The Lancaster Hempfield Rotary Club is holding its fourth annual Businesses That Care Expo (BTC4) on Saturday, May 12, 2012 from 10 AM to 3 PM at the Farm and Home Center.  The ‘Businesses that Care’ EXPO is a public event that broadens awareness of and support for Lancaster County non-profits and the people they serve. This event provides public exposure for the non-profit, a public venue for demonstration of services, and opportunity to recruit additional volunteers and donors.  Past years participants have also found it to be a great opportunity to network with other agencies.

This year the proceeds from the EXPO will benefit non-profit agencies that exhibit their services to the community at the EXPO. For this public event, all individuals age 13 and up get a chance to vote for their favorite non-profits with the donation of a food item for the Hempfield Food Pantry and/or a donation of new or slightly used shoes for Soles for Souls.  Monetary donations for these two charities are also accepted. The four non-profits which receive the most votes on the day of the EXPO will receive $2,000 each.  Two additional agencies will be drawn at random and they will each receive $1,000.

Ethical Environment

 Encouraging high ethical standards in one’s profession and respect for all worthy vocations has been a hallmark of Rotary from its earliest days. In their business and professional lives, Rotarians abide by The Four-Way Test:

Of the things we think, say or do:

1) Is it the truth?

2) Is it fair to all concerned?

3) Will it build goodwill and better friendships?

4) Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

Professional Networking

 A founding principle of Rotary was to meet periodically to enjoy camaraderie and enlarge one’s circle of business and professional acquaintances. As the oldest service club in the world, Rotary club members represent a cross-section of the community’s owners, executives, managers, political leaders, and professionals – people who make decisions and influence policy.

Service Opportunities

 Club members have many opportunities for humanitarian service, both locally and internationally. Service programs address such concerns as health care, hunger, poverty, illiteracy, and the environment. Rotarians experience the fulfillment that comes from giving back to the community.

International Awareness

 With more than 32,000 clubs in over 200 countries & geographical areas, Rotarians gain an understanding of humanitarian issues through international service projects and exchange programs. One of Rotary’s highest objectives is to build goodwill and peace throughout the world.

Friendship

 Rotary was founded on fellowship, an ideal that remains a major attraction of membership today. Club members enjoy the camaraderie with like-minded professionals, and club projects offer additional opportunities to develop enduring friendships. Rotary club members who travel have friendly contacts in almost every city in the world.

Family Foundations

 Rotary sponsors some of the world’s largest youth exchange, educational exchange, and scholarship programs. Rotary clubs provide innovative training opportunities and mentoring for young leaders and involve family members in a wide range of social and service activities.

Good Citizenship

 Weekly Rotary club programs keep members informed about what is taking place in the community, nation, and world and motivated to make a difference.

Entertainment

 Social activities give Rotarians a chance to let loose and have fun. Every Rotary club and district hosts parties and activities that offer diversions from today’s demanding professional and personal schedules. Conferences, conventions, assemblies, and social events provide entertainment as well as Rotary information, education, and service.

 Rotary is an organization of successful professionals. Team building, fundraising, public speaking, planning, organization, and communication are just a sampling of the leadership skills that club members can exercise and enhance. Being a Rotary leader provides further experience in learning how to motivate, inspire, and guide others.

Diversity in Membership

 Rotary’s classification system ensures that a club’s membership represents a variety of the community’s professional men and women, including leaders in business, industry, the arts, government, sports, the military, and religion. Rotary clubs are nonpolitical, nonreligious, and open to all cultures, races, and creeds.