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Local Camera Shop Steals The Spotlight

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By KLINT LOWRY

klowry@suncoastnews.com

Published: November 21, 2008

NEW PORT RICHEY - For 13 years, local photographers of all levels of expertise have appreciated the convenience and personal touch Jim and Annette Smetzer provide at their Pasco Camera Exchange.

Their downtown neighbors, particularly fellow members of Greater New Port Richey Main Street, appreciate their commitment to promoting a healthy business community, as well.

Now the independent camera and photo supply business has received a token of appreciation from the state level.

Pasco Camera Exchange was one of six recipients of the Outstanding Florida Main Street Business of the Year Award. The honor was presented at the annual Florida Main Street Conference held in Venice.

"The Smetzers have been such an important part of the downtown business community for so long; it is just great to see them get this award," said Greater New Port Richey Main Street Director Judy DeBella Thomas. She was at the conference and accepted the award on the Smetzers' behalf.

Florida Main Street is a technical assistance program of the Florida Department of State's Bureau of Historic Preservation. The bureau conducts statewide programs aimed at identifying, evaluating and preserving Florida's historic resources.

The awards program encourages and acknowledges the accomplishments of the 60 local Main Street programs and their members that advance the goals of the Florida Main Street Program. The awards are chosen by committee from nominations submitted by members of local Main Street programs.

"It was kind of a surprise," Jim Smetzer said. Though he had his suspicions, he isn't sure who among his fellow Main Street members nominated them. He also wants to know what that member said about Pasco Camera Exchange to persuade the selection committee to give it the award.

He and Annette laughed while recalling how they suspected something was up when some of their friends from Greater New Port Richey Main Street came by to take their picture but wouldn't really explain why.

Smetzer said there are at least a dozen businesses in downtown New Port Richey that could consistently be counted on to put their best foot forward whenever there are events. It's just good sense, especially in times like these, for local businesses to band together, he said.

"We do a lot of volunteer work for the Main Street organization," he said.

If an event is going to include some sort of visual presentation, they will donate their time, expertise and equipment.

Developing a sense of community among themselves as local business owners, supporting and giving business to one another projects itself to the community-at-large, he said.

Working as a team has practical advantages, too, he added.

"If we were just here for us, we could do OK," he said. But teaming up, they can work out advertising deals and set up promotions none of them could do alone but all can benefit from together.

When you're a small-town, small-business owner, it's not just having a business, Smetzer said. It's being part of the community.

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