Business Briefs

Fitness gurus introduce all-new boot camp this month

SPRING HILL Shayne Tarbox, a trainer with Progress Personal Training, will introduce an all-new Fitness Boot Camp beginning Monday, Sept. 8.

Progress Personal Training is run by Shayne Cahill. Both he and Tarbox are marketing the boot camp as an "innovative, fun and results-driven" program.

It will last four weeks and is designed to burn fat, reduce weight and tone the body. A total of 80 classes will be offered each month.

To view the class schedule, visit www.progressbootcamp.com.

There will be classes both in the morning and evening.

A nutrition plan also is included.

For more information about cost, reservations and scheduling, call Tarbox at 352-346-6106 or e-mail him at starbox@porgressbootcamp.com.

Farm Bureau reminds producers of new disaster requirements

GAINESVILLE Florida Farm Bureau wants to make sure producers are aware of requirements for those seeking to participate in the new Supplemental Agriculture Disaster Programs included in the 2008 farm bill. Producers must have crop insurance or non-insured crop disaster assistance (NAP) coverage for the land for which assistance is being requested and for all farms in all counties in which they have an interest, including grazing lands, in order to be eligible to participate in the disaster programs. The buy-in fee is due no later than Sept. 16, 90 days after the date of enactment, as required by the 2008 Act. Those who miss this opportunity will not be eligible for disaster assistance. Producers also are reminded the payment of the applicable buy-in fee does not afford the producer crop insurance or NAP coverage. It only affords eligibility for the 2008 disaster programs.

AT&T launches in-home service

DALLAS AT&T Inc. recently announced the launch of AT&T ConnecTech - a 50-state, all-encompassing home services care program that is designed to take customer service, and the company's own support capabilities, to the next level. Building on the company's leadership in communications, customer care and digital entertainment, AT&T ConnecTech provides a full suite of in-home services for virtually all technical support needs. For residential customers nationwide - AT&T and non-AT&T customers alike - ConnecTech offers television and home theater installation and personal computer and home network setup, plus an extensive list of repair services. Pricing information and all support services are outlined at www.att.com/connectech. AT&T ConnecTech services start at less than $100.

Web site created to assist those seeking franchises

BROOKSVILLE Business Coaches with The Entrepreneur's Source have created a sophisticated online tool to help aspiring entrepreneurs determine what business would be best-suited for them with the recent launch of the company's virtual business coach, FranchiseMatch.com. The Web site has been launched as a virtual coach guiding people through an online process of creating an individual, customized profile of franchise concepts that match their goals, needs and expectations. Designed around a unique five-step process, FranchiseMatch.com takes each visitor through a series of questions that narrow down the possible franchise concepts which will ultimately match their lifestyle requirements, location preferences and available capital. For more information on The Entrepreneur's Source or FranchiseMatch.com, call John Samaras at 813-333-5666 or Mickey Rechkemer at 1-888-675-2311

Ribbon cuttings are scheduled for this week

The Greater Hernando County Chamber of Commerce will have the following ribbon-cutting ceremonies this week:

Action Mail Room - 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 2, at the chamber office, located at 4044 Commercial Way in Spring Hill. For more information, call Jeff Magill at 345-5923.

Blue Creek Shop - 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 4, at 2149 Mariner Blvd. in Spring Hill. For more information, call Margaret Koch at 688-0811.

Author Martin to be guest speaker at Tuesday meeting

BROOKSVILLE Florida Cancer Institute-New Hope recently announced that author and management and training consultant Gaye Martin will be the guest speaker at its Sept. 2 breast cancer support group meeting. Martin is a management and training consultant and the owner of Resources Unlimited. She has taught at Central Florida Community College for more than 20 years and is a former member of the school's Women's Advisory Board. Martin conducts programs on communication and life skills. Florida Cancer Institute-New Hope hosts a monthly women's breast cancer support group meeting from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month. The group meets at its center at 7154 Medical Center Drive. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, call Tambra Randazzo at 592-8128.

Bayonet Point will offer free prostate screenings Wednesday

HUDSON Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point will be offering a free prostate screening from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 3. Screenings consist of a PSA (prostate specific antigen) and DRE (digital rectal exam) performed by board certified physicians. Appointments are required. To make your appointment, call 727-869-5498 or 1-888-741-5119, 24 hours a day. Prostate Cancer is one of the most common cancers among men. Regular prostate check-ups are recommended for men beginning at age 50. Yearly check-ups are recommended for men 40 and older who have either a family history of prostate cancer or for African-American men who are more likely to develop prostate cancer. Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point is a 290-bed acute care facility located in Hudson. Home of the nationally acclaimed Heart Institute, more than 335 physicians, 950 employees and 500 volunteers comprise the integrated healthcare delivery team. Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point has been designated a 100 Top Hospital seven years by Thomson 100 Top Hospital (formerly Solucient), and has been named twice (1999 and 2002) by U.S. News & World Report as one of America's Best Hospitals in heart surgery. Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point has received national certification as a Primary Stroke Center from the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO); Approved Community Cancer Program by the College of Surgeons and has the only Accredited Chest Pain Center in Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties. For more information, visit www.rmchealth.com or www.heartoftampa.com.

Prostate Cancer Support Group will meet Sept. 8

BROOKSVILLE The Florida Cancer Institute-New Hope will hold its regular "Man to Man" prostate cancer support group at 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 8. Co-sponsored by the American Cancer Society, "Man to Man" meets on the first Monday of every month at the Florida Cancer Institute-New Hope's Brooksville Center, located at 7154 Medical Center Drive. Topics frequently discussed include the importance of early detection, signs and symptoms of prostate cancer, prognosis, disease stages, incontinence, impotence, the various treatment options including hormone therapy and medications and especially the latest research and treatment modalities. Speakers include physicians, nurses, dietitians, pharmacists, social workers and others. For more information, call Betty Lawrence at 596-1926. Florida Cancer Institute-New Hope is affiliated with US Oncology, the nation's largest health care services network dedicated exclusively to cancer treatment and research. US Oncology provides extensive services and support to its affiliated cancer care sites nationwide to help them expand their offering of the most advanced treatments, build integrated cancer care centers, improve their therapeutic drug management programs and participate in many of the new cancer-related clinical research studies. Florida Cancer Institute-New Hope has six locations throughout Pasco and Hernando counties. For more information call 1-888-206-0054 or visit www.FloridaCancerInstitute-NewHope.com.

Institute-New Hope's Caregiver Support Group is Sept. 11

SPRING HILL Florida Cancer Institute-New Hope will hold its Caregiver Support Group at 4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 11. The Group meets the second Thursday of every month at the Florida Cancer Institute-New Hope's Spring Hill Center, located at 10441 Quality Drive, Suite 203 in the Medical Arts Building next to Spring Hill Regional Hospital. For more information call Dorothy Hiller at 688-7744.

Summit for Youth scheduled for Sept. 30

SPRING HILL The Greater Hernando County Chamber of Commerce Education Committee and other community service partners are sponsoring the first-ever Summit for Youth. The event will take place Tuesday, Sept. 30. This Summit is a think-tank opportunity for key community partners, social service agencies and the school district to come together to brainstorm solutions to improve key indicators for our youth in the areas of graduation rate, substance use/abuse, teen pregnancy and violence/abuse/neglect. Anyone interested in participating in one of the working committees is encouraged to contact Tracy Echols at success@theabundanceadvantage.com or 352-277-3322. There are $250 and $100 sponsorship opportunities available.

Presentation on managing medication will take place Sept. 30

HUDSON Dr. Troy Jarvi will be the featured speaker for an upcoming lecture on "Understanding and Managing your Medication." Jarvi will talk briefly about knowing when and how to take your medication, the safest practices in drug storage and purchasing, learning how medications work and how to monitor their effectiveness, what to do with your medications after a hospital stay and what to do when your medications change. This presentation is sponsored by Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point and will take place at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 30, at CARES Hudson Bayonet Point Enrichment Center, located at 12417 Clock Tower Parkway. The event is free to the public. Due to limited seating, reservations are required and can be made by calling 727-869-5498 or 1-888-741-5119.

Oak Hill will offer free prostate cancer screenings in September

BROOKSVILLE Oak Hill Hospital announced it will once again offer complimentary prostate cancer screenings in September of 2008. The screening consists of two parts. The first part consists of a prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood draw offered the weeks of September 2 through September 15 at the hospital's ExpressLab, which is open Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 2 PM (closed 12 - 1 PM). The second part of the screening is a physician digital rectal exam (DRE). In order to participate in the screening both the PSA and the DRE are required. The physician DRE is by appointment only on Thursday, September 25, 2008. DRE appointments may be scheduled now through September 1, 2008 by calling 352-597-6333 in Hernando or 352-628-6060 in Citrus. Anyone registered for DRE appointments may have their PSA blood test drawn between September 2 and September 15 according to the hours provided above. Exact locations and directions for the DRE exam will be provided based on the registration. There is limited availability. Early appointments are encouraged.

Beach Bash will take place Oct. 3

HERNANDO BEACH Tickets are on sale for the Greater Hernando County Chamber of Commerce Annual Beach Bash. The event will take place at 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, at the Hernando Beach Club, located at 3145 Flamingo Blvd. Tickets are $15 per person. This year's theme is Surfin' FLA. For sponsorships and tickets, call 796-0697, Ext. 15.

Florida Farm Bureau annual meeting will be held Oct. 8-10

ORLANDO Hundreds of farmers and ranchers from across the state will convene Oct. 8-10 at the Peabody Hotel in Orlando for the Florida Farm Bureau Federation's 67th annual meeting. Organized around the theme "Growing for Tomorrow," the meeting will offer events centered on Florida Farm Bureau Women, Young Farmers and Ranchers and legislative action and education. Voting delegates will elect the president and vice president and adopt the policies that will guide the organization during the next 12 months. For more information on the annual meeting, contact Rachel Kudelko at 352-378-8100, Ext. 1030, or e-mail her at Rachel.kudelko@ffbf.org. Information may also be found at http://floridafarmbureau.org/annual_meeting. The Florida Farm Bureau Federation is the state's largest general-interest agricultural association with more than 140,000 member-families statewide. Headquartered in Gainesville, the federation is an independent, nonprofit agricultural organization.

Sponsorships, booths still available for Oct. 18 Health Fair

BROOKSVILLE Sponsorships and booths are still available for the fourth Annual Hernando County Health Fair, which will be held Saturday, Oct. 18. The annual event has drawn as many as 2,000 visitors. Various sponsorship packages are available starting at $500. The Health Fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Brooksville Elks Lodge 2582, located at 14494 Cortez Blvd. More than 65 local health care businesses share information, give demonstrations and provide free health screenings for the community. Interior booths are available for $135 and a limited number of outside booths also will be available for $110. Complimentary samples from local food establishments will be available as well as live music and entertainment. Flu shots will be offered for $25 each (Medicare and most insurances will be accepted). Current presenting sponsors include Oak Hill Hospital, Brooksville and Spring Hill Regional Hospitals, the Nature Coast Community Health Center, Elks Brooksville Lodge 2582 and Hernando County Health Department. Media sponsors include Hernando Today, WWJB AM Radio, TBO.com and News Channel 8 On Your Side. Additional major sponsors include THE Bus, Hernando Orthopedic and Spinal Surgery, Medicare Health Options LLC and Wellcare. For more information, call Denise Nohejl at 352-544-5206.

New Residents Reception is scheduled for Oct. 30

WEEKI WACHEE The Greater Hernando County Chamber of Commerce will hold its New Residents Reception at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30, at Weeki Wachee Springs Attraction. There are indoor and outdoor tables still available for chamber members. A $20 discount is being offered for those who book for both the October and March events. The deadline is Sept. 25. For more information, call 796-0697, Ext. 15.

Rotary Club of Spring Hill Central meets every Thursday

SPRING HILL The Rotary Club of Spring Hill Central meets every Thursday throughout the year at the Wellington Clubhouse, located at 400 Wexford Road. Past Rotarians always are welcome to visit. Those interested in becoming a member are encouraged to have lunch with group members at 11:45 a.m. every Thursday. For more information, call Brooks Edwards at 666-4107 or Josh Kelly at 666-0068. The Web site is located at www.shcrotary.com.

Chamber offers marketing opportunity

SPRING HILL The Greater Hernando County Chamber of Commerce is offering its members the opportunity to market their business with table top space at any of the upcoming monthly membership meetings. The cost for the table top is $50. For more information, call the chamber at 796-0697.

Dawn Center offers free speaker's bureau

SPRING HILL The Dawn Center, Hernando County's domestic and sexual violence shelter, has a free speaker's bureau available to organizations that are interested. Advocates at the center can offer seminars on domestic and sexual abuse and keys to prevention. For more information, call Morgan Moeller at 592-1288.

Local women's business network meets twice per month

SPRING HILL The Hernando County Home Business Women's Network group meets twice a month. The Spring Hill Chapter meets on the first and third Wednesday and the Brooksville Chapter meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. This is a non-compete group for women who are home-based, own their own store or office and are entrepreneurs. The members network to help one another promote products and services as well as helping in the community. For more information on meeting times and locations, visit www.hchomebusinesswomensnetwork.com.

Dawn Center launches online store

BROOKSVILLE Supporting the Dawn Center is now as simple as shopping online. The Dawn Center recently launched its new online store featuring T-shirts, mugs, stationary and more. At www.cafepress.com/DawnCenter, people can buy items featuring original artwork created by students along with other items that promote the Dawn Center's cause. Proceeds go directly to supporting the vital services offered by Hernando County's domestic and sexual violence center. Those who cannot find what they are looking for at the center's online store, users also may shop for the cause at GoodSearch.com. The GoodShop feature allows users to shop at an online mall featuring hundreds of stores with up to 37 percent of the sale benefiting the Dawn Center. For more information, call 352-684-7191.

Business Briefcase, compiled by Tony Holt, is published each Monday. News releases must be received by the Wednesday before the desired publication date. Items of interest include employee promotions, company openings, closings, expansions and relocations, business celebrations, classes, lectures and special events. Send news to Hernando Today, 15299 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville, Fla. 34613, or e-mail them to wholt@hernandotoday.com.