The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce is looking to expand and relocate after nearly 15 years at its current location, 2810 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.
The chamber’s building is on the market.
As soon as a sale goes through, plans tentatively are to move to a small medical and business center, off State Road 54, adjacent to Highland Oaks Preserve, west of Livingston Road.
“The (current) building is outdated,” said David Gainer, chairman of the chamber’s board of directors.
Renovations were considered but Gainer said there was too little land to accommodate a larger building and parking. “We’re land-locked. There is no more room to add parking.”
With a membership currently totaling about 420 businesses more space is essential, Gainer added.
In 2015, the chamber celebrated its 40th anniversary. The nonprofit also merged with the Pasco Hernando Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to form one organization.
Central Pasco chamber began in 1975 with a more localized moniker – the Land O’ Lakes Chamber of Commerce. But, the local chamber evolved into a broader mission that covers residents and businesses in central Pasco and northern Hillsborough County.
Member businesses come from Land O’Lakes, Lutz, Odessa, Trinity, Shady Hills, Spring Hill and Wesley Chapel.
During the year, the chamber sponsors numerous events and awards in support of the business community including a golf tournament, music festival and the “Heart of Pasco Award.”
“Our membership is growing,” he said. “We’re going to be adding staff and we don’t have room. Our board of directors can’t meet there so we meet at Copperstone Executive Suites.”
Gainer said the chamber is growing in response to all the new residential and commercial development in and around Land O’ Lakes.
“A lot of small businesses are doing well in this area and the region,” Gainer said.
He also attributed membership growth to the chamber’s decision to hire its first marketing and membership director, Suzanne Beauchaine.
“She’s doing a great job,” Gainer said.
Published Oct. 11, 2017
