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NTCC May Newsletter

A mere thank you can’t describe the gratitude the NTCC must to express to those who made The 2006 Taste of New Tampa arguably the best yet. First, a big thank you goes out to Rob Hilliker and Prudential Tropical Realty for not only their generous $5000 contribution to the Taste, but for the effort and cooperation they provided the Council to make this Taste possible. Inland Properties, the developer of The Shoppes at New Tampa was key in allowing us the access necessary to produce a quality event. That is in concert with their $2500 contribution as well as providing the best site we have had in my opinion. Sports and Field, the state of the art fitness facility on State Road 56 who will host a Community Open House and Fitness Expo on Saturday, May 6 from 10am to 4pm. This is for the whole family and will provide information on all their activities for both adults and children. Sports and Field also stepped up for New Tampa schools and charities with a $2500 sponsorship.
I mention these 3 sponsors because without their “up front” help the Taste would not have been possible. Their commitment to this year’s event shows that New Tampa has the strong support of its business community with more to come for future Tastes and our upcoming Inaugural New Tampa Art Show on November 18th and 19th at the Palm Lake Office Complex in Tampa Palms next to the Bank of Tampa on Amberly Drive. (More about that event later)
Thanks to Captain 25, Dave Andreychuk for being the Honorary Chairperson for the event. It’s great to know that New Tampa is the “Home of the Lightning” with Dave, Tim Taylor, League MVP Marty St. Louis and “The Dinger” Chris Dingman to name a few, who live in our community. Thanks to Stonewood Grill for a terrific VIP Sponsor Party following the Taste and special thanks to managing partner Dave Rathbun and his right hand man Connor Murphy for doing another super job.
We would also like to recognize Shai Williams, first time Board Member, who handled sponsorships, the Business Expo and the food and beverage providers with professional skill. Shai, we couldn’t have done it without you. Also, the unsung hero of EVERY TASTE we have had is Todd Weiner. Todd is the “Master of Disaster”. Todd lays out the Site Plan every year and makes numerous adjustments right up to “showtime” to accommodate everyone to the best of our ability. I can’t thank everyone on this page so I apologize if I miss someone, but needless to say Matt Palmer, Mary Ann Yaney, Regina Ramalheira, David Larson, Jamie Thorne, Craig Williams, David Shelor and Dan Nessman (our active Board Members) made it all happen. Of course, there is Sharon Donofrio in her final Taste appearance. Thank you to all the restaurants and food and beverage providers who are our BIG DRAW and the Business Expo participants who, through their booth fees, provide a major financial contribution to the event. Thank you to New Tampa for coming out making it the great community event the Taste has become.
Last and certainly not least, a heartfelt thanks Gary Nager, Julie Rinaldi and The New Tampa Neighborhood News. What a wonderful pull out section in the last issue and again, great help in procuring restaurants and sponsors. Thanks for your labor of love on behalf of this community.