By Jerry Custin, UTB Chamber President

The Upper Tampa Bay Chamber has been awarded one of six county-wide grants to bring the resources of the Pinellas County Department of Economic Development and WorkNet Pinellas closer to the community businesses through their Business Assistance Program. Ultimately, the program helps promote job growth and business success in Oldsmar and Safety Harbor.

The county contract as well as a similar agreement with the city of Oldsmar has allowed the UTB Chamber to add a part time staff member to do the heavy lifting for the program, while the Chamber president helps address situations that may require interface with city or county officials. 

The county charter focuses on Oldsmar and Safety Harbor businesses.  It also includes businesses that are not Chamber members with no fees for these services.  Jerry Peruzzi now serves as our business assistance specialist.  As the former Oldsmar Postmaster, he knows the in’s and out’s of our business community.  His experience is a real strength of the program.

Clearwater, Florida - Directions for Mental Health announced yesterday that its Board of Directors has appointed April Lott, LCSW, to serve as the company’s President and Chief Executive Officer. 

As President and CEO of Directions, Lott will oversee programs that serve over 9,000 people in Pinellas County each year, an annual budget of $12 million, and approximately 230 employees.

In his announcement letter to staff, donors and stakeholders, Chairman of the Board Matthew Chambers wrote,

“We are extremely excited about the decision…April possesses a unique combination of operational savvy and an unflagging compassion for our clients. She has a wealth of leadership experience totaling over 25 years, experience leading successful fundraising campaigns, and she has served as the CEO of a residential and family preservation program, and as the Executive Director of a non-profit academic service agency for at-risk youth"