DENSO, OMS Form New BEST Partnership

The newest BEST partnership formed between Ocoee Middle School and global automotive supplier DENSO’s Athens, Tn., location anticipates diverse activities building on the strengths of both entities. 

 

BEST, an acronym for Business and Education Serving Together, is a workforce development initiative of the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce that pairs a member business and a selected school to enhance quality of life for our community and provide business support for educational programs.

The ultimate goal is reinforcement of education process and strengthening of the community’s workforce. 

 

“DENSO’s Athens, Tennessee location is excited to work collaboratively with the Cleveland Chamber of Commerce and Ocoee Middle School as a BEST Partner,” said, Crystal Renner, Supervisor of Talent Acquisitions DENSO Athens, Tn. “Introducing students to a world class manufacturing facility and a global organization will help shape and develop opportunities for the future.” 

 

“We at Ocoee Middle School are beyond excited about the new BEST Partnership with DENSO. It truly takes a village to prepare students of today for opportunities of tomorrow,” said Ocoee Middle School Principal Ron Spangler. “It is our goal at Ocoee Middle to provide and expose students to as many STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) opportunities as possible through the middle school years.” 

Sherry Crye, director of workforce development for the Chamber of Commerce, coordinates the BEST partnership program. “Our ultimate goal is to reinforce the education process and strengthen the community’s workforce,” said Ms. Crye. “It is exciting for us when one of our industries sees the value in connecting with a school and their students in order to promote future career opportunities, support the STEM program, and increase educational experiences with industry relative enhancement. We are delighted to announce our new partnership between DENSO and Ocoee Middle School.” 

 

According to Ms. Crye, schools in 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. 

 

“Through this partnership students will develop an exposure and love for STEM while learning about different cultures. This, in turn, will provide future employees for DENSO. The OMS Colts would like to sincerely thank the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce and DENSO’s Athens, Tennessee location for your willingness to partner with us as we grow students and build futures,” said Mr. Spangler. 

 

For information about the BEST partnership program, call Sherry Crye at 423-472-6587.