Bloomindale/Fishhawk Edition

Gymboree Moving to Stein Mart Plaza

Gymboree will soon find a new home in Lithia Crossing shopping center on Bloomingdale Ave. and Lithia Pinecrest Rd. Owner Denise Darr bought the franchise currently located at 771 Lumsden Rd. in October and says she is excited to move to the new, user-friendly Valrico location.

Gymboree creates developmental play, music and arts classes for parents and children ages newborn to five. The programs are based on a blend of early childhood development theories and more than 26 years of hands-on experience.

Darr has been working with Gymboree programs for several years and owns four franchise locations. "I love working with young children," she says. "At Gymboree, it adds more because of the parental involvement."

Darr describes the new location as an "upgrade." She explains that the music room will be up front and passersby will be able to see music, art and play programs through the large front windows. "This is a great plaza and we always see children around," she adds.

To enroll now, call or visit the Lumsden Rd. site. Hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Saturday. Birthday parties can be held on-site on Saturdays and Sundays. For more details, call 653-1700 or visit www.gymboree.com.

New Concierge In Town

Are there never enough hours in the day for you? Do you spend your time off work running errands? Do you or your employee waste work time running errands when you want to be more efficient and productive? These are questions Jennifer DeVorss acts prospective clients everyday.

That's because DeVorss' new business is NeedSolvers+, a concierge service serving Brandon, Riverview, Valrico and the surrounding areas. "We provide our customers personal and professional time saving solutions for their daily lives and business needs in the local area at a reasonable price," she explains.

DeVorss spent 15 years in the medical field as a nurse and says this experience makes her a natural as a personal assistant. Services available include everything from grocery shopping and picking up the dry cleaning to getting the oil changed in your car. Additionally, NeedSolvers+ can help with travel, special events and relocation. "I have numerous contacts with businesses around the area that will give my customers quality goods and services; many with nice discounts when I use them to accommodate your needs," she says.

Service hours are 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday-Saturday. For more details, call 361-3523 or e-mail needsolversplus@aol.com.

Mandalay Mist Celebrating First Anniversary

Spray tans are the hottest trend in achieving that perfect summer glow without exposure to harmful UV-rays. Mandalay Mist Bronzing Spa & Boutique, which opened its doors last April, is celebrating its first year delivering spray tanning at its finest.

Long-time residents of the Brandon area, sisters Allison Macri and Rachel Chunn opened Mandalay Mist with the purpose of promoting UV-Free mist tanning and the message that you can get a great tan without the sun and without the bulbs. People with fair skin who have never been able to tan, people who have been told or have chosen on their own to avoid UV rays, and people who just don't have time to tan in the sun or tanning beds finally have an alternative to conventional tanning thanks to mist tanning technology. Says Rachel, "We loved our own mist tans the first time we tried a spray booth, and now share the joy with first-time clients who leave the salon with huge smiles on their faces as they see their tans beginning to develop immediately." Mandalay Mist has tanned about 1,000 new clients since opening last April.

Their mist-tanning spa features a private spray booth with 40 spray heads for the most complete and uniform coverage and a tanning solution that is the best in the industry for providing natural golden brown color. There are three tanning levels to achieve the darkness desired - for any skin type.

In addition to offering mist tanning, Mandalay Mist's 700-sq.-ft.-boutique has earned a reputation for bringing some of the fashion, uniqueness and charm of south Tampa boutiques into the heart of Brandon."We like being able to give local artists retail exposure and at the same time offer beautiful, unique items to our customers," says Allison. While continually bringing in fresh, new styles and inventory, the store also hosts after-hours events such as art exhibits, trunk shows and private misting parties.

An Open House will be held Saturday and Sunday, April 30 and May 1, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., to celebrate the first-year anniversary and kick-off Melanoma Awareness Month.

Mandalay Mist Bronzing Spa & Boutique is located at1602 Oakfield Dr., Suite 103, near the Brandon mall, on the corner of Lakewood Rd. and Oakfield Dr, next door to Divine Designs Salon & Spa. For more information, call 662-MIST or visit www.mandalaymist.com.

Subway and More Planned For New Center

The one-and-a-half acre parcel located west of the Eckerd at Bell Shoals Rd. will soon be home to a new retail and professional park, according to Khalid Khan of Khan Enterprises, the owner of the property.

Site work is underway on the development, which will consist of two buildings. The front building will be right on Boyette Rd. with parking behind the 6,000 sq. ft. of retail space. Signed tenants include a Khan Enterprises-owned Subway Restaurant and a hair salon.

A second, 5,500 sq. ft. building will be located behind the retail stores and be for professional and medical users. "Nothing is finalized here yet, but we are hoping for a doctor," says Khan. "This a really great area and offers great opportunities."

The building should be complete within about four months and Khan is anticipating tenant occupancy by the end of June or early July. For leasing information, call 731-8200.

Pesco Celebrates 15 Years In Business

It all started in 1990. After working for a major pest control company for many years, Cecil Martin founded Pesco, a dream he had pursued for several years. "It wasn't an easy decision…children still at home, loss of big company benefits," he explains. But he felt strongly he could do it. With more than 35 years of experience in the pest control industry and a dedication to give quality pest control to the area, Pesco grew at a steady pace.

Pesco Pest & Termite Services is a full-service pest control company offering all phases of pest control including sub-termite work and fumigation. Lawn treatment services available are fertilization, spot weed treatment, insect control and fungicide.

Martin carries on with same attitude he had when he started his business 15 years ago. "I treat each customer as the only one I have," he says. "I stay active in the field and make myself accessible when a customer needs me."

While he is staying focused, he also makes sure that all of his technicians are doing everything for the customer that they can. Aside from interviewing and obtaining background checks for employees, Martin also provides weekly training sessions to make sure each person is performing to the best of his or her ability. Technicians arrive at a customer's house in company trucks and shirts donning logos.

Pesco's success can also be attributed to Martin's community involvement. He is a member of four area chambers of commerce, business networking groups and Professional Business Builders.

"Pesco will never lower its aim of being the best pest control company around," Martin says. "Plan on seeing Pesco trucks in the area for many years to come."

Call 685-5349 for more information.

Garage Doors Are His Business

If there are two things that Steven Reed knows about, they are the Brandon area and garage doors. Reed, a lifelong Brandon resident, recently opened Reeds Residential Garage Doors, Inc. to serve the local communities' garage door needs.

A graduate of Brandon High School, Reed returned to Brandon after serving in the U.S. Navy in the late 1980s and immediately began working with garage door companies. Today, Reed's new company offers garage door opener installation, garage door replacement, maintenance and service. "I am here to serve the local communities garage door needs," Reed confirms. "I can do anything that has to do with a residential garage door." Services are available throughout the greater Brandon area. Call 685-3193 for more details.

Home Helpers Offers Services To Make Life Easier

Imagine the peace of mind a "sandwich generation" woman would have if she knew her elderly parents had a caring and reliable companion ... someone to take them to doctors' appointments, shop for their groceries, do their laundry and prepare their meals. Wouldn't it be wonderful if someone could run their errands and take care of their non-medical needs? Someone to provide the services that just might make it possible for seniors to remain in their own home.

A new business, offering just those services, has opened in eastern Hillsborough County. Home Helpers provides seniors with the extra help they need to manage their everyday life. For one small monthly fee, Home Helpers Home Assistance Program can be arranged to fit individual needs, from morning "perk-up" to evening "tuck-in," plus a variety of services in between.

A Home Helper Caregiver can be available on an hourly, daily or weekly basis, day or night. Although independent senior citizens are ideal candidates for the services, Home Helpers can offer loving care to new mothers and those recovering from a recent illness. In fact, Home Helpers' services can be tailored to meet anyone's personal requirements.

All Home Helpers Caregivers are reliable professionals who have been thoroughly screened and formally oriented. Additionally, all Caregivers are bonded and insured.

"In a society where family members sometimes live hundreds of miles from each other, Home Helpers can step in to fill the role of a good neighbor," says Clara Thomas, company president. "Because our customers decide how often and when they need us, Home Helpers is an affordable and convenient choice."

The owner of the new local Home Helpers office, Thomas holds a Bachelors Degree in Human Resources Management from Saint Leo University. She has been a caregiver for more than 10 years and serves the community as a consultant to area caregiver support groups.

Home Helpers is a national company with corporate offices in Cincinnati, Ohio. For more information regarding services available locally, please call 655-8973.

New Owner At ShapeXpress

ShapeXpress Fitness for Women is under new ownership and management. Owner Terri Cutshall, a pharmacist for more than 10 years, decided it was time to make a change. It was time to devote more energy toward a pro-active health care position rather than a reactive one. "I manage the dispensing of prescriptions to treat symptoms of existing illness and disease in an effort to provide a better quality of life for my patients," she explains. "There is so much more to our health and well-being than medicinal maintenance. The search for true quality of life begins with preventative medicine -- exercise, diet, proper nutrition, removing the body's toxins, maintaining proper pH levels, positive attitude, positive energy and laughter." She adds, "These things are critical in preventing illness and disease."

ShapeXpress is a premiere fitness club for women offering a 30-minute total body workout, cardio equipment, free weights, an infra-red sauna, "kids korner," locker room facilities and a shower. A personal ShapeXpress fitness trainer is included with your membership.

"ShapeXpress is about helping women feel good about themselves and who they are," says Cutshall. "It's about pampering you. We will provide the tools you need to be successful." She continues, "It's about motivation and creating a support structure within the right environment. It's about a network of family and friends to assist you to say - 'Yes, I can.'"

Hours are Monday-Thursday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and Sunday 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Call 657-8500 or visit www.shapexpress.com for more information.

Beers To Head Cardiovascular Services

Leela Beers has been named Assistant Vice President of Cardiovascular Services for Brandon Regional Hospital, according to Mike Fencel, Chief Executive Officer. The newly created position will be responsible for the cardiovascular services, including spearheading the hospital's efforts to be designated as an HCA Center of Excellence.

Beers was promoted to the new position from Director of Cardiac Catheterization, a position she has held since 1988 when she came to Brandon to open the service. She has been a key player in the growth and success of the hospital's cardiac services, including the cardiac surgery program in 2002 and a $65 million patient tower to house cardiac services in 2003.

She completed her Bachelor of Science in Business Management and is now working on her Masters of Business Administration.

Brandon Regional Hospital is a 327-bed acute care facility serving southern and eastern Hillsborough county communities. The hospital recently received the Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical Excellence, putting it in the top five percent of hospitals in the nation that have met Healthgrade's rigorous standards for clinical excellence.

Riverview Edition

Priority Title's Open House A Success

Priority Title of Florida recently held an open house for Realtors, loan officers and other area business people to get to know more people in the community and show off its newly expanded office. "The turnout was overwhelming. The open house was a great success," reports the company's marketing representative Christine Saccone.

Owners Ida Campbell, Marianne Sharp and Cheryl Albritton opened Priority Title in June 2004. Campbell, who runs the Riverview office and has been in the title business for more than 20 years, has enjoyed much success in the area and thus recently doubled the size of her office space to 2,200 sq. ft. The beautiful office in Park Place offers a huge reception area, large conference rooms, plus kitchen and bathroom areas.

Campbell lives by the company's motto: "You are our #1 priority," which has led her to the success the company is having today. "At Priority Title, service comes first," Campbell confirms.

Saccone describes Campbell as a perfectionist and says she always goes the extra mile. "She is phenomenal, very professional and offers mobility and flexibility in order to meet customers' needs."

Campbell is pleased to announce that Priority Title recently hired Melody Santos, a bilingual closer, allowing the company to further expand its client base. "We are filling a need in the community," says Saccone. "You don't know how many people ask for a bilingual closer."

Priority Title is located in the Park Place office park on Gibsonton Dr. between I-75 and U.S. Hwy. 301. Office hours are 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday. Call 671-0774 for more details or visit www.ptflorida.com.

Handyman Matters Wants To Help Out

Riverview residents Edmund and Claudia MacDonald are the local owners of handyman matters of Sarasota and are now serving south Hillsborough, Manatee and Sarasota counties.

Founded in Denver in 1997, Handyman Matters franchises across the country have completed more than a quarter of a million jobs in its first seven years of operation. In an industry that once seemed to be regarded largely as a group of out-of-work laborers simply looking for ways to earn money, the company has helped to bring dignity and respect to its industry by raising the standards of professionalism, craftsmanship, skill, customer service and ethics.

"There's definitely a need for a business like ours," MacDonald says. "People are busier than ever and need an avenue that can help them take care of all their home repair and improvement needs."

"We're providing a one-stop shop for most home and business owners in the area-and what's more is we're bringing to the table a level of customer service that was previously unheard of," he adds.

Handyman Matters boasts skilled craftsmen-they must pass a 118-point skill assessment prior to employment; screen employees-all endure criminal background tests; licensed, bonded and insured - ensuring the customers and employees protection; a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee and a one-year warranty on all work.

An employee owned and operated company; Handyman Matters specializes in small to medium size projects, from repairing a torn screen to completely remodeling a bathroom or virtually any other room.

Handyman Matters is a global home repair and improvement franchise with locations across the US, as well as Canada, the UK, and Ireland. Handyman Matters offers home and business owners a convenient way to remedy common problems such as leaky faucets and damaged floors, as well as handle more complex issues such as remodeling a bathroom. Customers simply call a local number and explain their issue, while a proprietary database configures their location and the best handyman to send out for the job. For more information, visit the company's website at www.handymanmatters.com or call 741-9991.

Summerfield Pharmacy Now Open

Remember the good old days when the neighborhood pharmacist greeted you by name? Owners of the newly opened Summerfield Pharmacy in Summerfield Shoppes hope area residents will appreciate their attention to customer service. Andre Africa and Karen Small say they opened the business after researching the area and finding that there wasn't another business like this catering to Riverview residents. Africa explains, "Our intentions are to give back to the community by getting to know the customers. Our focus is customer relations.”

The full service pharmacy also offers cholesterol, bone density and diabetes screening. Plus, delivery is free.

A grand opening celebration is scheduled for Saturday, April 30. Stop by and meet your neighborhood pharmacist.

Hours are 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Monday-Friday and 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday. For more details, call 234-9409.

Garage Doors Are His Business

If there are two things that Steven Reed knows about, they are the Brandon area and garage doors. Reed, a lifelong Brandon resident, recently opened Reeds Residential Garage Doors, Inc. to serve the local communities' garage door needs.

A graduate of Brandon High School, Reed returned to Brandon after serving in the U.S. Navy in the late 1980s and immediately began working with garage door companies. Today, Reed's new company offers garage door opener installation, garage door replacement, maintenance and service. "I am here to serve the local communities garage door needs," Reed confirms. "I can do anything that has to do with a residential garage door." Services are available throughout the greater Brandon area. Call 685-3193 for more details.

Pesco Celebrates 15 Years In Business

It all started in 1990. After working for a major pest control company for many years, Cecil Martin founded Pesco, a dream he had pursued for several years. "It wasn't an easy decision…children still at home, loss of big company benefits," he explains. But he felt strongly he could do it. With more than 35 years of experience in the pest control industry and a dedication to give quality pest control to the area, Pesco grew at a steady pace.

Pesco Pest & Termite Services is a full-service pest control company offering all phases of pest control including sub-termite work and fumigation. Lawn treatment services available are fertilization, spot weed treatment, insect control and fungicide.

Martin carries on with same attitude he had when he started his business 15 years ago. "I treat each customer as the only one I have," he says. "I stay active in the field and make myself accessible when a customer needs me."

While he is staying focused, he also makes sure that all of his technicians are doing everything for the customer that they can. Aside from interviewing and obtaining background checks for employees, Martin also provides weekly training sessions to make sure each person is performing to the best of his or her ability. Technicians arrive at a customer's house in company trucks and shirts donning logos.

Pesco's success can also be attributed to Martin's community involvement. He is a member of four area chambers of commerce, business networking groups and Professional Business Builders.

"Pesco will never lower its aim of being the best pest control company around," Martin says. "Plan on seeing Pesco trucks in the area for many years to come."

Call 685-5349 for more information.

New Concierge In Town

Are there never enough hours in the day for you? Do you spend your time off work running errands? Do you or your employees waste work time running errands when you want to be more efficient and productive? These are questions Jennifer DeVorss asks prospective clients everyday.

That's because DeVorss' new business is NeedSolvers+, a concierge service serving Brandon, Riverview, Valrico and the surrounding areas. "We provide our customers personal and professional time saving solutions for their daily lives and business needs in the local area at a reasonable price," she explains.

DeVorss spent 15 years in the medical field as a nurse and says this experience makes her a natural as a personal assistant. Services available include everything from grocery shopping and picking up the dry cleaning to getting the oil changed in your car. Additionally, NeedSolvers+ can help with travel, special events and relocation. "I have numerous contacts with businesses around the area that will give my customers quality goods and services; many with nice discounts when I use them to accommodate your needs," she says.

Service hours are 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday-Saturday. For more details, call 361-3523 or e-mail needsolversplus@aol.com.

Mandalay Mist Celebrating First Anniversary

Spray tans are the hottest trend in achieving that perfect summer glow without exposure to harmful UV-rays. Mandalay Mist Bronzing Spa & Boutique, which opened its doors last April, is celebrating its first year delivering spray tanning at its finest.

Long-time residents of the Brandon area, sisters Allison Macri and Rachel Chunn opened Mandalay Mist with the purpose of promoting UV-Free mist tanning and the message that you can get a great tan without the sun and without the bulbs. People with fair skin who have never been able to tan, people who have been told or have chosen on their own to avoid UV rays, and people who just don't have time to tan in the sun or tanning beds finally have an alternative to conventional tanning thanks to mist tanning technology. Says Rachel, "We loved our own mist tans the first time we tried a spray booth, and now share the joy with first-time clients who leave the salon with huge smiles on their faces as they see their tans beginning to develop immediately." Mandalay Mist has tanned about 1,000 new clients since opening last April.

The mist-tanning spa features a private spray booth with 40 spray heads for the most complete and uniform coverage and a tanning solution that is the best in the industry for providing natural golden brown color. There are three tanning levels to achieve the darkness desired - for any skin type.

An Open House will be held Saturday and Sunday, April 30 and May 1, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., to celebrate the first-year anniversary and kick-off Melanoma Awareness Month. The sisters invite everyone to stop in for more information and experience the finest in mist tanning. New merchandise, just in for the summer, will be introduced at this Anniversary Event as well

Mandalay Mist Bronzing Spa & Boutique is located at 1602 Oakfield Dr., Suite 103, near the Brandon mall, on the corner of Lakewood Rd. and Oakfield Dr, next door to Divine Designs Salon & Spa. For more information, call 662-MIST or visit www.mandalaymist.com. See their ad on page 9 for store photos and a valuable coupon.

Subway and More Planned For New Center

The one-and-a-half acre parcel located west of the Eckerd at Bell Shoals Rd. will soon be home to a new retail and professional park, according to Khalid Khan of Khan Enterprises, the owner of the property.

Site work is underway on the development, which will consist of two buildings. The front building will be right on Boyette Rd. with parking behind the 6,000 sq. ft. of retail space. Signed tenants include a Khan Enterprises-owned Subway Restaurant and a hair salon.

A second, 5,500 sq. ft. building will be located behind the retail stores and be for professional and medical users. "Nothing is finalized here yet, but we are hoping for a doctor," says Khan. "This a really great area and offers great opportunities."

The building should be complete within about four months and Khan is anticipating tenant occupancy by the end of June or early July. For leasing information, call 731-8200.

Boyette Center Will Break Ground in July

Pangea Real Estate Development Group will break ground in early July on the Boyette Executive Center, located on the north side of Boyette Rd., just east of McMullen Rd., with hopes to have the first buildings available in early November of this year.

There will be 12 buildings, ranging from 3,400 sq. feet to 5,000 sq. ft.

Nimesh Patel, part of the development group says, "We are selling the 'shell' buildings and the lot providing a fee simple ownership structure." He adds that the park will feature a beautiful courtyard with a fountain and a spacious 5.9 per 1,000 sq. ft. parking ratio.

"The response has been great so far and we have only begun to market the project," boasts Patel. He says prospects seem to love the location, park-like setting and the style of the buildings, which feature barrel-tiled roofs. "We have found that there is a shortage of quality, luxuriously styled offices in the Brandon/Riverview market," he adds.

Another aspect that sets this development apart, according to Patel, is that while designing the park, both prospective buyers and their customers were considered. "The Boyette Executive Center will provide a pride of ownership to the building owners and also a pleasing environment for their customers, clients and patients to come to," he explains.

The location, four miles west of FishHawk Ranch and in close proximity to U.S. Hwy. 301 and I-75 makes the site especially appealing for those looking for an easily accessible location.

Contact Nimesh Patel at 748-2333 or Anand Patel at 390-0891 for additional information.

Valrico Edition

Brandon Automall Starts Construction

Construction is underway for the $10 million Brandon Automall on S.R. 60. According to general building contractor Frank Nelson from Batson-Cook, the nine and a half-acre site will have the capacity to hold 500 vehicles and will house a 46,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art building projected to be open by the end of the year.

The mall will be part of the Ernie Haire vehicle family and is owned by Ernie Haire, who has 30 years experience in the car business, and Greg Balasco, general manager at Ernie Haire Ford.

Balasco states that, in addition to a full service center offering accessories including vehicle DVD players and navigation systems, there will be 21 service bays and all of the cars on the lot will be less than three years old.

“We will specialize in late model high-end vehicles, like BWMs and Hummers and will also offer trucks and S.U.V.s,” says Balasco. “We hope to offer Valrico residents great cars without the trek down S.R. 60.”

For more information, contact Greg Balasco at 933-6571.

A Caring Touch Gets New Address

Good news for Valrico residents looking for massage therapy and skin care. A Caring Touch (ACT) recently moved into a new location on Lumsden Rd., making them even easier to reach.

ACT celebrated the move to its new location with a Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting. Owned by Bernadette Dunn, the company offers of massage therapy and skin care services, combining a clinical knowledge with spa atmosphere services.

ACT has recently added skin therapy services with the hiring of licensed aestetician Rhonda McDaniel. ACT is located at 1318 E. Lumsden Rd. in Brandon and is open Monday - Saturday with appointments available as early as 7:30 a.m. and as late as 7 p.m. ACT is a Bronze Elite Member, Brandon Chamber of Commerce since 2002, and Florida State Massage Therapy Association.

For more information, or to make an appointment, call 849-0023.

Professional Center Set for June Groundbreaking

Plans are underway for a new professional center in Valrico, north of S.R. 60 on land adjacent to the Wal-Mart and Goodwill stores. According to Steven Roberts of DFS Company, which is leasing the units, there will be a total of 11 buildings ranging from 4,800 sq. ft. to 12,500 sq. ft., including one building with three floors, each of which will be 5,445 sq. ft.

"We are excited to offer this opportunity of more medical and professional office suites to the Valrico area," says Roberts. "We have had a lot of interest already, the area is growing so fast, there are a lot of people out there looking for space."

Plans show the 11 different sized buildings spaced in a horseshoe shape, facing the Wal-Mart parking lot.

According to Roberts, tenants only need a $5,000 deposit to secure a space before the June groundbreaking. For more information, contact Roberts at dfscompany@yahoo.com or 245-0150.

Gymboree Moving to Stein Mart Plaza.

Gymboree will soon find a new home in Lithia Crossing shopping center on Bloomingdale Ave. and Lithia Pinecrest Rd. Owner Denise Darr bought the franchise currently located at 771 Lumsden Rd. in October and says she is excited to move to the new, user-friendly Valrico location.

Gymboree creates developmental play, music and arts classes for parents and children ages newborn to five. The programs are based on a blend of early childhood development theories and more than 26 years of hands-on experience.

Darr has been working with Gymboree programs for several years and owns four franchise locations. "I love working with young children," she says. "At Gymboree, it adds more because of the parental involvement."

Darr describes the new location as an "upgrade." She explains that the music room will be up front and passersby will be able to see music, art and play programs through the large front windows. "This is a great plaza and we always see children around," she adds.

To enroll now, call or visit the Lumsden Rd. site. Hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Saturday. Birthday parties can be held on-site on Saturdays and Sundays. For more details, call 653-1700 or visit www.gymboree.com.

Mandalay Mist Celebrating First Anniversary

Spray tans are the hottest trend in achieving that perfect summer glow without exposure to harmful UV-rays. Mandalay Mist Bronzing Spa & Boutique, which opened its doors last April, is celebrating its first year delivering spray tanning at its finest.

Long-time residents of the Brandon area, sisters Allison Macri and Rachel Chunn opened Mandalay Mist with the purpose of promoting UV-Free mist tanning and the message that you can get a great tan without the sun and without the bulbs. People with fair skin who have never been able to tan, people who have been told or have chosen on their own to avoid UV rays, and people who just don't have time to tan in the sun or tanning beds finally have an alternative to conventional tanning thanks to mist tanning technology. Says Rachel, "We loved our own mist tans the first time we tried a spray booth, and now share the joy with first-time clients who leave the salon with huge smiles on their faces as they see their tans beginning to develop immediately." Mandalay Mist has tanned about 1,000 new clients since opening last April.

In addition to offering mist tanning, Mandalay Mist's 700-sq.-ft.-boutique has earned a reputation for bringing some of the fashion, uniqueness and charm of south Tampa boutiques into the heart of Brandon. An Open House will be held Saturday and Sunday, April 30 and May 1, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., to celebrate the first-year anniversary and kick-off Melanoma Awareness Month. Mandalay Mist Bronzing Spa & Boutique is located at1602 Oakfield Dr., Suite 103, near the Brandon mall, on the corner of Lakewood Rd. and Oakfield Dr, next door to Divine Designs Salon & Spa. For more information, call 662-MIST or visit www.mandalaymist.com.

Pesco Celebrates 15 Years In Business

It all started in 1990. After working for a major pest control company for many years, Cecil Martin founded Pesco, a dream he had pursued for several years. "It wasn't an easy decision…children still at home, loss of big company benefits," he explains. But he felt strongly he could do it. With more than 35 years of experience in the pest control industry and a dedication to give quality pest control to the area, Pesco grew at a steady pace.

Pesco Pest & Termite Services is a full-service pest control company offering all phases of pest control including sub-termite work and fumigation. Lawn treatment services available are fertilization, spot weed treatment, insect control and fungicide.

Martin carries on with same attitude he had when he started his business 15 years ago. "I treat each customer as the only one I have," he says. "I stay active in the field and make myself accessible when a customer needs me."

While he is staying focused, he also makes sure that all of his technicians are doing everything for the customer that they can. Aside from interviewing and obtaining background checks for employees, Martin also provides weekly training sessions to make sure each person is performing to the best of his or her ability. Technicians arrive at a customer's house in company trucks and shirts donning logos.

Pesco's success can also be attributed to Martin's community involvement. He is a member of four area chambers of commerce, business networking groups and Professional Business Builders.

"Pesco will never lower its aim of being the best pest control company around," Martin says. "Plan on seeing Pesco trucks in the area for many years to come."

Call 685-5349 for more information.

Garage Doors Are His Business

If there are two things that Steven Reed knows about, they are the Brandon area and garage doors. Reed, a lifelong Brandon resident, recently opened Reeds Residential Garage Doors, Inc. to serve the local communities' garage door needs.

A graduate of Brandon High School, Reed returned to Brandon after serving in the U.S. Navy in the late 1980s and immediately began working with garage door companies. Today, Reed's new company offers garage door opener installation, garage door replacement, maintenance and service. "I am here to serve the local communities garage door needs," Reed confirms. "I can do anything that has to do with a residential garage door." Services are available throughout the greater Brandon area. Call 685-3193 for more details.

New Concierge In Town

Are there never enough hours in the day for you? Do you spend your time off work running errands? Do you or your employee waste work time running errands when you want to be more efficient and productive? These are questions Jennifer DeVorss asks prospective clients everyday.

That's because DeVorss' new business is NeedSolvers+, a concierge service serving Brandon, Riverview, Valrico and the surrounding areas. "We provide our customers personal and professional time saving solutions for their daily lives and business needs in the local area at a reasonable price," she explains.

DeVorss spent 15 years in the medical field as a nurse and says this experience makes her a natural as a personal assistant. Services available include everything from grocery shopping and picking up the dry cleaning to getting the oil changed in your car. Additionally, NeedSolvers+ can help with travel, special events and relocation. "I have numerous contacts with businesses around the area that will give my customers quality goods and services; many with nice discounts when I use them to accommodate your needs," she says.

Service hours are 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday-Saturday. For more details, call 361-3523 or e-mail needsolversplus@aol.com.

Famous Tate Now Open

After months of construction, Famous Tate's new Valrico location is now open. The locally-owned home appliance and bedding seller recently closed its two Brandon-area locations and moved its stock to the 25,000 sq. ft. showroom on Brandon Blvd., in Valrico.

According to Jason Horst, business development manager for Famous Tate, the new store houses both an experience center and a kitchen art center, where customers can see a variety of appliances in action.

"The experience center allows people to hear for themselves how quiet the dishwasher is or see how easy one of the new washers is to load," says Horst. "And the kitchen art center will host events like cooking classes where customers can really see how the appliances will work in their home."

In addition, construction is starting on a second phase, behind the new showroom, which will house two, 12,000 sq. ft. buildings that will be split up into warehouses and professional offices. For information on leasing, call 933-5127.

The new Famous Tate showroom is located at 1015 E. Brandon Blvd. and is open Monday-Friday 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m., Saturday 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m.-4 p.m. For more information on the store, call 684-6860 or visit www.famoustate.com.

New Owner At ShapeXpress

ShapeXpress Fitness for Women is under new ownership and management. Owner Terri Cutshall, a pharmacist for more than 10 years, decided it was time to make a change. It was time to devote more energy toward a pro-active health care position rather than a reactive one. "I manage the dispensing of prescriptions to treat symptoms of existing illness and disease in an effort to provide a better quality of life for my patients," she explains. "There is so much more to our health and well-being than medicinal maintenance. The search for true quality of life begins with preventative medicine -- exercise, diet, proper nutrition, removing the body's toxins, maintaining proper pH levels, positive attitude, positive energy and laughter." She adds, "These things are critical in preventing illness and disease."

ShapeXpress is a premiere fitness club for women offering a 30-minute total body workout, cardio equipment, free weights, an infra-red sauna, "kids korner," locker room facilities and a shower. A personal ShapeXpress fitness trainer is included with your membership.

"ShapeXpress is about helping women feel good about themselves and who they are," says Cutshall. "It's about pampering you. We will provide the tools you need to be successful." She continues, "It's about motivation and creating a support structure within the right environment. It's about a network of family and friends to assist you to say - 'Yes, I can.'"

Hours are Monday-Thursday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and Sunday 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Call 657-8500 or visit www.shapexpress.com.