Why Utilize the BEA Now? 
Let us Tell You 

May 2007 -- Why do businesses utilize the Business Education Alliance? There are many different answers to this question. Some businesses join the BEA as a means to help students understand the importance of what they learn in school and how it applies to specific industries. Others join the BEA to make themselves more visible within local school districts. Most businesses join because supporting education, especially local education, is extremely important to the future of our community.

With the 2006-2007 school year drawing near its close, you may ask, “How can I get involved now?” There are many ways for the BEA to get your business involved for the upcoming 2007-2008 school year. Have you a specific seminar that you believe would engage and teach local students important skills? Would you like to have a representative be a guest speaker in classrooms all over the county to raise awareness about your industry and its needs? Do you want to become more visible in the community? Give BEA Coordinator, Heather Asker, a call and let’s see what we can put together.

As part of your Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce membership, your business may attend and participate in events and/or programs at no charge. Investment opportunities are also available if your business would like to become a financial sponsor of the program, but there is no charge to be involved otherwise. At the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce, there are many advocacy programs created on our members behalf. These programs are already included in our membership, so why not utilize them? We offer more than networking opportunities; the Chamber offers opportunities to get directly involved with our community.

The BEA has many ways for your business to directly become involved in the community. Our sub-programs fit almost any type of involvement your business may be able to provide. With the BEA, you may be as involved or not as your schedule permits. There are always speaking engagements that need to be filled. In addition, the BEA is always searching for businesses to open their doors for facility tours. Becoming involved in our Annual Career Jam is a great way to showcase your business to local high schools students and “scope” out the new batch of potential employees. The BEA is also continuously looking for businesses interested in hosting student interns.

There are many different methods for your businesses to become involved with the Business Education Alliance. This is an important group to be a part of because it is the group which will help your children choose career paths and expose them to different industries as well as both business and educational opportunities. Our students are important to the future workforce, and we need to help students understand the career opportunities we have in our community for them. We do not want all of our students running off to Hollywood to become actors and musicians, when the demand for engineers, healthcare professionals, and teachers is already high.

Contact BEA Coordinator, Heather Asker at hasker@stocktonchamber.org  or (209) 547.2770 to discuss your business’ involvement.