The end of summer can mean a lot of things - last-minute vacations, Labor Day weekend. But for most it means that the kids are heading back to school. Each year the Brush Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce participates in several programs that promote the importance of education.
Any student in the Brush Valley Region school districts can participate in School Counts! Students choose to participate and pledge to earn a certificate when participating in the program. Certificates are given out for good grades, a strong work ethic, arriving to school on time and for those who are not chronically absent.
School Counts! is successful and can show a student's potential employer that they are qualified to take on the workforce. The chamber looks forward to promoting this program and showing that an education is the foundation for success.
The chamber also hosts an annual career symposium, where all of the area school districts come together to participate. The career symposium allows students to learn more about the different industry partnerships and job opportunities within the region. There are always speakers and a career fair where students are able to speak with businesses and organizations regarding their line of work.
In addition, the chamber has coordinated student job shadowing and work place tours to enhance student awareness of job opportunities and employer needs in the area.
Mark your calendar
The chamber invites both members and non-members interested in joining to our Sept. 17 breakfast to be held at Rob's Good Time Grill in Shamokin. The breakfast is being sponsored by First National Bank of PA and the Housing Authority of Northumberland County. The speaker will be First National Bank of PA's Julie Bramlitt, who will be discussing identity theft.
(Whitney Fetterman is director of the Brush Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce. "Your Chamber" is published on the first Sunday of each month.)