Lakewood Chamber Of Commerce Hosts 56th Annual New Teachers Luncheon

Each August the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce continues the long standing tradition that began in 1957: the Annual New Teachers Luncheon. The business community recognizes the importance of preparing students for the workforce demands of the 21st century, and it demonstrates that awareness by inviting all teachers, support staff and administrators who are new to Lakewood’s public and parochial schools to a banquet in their honor.  This year the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce invited more than 40 new educators, administrators, and staff members to the 56th Annual New Teacher Luncheon.

This year’s luncheon, sponsored by Ohio Educational Credit Union, was held at Garfield Middle School on Friday, August 17 and was catered by Italian Creations. Each new teacher received a complimentary meal, an Ohio Educational Credit Union tote bag full of school supplies and other goodies, and a door prize - all donated by local businesses.

"The New Teacher Luncheon is always one of our most popular events” said Patty Ryan, CEO & President of the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce. “I’m always impressed with how generous our local businesses are when it comes to our teachers, and the teachers very much appreciate the warm welcome from the Chamber and the business community.”

In addition to hearing remarks from Lakewood City Schools Superintendent Jeff Patterson and Tony Toy from Ohio Educational Credit Union, the new educators and staff also had the opportunity to visit tabletop displays of Chamber members Beck Center for the Arts, Gentner Chiropractic Center, FFL Investment Services, Clark Financial Services and UA Lakewood and to learn more about the programs and services that these organizations have to offer.

This year’s New Teacher Luncheon was an exceptional opportunity for Lakewood businesses to show their great corporate spirit by welcoming the new teachers to Lakewood, offering their support and words of encouragement, and thanking them for the service they provide to our community.