An advocate for pets
George Kingson | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 12 years, 4 months AGO
<p>Lori Turchik</p>
There's a new nonprofit in town and it's all about pets.
The Animal Alliance Chamber of Commerce was recently started by Lori Turchik, a veterinary hospital employee and longtime animal lover. Its purpose, she said, is to support local pet services in the same way a city chamber supports its local members.
"There's nothing out there so far that brings everyone in the area together," she said. "We will be an advocate to promote pet services and businesses."
Initially the organization plans to serve Coeur d'Alene, Post Falls and Hayden, but if all goes well, Turchik will expand to other communities.
How will it work?
"If you belong to a regular chamber of commerce," she said, "you're going to get benefits like advertising on their website, ribbon-cuttings for openings, business referrals and networking opportunities. Our 501c6 is based on that model."
The money raised through AACOC's memberships, donations and fundraisers will go to supporting the group as a whole, not to individual members. The nonprofit will also advertise for its members on its website, as well as at selected public events where AACOC has taken a booth.
"Frequently pet businesses like groomers, rescue organizations and vets are so busy they don't have time to advertise," Turchik said. "That will be our job."
She sees the future of AACOC as limitless. She has plans to include volunteer-run classes on responsible pet care and, up ahead, she would like to have a facility that local pet trainers can rent by the hour for their classes.
"We want people to have the resources to be able to take care of their pets on their own," Turchik said.
Membership is open to interested individuals as well as nonprofits and for-profit animal-related businesses.
At this time, AACOC is conducting its initial membership drive. Details of the various levels of member benefits can be found on its website.
"Working with animals is my first love," Turchik said. "I grew up on a farm in Twin Falls with llamas, goats and chickens and I wouldn't want to do anything else but animals.
"I don't ever plan on being rich - it's not my goal - because every time I get some extra money, I just give it to animals."
Information: http://www.animalalliancechamber.com/about-aacoc.html or (208) 777-5284
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