Lakewood Chamber Of Commerce Hosts 58th Annual New Teachers Luncheon

New teachers and administrators were given gift bags and door prizes at the 58th Annual New Teacher Luncheon.

Each August the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce continues the long-standing tradition that began in 1957: the Annual New Teacher Luncheon. The business community recognizes the importance of educating 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 34 new educators, administrators, and staff members to the 58th Annual New Teacher Luncheon.

This year’s luncheon, sponsored by The University of Akron Lakewood, was held at Garfield Middle School  on Friday, August 15th and was catered by Italian Creations.  Each new teacher and administrator received a complimentary meal courtesy of Chamber members who “took a Teacher to lunch.” They also received a bag full of gifts plus multiple door prizes – 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 Carolyn Spath from The University of Akron Lakewood, the new educators and staff also had the opportunity to visit with representatives from Ohio Educational Credit Union, Beck Center for the Arts, AXA Advisors, Third Federal Savings & Loan, Appreciation Financial, Thirty One Gifts, ING, and the Lakewood Rangers Education Foundation to learn more about the programs and services that these organizations have to offer.

The Annual New Teacher Luncheon provides an exceptional opportunity for the Lakewood business community to show their great corporate spirit in welcoming new teachers and administrators to Lakewood. The Lakewood Chamber of Commerce is proud to host this event – one of the longest-running teacher welcome events in the State of Ohio. For a list of supporting businesses and event photos, visit lakewoodchamber.org.