Meet CABA's Candidates Wednesday

Candidates running for a spot on the Carrollwoood Area Business Association's board are gearing up for the next step in the elections process that could secure them one of nine seats with the organization made up of north Tampa business owners.

A "Meet the Candidates Breakfast" will be held at 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 13 at , 2902 W. Fletcher Avenue.

At the CABA members-only breakfast, catered by Panera Bread, candidates will be allowed to explain their platforms and why they're qualified to run, said Maria Patterson, executive director of CABA.

"This year, there is much more competition for president-elect, with four candidates running," said Patterson. "There are usually only two. This speaks to the stability of this 27-year organization and the fact that people want to lead this great organization and have an impact in our community."

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A July 11 elections breakfast will be held at 7:30 a.m. at Boston's Restaurant for CABA members only, Patterson said. Members will have already mailed in their ballots - due by July 10 - or they can bring their ballot to the breakfast, Patterson said. Election results will be announced that day.

On July 25, an annual awards installation dinner for CABA members will be held at 5:30 p.m. at

The new board becomes official on Aug. 1, Patterson said.

The nine positions open are: treasurer, secretary, president elect and six board of directors positions.

Below are the candidates:

• Lea Orchard of will automatically become president for 2012-13 on Aug. 1, 2012
• Noreen Klein (current CABA president) of Florida Consumer Law Center, will automatically beccome immediate past president on Aug. 1, 2012
• President-elect (one position open): Jean Fuller of Premier Bookkeeping Services, Wendell Hock of Primerca, Kristin Votta of Fitness Tek and Brian Wade of Tampa Financial Group
• Treasurer: Tim Castle of Bay Cities Insurance
• Secretary: Adrienne Venable of AFLAC
• Board of directors (six positions open): Steve Balasko of Take Shape for Life, Chuck Barreto of Accurate Payroll Solutions, Robert Cunningham of ADT Security, Lynda Damiata of Kabay Graphics, Chuck DiPierro of Always Best Care Senior Services, Jeff Ryder of Carrollwood Copy Center, Ann Mickel of Dynamic Carpet Care and Mary Clawson of Clawson Accounting Solutions Plus

For more information, or to RSVP for the events above, go to www.usecaba.com.