Celebrating their official BEST Partnership agreement signing are, from left, Sherry Crye, Chamber’s director of workforce development; Lisa Earby, principal, E.L. Ross Elementary School; and Joe Wilson, general manager, Chili’s
In a Partnership Agreement signing ceremony, Chili’s, serving American cuisine in its location on Paul Huff Parkway, and E.L. Ross Elementary School, a nearby neighbor on Mouse Creek Road, became official participants in the BEST Partnership program of the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce.
“BEST is an acronym for Business & Education Serving Together,” said Sherry Crye, director of workforce development. “This is just one of the workforce development initiatives of the Chamber of Commerce. Since 1992, the program has paired businesses and schools to enhance the quality of life for our community and provide business support for our educational programs.”
Joe Wilson, general manager for Chili’s in Cleveland, said, “Chili’s advocacy of childhood well-being is evidenced by our long history supporting St. Jude’s Children's Research Hospital. This BEST Partnership with E.L. Ross expands this focus from Memphis to Cleveland as we partner with our neighbor around the corner.”
He added, “We are excited to be working with teachers and parents to help provide students the best education opportunities available.”
Principal Earby echoed his excitement. “Chili’s has always been a friend to us, often allowing us to host meetings and luncheons at their restaurant. We’re happy to make the partnership official through the Chamber of Commerce’s BEST Partnership program. We are looking forward to working together in planning activities and events that will benefit our students and Chili’s.”
E.L. Ross serves “Rossome” students in grades 3-5 and houses a Pre-K class. Their goal is to help students discover how to think independently, solve problems and become lifelong learners.
Schools in the Bradley County and Cleveland City School Systems have one or more local business partners as part of the BEST program. Private schools that are Chamber members may also participate in the program.
For information about the BEST partnership program, call Sherry Crye at 423-472-6587.