Ushering in the new school year

Published in the Culpeper Star Exponent 8/22/2011

In years past we have had a more formal setting to welcome the new teachers. The School System and the Chamber of Commerce jointly developed a new format. We

have tweaked it and seen it grow for the past three years. This year 80 businesses were registered to greet nearly 1000 teachers and administrators. I cannot think of a better welcome. The teachers were treated to bags…. of samples and special promotional items from the businesses - pencils, water bottles, food samples, and tons more….


Teachers were introduced to local businesses in a way that would take years to achieve otherwise. Needless to say, this is one of the best “Buy Local” venues for businesses to connect with the educators in a very practical way.

On hand to support the event were many of our elected officials and administrators. A special thanks to Senator Edd Houck, Delegate Ed Scott, Chairman of the Culpeper County Board of Supervisors – Bill Chase, Commissioner of Revenue – Terry Yowell, Mayor Coleman, School Board Officials, and our new Culpeper Town Manager – Kim Alexander for joining us in welcoming the teachers to a new year.

BIE Day also marks the beginning of a busy calendar for additional joint programs. The Career & Technical Department of CCPS, the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce, and Career Partners, Inc. team up to offer a Career Expo on September 22nd for high school and 8th grade students.  It is important to do this early in the year in order to help students connect academic achievement with career potential. Our business leaders devote a full day to talking with students about their interests.

After the Career Expo we begin planning for the 2012 E Squared Program where over 60 businesses and community leaders work with educators and students to develop a competitive business plan. E Squared stands for “Entreprenurial Energy” and is aimed at fostering skills in business / wealth creation. The immediate benefit of the program is that the winning team will receive a substantial scholarship for their advanced education.  The program begins in January and ends in late April with a prominent final competition.

Thanks to the educators, administrators, government leaders, and businesses that make all of this possible. We are fortunate to have such teamwork and collaboration in support of educating tomorrow’s leaders.