Pasco County is ranked among the top 40 growing counties in the nation, and the primary spur of that growth is Wesley Chapel. Two three planned shopping developments launched in 2009: The Shops at Wiregrass and The Grove. As several expansive, luxury communities complete their development, among them Seven Oaks and Meadow Pointe, large blocks of new corporate parks are emerging along the area’s major east-west roads, leading businesses and medical professionals to relocate their offices and in many cases, their families, to this thriving Tampa suburb.
When we asked readers why they read 83 Degrees, the response was overwhelmingly reaffirming and encouraging, with repeated calls for us to do even more stories about talent, innovation, diversity and environment. "GO! GO! GO!'' says one reader. So we decided to share a sampling of reader comments.
CEO and IT job recruiter Fritz Eichelberger says his company, Hotspaces.net, currently is recruiting for 60+ job openings that he is trying to fill for various clients. The Hotspaces.net website has been up since 1999, and Eichelberger, who recruited throughout the recession, says he sees signs of life again in the marketplace.The four major industry sectors that Eichelberger targets for recruiting employees: technology, interactive marketing, sales and healthcare compliance. While most of his clients are in the Tampa Bay region, he says he is expanding in the Orlando region as well. In November, Eichelberger hosted the "Pure and Shameless Technology Networking Social'' at Blue Martini on Bay Street at International Plaza. About 250 attended. "The attendance for this event was a bit higher than the last one I did in June," Eichelberger says. He holds similar networking events three to five times a year at various locations. "I draw people to my events from Sarasota, Wesley Chapel and North Pinellas, so I try to make the locations equally convenient for everyone."Eichelberger says those who have been unemployed for some time should not get discouraged. "Half of the people I placed this year have been unemployed for over six months or even one year," Eichelberger says. "In my experience, there isn't any discrimination where companies are telling me, I don't want someone who has been unemployed for some 'time'." Although things are looking more promising for the unemployed, Eichelberger advises jobseekers to do what is needed to stand out."Own your accomplishments and put them on your resume," Eichelberger says. "Your accomplishments will set you apart from competitors in the marketplace."Writer: Kimberly PattersonSource: Fritz Eichelberger, Hotspaces.net
Ballywho Interactive, an internet marketing company in Wesley Chapel, offers business solutions for social media management, web content and other needs. The company is currently hiring writers, a community manager, a designer and a web developer. "Right now the company has eight full-time employees," says Kristin Masters, Ballywho's social media strategist and content manager. "We're looking to double that in the next six months." Elissa Nauful Plumley, the company's founder/CEO, wants employees to be happy. "We offer flexible work schedules, which employees really like," she says. In addition to flexible work schedules, Ballywho wants employees to feel challenged and satisfied at work. While hard work is valued at this company, it's not all work and no play. Masters shares that the company tries to keep work fun by planning events such as Wii bowling tournaments at the office and impromptu outings. What does Ballywho look for in a job candidate? "First and foremost, we're looking for people who are a good "fit' for the company," says Masters. "We have a really unique culture: quirky, tight knit and dynamic. It's important that employees be able to embrace—and effect—change as the company grows. Our team is also really focused on delivering exceptional customer service, so ideal candidates are enthusiastic about that and look for ways to constantly improve what we do and how we do it." The company just celebrated its one-year anniversary in June 2010. Writer: Kimberly Patterson Sources: Elissa Nauful Plumley and Kristin Masters, Ballywho Interactive
A recent ranking of the best colleges in the country includes Saint Leo University in Pasco County, north of Tampa.The private university is #59 out of 118 on U.S. News & World Report magazine's list of Regional Universities in the South.Rankings are decided based on students' satisfaction with their teachers, academic achievements and the types of programs the university provides.Read the story.
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