followed by Florida with 2,730, according to a news release. The study used county data from the U.S. Census Bureau to calculate these figures. West Virginia, with only 776 applications per 100,000 people, has the lowest rate. The rest of the top 10 states are Georgia, Colorado, Nevada, Utah, Mississippi, Montana and Louisiana. For more information, visit EtonVS.com.

Chiropractor seeks vendors
Terlep Chiropractic, 8466 Northcliffe Blvd., in Spring Hill, is seeking vendors for its annual Back to School Bash scheduled for Aug. 3 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Terlep will provide free school and sports physicals, as well as backpacks while supplies last. No tickets are needed for this community event. Interested vendors should visit the event page on Facebook at bit.ly/4ednPPd. 

Pasco EDC announces awards finalists
The Pasco Economic Development Council (Pasco EDC) has announced the finalists for its 36th Annual Awards, honoring businesses in Pasco County for outstanding achievements in economic development, according to a news release. 

The 11 companies selected based on their innovation, economic growth and community impact in 2023 are: BayCare Morton Plant North Bay Hospital, ConGlobal, Crestmark Pharmacy Services, Garyline, Infinity Aero Club, J.T.D. Enterprises Inc., Jon’s Gourmet Nutrition, OpenBuilds, Rocycle LLC, The Lit Advocate, and TRU Simulation + Training Inc.

The awards ceremony, scheduled for Sept. 5, will also recognize individuals, including Avis Phillips and the late Ted Phillips, for their exceptional contributions to economic development. The event, held at the Pasco-Hernando State College IPAC, is a key gathering for Tampa Bay and Pasco County leaders, featuring networking, dinner and the announcement of this year’s winners.

For more information, visit PascoEDC.com.

Business Digest 07/10/2024

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Scenthound Lutz ribbon-cutting
The North Tampa Bay Chamber (NTBC) will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Scenthound Lutz, a dog grooming service, on July 11 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at 17663 N. Dale Mabry Highway in Lutz, according to a news release. The event is free to attend. Light bites and cocktails will be served.

Laceleaf MedSpa grand opening
The North Tampa Bay Chamber (NTBC) will host a grand opening ceremony for Laceleaf MedSpa on July 11 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at 5490 Post Oak Blvd., in Wesley Chapel, according to a news release. The event is free to attend for NTBC members, and will offer refreshments, swag bags and live demos.

National board president named
Pasco County Community Development Director Marcy Esbjerg has been appointed as president of the National Community Development Association (NCDA) for a one-year term (2024-2025), according to a news release. Esbjerg, who joined Pasco County in 2018, will lead NCDA’s efforts in housing, homelessness, and community development initiatives. NCDA, comprising over 500 local governments, supports HUD community development programs. For more information, visit MyPas.co/CommDev.

U-Haul expands offerings in Tampa
U-Haul Co. of Florida has added Florida Safety Towing & Repairs Corp., 401 E. Henderson Ave., and Oldsmar Self Storage LLC, 13850 W. Hillsborough Ave., as neighborhood dealers in Tampa, according to a news release. Florida Safety Towing & Repairs will provide U-Haul trucks, towing equipment, moving supplies, Spanish language support, and in-store box pickup. Oldsmar Self Storage will offer U-Haul trucks and moving supplies. To reserve U-Haul products, visit uhaul.com/Locations/Truck-Rentals-near-Tampa-FL-33602/024571/.

New board at Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties has announced its Board of Directors for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, effective July 1, according to a news release. The Executive Committee includes:

  • Chair: Heather Ford, CFO, Power Design
  • Vice Chair: Frank Starkey, president, People Places LLC
  • Treasurer: Ken Ginel, EVP, CFO & treasurer, Raymond James Bank
  • Secretary: Chris Hackney, president, SBA and USDA Lending, Bayfirst National Bank
  • At-Large: Ian Peterson, founder & CEO, Dialed In Golf Solutions
  • At-Large: Chris Majeski, SVP, Head of Private Client Group Supervision, Raymond James
  • At-Large: Lynn Skelton, owner, ProSource of Port Richey
  • Non-voting Member: Mike Sutton, president & CEO

Habitat welcomes six new board members:

  • Jim Kirkpatrick, Florida market president, Republic Bank
  • Danielle Mauck, VP of Sponsored Programs & Research, BayCare Health System
  • Amber Okoye, founder & CEO, Rubicon International LLC
  • Jason Russek, managing senior VP, market president West Florida, City National Bank
  • Jon Theile, senior manager, Business Performance Corporate Services, AMGEN Inc.
  • Heidi Tuttle-Beisner, licensed commercial real estate broker/owner, Commercial Asset Partners Realty

For more information, call 727-536-4755, or visit www.habitatpwp.org. 

Business Digest 07/03/2024

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FiCare Grand Opening
A grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony will be held for FiCare – Healthcare’s Financial Planner on July 10 at 11 a.m., at 26644 Silver Maple Parkway in Wesley Chapel. Admission is free and there will be snacks, drinks and vendors, according to a news release.

Suncoast announces ZooTampa partnership
Suncoast Credit Union has announced a new partnership with ZooTampa at Lowry Park, offering benefits to its 1.2 million members, including a Buy One, Get One (BOGO) offer on zoo tickets from June 19 to Sept. 30, according to a news release. Members can use the BOGO promotion by presenting their Suncoast credit or debit card at the zoo’s ticket gates. Additionally, kids attending summer camp at ZooTampa can open a minor savings account with Suncoast, with the credit union matching the opening deposit up to $20. Suncoast also will be the presenting sponsor of a future zoo feature. For details, visit Suncoast.com/promo/zoo-tampa.

Pasco EDC Annual Awards event announced
The Pasco EDC Annual Awards will be on Sept. 5 from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at the Pasco-Hernando State College Instructional Performing Arts Center in Wesley Chapel. Now in its 36th year, it’s billed as a premier business event in Pasco County, attracting over 400 business and community leaders, including state legislators, county commissioners, and city officials, according to a news release. The event features the Annual Industry Awards, which honor local companies for achievements in job creation, capital investment, technology, innovation, and community service. Online registration is now open at PascoEDC.com/events/details/36th-annual-awards. For sponsorship opportunities, contact .

Organizations awarded Bell Seal
Several Tampa Bay organizations have received the 2024 Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health certification from Mental Health America, with the support of Tampa Bay Thrives, a local nonprofit, according to a press release. Bell Seal certification recognizes organizations meeting high standards for promoting worker mental health. The awarded organizations and their achievements are:

  • Champions for Children: Offers 100% no-cost health insurance and mental health services
  • Crisis Center of Tampa Bay: Provides self-care days, a DEI&B Committee and self-care rooms
  • Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County: Revised policies to include six weeks of paid parental leave and allows sick leave for mental health
  • Polk County Board of County Commissioners: Provides mental health support through various programs, including an on-site wellness coach and free gym access.
  • The Mosaic Company: Offers guided self-care, therapy and counseling services.

For more information, visit TampaBayThrives.org.