The Laker/Lutz News

CareerSource Tampa Bay

Business Digest 04/22/2022

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Effective Facebook strategy
The North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce will host a lunch and learn on April 21 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., on the topic of creating an effective Facebook strategy. The session will focus on overall brand recognition, and establishing trust between your company and potential clients. Lunch is $15, provided by Outback. There is limited seating, so register by 10:30 a.m., on April 20, by emailing .

New MOSI president and CEO
John Graydon Smith has been named the new president and CEO of The Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI).

The museum announced Smith’s appointment on April 13, following a national search. He is a veteran of the museum and nonprofit industries. Although he has joined MOSI’s staff, he will be splitting his time between Pennsylvania and Tampa Bay, until the conclusion of the school year. His contract with MOSI runs through 2025, according to a news release.

In the release, Bret Feldman, chair of the MOSI board of directors said: “We are thrilled to have a leader with the experience and museum knowledge John brings to MOSI. He has a grand vision, and the leadership skills to help us make it a reality.”

Smith replaces Julian Mackenzie, who retired from the CEO position last year, and his transition into the role will be supported by Brynne Anne Besio of Carter Global, a consultant who has served as interim director for the past several months.

Employment information sessions
CareerSource Tampa Bay is hosting in-person Amazon employment information sessions to help job seekers who are interested in being hired by Amazon.

Amazon is looking to hire more than 100 candidates for warehouse associates and warehouse team members. The jobs pay $15.50 to $16.50 per hour. Amazon also offers flexible schedules, and career planning & development. All job seekers must complete an Employ Florida Registration on EmployFlorida.com, before attending.

The sessions will take place from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., as follows:

  • April 20: CareerSource Tampa Bay Brandon Center, 6302 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Suite 120, in Tampa.
  • May 4: CareerSource Tampa Bay Ruskin Office, 201 14th Ave., S.E., in Ruskin

Let Pasco County help you land a job
Pasco County and CareerSource Pasco Hernando are working together to help job seekers find their next job.

Pasco County Libraries and the Pasco County Office of Economic Growth, in coordination with CareerSource Pasco Hernando, are offering re-employment assistance services on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 10 a.m. to noon, now through May 31.

The help will be provided at Centennial Park Library, 5740 Moog Road, in Holiday.

The team will focus on employment searches, resume writing, applications and interview preparation.

The free services are being supported with funding obtained through the Penny for Pasco surtax referendum, according to a Pasco County news release.

Council has two openings
Pasco County’s Destination Management Organization — Experience Florida’s Sports Coast — is seeking to fill two openings on the Pasco County Tourist Development Council (TDC).

Applications are being accepted through April 29, at bit.ly/2gWcaXt.

The TDC is an advisory council to the Pasco County Commission. It is made up of elected officials and tourism industry professionals, who provide recommendations to the staff of Experience Florida’s Sports Coast on promotions and marketing opportunities. They also provide oversight of tourism tax expenditures.

  • One opening must be filled by an owner/operator of a motel, hotel, recreational vehicle park or other tourist accommodation in the county that is subject to the tourist development tax.
  • The other opening can be filled by a tourism industry professional committed to advocating Pasco as a destination.

The TDC members serve staggered, four-year terms. The positions are voluntary, with no financial compensation. The council typically meets every other month, alternating meetings between Dade City and New Port Richey.

Applicants must live and be registered to vote in Pasco County.

For more information about the Pasco County Tourist Development Council, including members and the 2022 meeting schedule, visit bit.ly/PascoTDC.

Building trades career fair
Hillsborough Community College will host a Building Trades Career Fair on April 20 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the college’s Dale Mabry Campus.

The event will be in the DTEC Courtyard, on the campus, at 4001 W. Tampa Bay Blvd.

The career fair will include industry employers and representatives from Associated Builders and Contractors, Independent Electrical Contractors Florida West Coast Chapters, Plumbers and Pipefitters U.A. Local 123, Fire Protection Sprinkler Fitters U.A. Local 821, and many other employers affiliated with construction and building trades.

Representatives will be on hand to interview applicants for apprenticeships in commercial electrician, plumbing and pipefitting, and fire sprinkler protection. Attendees will have the ability to interact with employers, ask questions, and receive information on career training, job opportunities and hiring requirements.

For more information, email John Meeks at .

Understanding financial statements
A free webinar, presented by Jose Melgar, on behalf of Pasco-Hernando SCORE, will give participants the tools for extracting the essential points from financial statements. It also will teach the basics of business language. The seminar is set for April 21 at noon. Register at PascoHernando.score.org.

Get free business help
Pasco-Hernando SCORE offers free individual, confidential small business mentoring. Volunteer experts provide the assistance to help small business owners to solve their problems and grow their business. To find out more, visit PascoHernando.score.org.

Chicago’s Best Burgers ribbon-cutting
The North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce announced the ribbon-cutting for Chicago’s Best Burgers, which was April 14, at 19255 N. Dale Mabry Highway, in Lutz. There were giveaways, and a chance to sample food and refreshments.

New David Weekley Homes
David Weekley Homes, one of the largest privately held national homebuilders, soon will begin building in the Westbury section of the master-planned community of Chapel Crossings, in Wesley Chapel.

The builder recently broke ground on its model home, The Whaler.

Chapel Crossings will offer buyers professionally designed quick move-in homes from a selection of five open-concept, one- and two-story floor plans.

Business Digest 04/13/2022

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Chicago’s Best Burgers ribbon-cutting
The North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce has announced the ribbon-cutting for Chicago’s Best Burgers, which is scheduled for April 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at 19255 N. Dale Mabry Highway, in Lutz. There will be giveaways and a chance to sample food and refreshments.

Creating an effective Facebook strategy
The North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce is hosting a lunch and learn on creating an effective Facebook strategy. The session will focus on creating overall brand recognition and establishing trust between your company and potential clients. The session is set for April 21 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lunch is $15, provided by Outback. There is limited seating, so register by 10:30 a.m., on April 20, by emailing .

Employment information sessions
CareerSource Tampa Bay is hosting in-person Amazon employment information sessions to help job seekers who are interested in being hired by Amazon.

Amazon is looking to hire more than 100 candidates for warehouse associates and warehouse team members. The jobs pay $15.50 to $16.50 per hour. Amazon also offers flexible schedules, and career planning & development. All job seekers must complete an Employ Florida Registration on EmployFlorida.com, before attending.

The sessions will take place from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., as follows:

  • April 20: CareerSource Tampa Bay Brandon Center, 6302 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Suite 120, in Tampa.
  • May 4: CareerSource Tampa Bay Ruskin Office, 201 14th Ave., S.E., in Ruskin

Building trades career fair
Hillsborough Community College is hosting a Building Trades Career Fair scheduled for April 20 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the college’s Dale Mabry Campus.

The event will be in the DTEC Courtyard, on the campus, at 4001 W. Tampa Bay Blvd.

The career fair will include industry employers and representatives from Associated Builders and Contractors, Independent Electrical Contractors Florida West Coast Chapters, Plumbers and Pipefitters U.A. Local 123, Fire Protection Sprinkler Fitters U.A. Local 821, and many other employers affiliated with construction and building trades.

Representatives will be on hand to interview applicants for apprenticeships in commercial electrician, plumbing and pipefitting, and fire sprinkler protection. Attendees will have the ability to interact with employers, ask questions and receive information on career training, job opportunities and hiring requirements.

For more information, email John Meeks at .

Understanding financial statements
A free webinar, presented by Jose Melgar, on behalf of Pasco-Hernando Score, will give participants the tools for extracting the essential points from financial statements. It also will teach you the basics of business language. The seminar is set for April 21 at noon. Register at PascoHernando.score.org.

Business Digest 04/06/2022

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Acting studio grand opening
The Acting Studio is having a grand opening of its new location at The Grove, 6027 Wesley Grove Blvd., Suite 204. The company is celebrating its 20th year by opening this performing arts educational facility in the heart of Wesley Chapel. Festivities are planned for April 6, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Food and beverage will be provided, along with performances by students. For more information, visit www.TheActingStudio.net.

Tampa rent growth
Year-over-year rent growth in Tampa currently stands at 29.4%, compared to 5.9% at this time last year, according to a report from Apartment List.

Year-over-year growth in Tampa ranks No.3 among the nation’s 100 largest cities. Rents in Tampa are up by 36.9% since the start of the pandemic in March 2020, according to highlights from the report. Median rents in Tampa currently stand at $1,472 for a one-bedroom apartment and $1,795 for a two-bedroom.

Troops to Technician program
Veterans and members of the military community can qualify for an aircraft maintenance technician certification through the state of Florida’s “Get there Faster Grant.”

CareerSource Tampa Bay and CareerSourcePolk in collaboration with Airborne Maintenance and Engineering Services/Pemco Conversions, and MacDill Air Force Base are presenting a training opportunity for transitioning service members and others who qualify for Aircraft Maintenance Technician Certification training, according to a news release from CareerSource Tampa Bay.

The grant will recognize skills attained in the armed forces and support transference to civilian life.

The “Troops to Technician” program is open to veterans, transitioning service members and military spouses. It provides a career pathway to high-demand positions in the aviation sector, assists in talent development to address the unique needs of the military community and relocate or transition military members to civilian life.

“We anticipate providing more than 100 individuals with this unique training opportunity over the next two years,” Doug Earle, said in the release. He is the veteran and military family representative for Career Source Tampa Bay. “This program will also help provide training in well-paid aviation careers. This is a great opportunity for those who qualify,” he said.

Visit this link to find out more https://www.careersourcetampabay.com/GetThereFaster or contact Zachariah Pearson at or call at 813-296-2517.

Entrepreneur education classes
These free classes and workshop are offered through the Pasco Economic Development Council, Inc.’s SMARTstart program:

  • Demystifying the Inventing Process: This is scheduled for April 13, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the SMARTstart at The Grove Enrepreneur Center. Learn from an expert product developer to get those ideas and make them real. From concept to full on production. Also, find out out how to avoid pitfalls that plague new inventors, so you can save your money and focus on success.
  • Video Marketing: in this April 20 session, from noon to 1 p.m., the focus will be on the power of video and how business owners can leverage its effectiveness to drive new business and develop a deeper connection with their audience. This session is being help at the SMARTstart East Pasco Entrepreneur Center.

For more information and to register, go to www.pascoedc.com.

Greater Pasco Chamber brochure exchange
Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce, Land O’ Lakes brochure exchange, set for 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on April 14, at New Beginnings at 18935 Michigan Lane, which is about one-fourth mile north of State Road 52, along U.S. 41.

This is an in-person business card and brochure exchange. It’s held on the second Thursday of each month. The event is sponsored by Architectural Signage & Printing.

Building trades career fair
Hillsborough Community College is hosting a Building Trades Career Fair scheduled for April 20, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the college’s Dale Mabry Campus,.

The event will be in the DTEC Courtyard, on the campus, at 4001 W. Tampa Bay Blvd..

The career fair will include industry employers and representatives from Associated Builders and Contractors, Independent Electrical Contractors Florida West Coast Chapters, Plumbers and Pipefitters U.A. Local 123, Fire Protection Sprinkler Fitters U.A. Local 821 and many other employers affiliated with construction and building trades.

Representatives will be on hand to interview applicants for apprenticeships in commercial electrician, plumbing and pipefitting, and fire sprinkler protection. Attendees will have the ability to interact with employers, ask questions and receive information on career training, job opportunities and hiring requirements.

Contact John Meeks for more information at .

Understanding financial statements
This free webinar, presented by Jose Melgar, on behalf of Pasco-Hernando Score, will give participants the tools for extracting the essential points from financial statements. It also will teach you the basics of business language. The seminar is set for April 21 at noon. Register at pascohernando.score.org.

Business Digest 03/30/2022

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(Courtesy of Chloe Blair)

Planet Fitness opens
Planet Fitness opened a new 25,000 square-foot facility at 6117 Wesley Grove Blvd., in the Grove at Wesley Chapel shopping center. The gym features state-of-the-art cardio machines and strength equipment, 30-minute express circuits, numerous flat screen televisions, and clean, spacious locker rooms and showers. Here is a look at some of the exercise equipment at the new facility. For more information, call 813-527-6428.

Need a business loan?
If you need a business loan but you don’t fit the typical bank profile, you may be able to qualify for financing through a SMARTstart Pasco Microloan through the Pasco Economic Development Council’s microloan fund.

This financing program, established by the Pasco EDC, is available to help businesses that are operating in Pasco County or are planning to locate there.

The loan program is aimed at small business owners with solid ideas, good management skills, and a valid business plan get the funding they need when traditional financing is not an option.

Loans are available up to $50,000. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate they have the experience and resources to be a successful business operator.

Loans may be used for: Working capital, inventory, supplies, furniture and fixtures, machinery and equipment.

Funds cannot be used to purchase real estate or to refinance existing debt. For more information, visit PascoEDC.com.

Chamber breakfast
The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce is hosting its “Rise & Shine, Pasco” membership breakfast on April 5 at Spartan Manor, 6121 Masachusetts Ave., New Port Richey. . Check-in is 7:30 a.m. with the program slated for 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. Guest speakers will be Jim Gunderson, owner of The Hacienda, New Port Richey and Dylan Gamez, marketing and public relations.

To find out more, go to or call 813-909-2722.

Virtual job fair
CareerSource Tampa Bay is hosting a Virtual Job Fair for Child Care Workers dedicated to child care careers on April 5 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

This event is exclusively for licensed child care facilities in Hillsborough County, to assist them during these difficult employment times. Child care facilities located in Hillsborough County are looking to fill more than 150 full-time and part-time positions for assistant teachers, lead teachers, office assistants and other positions.

Those interested should register at tinyurl.com/2wfjwrsk, or go to CareerSource’s Job Fair webpage at CareerSourceTampaBay.com/jobfair.

Recruiting webinar
A webinar scheduled for April 14 from noon to 1 p.m., will provide effective strategies for understanding and managing the recruiting process for staffing, with consideration of generation differences. The free webinar is presented by Kandy Windom, Pasco-Hernando County SCORE volunteer. To register, go to PascoHernando.score.org.

Business Digest 02/23/2022

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Chamber networking
The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce has a brochure exchange lunch and networking session on the fourth Thursday of each month. This month, it is Feb. 24 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Widow Fletcher’s, 4927 U.S. 19, in New Port Richey. For more information, email

Bexley apartment project
The Spectrum Companies and equity partner FCA Partners has announced it has purchased land for a 350-unit multifamily development within Bexley, a master-planned community in Land O’ Lakes, according to a news release.

Spectrum is a Charlotte, North Carolina-based commercial real estate development and management company with projects across the Southeast. It plans to build 327 apartment homes in a mix of three- and four-story elevatored buildings. Also included will be 23 for-lease townhomes designed as three-story carriage residences with tuck-under garages, the release says.

SCORE webinars
SCORE offers a wide array of free webinars and seminars, aimed at helping entrepreneurs.

You can register at PascoHernando.score.org. Here are some upcoming sessions.

  • How to apply for a business loan, March 8 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Health insurance needs for small businesses, March 22 from noon to 1 p.m.
  • Conflict resolution in the workplace, March 30 from noon to 1 p.m.

Allied Universal is hiring
Allied Universal, a security and facility services company, is looking to hire 400-plus security professionals in Tampa. The company is hosting open house hiring events every weekday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., through April 28, at the company’s branch office, at 4200 West Cypress St., Suite 550, in Tampa.

Crunch Fitness reopens
Crunch Fitness has reopened its Land O’ Lakes location, at 2126 Collier Parkway, following a $2 million renovation and expansion.

The club celebrated the completion of its project during a grand reopening party on Feb. 19, according to a news release.

The renovation includes a child care center, boxing, hot yoga, group fitness, enclosed HIIT (high-intensity interval training) studios, and a private relax-and-recover area. It also includes doubling power racks, additional turf, and new fitness equipment.

The facility has been expanded by 25,000 square feet, bringing the total to 47,000 square feet.

New center director
The University of South Florida’s Muma College of Business has appointed Michael D. Wiemer to be the director of the Fintech Center within the Kate Tiedemann School of Business and Finance, according to a newsletter circulated by the business college.

Fintech’s focus is on the evolving financial technology industry.

Amazon hiring events
CareerSource Tampa Bay is hosting in-person hiring events for Amazon, which will be hiring to fill more than 100 job openings.

To learn more about the events, visit CareerSourceTampaBay.com/jobfair/.

NetFest at the barn
The Pasco Economic Development Council Inc. (Pasco EDC) is hosting its NetFest event, which provides the opportunity to mingle with hundreds of business and community leaders, while supporting economic development. The event is set for March 31 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Starkey Market, 3460 Starkey Blvd., in Trinity.

The event will be held rain or shine. The cost is $55 per person ($45 per person for Pasco EDC investors and guest). Admission includes dinner, two drink tickets, live entertainment and networking opportunities.

To register, visit PascoEDC.com.

Business Digest 12/08/2021

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Allied Universal job fair
Allied Universal, a security and facility services company, is seeking to hire 50-plus unarmed health care security professionals in Tampa. The open house hiring event will be Dec. 14 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the main lobby of the company’s branch office at 408 Reo St., in Tampa.

The company is recruiting for all shifts and levels of experience. It is conducting interviews and hiring on the spot.

StretchLab Wesley Chapel opens
StretchLab, an assisted stretching boutique, has opened at 1281 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in Wesley Chapel. Deep stretching is used to decrease pain, lower risk of injury, reduce stress, and improve performance at work, in the gym and in everyday life.

StretchLab is a national franchise. StretchLab Wesley Chapel is owned by Steve Ojeshina, according to a news release.

StretchLab Wesley Chapel can be reached online at StretchLab.com/location/wesleychapel, by email at , or by phone at 813-771-0411.

The entrepreneur equation
The Pasco Economic Development Council Inc., is offering a free workshop to help entrepreneurs learn about tools and strategies that can help make running a business easier and more effective. This free workshop will be on Dec. 15 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the East Pasco Entrepreneur Center, 15029 14th St., in Dade City. Go to PascoEDC.com, and click on the events tab, to register.

Business and Education Summit
CareerSource Tampa Bay will hold an education and business summit on Jan. 10. The summit, entitled: “Vision 2022: Shaping the Future of Work,” is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Tampa Marriott Water Street, in downtown Tampa. Coffee and networking starts at 8:30 a.m.

For more information or to register for the event, visit CareerSource Tampa Bay’s Vision 2022, at CareerSourceTampaBay.com/vision2022.

Registration is $50 per person. Sponsorships also are available for businesses that want to help underwrite the event or would like to register multiple individuals.

SBA offers info on FAQs
The U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy has released a new version of its most popular publication, “Frequently Asked Questions About Small Business.” Another publication, “What’s New with Small Business?” also has been updated. For more information, go to Advocacy.sba.gov.

Tampa ranks No. 6
The personal-finance website WalletHub has released its report identifying 2021’s Best Places to Retire in Florida, and Tampa came in at No. 6.

To determine the most ideal retirement places for older Americans, WalletHub compared more than 100 cities in the Sunshine State across 29 key indicators of retiree-friendliness. The data set ranges from cost of living to health care facilities per capita to number of attractions, according to a news release from WalletHub.

To view the full report and individual city ranks, visit tinyurl.com/24x5mk3j.

Grand openings, ribbon cuttings, other celebrations
These announcements are courtesy of the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce:

  • Bliss Dental Lounge, at 17735 Huntington Bow Circle, celebrated its two-year anniversary on Dec. 9.
  • Prime Barber Shop, at 6027, Unit 206, Wesley Grove Blvd., had its grand opening on Dec. 7, at the barber shop, which is above Falabella Family Bistro, on the second floor, at the Grove Wesley Chapel.
  • Jolie Smiles Denture & Implant Studio, 7749 Van Dyke Road, in Odessa, had its grand opening on Nov. 19.
  • Philidor Brady & Co. Realty, at 5331 Primrose Lake Preserve, Suite 235, in Tampa, had its grand opening on Nov. 15
  • The Volkswagen dealership at 26500 Silver Maple Parkway in Wesley Chapel, had its grand opening celebration on Oct. 26.

Starkey appointments
Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey has been named to three committees at the National Association of Counties, according to a Pasco County news release.

Starkey will serve on these committees:

  • Community, Economic and Workforce Development Steering Committee, as vice chair
  • International Economic Development Task Force, as vice chair
  • Large Urban County Caucus, as a member

The association’s mission is to strengthen America’s counties, and create healthy, safe and vibrant counties across the country. It serves nearly 40,000 county elected officials and 3.6 million county employees, the news release says.

GOPASCO wins marketing awards
Pasco County’s public transportation system won three marketing awards during the annual Florida Public Transportation Association conference, according to a county news release.

The system, which has been rebranded as GOPASCO, received these awards:

  • Special event category, first place: Rebrand rollout, Aug. 24, 2021
  • Website category, second place: GOPASCO.com
  • Electronic media category, third place: Rebrand rollout, live radio broadcast

“We worked tirelessly on a new design for Pasco County Public Transportation and are honored to be recognized for our tenacious work,” Rosemarie Bruckner, GOPASCO program manager, said in the release.

Florida Aquarium names new board members
The Florida Aquarium has named seven new members to its board of directors, according to a news release. They are:

  • David Bevirt, executive vice president, corporate leasing & strategy at Water Street Tampa
  • Doreen Caudell, CGC, DBE, president & owner at D-Mar General Contracting
  • Veronica Cintron, vice president of communications at Tampa International Airport
  • Kristin Greco, MBA, chief executive officer for PAR Inc.
  • Marcus Greene, market president, St. Petersburg at Truist
  • Jody Haneke, president at Haneke Design
  • Eric Weisberg, vice president, marketing & creative services at Tampa Bay Rays