Crystal Apple Awards
From its inception in 1997, the nationally recognized Crystal Apple Awards program continues to fulfill its mission of business recognizing excellence among Salem-Keizer Public Schools employees. The program
-- highly featured by the local media -- is being replicated by other chambers of commerce in Oregon as well as in other states. A
task force comprised of business representatives, past Crystal Apple recipients, parents, and students select the award recipients. All nominees are honored in individual ceremonies at their school, attended by Chamber and business representatives. An awards banquet culminates the program's end with the announcement of Crystal Apple recipients. The 2002 awards banquet, held on Thursday, Nov. 21, had a record 640 attendees. 59 individuals were nominated and fourteen received a Crystal Apple at the banquet. The Crystal Apple Awards project manager is Bobbie Brown, Salem Area Chamber of Commerce, 503-581-1466, Ext. 308,
bobbie@salemchamber.org.
Leadership Youth
A two-year program for high school students, Leadership Salem's mission is to cultivate and nurture the hidden leadership qualities that exist in all youth in the Salem-Keizer communities. Patterned after the Chamber's adult Leadership Salem program, 25 area high school students are excused from school to spend one day a month receiving a comprehensive overview of the Salem-Keizer area
-- its realities, opportunities and challenges -- through tours, panels and speakers. During the second year, the youth serve on a community board while being mentored by a member of that board. The Chamber's Executive Leadership Council, comprised of over 30 CEOs and leaders of local business and industry, is the program's lead sponsor. Over 25 additional private and public entities support or participate in Leadership Youth.
Education Leadership Institute (ELI)
In a condensed and accelerated format and patterned after the Chamber’s Leadership Salem program, 25 educators are introduced to the world of business, government, and nonprofit organizations through speaker panels, field trips and work sessions. ELI’s main goal is to support and equip educators to better prepare their students for the world of employment and community service. Topics include corporate culture, ethics and professionalism, and leadership qualities. On the final day, educators develop school-to-work plans that each will take back to their schools to incorporate into their classrooms.
Efforts in Education Information Network
The Chamber electronically connects the collaborative educational efforts and events taking place within the Salem area communities at
www.salemchamber.org.
Brown Bag Series With Teachers
(Formerly Brown Bag Lunch With Teachers)
Chamber businesses are acquiring valuable, frontline information through
monthly on-site visits with Salem-Keizer Public Schools teachers.
School Financing and
Budgets
A task force designed to learn about school district budgeting to gain better understanding and knowledge of the current financial situation of local schools.
Youth Mentoring
Chamber business members are mobilizing to make a difference in the lives of youth by promoting and supporting efforts to increase the number of businesses and individuals involved in mentoring youth.
ECHO
The Chamber, in partnership with Northwest Human Services, recently launched a program for at-risk youth. Leadership Youth
-- Education Career & Healthy Opportunities (ECHO), is patterned after the 2-year Leadership Youth program. In three half-day sessions, selected youth receive an overview of the Salem-Keizer area. The students meet with community leaders and receive an introduction to community resources by way of tours, panels and speakers.
Business Students of the Month
The Chamber's monthly publication, Business News, features outstanding Salem-Keizer high school business students chosen by their teachers during the school year. The students and their teachers are sponsored at a Chamber Forum Series lunch by their Salem-Keizer Public Schools business partner.
