Wednesday, May 8, 2002
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Wednesday, May 8, 2002 |
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Breakfast honors 2001-2002 business partners
One of the aspects of the Fayette County School System that makes it one of the most successful in the state is the strong commitment of support it receives from the business community. In honor of the more than 170 Fayette businesses that partnered with the county's 26 elementary, middle and high schools in 2001-2002, the school system along with the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce sponsored the third annual Partners Recognition Breakfast April 24 at the LaFayette Educational Center. "When you run a school system, like any other business, most money goes to personnel. By getting involved in the mentoring program, volunteering your services at our schools and donating materials and supplies, you save the school system a good bit of money approximately $1 million or more a year," said Superintendent John DeCotis during his welcome address. "We could not do the things we do in Fayette County without your help. We are here today to recognize what you do for our system and show our appreciation for your efforts." The highlight of the breakfast was the presentation of the small business and corporate business partner of the year award. This year's nominees were 1st Community Bank, Florida Rock Industries, Inc., Georgia School Equipment, Heritage Bank and Fayetteville Wal-Mart Super Center. Heritage Bank walked away with the Small Business Partner of the Year award. Throughout the year, the bank has donated both time and financial resources to help support 14 of the county's schools including sponsoring the Fayette County High School Honors Banquet, the Fayette County Portraits Class, the Fayette County Choices Program as well as staffing master readers on a monthly basis at the elementary schools. Wal-Mart of Fayetteville was named the 2002 Corporate Business Partner of the Year. Wal-Mart consistently donates supplies and equipment for the county's varsity high school sports programs and is a strong yearly supporter of the Fayette County Teacher of the Year celebration. The store also sponsors shadow days throughout the year allowing students to tour the facilities and observe the store's operations as well as hosts teacher appreciation days during which Fayette's educators can purchase school supplies at a discounted price. "At some time in our lives we have all been impacted by a teacher or a coach or someone from school who got involved in our life and helped us become what we are today. What you do has an impact on the lives of individuals, the school system and economy here in Fayette County," said Michael Faulkner, director of the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce. "On behalf of the Chamber of Commerce, I want to thank each one of you for being involved and supporting our school system."
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