Action Zone names executive director

Action Zone, an entrepreneur support organization that serves military community members in establishing, or growing, their businesses, has named Kishima Garcia as its new executive director. Garcia is an entrepreneur, United States Air Force veteran and a military spouse. She previously was executive vice president of human capital and strategy at Quiet Professionals. “Inviting Kishima … Read more

ProVise announces new CEO

ProVise Management Group named Eric Ebbert as chief executive officer, effective immediately. Ray Ferrara, who is the founder of ProVise and was the previous CEO, will remain as executive chair and chief compliance officer. Jon Brethauer will succeed Ebbert as ProVise’s president. “I look forward to setting the stage for our future growth as we … Read more

CEO Council of Tampa Bay’s incoming chair shares vision for 2022

When Ed Ellsasser steps into his new role as chairman of CEO Council of Tampa Bay, in January, he will have his hands full. After all, outgoing Chair Hugh Campbell, president of AC4S Technologies in Tampa, once said that leading active troops in the military was easier than leading a large group of type-A business … Read more

Outback Bowl offers intriguing matchup between Penn State and Arkansas

The Outback Bowl is a Tampa tradition and college football fans have the opportunity to ring in 2022 by enjoying, what should be, an outstanding game between Penn State and Arkansas.The New Year’s Day matchup (12 p.m./ESPN) will feature the, first-ever, meeting between the Nittany Lions and Razorbacks.“These are two quality teams that should produce … Read more

Bye 2021! Here’s where to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Tampa Bay

If you’re looking to get out of the house and celebrate the New Year in style, there are several events happening in the Tampa Bay area on New Year’s Eve. ST. PETERSBURG Flute & Dram 234 Beach Drive, NE, St. Petersburg Time: 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Info: Live entertainment, cocktail specials, champagne toast at … Read more

Exclusive: A sneak peek of the College Hunks’ ‘Undercover Boss’ episode (VIDEOS)

The co-founders of College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving, Nick Friedman and Omar Soliman, will be featured on the season premiere of CBS’ “Undercover Boss” on January 7. The episode follows Friedman and Soliman as they wear disguises and work alongside their employees. Friedman and Soliman have shared exclusive teasers from the episode with Tampa … Read more

Hooters Management Corp. changes name

Hooters Management Corp., founder and creator of the Hooters brand, has changed its name to HMC Hospitality Group. The name change reflects the company’s growth as it plans to add additional concepts including opening more Hoots locations, a quick-service concept, as well as a new joint venture with St. Petersburg’s 3 Daughters Brewing, according to … Read more

Better for business: Ending the economic hunger cycle in Tampa Bay

By Thomas Mantz, president and CEO, Feeding Tampa Bay Winning. It’s a theme in Tampa Bay these days. Beyond our sports teams – and even in the face of a global pandemic – this community has proven that we are unstoppable when we stand together. In fact, we’ve done such a great job that hundreds … Read more

Two leaders from Valspar share lessons learned from 2021 and what’s to come in 2022

The Valspar Championship, Tampa Bay’s PGA TOUR event, is a major economic driver to the region and generates millions in charitable contributions every year. The tournament’s charitable initiatives come through the sponsoring organization, Copperhead Charities. Copperhead Charities has generated nearly $47 million for charity since 1977, through the sponsorship of professional golf tournaments in the … Read more

Influx of resident, affordability impacts Florida market

By Brandy McAdams, a principal with NAI Skyway National Partners  The current Florida and Tampa commercial and retail real estate climate remain dramatically different from what many other sections of the country are experiencing, starting with a 20-30% increase in year-to-year retail sales and vacancy rates consistently dropping below the 10% level across the board. … Read more