Education & Business Foundation

The Greater Parkersburg Area Chamber of Commerce Education and Business Foundation, Inc., (501-C-3) is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to encourage economic growth in Wood County. 

Foundation Goals:

+    Improved Educational Opportunities

+    Community Improvement

+    Economic Growth

+   Trained Community Leaders

+   Better Business Communications

+   Better School Communications

The Foundation is aggressively pursuing its goals on behalf of our young people and our future.  Area businesses and individuals are encouraged to participate in this vital economic program.  Gifts will be solicited through a planned program of giving by the Education and Business Foundation Inc., and will be distributed in accordance with the bylaws and policy of the Foundation.

Education

Quality educational opportunities today mean superior leadership for tomorrow.  Recognizing that our children are the key to the future, the Education and Business Foundation of Wood County was formed in 1987.  Dedicated to the economic growth of Wood County through education, the Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to the young people of our community.  The Foundation acts as a vision between business and education and helps prepare our leaders of tomorrow through special programs.

One of these programs is called LINC (Learning and Instruction through Network Communication).  LINC offers unlimited opportunities for the students and teachers of Wood County by "linking" area high schools as well as WVU-P through a fiber optic cable system.  This system enables an instructor at one school to conduct classes at other schools through the use of cameras and TV monitors.  LINC not only expands the current high school curriculum, but by using the network at WVU-P, it exposes students to college level courses as well.  LINC is also used in the Adult Education Programs by offering business seminars and training sessions.

Studies show the majority of high school graduates have little or not knowledge of basic economics or of our country's free enterprise system.  To help students gain a better understanding of economics, the Foundation also subscribes to Private Enterprise Marketing System (PEMS).  PEMS has a program of eight teaching units focusing on the U.S. economy, and each teaching unit provides readings, visual aids, worksheets, class activities and teaching strategies.

Multi-Media, the most recent technological advancement in education, uses computers and laser disc players to provide teachers and student with a comprehensive program on a wide variety of subjects.

The work of the Foundation reinforces the strong commitment to education maintained by the Chamber of Commerce and the business community it represents.  The Chamber has actively endorsed and supported financial issues that have been presented to Wood County voters on behalf of education, and through the Education Committee, conducts an extensive program of activities, such as Partnerships in Education, staff and student recognitions.

The Education and Business Foundation also supports teachers workshops to help educators deal more effectively with their students.

Leadership

For a number of years the Chamber of Commerce has conducted ac community leadership program for individuals from with the business community which has been targeted by its respective organizations as having demonstrated exceptional leadership potential.  The Leadership program collectively uses the potential of those people to develop a twelve week program requiring two to three hours per week, to create an awareness of the Greater Parkersburg area in its political, economic, and social and education aspect.  Organizations whose candidates have participated in the past enthusiastically report success.  The Leadership Development Program not only prepares participants for community involvement, but also further enhances their leadership skills.