Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Z’ Chamber Link
...A Community Connected Published by the Greater Zephyrhills
Chamber of Commerce
February, 2015 Edition
February Feb 3 | 12 Noon
Chamber Ambassador Luncheon
Chamber Office
Feb 4 | 4pm BBQ & Blues Wrap up Meeting
Chamber Office
Feb 5 | 7-8:30am Business Breakfast
Florida Hospital Zephyrhills
Creation Café’
Feb 11 | 9am Join us for Java
Member Connection
Chamber office
Feb 18 | 8am-9am
Student Citizen of the Month Chancey Road Christian Church
Feb 24 | 5pm-7pm Florida House of Representative
District 38 Danny Burgess
Ribbon Cutting Creekside Center
35358 State Road 54 , Zephyrhills
Feb 26 | 5:30-7:30pm BBQ & Blues Pay it Forward
Appreciation Dinner Alice Hall Community Center
RSVP Chamber Office
813-782-1913
The 5th Annual Pigz in Z’Hills is BBQ & Blues Fest
Soars to New Heights
More than 8,000 visitors attended the event held Saturday, January 17th at the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport. In addition to the thousands of carloads of folks that cruised in for the day, the Zephyrhills Airport reported at least 26 private aircraft taking advantage of the “Fly-in” option. Visitors came ear-ly and stayed for hours enjoying the sunny skies, the fine selection of award-winning BBQ and the sensational sounds of Blues music. Crowds packed the music stage all day long to check out the bona fide Blues from TC Carr & Bolts of Blue, The Lauren Mitchell Band, Doug Deming & The Jewel Tones and Cold Iron and a record 51 BBQ teams (39 Professional and 12 Backyard) entered the BBQ contest. The spirited support by the many community partners and dedicated volunteers along with the growing popularity and state-wide exposure has generated over $100,000 for local programs and char-
ities since 2010. ! WATCH EVENT VIDEO ! Courtesy of Kristian Colasacco
PIGZ BBQ & BLUES BELONGS TO ZEPHYRHILLS ~ THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO!
Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors
October 2014-September 2015
Officers
Carolyn Hodges, President-Faithful Friends Pet Cremation
Tim Linville, President Elect –E-Z Clean Car Wash
Josh Schneidmiller, Vice President—Western & Southern Life
Skip Skairus, Treasurer-CenterState Bank
Gary Hatrick, Secretary -High Road Photography
Directors
AJ Hernandez—East Pasco YMCA
Amy Chappell -Florida Traditions Bank
Bill Heinrich—Florida Hospital Zephyrhills
Darrell Pennington—Honorary Lifetime Member
David West—Inside Out Leadership Development
Deborah Densmore—North Tampa Behavioral Health
John Kinsman-Martin Electric
Kevin Ryman -Ryman Construction/Ryman Roofing
Rebecca Gaddis -San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union
Tom Vanater-Nabers Jewelers
Wade Thomas -Thomas and Son , Inc.
Ex-Officio Members
Councilman Ken Burgess---City Council Liaison
Vonnie Mikkelsen---Executive Director
Committees and Board Liaisons
Membership: Gary Hatrick
Economic Development / Government Affairs: Skip Skairus
Community Outreach: AJ Hernandez
Ambassadors Liaison: Gary Hatrick
Professional Staff
Vonnie Mikkelsen-Executive Director
Pat Pennington - Membership/Marketing Manager
Melonie Monson-Membership Services Coordinator
Tenci Alexander-Customer Service Specialist:
[email protected] (Business & Visitors Center Services)
Chamber Business Hours
Monday through Friday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
38550 Fifth Ave., Zephyrhills 33542
Ph: (813)782-1913 / Fax: (813)783-6060
ZEPHYRHILLS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
YOUTH & EDUCATION PROGRAM DONORS Citizen of the Month and Scholarship Fund
2014 Bahr’s Propane Gas & AC
Church of the Living World
Florida Hospital Zephyrhills
Centennial Bank
Daniel Dwyer, Attorney-Mander Law Group
I R Staffing, Inc.
Jarrett Ford Dade City
Piccola Italia Restaurant
Rona Fletcher
San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union
The Ministerial Association of
Zephyrhills/Wesley Chapel
And...ALL of you who have participated in 50/50 drawings at Chamber events
Thank you for your generous
Support of Youth in our Community
As a direct result of your contributions, the
Chamber awarded $4000 in 2014 to local grad-uating seniors pursuing their educational, voca-
tional and career goals.
The Chamber provides annual scholarships
funded through 50/50 drawings, events, and in-
dividual or business donations. Scholarships are awarded to local youth through a selection pro-
cess in Spring of every year. If you or your busi-ness wishes to participate, please call your
Chamber office.
Photos Provided by Gary Hatrick
Highroad Photography
ENCORE! DOUG DEMING & THE JEWEL TONES (VIDEO) | COLD IRON (VIDEO)
Courtesy of Doug Yerby
New Members
A Pet Spa at Laura Fields 5916 7th Street
Zephyrhills, FL 3354 (813) 714-2205
Laura Fields Pet Grooming
Current Chiropractic
1606 Harvard Woods Dr. Apt. 2516 Brandon, FL 33511
(616) 481-1889 Anne Apatiga Chiropractic
Kiefer Village Jewels 37850 Meridian Ave.
Dade City, FL (352) 567-2378
Vickie West Jewelry Store/Retail & Repair
Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce
MEMBERSHIP Encourage membership through innovative programs, services and benefits
New Members
Retro Flex Fitness 6520 Ft. King Rd.
Zephyrhills, FL 33542 (813) 782-3539 David Vidrine Fitness Facility
Schaper Roofing, Construction & Pools
8949 Gall Blvd. Zephyrhills, FL 33541
(813) 782-0920 Johanna Schaper
General Construction, Roofing, Pool Care/Maintenance, Remodeling
Simply Events
1301 Seminole Blvd. #136 Largo, FL 33770 (727) 674-1464 Sonya Bradley
Event/Festival Promotions & Coordinating
Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce
MEMBERSHIP Encourage membership through innovative programs, services and benefits
Renewals
Aaartisitc Armadillo LLC
AM VETS Post #550
B & H Construction of Central FL
Coldwell Banker
Conservative Club of East Pasco
Crystal Lake MHP
Duke Energy
Emerald Pointe RV Resort
Heyl Truck Lines, Inc.
Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc.
Matt Hulbert Realty
Renewals
Mission Home Care, Inc
Morningside RV Estates
Pregnancy Care Center
Rinaldo's Cabinetry Corp.
Samaritan Project
Skywatch Signs
St. Elizabeth Episcopal Church
Today's Graphics
Zephyr Commons Shopping Center
Zephyrhills Health & Rehab Center, Inc
Bronze Level Investors
Norm & Sons Tire & Auto Repair
Florida Medical Clinic
Members Find Value in Annual Investment Plans
Gold Level Investors
CenterState Bank
Bayfront Health
Dade City
Mosaic
San Antonio Citizens FCU
Platinum Level Investors
Your Chamber is working for you
Click HERE and HERE
to view latest video promos
ZEDC
“Clearly Zephyrhills” Marketing Publica-tions Available for
Download. Click on Cover at right to view.
Former House Speaker Will Weatherford
Joins Florida Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors
The Florida Chamber of Commerce today announced that Managing Partner of Weatherford Partners and former Speaker of the House Will Weatherford, has joined the Flori-da Chamber’s Board of Directors.
“The Florida Chamber is pleased to welcome Will Weather-ford to the Board of Directors,” said Mark Wilson, President and CEO of the Florida Chamber. “Speaker Weatherford and the Florida Chamber have a shared belief in securing Flori-da’s future by championing free enterprise solutions. As we continue on our mission to make Florida more competitive, the Florida Chamber is proud to have Will Weatherford and the team at Weatherford Partners help lead the way.”
Weatherford Partners works with high integrity owners and management teams to build great businesses through the provision of capital and strategic business advisory services. Weatherford Partners combines extensive investment, con-sulting, and political experience with a strong network of rela-tionships and local market knowledge to work alongside their clients to achieve corporate objectives.
Prior to launching Weatherford Partners, Speaker Weather-ford served as Speaker of the Florida House of Representa-tives from 2012-2014. Throughout his four consecutive terms in office, Speaker Weatherford advocated for social upward mobility through free enterprise and education reform. He was a thought leader on other pro-growth solutions including lower taxes, pension reform and free market health care. Speaker Weatherford was named the Florida Chamber’s Most Valuable Legislator in 2014, and consistently earned an ‘A’ on the Florida Chamber’s Legislative Report Card.
“When it comes to advocating on behalf of jobs and busi-nesses in Florida, the Florida Chamber is second to none,” said Will Weatherford, Managing Partner of Weatherford Partners. “I’m excited to partner in the Florida Chamber’s efforts to advance economic opportunities through private-sector job creation, and look forward to working with Flori-da’s leading pro-jobs, pro-business organization.”
Businesses of all sizes, representing all sectors of Florida’s economy, comprise the Florida Chamber Board of Directors. Steve Knopik, CEO of Beall’s Inc., serves as Chairman of the Board.
Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce
Economic Development & Government Affairs Position the greater Zephyrhills area as the Preferred Location
for Business Growth in East Pasco County
Representative Danny Burgess Files First Bill That Protects
Consumers and Provides Strong Oversight of Utility Companies
Zephyrhills FL- State Representative Danny Burgess has filed his first bill as a member of the Florida House of Representatives. The bill,
HB 353, will provide increased oversight on all utility projects that seek to use advanced cost recovery and will protect consumers from being charged for projects that never get completed.
“I am proud that my first bill in the Florida House will protect consum-ers and their pocketbooks, as well as increase oversight of utility compa-nies,” said Representative Burgess.
House Bill 353 will do the following:
Prohibit the Public Service Commission (PSC) from authorizing more than one plant to be built with advanced cost recovery for any company.
Any project that utilizes advanced cost recovery will be subject to a quarterly progress review by the PSC.
The PSC will determine if the project will be completed in a reason-able time, with the PSC defining what is reasonable.
If the utility company has no intention of completing the project, all funding that they received through advanced cost recovery will be re-funded to the ratepayers.
The PSC will determine the manner in which ratepayers will be refunded.
Representative Burgess added, “HB 353 empowers the Public Service Commission and simultaneously increases its obligation to the consum-er. This bill overhauls the advanced cost recovery process to make it fairer and more accountable for ratepayers. I look forward to continuing to advocate for consumers throughout the 2015 Session.”
For further information please contact either Jonathan Till at (813) 780-0667 or (850) 717-5038.
Local & Federal Affairs Committee
Justice Appropriations Subcommittee ■ Rulemaking Over-sight & Repeal Subcommittee
Veteran & Military Affairs Subcommittee
Membership
Encourage membership and retention through innovative programs, services and benefits
January Celebrations
Sponsored by: Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Festival
January 8th | Golden Corral, Zephyrhills
Membership
Encourage membership and retention through innovative programs, services and benefits
January Celebrations
“52 Reasons to Celebrate”
The Laker goes weekly ~ Hosts Mixer Tuesday, Jan 6th
Retro Flex Fitness Grand Opening / Ribbon Cutting 6520 Fort King Rd. Zephyrhills
813-782-FLEX
Photos by
Steve Lee
CLICK TO
READ MORE ABOUT
RETRO FLEX
Community Enhance the quality of life in the greater Zephyrhills community through leadership
programs and fundraising
Pasco County FL -- Supervisor of Elections Bri-an E. Corley is now accepting applications for the Florida State Association of Supervisors of Elections (FSASE) Scholarship. Applications for the scholarship can be accessed on-line at www.pascovotes.com, and are due in the su-
pervisor's office by March 16, 2015. The Associ-ation will award three $1,200 scholarships
statewide to a Political Science/Public or Busi-ness Administration or Journalism/Mass Com-
munications Major.
Applicants must have finished two years of junior college or undergraduate work, be en-rolled or accepted as a full-time student in a senior college or university in Florida, have been a resident of Florida for two years, and demonstrate a financial need. Two letters of
recommendation, one from a college or univer-sity last attended and one from a personal ref-
erence, should accompany the application. The applicant must be registered to vote.
Additional guidelines and eligibility infor-mation can be found at www.pascovotes.com
by selecting the 2015 FSASE Scholarship Appli-cation link on the homepage. Applicants will be personally interviewed by Supervisor Cor-
ley, who will then select one finalist from Pasco County for consideration by the FSASE Schol-
arship Committee.
Brian E. Corley, Supervisor of Elections
Telephone: 800-851-8754
www.pascovotes.com
It’s not too late to get a flu shot
DADE CITY, Fla., January 15, 2015– As doctor’s offices, urgent care centers
and hospitals are seeing, flu season is active, with hospitalization rates close to
what they were two years ago. Flu is one of the nation's leading causes of death,
with roughly 24,000 people a year dying from flu and its complications. Latest
figures released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show
the flu hitting hard in all but seven states.
Bayfront Health Dade City has seen a growing number of flu-symptomatic patients in the emergency room since September. Numerous patients have also been admitted for treatment of flu-related complications.
While health officials fear this will be an unusually bad year for flu, it's too soon to say. The timing of the flu is unpredictable and can vary in different parts of the country and from season to season. Flu activity most commonly peaks in the U.S. between December and February but can continue as late as May. The good news: it’s not too late to get the flu shot. Even if the flu season peaks soon, it will still be around for months. "Vaccination is the simplest step you can take to protect yourself," said Dr. Brown, a primary care physician. "More often than not, the patients I see who have the flu did not take this action to protect themselves or their family."
There are three main things you can do to be safe this flu season:
Vaccinate. Get the flu shot for yourself and everyone in your family. It’s available at your doctor’s office and many urgent care centers in our area, with many offering same-day appointments. The CDC recom-mends everyone older than six months, except people with severe egg allergies, get immunized. Both shot and nasal spray vaccine forms are safe and effective and rarely have side effects.
Get Treatment. If you do get the flu, your doctor or an urgent care center
can prescribe antiviral medication to treat flu illness and prevent seri-
ous flu complications. Children, the elderly, pregnant women and
people with chronic illnesses are particularly vulnerable to catching
the flu and experiencing complications. It’s important to treat high-
risk individuals promptly to avoid hospitalization. Treatment with
antiviral medication works best when begun within 48 hours of get-
ting sick, but can still be beneficial when given later in the course of
illness. These drugs can also lessen serious flu complications.
Prevention. Stay away from sick people and wash your hands frequently to reduce the spread of germs. Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze, and resist touching your eyes, mouth and nose. Avoid close contact with people who have the flu or symptoms and if you’re sick with the flu, stay home from work or school to prevent spreading it to others.
For more information on the flu, visit the special flu section at www.BayfrontDadeCity.com. To find a primary care doctor visit the “Find a Doctor” link on the home page or call (877) 362-5321.
Community Enhance the quality of life in the greater Zephyrhills community through leadership
programs and fundraising
An awesome butterfly exhibit is coming to the Pasco County Fair in Dade City, February 16 to February 22, 2015. Everyone is invited to stop in and view the but-terfly exhibit which includes different species of but-terflies, host and nectar plants/flowers. It’s a great edu-cational opportunity for children of all ages to enjoy an encounter with butterflies. Attendees will have the op-portunity to observe the butterfly life cycle from egg to caterpillar to the final transformation cycle. All are welcome to stroll through the habitat and see the envi-ronment butterflies thrive in. For an extra treat plan to come and be a part of the butterfly release on Friday February 13, 2015 at 1:00 pm. Watch as they awake from their induced slumber to fly majestically in search of flowers to sip the nectar and pollinate.
Pasco County Master Gardeners created the Butterfly and Blooms exhibit, undertaking the tasks of building the habitat, creating the gardens and caring for the but-terflies. Master Gardeners participate in many educa-tional activities throughout the county. They volunteer in schools, libraries and offer free presentations to the community. They also assist in setting up garden dis-plays and community gardens for residents to enjoy and serve as gardening consultants. Master Garden-ers answer residents' questions on planting, growth, insects, diseases and general problem solving. They provide information for effective ways to preserve the environment and natural resources. Master Gardener volunteers work in conjunction with County Exten-sion Offices and State Universities across the coun-try. For more information please call the Pasco County Extension Office at 352- 518-0156.
UF/IFAS-Pasco County Extension Service:
Subject: Ask a Master Gardener
Date: February 3, 2015
Time: 5:30-6:30 PM (before the “Herbs for Your Garden”
(free seminar)
Location: Hudson Library | 8012 Library Road (off Fivay Rd)
Details:
Is something munching the leaves on your perennials? Are you wonder-ing what plants grow best in Florida? Then come to the Hudson Library the first Tuesday of each month for free garden advice. Pasco County Master Gardeners will be in the lobby from 5:30-6:30 PM to answer all of your gardening questions. If you’re having problems with an ailing plant, bring a sample for an on-the-spot diagnosis.
Subject: Herbs for Your Garden
Date: February 3, 2015
Time: 6:30-7:40 PM
Location: Hudson Library | 8012 Library Road (off Fivay Road)
Details:
Grow flavorful herbs to add color, texture and fragrance to your garden and culinary dishes. You’ll learn how to increase your harvest with grow-ing tips discussed at this free Pasco County Extension seminar.
Subject: Introduction to Growing Orchids
Date: February 14, 2015 | 9:00-10:30 AM
Location: Land O’ Lakes Community Center | 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd (US 41) | Land O’ Lakes, FL 34639
Due to reconstruction of the parking area, park in the empty field on the north side of the building, and enter through the front building
Details:
Growing orchids can be simple. Learn how to grow healthy, lovely or-chids from an experienced grower who is a Pasco County Extension Mas-ter Gardener.
Subject: Shade Plants for the Florida Home Homescape
Date: February 28, 2015 | 10:00-11:00 AM
Location: Home Depot | 10017 US 19 | Port Richey, FL
Details:
Not sure what plants grow well in a shady yard? Then attend this free Pasco County Extension seminar. Plants that thrive in shady conditions will be covered.
Extension programs are free, can provide reasonable accommodation with advance notice, and are open to all persons regardless of age, race, color, sex, disability, religion or national origin. Pre-registration is not required for most of our programs, but contact Extension to be certain and to assist us with planning – http://pasco.ifas.ufl.edu/events_calendar.shtml. For more information, call the Pasco County Extension Office – (352) 518-0156; (727) 847-2411; (813) 996-2411.
Butterfly
Exhibit
News from Members
Florida SBDC Network, Enterprise Florida Partner
to Help State Businesses Expand Overseas Export Assistance Service Provides Framework for International Expansion
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (January 22, 2015) - The Florida SBDC Network and Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) solidifying a partnership to assist Florida-based companies tap into overseas
markets.
Scholarship Export Assistance Program Under the agreement, the Florida SBDC and EFI, in partnership with the U.S. Commercial Service, are offering a scholar-ship export assistance program to help businesses identify overseas growth strategies. Through the MOU, qualified "new and infrequent export" manufacturers and professional service providers have the opportunity to meet with a Florida SBDC International Trade Specialist to prepare a customized export marketing plan.
Secretary of Commerce and EFI President and CEO Gray Swoope said, "EFI and the Florida SBDC Network work hard to make sure the state's small businesses receive the trade assistance they need. Through this MOU we can support small business growth and grow Florida's export economy. Our state's seaports and airports make Florida the perfect location for companies looking to grow internationally, and we look forward to working with small businesses across the state."
"The Florida SBDC Network is committed to helping Florida's small businesses take advantage of exporting opportunities to grow and expand," said Michael Myhre, Florida SBDC CEO and Network State Director. "We are pleased to partner with Enterprise Florida and the U.S. Commercial Service to offer better opportunities to our clients and to strengthen Flor-ida's economy through the expansion of U.S. exports."
Customized Export Marketing Plan
The MOU calls for the creation of export marketing plans, which take an average of 120 hours to develop, and include a thorough export readiness assessment, industry analysis, market analysis with target market recommendations, a review of overseas trade opportunities and an action plan that will include export promotion programs and services.
Export promotion opportunities may include international trade shows, trade missions and other matchmaking services such as the Gold Key program which provides an opportunity for companies to meet with pre-screened and qualified buy-ers, agents, importers and representatives. Enterprise Florida offers additional grants to qualified businesses for each of these programs.
The estimated market value of an export marketing plan is $10,000. As a result of the partnership between the Florida SBDC and Enterprise Florida, the cost to qualifying companies is $500. The remaining amount is underwritten by the Florida SBDC and Enterprise Florida.
The MOU was signed by Secretary Swoope, Myhre and Manny Mencia, Senior Vice President of International Trade and Development for EFI. Representatives from the University of West Florida, the Florida SBDC and EFI gathered to witness the signing following EFI's board of directors meeting.
For more information, visit www.floridasbdc.org/services/international-trade.
.
News from Members
There’s still time to sign up for health insurance and avoid a penalty fee
Bayfront Health Dade City can help
DADE CITY, Fla., January 15, 2015– If you’re uninsured, there’s still time to sign up for health insurance on the Health Insurance Marketplace and avoid the penalty. Under the Affordable Care Act, 2015 is the first year Americans must prove they had qualifying health insurance (or an approved exemption) for the previous year (when filing 2014 taxes), or face a tax penalty.
For 2015, if you don’t obtain insurance by February 15, 2015, the last day of the Open Enrollment period, the penalty will be applied to your annual taxable income for each full month you don't have health insurance in 2015. The penalty fee is $325 per adult, $162.50 per child – up to $975/family or 2% of family income, which-ever is higher. And, without insurance, you will be financially responsible for all of your medical costs.
The good news is based on household income and dependents, some individuals may qualify for financial assis-tance from the government – or subsidies – towards the cost of the premium and other financial obligations like co-pays or deductibles.
“This is where Bayfront Health Dade City can help the uninsured in our community,” said Shauna McKinnon, CEO. “With many people lacking access to a computer or just need help maneuvering through the enrollment website, our application counselors can help. We can assist individuals and their families evaluate the available health plans and determine if they’re eligible for Medicaid or other insurance options.
Medicaid
In all states, Medicaid provides health coverage for some low-income people, families and children, pregnant
women, the elderly, and people with disabilities. In some states, the program covers all low-income adults be-
low a certain income level.
“Even though Florida has chosen not to expand Medicaid, there are still many individuals in our community
who qualify for Medicaid coverage,” explained McKinnon. We can help screen these individuals and if they
qualify, we can enroll them at any time, with health coverage beginning immediately.”
“Let us help take the frustration out of the enrollment process. Call us at (352) 518-1055 before February 15 to help you get a healthy start to the New Year,” said McKinnon.
Thank you for Supporting Youth in Our Community!
MEDALLION SPONSOR
Florida Hospital Zephyrhills
BREAKFAST AND VENUE
Exciting Chancey Road Christian Church
GOLD SPONSORS
IR Staffing, Edward Jones Financial
First National Bank of Pasco, Mosaic, Rona Fletcher
San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union,
SUPPORTERS
Dannay Burgess, Florida House of Representatives,
District 38 - Letter of Commendation
City Of Zephyrhills Mayor Gene Whitfield - Letter of Commendation
US Congressman, Gus Bilirakis - Letter of Commendation & Gift
Pasco County Clerk Dr. Paula S. O’Neil - Certificates & Rulers
Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco-Letter of Commendation
Creative Advantages - COM logo design &Proud Parent Bumper Stickers
Centennial Bank - School Supplies
Integrity Resources Staffing - Family Portrait Sitting
Ministerial Association of Zephyrhills & Wesley Chapel - Bibles
Rotary Club of Zephyrhills Noon - Carry Totes
Sonny’s Bar-B-Q - Gift Cards
Tampa Tribune –Media Sponsor
Student Citizens of the Month
THE BROACH SCHOOL
Mackenzie Collins
CHESTER TAYLOR ELEMENTARY
Maycey Youmans
EAST PASCO ADVENTIST ACADEMY
Laci Carter
HERITAGE ACADEMY
Taylor Nunez
HOPE RANCH LEARNING ACADEMY
Zander Wares
RAYMOND B. STEWART MIDDLE SCHOOL
Shreena Patel
WEST ZEPHYRHILLS ELEMENTARY
Mackenzie Herndon
Sydney Herndon
WOODLAND ELEMENTARY
Averii Florez
ZEPHYRHILLS HIGH SCHOOL
Sarah Strait
STUDENT CITIZEN OF THE MONTH A Program of the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce Honoring Youth Citizenship since 1997
The Next Student Citizen of the Month will be held on Jan 28
January
CHAMBER NEWS
Being active in the local chamber of commerce is an effective business strategy. It communicates to con-sumers that a company uses good practices, is reputable, cares about its customers, and is involved in its
community. ~ Study by the Shapiro Group
is everywhere
YOU can be too
Share your Posts, Tweets and Videos with us
~ We’ll Post it Forward ~
Follow and Tag on Twitter @ZHillsCOC
Like and Post on Facebook: ZhillsFacebook
NEW! View on YouTube: ZHillsChamberChannel Search Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce to find us
Your Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce Official Street Map & Visitor Guide
Stop by the office and pick up your copies today. Display them in your office or give them to clients.
FREE to you, and your customers
Pasco County Sherriff,
Chris Nocco
Newsletter
Giving back is always in the forefront of the minds of Pasco Sheriff’s Of-fice members. Each year our deputies and civilians partake in activities around the county meant to help as many people here as possible.
On Feb. 20, we’ll host our Shotgun Shootout at Tampa Bay Sporting Clays & Archery, 10514 Ehren Cutoff in Land O’ Lakes. The event, which starts at 9 a.m. with an 8 a.m. registration, will benefit the Pasco Sheriff’s Office K-9 Association, which brings awareness and support to the unit, and Explorers Post #916. Our Explorers Program allows young people between the ages of 14 and 21 to explore a career in law enforce-ment by receiving training in all aspects of the profession.
Sporting clays, one of the fastest growing sports in the country, consists of using a shotgun to fire at clay targets from a number of shooting stations
located on a rural course. The clay targets are catapulted into the air by hidden machines throughout the course. The flight of the clay target is unpredictable, testing the shooter’s marksmanship.
Shotguns will be available for rent and vision and hearing protection is required, which will be made available. Only 12-, 20-, and 28-gauge shotguns in safe working order will be permitted.
Registration is $150 for individual shooters, which includes ammunition, 2015 Shootout hat, and luncheon; or $600 for a group of four, which includes ammunition, cart, 2015 Shootout hat, gift bag, and luncheon.
There are a number of ways to participate in the shootout as a sponsor also:
$2,000 - Sheriff’s Club – One 4-shooter team; ammo; cart; premiere gift bag; “special” sponsor’s prize drawing; recognition at luncheon; station recognition, shootout hat.
$1,000 – Platinum -- One 4-shooter team; ammo; cart; gift bag; sponsor’s prize drawing; recognition at luncheon; station recognition, shootout hat.
$100 – Shooting Station – A sponsorship sign with your name will be placed at one of the shooting stations.
For information on how to register, visit www.pascosheriffcharities.com and click on the “shootout” tab. You can also call Lt. Warren Jones at (813) 235-6031 or Julie Frazier at (813) 235-6003.
Pasco Sheriff’s Charities has raised more than $300,000, which has gone to The Angelus, Explorers Post 916, Pasco Boys and Girls Clubs, PACE Center for Girls, San Soldiers of America, Pasco Police Athletic League and YMCA.
We look forward to seeing you!
Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce
Ambassadors Gary Hatrick, Program Chair
Be our guest at the monthly Ambassadors Luncheon
First Tuesday of the Month * 12Noon
Chamber Office 38550 Fifth Ave., Zephyrhills
Call for Info and to RSVP: (813) 782-1913
Ambassador Program Sponsor
Florida Hospital Zephyrhills
AMBASSADORS’ CORNER
Ambassador Notables
A great big thank you goes out to our Ambas-
sadors for volunteering at the 5th Annual
BBQ & Blues Fest. You’ve proved, once again,
we truly have the BEST Volunteers!
Cliff McDuffie | Carolyn Hodges
Cheryl Hinton | Don Edwards | Jen Clapper
John & Diana MacDiarmid | Nils & Nick Lenz
Leigh Cant | Vicky Jones | Lee Maggard
Stephanie Stephenson | Gary Hatrick
Russ & Lee Heffelfinger | Wanda Stevenson
Bob Webb | Lindsey Johnson | Marian Braun
Miriam Hansford | Suzanne Beauchaine
Sam Abrahani
The list of BBQ & Blues volunteers is a long
one. Those Ambassadors listed above are
standouts whose contributions had far-
reaching impacts resulting in a successful
event. Thank you all Once Again!
Jennifer Clapper
Don Edwards
Rachel LeBlanc
Diana MacDiarmid
Nils Lenz
Tim Mitchell
Tim Dozier
Georgia Downey
Nick Lenz
Stephanie Stephenson
Katy Boyd
Leigh Cant
Vicky Jones
Sue Salyer
Lee Salyer
Lee Heffelfinger
Brad Bricker
George Swatzbaugh III
Bob Webb
Cheryl Hinton
Carolyn Hodges
John MacDiarmid
Gary Hatrick
Cliff McDuffie
Lindsay Johnson
Jeannette Hall
Miriam Hansford
Sam Abrahani
Lee Maggard
Sigrid Green
Marian Braun
Suzanne Beauchaine
George Kendall
Russ Heffelfinger
Roxxy Bricker
Rod Rehrig
Ambassadors are the
of your Chamber
In Support of Online Voter Registration Applications
With the onset of the 2015 legislative session and as chair of the Florida State Association of Supervisors of Elections (FSASE) Legislative Committee, one of the legislative priorities my committee and I are strongly advocating is the implementation of an on-line voter registration application process. On-line vot-er registration application offers accessibility and convenience for voters, and the association feels it is the appropriate time for Florida to join 20 other states which have moved forward by embracing available technology.
The convenience of an online voter registration system will have indirect cost-saving benefits such as a reduction in data entry errors and the resultant increase in the accuracy of the voter registration rolls. Voters with current address information would potentially save the Division of Elections and respective Supervisors of Elections millions of dollars by reducing the need to conduct costly, state mandated mail-ings which notify voters and encourage them to update their information.
Unlike the current on-line voter registration application which requires the form to be printed, signed and mailed, the updated version uses an existing signature that is already on file through the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) and/or Tax Collector. For this reason and to insure integrity of the system, an on-line registration application process would not be an option for first-time registrants who have not satisfied the requirement of presenting themselves before casting a ballot.
In another important step to improving the integrity of the voter registration rolls, the association is advo-cating participation in an interstate program which cross-checks voter registration rolls among state agencies. Enter ERIC, an acronym for Electronic Registration Information Center, a non-profit consortium endorsed by the Presidential Commission on Election Administration, which utilizes official information in-cluding voter registration rolls, motor vehicle records, and postal addresses to identify voters who are registered in more than one state, have relocated or changed names. By crosschecking Social Security death records, invalid registrations of deceased individuals are identified resulting in more accurate voter rolls.
With the passage of the necessary legislation, a coordinated effort between the Florida Department of State, DHSMV and the Supervisors of Elections would be necessary to ensure congruity of the system. Also, Help America Vote Act (HAVA) funds could be utilized to defray implementation costs.
MULTIPLE CATEGORY LISTINGS AVAILABLE
IN THE ONLINE DIRECTORY
Multiple Category Listings are being
offered for a one time fee of $20 / listing.
This offer is in addition to the One
Alphabetical listing and One Categorical listing of-
fered free of charge with your annual membership
dues. If you are interested in listing your
organization under more than one category please
call your Chamber Office: 813.782.1913
Member Services Menu
Advertising: Email Blast or One Full-Page
Newsletter Insert Ad 1 time a year with renewal
Business Listing: Alphabetical and Categorical
in Community Profile and Membership Directory
(6000 copies) and On-line Directory
Exclusive Referral Service: We refer inquiries
only to Chamber members…over 10,000 inquiries a
year
Brochure and Business Card Display: The Visi-
tors Center reserves a place for you to place your
information
Networking: Free or discounted entry to all
Chamber events
Ribbon Cutting: You set the date, we promote
for you
Electronic Newsletter: To keep you informed
and connected
Chamber E-Mail List: Receive regular commu-
nity and Chamber updates.
Membership Plaque: To display at your
business
Seminars and Workshops: Free or discounted
admission to all Chamber-sponsored programs
Leadership: Eligibility for Chamber leadership
roles such as Ambassadors, Committees, Task
Forces , and Board of Directors
Representation: The Chamber represents the
best interests of the business community at local,
regional and state level
Discounts: Notary services, Chamber Room
Rental, Non-profit advertising rates, Member-to-
Member offers
Access to USF Small Business Development
Center, SCORE and other professional consulting
services
Business Spotlight, tell us about your busi-
ness, simple, short, personal, it’s up to you and it
will be put in our monthly newsletter
Monthly Business Breakfast
Your Chamber’s Top-Rated
Networking Program
Speaker Program—Now reserving for 2015
It is your best opportunity to show-
case your business and your team to a
captive and well-connected audience.
~ We make it easy for you ~
Just bring an informative and inter-
esting speaker of your choice to talk
about your business or a topic of rele-
vance to the business community.
~ We’ll do the rest ~
Schedule Your Breakfast Sponsorship Today
Call: (813) 782-1913
Chamber Visitors Center Advertising
The Business and Visitors Center receives over 6,000
visitors a year. Why not welcome them with your mes-
sage framed in a premier place around the informa-
tional display case? Your cost as a member is only
$100 (8 1/2 x 11 ) for 12 months making this one of the
most cost effective advertising opportunity available.
Call 813-782-1913.
www.ZephyrhillsChamber.org
FIND A BUSINESS OR SERVICE
through your trusted source at
www.ZephyrhillsChamber.org
Bookmark the page on your desktop and mobile device!
One of your Chamber’s top priority is to raise awareness with consumers
about the importance of shopping local. The message is simple and it is clear.
“Invest in Your Community. Buy Local. Find a Business or Service through
your Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce.” Chances are, if you’re a
Chamber Member you already know the value of keeping this message alive
in your own business, with your employees, and at home.
REFRESHER COURSE
Do business with a Chamber Member
Encourage your employees to do business with a Chamber member
Keep a handful of Chamber Directories in your office
to hand out to clients
Refer a friend, colleague or client to another Chamber Member
Refer a business to the Chamber
Invite your employees, colleagues or friends to attend Chamber network-
ing events—especially if you don’t have the time.
Your Chamber office or leadership team will check in with you from time
to time to learn what you’re working on.
And remember, we welcome your visit or call and the opportunity to
serve you at any time.
WANTED Your Events, Did you know that we will list your event on our community calendar ? All you have to do is provide your event information in written form and we will list it on the community calendar on the web-
site, please allow 5 days for event to be published.
Announcements, Awards Business Accomplishments or Press release
When space allows we will publish Chamber Member announcements in the newsletter, deadline is the 3rd
Friday of each month.
813-948-9109
Chamber Newsletter Advertising
. 6 Month 12 Month .
Business Card $60.00 $110.00
¼ Page $90.00 $160.00
½ Page $180.00 $300.00
. One Month Non-Profit .
Full Page $75.00 $50.00
MEMBERS ADVANTAGE
Remember, when you renew your mem-bership you receive a free insert into the newsletter a $75.00 value or e-mail blast a value of $50.00 that goes out to all the
Chamber Members.
The newsletter is found on the chamber web-site and not only seen by members, but by all visitors to the website. For an update on ser-vices and benefits of your membership please “Join us for Java” our quarterly “Member Con-nection” meeting or simply pick up the phone
and call us! 813-782-1913
Affordable Advertising for Members
Visitors Center Lobby
Did you know We have over 12,000 inquires about the greater Zephyrhills area.
Do we have your most current and up to date information about your busi-ness or service? If not you may be missing out on customer referrals.
Our busy months will soon be over. Don’t miss this opportunity to inform visitors about your product or service.
