Updated June 27, 2024
Check out what’s happening in the local business sector via press releases submitted by local companies and organizations.
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- Owners of MindWorx Hypnotherapy Step Up to Lead HEA
- Local Business Awarded Main Street Grant
- CareerSource Pasco Hernando Seeks to Fill Position on Workforce Board
- Belmar Pharmacy Opens Pasco County Facility
- The Florida High Tech Corridor and Florida Economic Development Council Present Sarah Alway with the Young Innovator Scholarship Award
- The Good Tutor Awards Scholarships for SAT Prep
- Global ETS is Rapidly Expanding in Pasco County
Melanie McCool and Shawn Bray Elected as President and Vice President of the HEA and Aim to Take the HEA to an International Audience
Local business owners Melanie McCool and Shawn Bray of Mindworx Hypnotherapy have been elected as President and Vice President of the Hypnosis Education Association. Read about here – New Leadership at the Helm of the Hypnosis Education Association, Associated Press, June 20, 2024.
From the press release –
With an impressive track record as a Trauma-Informed Clinical Hypnotherapist and known for her innovative approach in assisting high achievers to overcome burnout and foster business growth without the stress, Melanie brings her unique experiences to HEA’s leadership. Melanie’s dedication to transforming lives through hypnosis is evident in her roles as the owner of Mindworx Hypnotherapy, where she’s known as The Entrepreneur’s Hypnotherapist and creator of Burnout Recovery Hypnosis™, Co-Founder of HypnoBiz-in-a-Box™ (an All-in-One software solution created specifically for hypnotherapy business owners) , and Certified Master Trainer of Hypnosis. Her leadership at HEA is set to inspire and facilitate significant growth within the hypnosis community.
“I’m excited and honored to accept the role of President for the HEA. I intend to expand its reach internationally while maintaining a family-type feeling for all members.”
The White Heron Tea & Gifts Awarded a $10,000 Backing Small Business Enhancement Grant Through American Express and Main Street America
Media Release | June 26, 2024
New Port Richey, Florida – On Tuesday, June 25, American Express and Main Street America announced the Backing Small Businesses Grant Program grant recipients.
They announced the 500 small business owners awarded $10,000 through the Backing Small Businesses grant program. The program’s 2024 grant recipients represent U.S. small businesses across all 50 states, plus D.C. and Puerto Rico. Later this year, grantees will have the opportunity to apply for an additional $30,000 enhancement grant that will be awarded to 25 small businesses.
The White Heron Tea & Gifts, located in historic downtown New Port Richey, Florida was one of 500 businesses chosen to receive this grant.
“We are very excited to have been chosen to receive this grant from American Express and Main Street America,” stated Kelly Hackman, owner of The White Heron Tea & Gifts. “It’s no secret that small businesses have had a hard time over the past few years and that businesses haven’t survived. Those of us who did have had to put projects aside and become creative with how we manage our businesses. For us, this grant will allow us to do some behind-the-scenes projects in our kitchen and tearoom, as well as provide for some marketing, staff training, and inventory for our gift shop. These are all things that we have wanted to do for some time and now we can.”
The White Heron Tea & Gifts has been a staple of the historic downtown New Port Richey community since opening in January 2016. Over the past eight and a half years, The White Heron has worked to drive local, regional, and national tourism to the community, and has been the recipient of many “Best of Awards.” Two of their teas have received international recognition including Luscious Loquat Green Tea receiving the 2019 Global Tea Championship Silver Medal, and Lavender Vanilla White Tea receiving the “Highly Commended” tea recognition at the 2023 Leafies Competition hosted by International Tea Academy, England. The White Heron Tea and Gifts, and their tea brand, Driftwood Tea Company, was the only US-based tea company to receive recognition in 2023.
Since launching in 2021, Backing Small Businesses has provided over $9 million in grants to 1,180 small business owners nationwide. American Express and Main Street America initially created the grant program to help economically vulnerable small business owners recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and grow their businesses. This program is part of American Express’ “Backing Small” initiative to provide financial support and resources to small business owners experiencing economic hardships. Other Backing Small grant programs include Backing Historic Small Restaurants and Backing International Small Restaurants. Backing Small is an extension of American Express’ longstanding commitment to support small independent businesses globally, including through its Shop Small movement and Small Business Saturday campaign, celebrating its 15th anniversary this year.
Vacancy on the Pasco-Hernando Workforce Board of Directors
Media Release | June 17, 2024
Career Source Pasco Hernando County
The Pasco-Hernando Workforce Board, Inc., dba CareerSource Pasco Hernando, serves the workforce development initiatives in Pasco and Hernando counties. Tasked with administering state and federal funding designated for employment and training services for individuals and new or expanding businesses, we are governed by a board of directors.
Currently, there is one vacancy under the Business category. We are seeking nominations from local business organizations or business trade associations.
Nominees should be individuals with optimum policymaking or hiring authority within a business, such as owners, chief executives, or operating officers. Nominees should represent businesses that provide employment opportunities in the Pasco area.
The Board of Directors is made up of volunteer members, a majority of whom are from the business sector. Other areas of representation include labor, education, economic and community development, and governmental agencies. Directors serve a term not to exceed 8 years.
To nominate an individual or for more information, please contact Nicole Beverley at
nbeverley@careersourcepascohernando.com or by phone at 727-326-1925 for more
information and further instruction
Belmar Pharmacy Opens Pasco County Facility
The company has invested $15 million and plans to hire 150 new positions over the next three years.
Media Release | June 10, 2024
Pasco EDC Marketing & Media Relations
PASCO COUNTY, FLORIDA (June 10, 2024): Pasco Economic Development Council (Pasco EDC) is thrilled
to welcome Belmar Pharmacy to Pasco County. The company has invested $15 million in a 25,000 sq. ft.
state-of-the-art compounding facility within Asturia Corporate Center, where they expect to add 150 new
professional positions over the next three years.
Pharma is a vital part of the Life Sciences Corridor in Pasco County,” expressed Bill Cronin, President/CEO,
Pasco EDC. “The work that Belmar Pharmacy will be doing here by producing compounded medications
and other products will help people live healthier lives, as well as providing more business-to-business
connections in our growing Life Sciences ecosystem.”
In 2018, Pasco County Commissioners approved a 10-year, 7 million Penny for Pasco loan to HP Asturia,
LLC (Harrod Development) to build Asturia Corporate Center, a $26 million, 235,000 square foot
speculative “Flex-Industrial” project to meet the demands of Pasco’s rapidly growing industrial sectors.
“We are excited about the potential to establish a future talent pipeline with Wendell Krinn Technical High
School thanks to our introduction by the Pasco EDC. This collaboration represents a promising opportunity to nurture and develop young talent, aligning with our commitment to investing in the future workforce,” said Rob Kilgore, Chief Executive Officer. Pasco EDC offers connections between education institutions and target industries to ensure Pasco County maintains a strong talent pipeline where companies create job opportunities and find local quality talent.
Belmar is the largest national compounding pharmacy organization focused on hormone health and
wellness. With seven compounding facilities across the country, they are on track to support more than
500,000 patients in 2024, with injectable, oral, and topical personalized medications. Additionally, Belmar
upholds an unwavering commitment to education for providers and patients in helping them achieve
optimal wellness.
“Pasco County is thrilled to welcome Belmar Pharma Solutions to our community,” said Pasco County
Commissioner Kathryn Starkey. “The Board of County Commissioners is always working to find new,
innovative companies to set up shop in Pasco, and this is another great example of a reputable company
bringing high quality jobs to our community.”
The Florida High Tech Corridor and Florida Economic Development Council Present Sarah Alway with the Young Innovator Scholarship Award
Pasco Economic Development Council Coordinator Recognized as the 2024 Dan Webster Young Innovator Scholarship Award Recipient.
Media Release |
Pasco EDC
The Florida High Tech Corridor and Florida Economic Development Council awarded Sarah Alway of the Pasco Economic Development Council (Pasco EDC) with the Dan Webster Young Innovator Scholarship Award in recognition of her outstanding
achievements and professional aspirations.
Presented each year to an emerging leader in Florida’s economic development sector, the recipient
receives a $5,000 scholarship to be applied toward coursework and fees associated with achieving the
Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation.
Alway is the Economic Development Coordinator for the Pasco EDC, and throughout her two-year
tenure has made significant contributions to Pasco EDC while also achieving three promotions that
reflect her commitment to the field of economic development.
“Sarah consistently demonstrates innovation in economic development, notably spearheading the
successful redevelopment of Pasco EDC’s workforce development website, workforceCONNECT,
which underscores her forward-thinking approach and her ability to leverage technology to achieve
goals,” said Bill Cronin, Pasco EDC President & CEO. “Her leadership and collaborative skills have
cultivated strong relationships within our industry, enhancing her contributions to economic and
workforce development, and embodying the spirit of innovation.”
The redevelopment of the workforceConnect website included the integration of innovative features
such as an Employer Resource Library, Careerseeker Resource Library and the ConnectOPP tool for enhanced talent engagement. In addition, Alway supports Pasco EDC business development
programs as a key leader in actively retaining and attracting businesses to Pasco County.
“Since embarking on my journey in economic development, my ambition has been clear – to become
a Certified Economic Developer and effect positive change while breaking barriers as one of the few
female business leaders of an economic development organization in Florida,” said Alway.
A graduate of West Virginia University with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and two minors in
Leadership Studies and English, Alway also holds a Master of Science in Economic Development
(MSED) from the University of Southern Mississippi.
The Dan Webster Young Innovator Scholarship Award was presented to Alway by Florida High Tech
Corridor CEO Paul Sohl during the Florida Economic Development Council’s Diamond Jubilee
Awards Dinner at the organization’s annual conference. It was launched in 2015 to honor
Congressman Daniel Webster for his dedication and commitment to economic development in
Florida, including his support for creating the Florida High Tech Corridor.
“This scholarship represents our belief in the potential of rising talents like Sarah, who demonstrate
the innovation and leadership essential to Florida’s continued economic growth,” said Sohl. “The
Corridor is proud to invest in the next generation of our state’s economic development workforce
and empower them to excel in a rigorous process without financial barriers.”
“As an emerging leader in the field of economic development, Sarah embodies the drive, creativity,
and passion that are crucial for fostering innovation and growth within our communities,” said Florida
Economic Development Council Executive Director Beth Cicchetti, CEcD, MEDP. “Her achievements
set a sterling example for the state’s emerging leaders in economic development.”
The Good Tutor Awards Scholarships for SAT Prep
Media Release | April 24, 2024
Pasco EDC
The Good Tutor, a member of the Pasco EDC SMARTstart program since December of 2022, is awarding over $10,000 in free SAT prep classes, books, and resources in 2024 through their new “Good Goes Further” scholarship program.
Steven Long, the founder and lead instructor at The Good Tutor says, “When I named the company The Good Tutor, I always dreamt of a day that we would be large enough to give back and spread good in the community. This scholarship is the first opportunity we’ve had to do that on a large scale, and I am thrilled to see the impact it has.”
The Good Tutor will be accepting applications for the “Good Goes Further” scholarship throughout 2024, and all students are welcome to apply, although those experiencing economic hardship are especially encouraged.
“The Good Tutor’s SAT prep course helped me improve my SAT score by 200 points in the math section alone!” shared Gabe Pugleise, a high school student in Hillsborough County who received the “Good Goes Further” scholarship.
“Steven used his knowledge to deliver thorough and easily understandable lessons that really made a
difference for me. I hope he continues to grow so that other students can benefit too.”
Long is a former Sunlake High School valedictorian and current Pasco County educator bringing his knowledge and expertise to students in the area. In 2020, Long graduated from Pasco County’s Sunlake High School as the valedictorian, and in 2023, from the University of South Florida with Honors. The son of a celebrated Hillsborough County educator, Long has always had a passion for teaching. Once the pandemic hit, he began offering middle and high school subject and test preparation tutoring for students in the Land O’ Lakes area, and eventually incorporated as The Good Tutor LLC.
“To see Pasco’s start-up founders, working tirelessly to not just have an economic impact, but also be working for the nobler causes in society, is truly heart-warming,” said Daniel Mitchell, Program Director for SMARTstart.
The “Good Goes Further” scholarship application as well as free practice resources and information are available at www.thegoodtutor813.com and Steven Long can be reached at (844) 760-0959.
The tutoring company currently uses the classroom space at SMARTstart @ The Grove, the entrepreneur center in Wesley Chapel, to host their in-person test preparation course offerings.
Global ETS is Rapidly Expanding in Pasco County
The company has created over 100 new jobs and has purchased two new buildings and
leased an additional one in the West Pasco Industrial Park over the past two years.
Media Release | March 12, 2024
Pasco Economic Development Council
Media Relations
PASCO COUNTY, FLORIDA (March 12, 2024): The Pasco Economic Development Council (Pasco EDC) is
thrilled to share that Global ETS (GETS) has been experiencing rapid growth over the last couple of years. The company has expanded into three new buildings (one lease, two purchases) in the West Pasco Industrial Park over the past 18 months to support the growth of its global microchip testing operation. GETS has invested over 5 million dollars in new facilities, including new automation equipment, and hired over 100 new employees. GETS is headquartered in Odessa, Florida with five additional locations around the world.
“GETS CEO Dan Tang has always had an eye for when to scale and what approaches to take as it relates to
building his business,” said Bill Cronin, President/CEO, Pasco EDC. “In addition to the rapid growth the
company is experiencing in Pasco County, GETS has opened locations in Ontario, California, the Netherlands, Hong Kong, and Taiwan since 2022. This is a company that isn’t going to slow down any time soon, and we’re excited to show our support any way we can.”
Founded in 2012, GETS is a provider of the most comprehensive, next-generation of independent electrical component authentication and testing services available in the industry today. Since 2020 GETS has added over 450 new customers globally, nine new services bringing the total to 27, and they have increased their Aerospace and Defense market from 10 to 60 percent. In addition to their testing services, GETS has developed an AI Counterfeit Vision System (patent pending) to continue to improve their efficiency and serve more customers at a faster pace.
“Pasco EDC has been instrumental to the success of Global ETS, offering invaluable guidance and
customized incentives that have reinforced our decision to establish our headquarters in Pasco County,” said Dan Tang, CEO, Global ETS. “As a business owner, feeling supported by the community is crucial, and thanks to Pasco EDC, we’re not just a business here; we’re part of a thriving community committed to mutual growth.”
Today, the Pasco Board of County Commissioners approved a Job Creation Incentive Agreement for 32 new, full-time jobs with an average annual salary of over $95,000. “We’re elated to see the rapid success of Global ETS in Pasco County and couldn’t be happier the company is growing so fast,” said Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey. “The expansion is a major win for
Pasco, bringing high-paying jobs and additional capital investment to our community.”
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