The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Business Digest

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.

Business Digest 06/26/2024

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NTBC Final Friday
The North Tampa Bay Chamber (NTBC) will host Final Friday — a popular networking event for members and other business professionals to meet in a casual business setting — on June 28 at 4 p.m., at Main Event, 2839 Creek Grass Way, Lutz, according to a news release. The event is free to attend and appetizers will be provided. For more information, visit NorthTampaBayChamber.com.

Emergency loan program for flooding
The Florida Department of Commerce has announced the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, activated by Governor DeSantis, according to a news release. This program allocates $3 million to support small businesses in South Florida affected by recent severe flooding. Eligible businesses in Broward, Collier, Lee, Miami-Dade and Sarasota counties, including sole proprietors, can apply for short-term, zero-interest loans to address economic or physical damages, the release says. Applications are open until Aug. 12, or until the funds are depleted. For more information and to apply, visit FloridaJobs.org/EBL.

BBB announces new board chair
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) of West Florida announced Mark Vernick as its new chair on June 18, according to a news release. Vernick, founder and principal of Vernick Financial, has been a board member for 23 years and previously served as chair from 2009 to 2014. He holds a CFP accreditation and an AIF designation. Outgoing chair Steven Klein, vice president at Klein & Heuchan Inc., was recognized for his leadership and will continue to serve on the board, where he has been a member since 2002.

Fertilizer training offered The UF/IFAS Pasco County Cooperative Extension will offer Green Industries Best Management Practices Training for landscaping professionals who apply fertilizers commercially, on July 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the New Port Richey Public Library, 5939 Main St., New Port Richey. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required by July 7. The cost is $30 for green industry professionals and $20 for employees of the Pasco County School Board, Pasco County Government, and City of New Port Richey. For more information and to register, visit mypas.co/JulyGIBMP.

Board of Directors seeking nominations
The Pasco-Hernando Workforce Board is seeking nominations for a vacancy in the Business category on its Board of Directors, according to a news release. The board oversees workforce development in Pasco and Hernando counties by managing state and federal employment and training funds. Nominees should be high-level decision-makers (e.g., owners, CEOs, COOs) within businesses that provide job opportunities in Pasco County, the release says. Directors are volunteers serving terms up to eight years. For nominations or more information, contact Nicole Beverley at or 727-326-1925.

Business Digest 06/19/2024

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Belmar Pharmacy ribbon-cutting (Courtesy of Pasco EDC)

Belmar Pharmacy opens
The Pasco Economic Development Council (Pasco EDC) has welcomed Belmar Pharmacy to Pasco County, according to a news release.

The company has invested $15 million in a 25,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art compounding facility within Asturia Corporate Center in Odessa, where it expects to add 150 new professional positions over the next three years.

Belmar is the largest national compounding pharmacy organization focused on hormone health and wellness, the release says.

NTBC Lunch and Learn
The North Tampa Bay Chamber (NTBC) will host a “Lunch N Learn” session on “Navigating Advertising Trends in Today’s Market,” presented by Jessica Petroski, on June 20 at 11:30 a.m., at the NTBC Suncoast Office, 16703 Early Riser Ave., Land O’ Lakes. Attendance costs $15 and seating is limited. For more information, visit NorthTampaBayChamber.com.

Women-n-Charge meeting
Women-n-Charge will meet on June 26, at Plantation Palms Golf Club, 23253 Plantation Palms Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. Doors open for registration, early networking and vendor shopping at 11:15 a.m., followed by the meeting at noon. The cost for members is $21; guests are $25. Payment should be made by May 20. Register online at Women-n-Charge.com/meetings/. For more information and to RSVP (required), email .

NTBC Member Orientation
The North Tampa Bay Chamber (NTBC) also will host a new member orientation with chamber president/CEO Hope Kennedy, on June 26 at 9 a.m., at the NTBC Suncoast Office, 16703 Early Riser Ave., Land O’ Lakes. Attendance is free and registration is required. For more information, visit NorthTampaBayChamber.com.

City of Zephyrhills Career Fair
The City of Zephyrhills will host a Career Fair on June 28 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Zephyrhills Public Library, 5347 Eighth St. Call 813-780-0064 for information.

SunLake High School bands seeks sponsors
The Bands of Sunlake High School, known as the “Soaring Sound,” are seeking sponsors for the 2024-2025 season, according to a news release. The Marching Band will be competing in the Bands of America in Orlando and Indoor Percussion and Winter Guard will compete in the WGI World Championships in Dayton, Ohio. There are four levels of sponsorship packages ranging from $250 to $1,000 offering various promotion opportunities. Interested businesses should contact Band Director Alan Bonko at .

Pasco County Farm Bureau visits Congress
Members of the Pasco County Farm Bureau visited with Florida’s Congressional delegation in Washington D.C., May 14 to May 16 to discuss various federal policies that affect farmers and ranchers, including priorities for the 2024 Farm Bill and agricultural labor reform, according to a news release.

The Pasco County Farm Bureau is headquartered in Dade City and serves over 3,000 member-families, the release says.

 

Business Digest 06/12/2024

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The CO.STARTERS for Causes cohort graduates. (Courtesy of Pasco Economic Development Council)

CO.STARTERS cohort completes program
The Pasco Economic Development Council announced that its CO.STARTERS for Causes cohort successfully completed the inaugural program. The nine-week program was designed to provide local nonprofit organizations training to “scale and meet the demands of our growing community,” by engaging on topics including “knowing their customer, finding the right solution, marketing, financial modeling and legal considerations,” according to a news release. The cohort members were:

  • Patti Templeton – One Community Now
  • Debbie Proulx – NAMI Pasco
  • Debi Shackowsky – Marjorie’s Hope
  • Lexa Duno – LILLY Education Foundation
  • Freddie Hinson – Nature Coast Community Development Corporation
  • Julia Pauls – ERProjectExtreme/End Recidivism
  • Kelly Sinn – Sunrise Domestic and Sexual Violence Center
  • Felice Flake – The 502 Project
  • Beth Aker – ChipZ and Meals on Wheels Pasco

For more information about CO.STARTERS for Causes, contact SMARTstart Program Director Dan Mitchell at , or visit SmartStartPasco.com/CoStarters.

Professional networking breakfast
The Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center, 12118 Lake Blanche Drive in Odessa, will host a Professional Networking Breakfast on June 21 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., for anyone who works with or for a nonprofit as a business owner or organization. The topic of discussion will be how Pasco Libraries partners with nonprofits to both enhance library services and nonprofit exposure. A complimentary breakfast will be provided. Registration is required. Call 727-815-7126.

NTBC coffee social
The North Tampa Bay Chamber will host a coffee social on June 19 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., at SVB Restaurant, 6585 Simons Road, Zephyrhills. The networking event is free to attend and will offer light bites and coffee.

Best state economies ranked
The personal-finance website WalletHub ranked Florida seventh overall in its recently released report 2024’s Best & Worst State Economies. It compared 28 key indicators of economic performance and strength, including GDP growth and unemployment rate, according to a news release. Here’s how Florida ranked in various sub-categories:

First – Startup Activity
Second – Change in Nonfarm Payrolls
Seventh – Change in GDP
16th – Unemployment Rate
24th – Government Surplus/Deficit per Capita

For the full report, visit WalletHub.com/edu/states-with-the-best-economies/21697.

Black Business Loan Program open for applications
FloridaCommerce announced the opening of the application period for Loan Program Administrators to apply for the Black Business Loan Program (BBLP) for Fiscal Year 2024-2025, according to a news release. BBLP administrators provide “alternative lending opportunities and technical assistance to Black business enterprises that cannot obtain capital through conventional lending institutions but could otherwise compete successfully in the private sector,” according to the release. The application period is open until June 30, and new and current BBLP administrators may apply.

For more information, visit floridajobs.org/business-growth-and-partnerships/Small-and-Minority-Business-Resources/Small-Business-Innovation/black-business-loan-program, or contact Program Manager Kyle Parsons at .

Business Digest 05/29/2024

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Leading Ladies networking event
The North Tampa Bay Chamber Leading Ladies Network hosts a networking event at Florida Avenue Brewing, 2029 Arrowgrass Drive, Wesley Chapel, in the private event room, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., on the first Friday of each month. The next session will be June 7 and features author and motivational speaker Kiera Yore. Admission is $15 per person.

RISE ribbon-cutting
The North Tampa Bay Chamber will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony and grand opening for RISE Dispensary, 28053 Wesley Chapel Blvd., Wesley Chapel, on June 7 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event is free to attend and will feature swag and food to the first 100 patients.

Career resource workshop
The University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) will host a free career resource workshop at the One Stop Shop (formerly the Stallings Building), 15029 14th St., Dade City, on July 11 from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information and to register, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/career-resources-workshop-tickets-810169999277.

Suncoast launches treasury management
Florida’s largest credit union Suncoast Credit Union is partnering with Tru Treasury, a treasury management provider, to launch treasury management services. Its suite of commercial products and services includes automated clearing house, remote deposit capture, and fraud prevention tools, according to a news release. For more information, visit Suncoast.com/treasury.

SBDC performance award winners
The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at University of South Florida (USF) announced on May 15 its 2024 performance award winners at the 2024 Florida SBDC at USF Annual Business Award, according to a news release. The winners were:

  • Team Spirit of the Year: Jenée Skipper
  • Performance Excellence Award: Yolanda Goodloe
  • Resource Partner of the Year: Michael Carlisle, Alternative Tax Services
  • Graduate Student Team Project of the Year: Dinner Done!
  • Undergraduate Student Team Project of the Year: Optimal Moments. LLC

For more information about the SBDC, visit SBDCTampaBay.com.

Business Digest 05/22/2024

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Fazoli’s to open on May 21
Fazoli’s — a fast, fresh, Italian restaurant, according to its website — will open to the public on May 21, at its new location, 24971 State Road 54 in Lutz.

The restaurant “starts with fresh, quality ingredients, making everything to order,” according to a news release. Among Fazoli’s offerings are: signature garlic breadsticks, signature pasta, pizza, salads and oven-baked subs.

Best and worst places to start a career
The personal finance website WalletHub released its report “2024’s Best & Worst Places to Start a Career,” to help recent graduates, according to a news release. The report compares over 180 U.S. cities and evaluates 26 key indicators — from availability of entry-level jobs to monthly average starting salary to housing affordability — to determine their ranking.

Tampa ranks fourth, and three Florida cities are in the top 10 of the best places to start a career:

  1. Atlanta, Georgia
  2. Orlando
  3. Salt Lake City, Utah
  4. Tampa
  5. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
  6. Portland, Maine
  7. Charleston, South Carolina
  8. Austin, Texas
  9. Miami
  10. Knoxville, Tennessee

Two Florida cities made the list of worst places to start a career: Cape Coral and Pembroke Pines.

For the full report, visit wallethub.com/edu/best-worst-cities-to-start-a-career/3626.

U-Hauls available at APR Fuel
The APR Fuel Management gas station at 34301 Blanton Road in Dade City will now offer U-Haul trucks, trailers and towing equipment rentals, according to a news release. Business hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Saturday; and 10 a.m. to  6 p.m., on Sunday.

U-Haul products can be reserved at the station, by calling 352-521-0300, or by visiting uhaul.com/Locations/Truck-Rentals-near-Dade-City-FL-33523/037610.

Business Digest 05/15/2024

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Sarah Alway, winner of the Dan Webster Young Innovator Scholarship Award. (Courtesy of Pasco EDC)

EDC team member wins scholarship
Sarah Alway, a Pasco EDC team member, was awarded the Dan Webster Young Innovator Scholarship Award in recognition of her outstanding achievements and professional aspirations, according to a news release. She received the award during the Florida Economic Development Council’s Diamond Jubilee Awards Dinner in April by Florida High Tech Corridor CEO Paul Sohl,  the release says.

NTBC Lunch and Learn
The North Tampa Bay Chamber (NTBC) will host a “Lunch N Learn” session with lawyers from Spinner Law Firm, who will be presenting on the different types of Florida Businesses and how to form and maintain them, according to a news release. The session will be on May 16 at 11:30 a.m., at the NTBC Signature Workspace, 28210 Paseo Ave., #190, Wesley Chapel. Attendance costs $15 and seating is limited. For more information, visit northtampabaychamber.com.

Women-n-Charge meeting
Women-n-Charge will meet on May 22, at Plantation Palms Golf Club, 23253 Plantation Palms Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. The guest speaker will be Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Nikki Alvarez-Sowles who will share her insights regarding her position and empowering women in general.

Doors open for registration, early networking and vendor shopping at 11:15 a.m., followed by the meeting at noon. Attendees can meet new business contacts and learn about businesses who may become valuable Referral Partners.

The cost for members is $21, guests are $25. Payment should be made by May 20. Register online at Women-n-Charge.com/meetings/. For more information and to RSVP (required), email .

Suncoast names new CFO
Suncoast Credit Union announced Ben Lemoine as its new chief financial officer and senior vice president. Lemoine has 18 years of experience in the industry, formerly serving as a CFO of a Virginia Beach credit union. He will lead Suncoast’s financial strategy; oversee its finance, accounting and information technology functions; and manage all budgets and financial operations in the new role, according to a news release. Suncoast Credit Union is the largest credit union in Florida and Lemione will be based at their Tampa headquarters.

Weichert announces new team members and training grads
Weichert Real Estate Affiliates, a real estate franchiser, announced new team members: Pablo Casado Nunez, Kiranbir Hundal and Angelica Duran. The new arrivals join the team at Weichert, Realtors – Exclusive Properties, 11734 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa. For more information, contact Hector Contreras at 727-344-9325 or .

Weichert also announced two agents who completed its fast track training program: Brenda Rodas and Brian Rader, both from the Florida Tropics office in Spring Hill. The training program brings agents up to speed on the latest information resources and technology available to real estate agents, according to a news release.