Supporters of local schools will be
honored and computers will be distributed to eight deserving students on
Wednesday, Sept. 11, when the Santa Maria Valley Industry Education Council and
the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce host their annual Business
Appreciation Luncheon.
The event is an opportunity to
thank the many local companies, nonprofit agencies, and individuals whose
donations help educators set the foundation for student success in the Santa
Maria Valley. The theme for this year’s event, from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the
Santa Maria Elks Lodge, is All American Partnerships.
Throughout the year, these donors
strengthen learning environments by providing schools with resources, including
awards and incentives for students, food for school activities, and other
support. Many business leaders also share their time and expertise by
participating in career days and the Principal For a Day program.
The All American Partnerships
luncheon will include the distribution of eight computers through the Computer
Connections program, a joint venture of the Santa Maria Valley Industry
Education Council and the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce & Visitors
and Convention Bureau. The council and its programs are administered by the
Santa Barbara County Education Office.
This year the Orcutt Union, Santa
Maria-Bonita, Santa Maria Joint Union, and Guadalupe Union school districts
each identified two students who would benefit from having a computer at home
to help with their schoolwork. Funding came from the Wells Fargo Foundation and
the Chamber of Commerce.
More than 190 students and their
families have received new computer packages over the past 11 years through the
Computer Connections program, which is coordinated by the Santa Barbara County
Education Office.
The following people, businesses
and nonprofit organizations are among those who will be honored Sept. 11 for
their contributions to the listed school districts:
• Blochman Union School
District: ERG Operating Company
• Guadalupe Union School
District: Fund for Santa Barbara
• Orcutt Union School
District: Orcutt Lions Club
• Santa Maria-Bonita
School District: Foodbank of Santa Barbara County
• Santa Maria Joint Union
High School District: Santa Maria Energy
• Allan Hancock College:
The Blaine Johnson Foundation and several local companies — Helical Products,
Melfred Borzall, Karl Storz Goleta, C&D Zodiac, and Zodiac Seat Shells.
For luncheon reservations, contact
Events and Marketing Coordinator Marcy Lariz at the Santa Maria Valley Chamber
of Commerce, marcy@santamaria.com or 925-2403, ext. 816.
For more information about the
Santa Maria Valley Industry Education Council and its partnerships, contact
SMVIEC Liaison Peggy Greer, peggreer@sbceo.org or 349-0443.
