Water cooler: Military vets now have local network help

Brothers in arms can translate to brothers in civilian careers.

By Times Staff
Published September 2, 2007

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Brothers in arms can translate to brothers in civilian careers. A networking group just for military veterans started late last month in Brandon through the Pinellas County-based Free Networking International. Meetings will be from 9 to 10:30 a.m. the second and fourth Saturday of each month at Piccadilly Cafeteria, 1025 W Brandon Blvd. The director is Dwight A. McDonald, a retired Army warrant officer and senior aviator. He can be reached at Dwight@FreeNetworkingInternational.com">href="mailto:Dwight@FreeNetworkingInternational.com" mce_href="mailto:Dwight@FreeNetworkingInternational.com">Dwight@FreeNetworkingInternational.com or 813 681-9649.

Take a peek at the new career center

Even if you're not looking for a job, it can't hurt to be familiar with the local career center. The Tampa Bay WorkForce Alliance will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its newly renovated center in Plant City, 2001 E Cherry St., from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday. The public is invited to tour the facility, and there will be giveaways, refreshments and other entertainment.

Franchise show rolls into town

Unleash your entrepreneurial spirit: The National Franchise and Business Opportunities Show is coming to the Florida State Fairgrounds from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sept. 9. Representa-tives from franchises and companies that offer home-based business opportunities will be there. Seminars will cover topics such as avoiding legal problems, negotiating a lease and choosing the right franchise. Admission is $10 per person, plus parking. For more infor-mation, visit www.floridafranchiseshow.com call Lynn McVey at 1-800-891-4859, ext. 400, or e-mail info@nationalevent.com.