Chamber’s Shop Local Campaign Gets County Spotlight

The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce’s efforts to raise awareness about local businesses got a shot in the arm recently thanks to the Pasco County Commission.

During their regular board meeting Feb. 19, commissioners issued a resolution commending the chamber for launching a Shop Local campaign. That campaign is meant to encourage residents to look locally first for the items and services they need to buy. By doing so, local consumers can help businesses in their own communities while bolstering services throughout the county with funding provided through sales tax dollars, commissioners pointed out.

“I’d just like to applaud you on this program,” Commissioner Jack Mariano told a group from the Central Pasco Chamber who attended Tuesday’s meeting. “So many people don’t think about when they shop outside the county all the benefits go outside the county.”

The chamber’s shop local campaign includes stickers that local businesses are being asked to place on their shop windows.

The campaign was launched recently as a lead in for the chamber’s annual Community Spotlight Business Expo 2013, which takes place March 15-16 at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, 3032 Collier Parkway. That event showcases local businesses while giving residents from all over Central Pasco an opportunity to meet owners and learn more about the products and services available in the area.

“Thank you very much for this proclamation and for spotlighting our initiative,” Gary Loman, the chamber’s president, told commissioners.

For more information about the upcoming expo or local businesses, visit the chamber’s website.

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