When Judi Fisher decided to run for the title of honorary mayor of Land O’ Lakes she realized she was making a sizable commitment.
That’s because she knew it would require a considerable amount of time and energy to conduct and attend fundraisers to win the title.
And, if she won, she knew she would be spending an entire year attending ribbon cuttings, celebrating milestones and showing her support at other Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce breakfasts, luncheons and other events.
(B.C. Manion)
But Fisher, of Architectural Signage & Printing, decided it was worth the time and effort.
“I believe that Land O’ Lakes is an amazing little town and I don’t think people are taking advantage of all of these little businesses,” she said.
She also noted: “I want to make sure the community is aware of the chamber.”
Besides helping businesses in Land O’ Lakes to network, the chamber supports local causes and organizes events that help to bring the community closer together, Fisher said.
The business organization also holds annual awards to celebrate the contributions and accomplishments of local businesses and individuals.
Fisher’s victory was announced during a recent awards banquet. Other candidates in this year’s race were David Cravatta with Wells Fargo and Russell Bly with RE/MAX.
The annual race for honorary mayor also raises money to help support the chamber and the work it does.
To raise money for her campaign, Fisher held a high tea, did a bake off and took part in a meet the candidate’s night at Hungry Harry’s Family Bar-B-Que in Land O’ Lakes.
“She put her heart into it and worked very hard,” said Ray Fisher, her father-in-law.
“She’s very interested in community involvement and promoting the business,” added Geneva Fisher, her mother-in-law.
As winner of this year’s race, Fisher was able to direct a portion of the proceeds to a charity of her choice. She chose to support an organization called Hunter’s in Christ’s Kingdom, or HICK, for short.
During a check presentation last week, Fisher was joined by Suzanne Beauchaine, executive director of the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce, other chamber members, family members and other supporters.
She presented an oversized copy of a check for $240, as well as an actual check, to her husband, Jonathan Fisher and two other members of HICK’s board, Chad Hudson and Richard Meachum.
Jonathan Fisher then described what the charitable group does.
“HICK (Hunters in Christ’s Kingdom) is all about sharing the outdoors with other people that don’t know how to camp, how to hunt, how to fish,” he said.
“We give them the opportunity. We just love sharing the outdoors with people, and it gives us the opportunity to share Christ in those situations.
“A lot of times we can talk to people out in the woods that you won’t ever get into a church. It’s all about building those relationships and sharing the gospel outside, outdoors,” he said.
Published July 11, 2018
