BIZ Economy, Finance & Business
Business and Education
A Tie that Bonds Community by Marnie Uhl, President/CEO, Prescott Valley Chamber of Commerce
How do we, as businesses, ensure that a strong local economy will be perpetuated and sustainable in the future? Where is the future of our business leadership and entrepreneurs? Years ago, the Prescott Valley Chamber identified that to have a community with a strong and vibrant business climate investments must be made. One such investment was made in our education system and schools. The Chamber is proactive in its support and engagement with our school and college districts; not only in providing services but creating an atmosphere of business collaboration and encouragement. Several programs have been designed to foster that relationship between business and education, which has resulted in positive interaction and success. Each year our schools welcome new teachers to the classrooms. In most cases they are new to the area. We want them to start off on the right foot so we work with our businesses to make “welcome bags.” These bags are filled with the basic necessities: paper, pens, clips, tissue, wipes, etc. The bags are then presented at the new-teacher orientations at the school. This project has been well received and supported. Another program designed to foster understanding between schools and business was the Adopt-a-School program. Businesses “adopted” a school and were there to provide support, assistance, collaboration and a connection. Each business and school would determine what that “support” would look like. Some business rallied behind teacher/staff support with snacks, goodies and parties; others worked on cleanup and landscaping projects, while others supported food drives or purchased much needed equipment. Money was never the driving force, but rather the goal was making the connection that business and education work hand in hand for a stronger community. Additionally, the Chamber provides scholarships for graduating seniors in the Prescott Valley area for continuing education. Over $10,000 has been awarded since its inception. The Chamber CEO was a founding member of the Humboldt Education Foundation and served as its first president. And finally, the Chamber continues to be proactive in following legislation that would support and enable our schools to operate at optimum levels for our teachers and our children. The Prescott Valley Chamber is proud of its work with our education system and continues to look at opportunities for increased engagement between the business community, our schools and our kids. 60
P R E S C OT T L I V I N G | SU M MER 2022
