By Kathy Collins
The Greater Seffner Area Chamber of Commerce will hold its Annual New Teachers Welcome Breakfast on Friday, August 5 at Armwood High School located at 12000 U.S. 92 in Seffner. The event begins at 8:30 a.m.
According to Lori Libhart, a long time, active member of the chamber, “Teachers connect with our area’s most precious resource- our children. As a chamber, we want to build a relationship with all of the teachers who are new to the area. Our goals are to make them feel welcomed and appreciated, help them to bond with other new teachers at their school and to build connections between schools in the area, and of course, to build connections with our area business people.”
The community can help welcome new teachers by donating a door prize or by becoming a sponsor for as little as $100.
The Seffner Chamber’s event is unique in that its event has a pep rally flavor to it. Libhart said, “The highlight is definitely the school spirit contest. Each school’s group of new teachers presents a school cheer. This gives them an opportunity to show their creativity and to bond with other new teachers at their individual schools prior to the breakfast event. The cheers are varied and most entertaining. Last year’s judges panel was left staring as the first year produced spirit way beyond expectations. Picture costumes, baton twirling and cartwheeling principals.”
After the cheer, teachers then head over to the goodie bag area. Instead of providing teachers with pre-stuffed bags, the Seffner Chamber lets teachers new to the Seffner area be greeted by area business leaders who give them goodies to fill their bags.
Last year’s event was the first, and it brought out about 130 educators and 25 area dignitaries. This year the planning committee hopes to see 150 new teachers.
The Greater Seffner Area Chamber of Commerce is celebrating its 30th year. They have a great history, and they are looking to the future through evolving programs that serve the community.
For more, visit www.seffnercham ber.com. To become a part of this event, contact Libhart at 508-6714.
