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Letter to the editor

Programs aim to help small business

By Times Staff Writer
Published January 4, 2008

BRANDON

The Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce is expanding its programs for small businesses.

Part of that is a new series of monthly seminars and one-on-one meetings with specialized business counselors.

The first seminar, "Smart Start Your Business," runs from 10 a.m. to noon Thursday at the chamber office, 330 Pauls Drive, Suite 100.

The workshop includes general information on licensing, zoning issues, marketing, grants and other financing options for small businesses.

The second program is 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 7 and includes the basics of starting a small business, minority-owned business or woman-owned business. The cost is $8, and reservations are required by Feb. 4.

Contact Jamie Reid at 689-1221, ext. 43, or jreid@brandonchamber.com for more information. Registration is also available online at www.hillsboroughcounty.org/sbic/online.cfm.

Introductory classes in Taoist tai chi offered

The International Taoist Tai Chi Society will hold an open house and free introductory classes starting this month in Hillsborough County.

The ancient Taoists were renowned for their study of the arts of health and longevity. The gentle movements of taijichuan convey the essence of this tradition to the modern world.

The Brandon open house lasts from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 12 at the Taoist Tai Chi Society, 224 Oakfield Road.

Visitors can watch demonstrations, instruction and discussion about Taoist tai chi. Refreshments are provided. Anyone interested in trying an introductory class at no charge can attend the first week of classes beginning Jan. 13 at the Brandon location. Classes typically last an hour. Dress comfortably in loose clothes and closed-toe shoes. No advance registration is required.

For a complete list of classes, which are also available in Temple Terrace, Plant City and Palma Ceia, as well as donation levels and class locations, go online to brandon.florida.usa.taoist.org or e-mail Elizabeth A. Leib at elizabeth@raintreewriting.com

For more information about taijichuan or the International Taoist Tai Chi Society, visit www.taoist.org or call 813 685-1211.

LITHIA

Adventure races will raise funds for charity

Ever watch those adventure races on television and wish you could try one? Now's your chance.

The Emergency Care Help Organization of Brandon is seeking adventure racers of all skill levels for the third annual ECHO Eco Quest at Alafia River State Park on March 15.

Participants have a choice of two competitions: a full adventure race consisting of a 4-mile run, 6miles of trail biking and 3miles of canoeing; or the mini quest, a 1-mile run, 1-mile bike ride and an obstacle course.

Eco Quest registration is $100, and Mini Quest registration is $30. Prizes will be awarded for winners in each category (team or individual) and for the team that raises the most money.

Last year's race raised more than $11,000 for ECHO, which provides emergency food and clothing to residents of eastern Hillsborough County.

Visit www.echoecoquest.org for more information.

SUN CITY CENTER

FunFest promises fun, food, health checkups

Sun City Center residents want this year's FunFest to be the best ever. The March experience, open to Sun City Center and surrounding communities, will include entertainment, health checkups and reasonably priced food, according to organizers.

Many of the 140 residents' associations and clubs will have exhibits. The free event on March 15 is at the Sun City Center Community Association central campus on N Pebble Beach Boulevard.

For more information, call 633-3500.

[Last modified January 3, 2008, 19:54:03]