LocalShops1 Launches Pasco Branch

Pasco County businesses looking for networking opportunities and more exposure are in luck.  LocalShops1 launched its Pasco branch this week, giving business owners a chance to cross-promote, support each other and reach more customers in the process.

The organization, which launched in 2008 in Pinellas County, has about 300 business members in the Bay area.

“We're very excited to be in Pasco,” LocalShops1 founder and president Ester Venouziou said. “Our Pasco branch officially launched (Monday), and the director there is Janet Blydenburgh, owner of A Place 4 U Salon & Massage (in New Port Richey). “

The branch launched with 10 charter members, Venouziou said. 

“Our mission is to provide advocacy, support and education for locally owned businesses in the Tampa Bay region, Venouziou said.  “We're the Tampa Bay network for BALLE, the national nonprofit Business Alliance for Local Living Economies, which is dedicated to sustainability and entrepreneurship.”

Businesses may join online at LocalShops1.com, or contact Blydenburgh at janet@localshops1.com or 727.-418-1109. 

Membership is $100 to $200 per year, depending on the plan, Venouziou said. 

“We also have a special Pasco Charter membership for the next 10 businesses that join,” she said.

Charter members get all the regular membership perks, plus added bonuses including a free ad in the Pasco promotional materials, Venouziou said.
LocalShops1 also has perks for shoppers, she said.

Shoppers can join LocalShops1 as Shopper Advocates. A $20 lifetime membership includes the 1Card, which allows for discounts at participating businesses.

“The card is valid at LocalShops1 businesses, not just the Pasco ones, since our goal is to encourage shopping at independent businesses wherever you are,” Venouziou said. 

The first 10 charter business members in Pasco are:

• A Place 4 U Salon & Massage, 9117 Ridge Road, New Port Richey
• Abco Graphics & Printing, 11515 Pyramid Drive, Odessa
• Beach House Cupcakes, 8647 Little Road, New Port Richey
• Boondocks Bar, Grill & Pizzeria, 8530 Moonlake Dr., New Port Richey
• Goin Postal New Port Richey, 9113 Ridge Road, New Port Richey
• Judy’s Natural Foods,  2435 US 19, Suite 100, Holiday
• Mom and Daughter’s Consignment, 8123 Ridge Road, Port Richey
• Pam’s Country Restaurant, 6602 Ridge Road, New Port Richey
• Pink Zebra with Ellen Nycz,  pinkzebrahome.com/ellennycz
• Thirsty Liquors, 11418 Ridge Road, New Port Richey

Shoppers may sign up at any of the Pasco charter businesses listed above, or online at LocalShops1.com.