By MELODY JAMESON
mj@observernews.net
… Gulf Oil Efforts
Effective immediately, the Ruskin / SouthShore Chamber of Commerce is collecting items useful in cleansing and saving coastal birds which become contaminated in the oil slick now spreading across the Gulf of Mexico.
Aiming to support restorative efforts by the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary, the chamber office, 315 South Tamiami Trail in downtown Ruskin, now is a collection point for bottled water, bleach, paper towels, toilet tissue, heavy duty trash bags, PVC plastic shelving, and gasoline gift cards, according to Melanie Morrison, chamber executive director. Area residents also can make cash contributions at the chamber office earmarked for the sanctuary to underwrite its endeavors to recover birds disabled in run-away oil from an uncontrolled well, she added. The collection program will continue as long as a need exists, Morrison said.
Chamber offices are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
…SHED Council
The South Hillsborough Economic Development Council has added two new services — one focused on listing properties and one dealing with area employment — to its website as part of its ongoing efforts to “kick start the local economy,” according to Fred Jacobsen, council marketing director.
The council has affiliated with commercial real estate listing company LoopNet and with the online employment service, Monster, Jacobsen said. The first relationship now allows property owners to list their commercial land or buildings for sale or lease at no charge. Business entities either local or distant also can review the listings for possible relocations. No broker or transaction fees are involved, Jacobsen noted.
The affiliation with Monster gives employers opportunity to list openings for local employees only or to conduct nationwide searches. Plus, local workers can view postings at no charge, he said. In addition, resume help and other tools are available through the Monster connection.
The council’s website address is www.shedcouncil.com. The listing feature is located through the “property” link and the employment access is under “resources.”
…Riverview Fest
Some 60 area businesses, including more than a dozen local restaurants and their best taste treats, are participating in the Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce 2010 Summer Fest set for Father’s day, June 20, in and around the Barn Theater at Winthrop. The venue is located on Bloomingdale Avenue, between Providence and Watson.
Designed to showcase the many aspects of the business community, the event is expected to include close to 100 vendors under shelter and under tents when it opens at 1 p.m. that Sunday, said Tonya Doran, chamber executive director. “With a children’s play area, including bounce houses and games, it’ll make for a great Father’s Day drop by,” Doran added. Summer Fest is free of charge, open until 5 p.m., with plenty of free parking.
Vendor space rates vary according to location. Information and arrangements available at 813-234-5944.
…Former KP Chief
Neal Desch, chief of security in Kings Point for six years until last summer, has taken his experience as a former police officer and counselor trained in dealing with domestic abuse to the airways.
The Neal Desch Life Improvement Show currently is on internet radio at www.pirateradio.com weekday mornings 9 a.m. to noon, he said this week. Desch, who lost a sister to domestic abuse, interviews guests and discusses a wide range of topics pertinent to a positive life from the Tampa broadcast studio. The one-time condominium community security officer also lectures and writes on related issues. He said he’s interested, too, in establishing his own internet radio outlet.
Copyright 2010 Melody Jameson