The Pasco County Board of Commissioners met on February 19, 2013 and awarded a parchment to the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce commending the Chamber for initiating and promoting the “Shop Local First” campaign in Pasco County started on February 11, 2013. The Board of Commissioners supports the Chambers efforts to highlight and support local businesses, urges the citizens of Pasco County to attend the “Community Spotlight Business Expo” event on March 15^th and 16^th, which takes place at the Land O’Lakes Recreation Complex, 3032 Collier Parkway and to support local businesses year round. The 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.

“I would 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.” Other areas of the country that have utilized the “Shop Local First” concept have experienced a decreased impact from the current economic recession by working together to enhance and support the local business environment. For more information please contact The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce at 813-909-2722 or visit their website: here.