Home LIVING
Be a Champion for a Kid... Be a Foster Parent Getting the Most from Your West Pasco Chamber of Commerce Want to know an easy, affordable way to grow your business? I will share this secret with you: Join your local West Pasco Chamber of Commerce. Indeed, the Chamber of Commerce can be one of the best friends your small business can have. Think about it: The whole purpose behind a Chamber of Commerce is to help small businesses succeed. Indeed, over 85% of U.S. Chamber members are small business owners. And what kind of business are you involved in? Right, a small business. The West Pasco Chamber is a place committed to your success. At your local Chamber, will find a host of programs and resources intended to make your life easier and your business more profitable. And considering that most small businesses are out there all alone, having a network of like-minded entrepreneurs on your side can really be nice. Let’s consider the various ways a Chamber of Commerce can help a small business:
Imagine being taken away from your home, not knowing where you will go, leaving behind your favorite things. Now, imagine this through the eyes of a child. Approximately 100 Pasco children currently find themselves in homes outside of Pasco due to the current lack of needed Foster Homes within the county. Many of these children will need to live in a temporary foster home, but we simply cannot meet our growing need without your help. When you open your heart and home to foster children, you open the possibilities for them...you foster hope. What does it take? You need to be at least 21 years old, have appropriate housing and be able to pass a background screening. You will need to complete a home study and 24-hours of special training called Professional Parenting. You must have adequate space and be able to provide for your family now—although you will receive financial assistance to help care for the child, you cannot rely on this to pay your bills. To be a foster parent, you can be single or married—have a family of your own or be an “empty-nester”. For more information on becoming a foster parent, please call the Eckerd Recruitment Line tollfree at: 1-866-233-0790. Eckerd Community Alternatives: www.eckerd.org
1. Programming: The programming done by Chambers is intended to help their members grow their businesses. Chambers bring in speakers, offer educational seminars, create informational newsletters, host luncheons, spotlight successful members, facilitate small business counseling, supply relevant demographic materials, sponsor business expos, and offer a variety of other programs intended to help grow members’ businesses. 2. networking: As indicated, one issue many small business owners have is that they are out there on their own, without a whole lot of support from anyone else. But if you join your local Chamber, that will change in two significant ways. • First, you will suddenly be mixing with a host of like-minded people. • Second, Chambers of Commerce regularly have mixers, offering you the chance to meet and do business with your fellow Chamber members. 3. getting involved: Chambers always have a variety of committees that allow you to participate in your community on issues of importance to you. By joining one of these committees, you can make a difference and have your voice heard. 4. discounts: Chambers offer their members discounts and deals with other members. So yes, joining the West Pasco Chamber of Commerce is a very good idea. Visit www.WestPasco.com for more community information.
www.ItsYourHomeMagazine.com
25