What: Buy Local initiative sponsored by the Pinellas Park Gateway Chamber of Commerce, City of Pinellas Park and LocalShops1
When: Effective Immediately
Why: To further promote locally owned and operated businesses. The program is the first of its kind in the Tampa Bay region, and believed to be among the first in the nation.

For more information and program details, contact Jon Farris, Chamber president, at 727-544-4777, or Ester Venouziou, LocalShops1 president & founder, at 727-637-5586.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PINELLAS PARK, Aug. 15, 2012 -- The Pinellas Park/Gateway Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the City of Pinellas Park and LocalShops1, jointly announced the launch of the "Buy Local Pinellas Park” program.

The initiative, which partners public, not-for profit, and private entities, is one of the first of its kind in the nation. It combines the Chamber's local business leadership with the support and endorsement of the City, while using LocalShops1's award-winning programs in promoting locally owned and operated businesses in Pinellas Park, Florida.

"After evaluating the different programs available to promote and grow our local economy, we could not find a more beneficial and exceptional opportunity than LocalShops1,” said Chamber president Jon Farris. "With this partnership, we are confident that the diverse businesses in Pinellas Park will be highlighted in a way, regionally, that will showcase all the incredible businesses located here."

The program kicked off with Chamber members on Wednesday morning at the Pinellas Park/Gateway Chamber's monthly breakfast. Charter members of the program will be featured in a city wide celebration for "Buy Local Pinellas Park,” which will take place late fall.

"We're excited to be working with the Chamber and the City of Pinellas Park to implement a program that puts the focus on local businesses," said Ester Venouziou, founder and president of LocalShops1. "The program will help inspire local civic pride while at the same time it will also foster a great atmosphere for existing as well new businesses for the city and surrounding areas."

Membership in Buy Local Pinellas Park includes full membership benefits in the Pinellas Park/Gateway Chamber as well as LocalShops1.    

About the Pinellas Park/Gateway Chamber of Commerce
The Pinellas Park/Gateway Chamber of Commerce comprises hundreds of businesses, from solopreneurs, to small mom-and-pop establishments, national chains, manufacturers, and international suppliers. It is widely regarded as one of the friendliest and most pro-active business groups in the county. http://pinellasparkchamber.com 

About LocalShops1
LocalShops1 is a coalition of hundreds of independently owned  businesses and tens of thousands of energetic shoppers with the mission of advocating, promoting and offering support services to companies throughout Tampa Bay.  Founded in August 2008, LocalShops1 is the region's most active voice for small businesses.  www.localshops1.com