The Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce will host an economic forum luncheon on Thursday, Aug. 18 on the importance of early childhood education.
The forum includes a return of last year’s keynote speaker, Palm Beach County School District Superintendent Dr. Robert Avossa, who will give his annual update. Avossa will then join a panel of early learning experts to discuss ways in which the business community can help ensure that all students are prepared to learn. The panel will feature David Lawrence Jr. of Children’s Movement of Florida, Warren Eldridge of the Early Learning Coalition of Palm Beach County and Dr. Lisa Williams-Taylor of the Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County.
The luncheon will also serve as the launch of the chamber’s second Young Entrepreneurs Academy, an after-school program that transforms local middle and high school students into CEOs of real companies, with the chance to compete for funding for their business, college scholarships and the title of America’s Top Young Entrepreneur. Applications are now available at www.cpbchamberyea.org.
In support of education, the chamber is requesting attendees bring a school supply item to donate in support of Red Apple Supplies, a resource center serving Title I schools in Palm Beach County. Donation bins will be available to collect items at the Red Apple Supplies designated booth.
The luncheon will take place at the West Palm Beach Marriott, located at 1001 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. Networking will take place from 11 a.m. to noon, and the program will run from noon until 1:30 p.m. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available. Register online at www.cpbchamber.com, or call (561) 790-6200 for more information.
ABOVE: Wellington Community Foundation board members Mickey Smith, Maggie Zeller and Tom Wenham get ready for students to come by and choose their backpacks.
