LATIN TIMES MAGAZINE Vol 5 No 1 | Page 8

BIZ BLOCK

TAX TIPS & FREE HELP
The Prosperity Campaign of Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties promotes community awareness of the Earned Income Tax Credit ( EITC ), free tax preparation and financial education classes . The Prosperity Campaign seeks to ensure that those who are eligible for EITC claim their full , earned share , use free tax preparation sites to increase participation and reduce fees related to commercial filing , and learn about financial education programs that help families build assets through savings and investment of tax refunds .
The Earned Income Tax Credit is a refundable federal income tax credit designed to benefit families and individuals . Each year millions of dollars go unclaimed by working families . Eligible taxpayers who have not claimed EITC could file for three previous years . These tax credits give families more disposable income to pay bills , purchase goods and services or save for a major investment such as a new home .
FREE tax preparation sites are available throughout Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties . Certified tax preparers will help process and e-file taxes , and refunds are available in a short time . To find out information about the free tax preparation sites , call 2-1-1 . If using a cell phone , call 727-210-4211 in Pinellas , 813-234-1234 in Hillsborough .
Financial education programs are available to help taxpayers make wise , informed decisions and gain access to mainstream financial services . Volunteers at the free tax sites will have information about programs that can help people put their money to work for them .
8 Abraza El Calor De Tu Cultura !
Jolie Gonzalez , Publisher and Editor in Chief of Latin Times Magazine recently spoke to the Pinellas Business community at the Pinellas Chapter , Tampa Hispanic Chamber of Commerce luncheon , which was held at the Columbia Restaurant at The St . Petersburg Pier . Ms . Gonzalez spoke about the rapid growth of the Hispanic community in Pinellas and offered business owners valuable solutions on how to best reach this market .
LEAP into New Year By PolishingYour Presentation Skills
Are you an entrepreneur , career changer , or salesperson interested in starting the New Year off on the right foot ? If you answered “ yes ”, then Celia Rentería Szelwach , a Bradenton-based speaker and business consultant , has the solution for you ! Her new book , Who Packs Your Presenter ’ s Parachute ? features the LEAP Principles incorporating solid tips and strategies for communicating more effectively in one-on-one or group situations . The LEAP PrinciplesT are : Let Them Learn ; Engage Your Audience ; Anticipate and Deliver ; and Presenter ’ s Knowledge . The LEAP Principles are derived from Szelwach ’ s popular “ Who Packs Your Presenter ’ s Parachute ? Seminars . The book highlights key skills for managing presentation stress , preparing effectively , handling challenging situations , and actively involving the audience . Szelwach , a West Point graduate
and former Army paratrooper opens her book by sharing a story about her first formal presentation-her high school Valedictorian speech to over 3,500 graduation guests at the Greek Amphitheater in Los Angeles twenty years ago . After surviving the ordeal , her parachute jumps in the Army , and thousands of presentations since then , Szelwach decided to document her lessons learned in an easy-to-read format which includes an on-the-job aid , the Presenter ’ s Pre-Jump Checklist . Szelwach launched a supporting website www . yourpresentersparachute . com featuring additional resources for improving salesmanship , personal impact , and presentations for groups . For more information or to order your copy of Who Packs Your Presenter ’ s Parachute ? call Celia Szelwach at 941-795-0928 or email cszelwach @ creativecollaborations . com . You can also click the “ Order Now ” tab on www . yourpresentersparachute . com and download a free copy of Chapter Two from the book .