Chamber News & Views – April 12, 2018
By LYNNE CONLAN
Executive Director, Sun City Center Area Chamber of Commerce
If you look up the word “volunteer” in the dictionary, the definition reads: “a person who freely offers to take part in an enterprise or undertake a task.” And more explicitly, “a person who performs a service willingly and without pay.”
Being a volunteer means that you are offering something, something that is not required. You don’t volunteer for the pursuit of a monetary reward or recognition.
People choose to volunteer for a variety of reasons. For some it offers the chance to give back to the community or make a difference. For others it provides an opportunity to develop a new skill set or build on existing experience.
As you may be aware, the chamber depends on our volunteers every day! And our current group of volunteers help us out more than they know.
When you walk into the chamber, you’ll notice we have four desks. One for me, one for Dexter and two for that day’s volunteers. We consider ourselves a staff of four.
Some days, due to outside appointments, family obligations or trips out of state, our staff of four dwindles down to three or two. That’s where you could come in. We really rely on that staff of four. Our days are structured around those four desks working together. If we’re down one or two, it really makes an operational difference.
While our volunteers get to take that time off whenever they need it, we need backup players. So that’s where you could fit in.
If you feel you could be an addition to our team of four, here’s what we’re looking for in a volunteer:
Answering phones and dealing with walk-ins are the two biggest tasks. And along with those calls and walk-in visitors comes a lot of question answering. But we’ll provide you with the tools you need and lists and lists of numbers to the seemingly endless resources around town. But a lot of your answers are just common sense.
Our volunteers are part of a referral center for residents who call or come in looking for plumbers, hearing aid companies, financial planners, you name it. And you’ll find the answers in our chamber Membership Directory.
You’re the key to referring our members to residents. And if you have a skill set from a previous job or other volunteer position, we’ll put that to use as well. For example, computer skills aren’t necessary but they’re very helpful.
Volunteer shifts are for four hours: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 1 to 4 p.m. And if you can work at some of our chamber events, even better.
If you think you have what it takes to become one of the team, please give Dexter a call at 813-634-5111. He’ll give you the ins and outs of what we’re all about. I hope you’ll consider becoming part of our amazing volunteer team at the chamber. We couldn’t function without them!
Breaking news
A last-minute guest has been added to our lineup for the chamber’s Spring Trade Show April 12. Be sure to join us from 10 to 11 a.m., as we welcome former baseball player and manager Lou Piniella to Community Hall.
Hmm. Wonder if he wants to become a volunteer? Now that would be quite a home run for the chamber!