805.643.7222 | info@ventura-chamber.org| 2478 E. Main St., Ventura, CA 93003
https://venturachamber.com

Ventura Commerce & Education Foundation

Mission

As the Chamber’s 501c3, the Foundation engages businesses in undertaking economic, educational, cultural and environmental projects that benefit Ventura and the regional community. VCEF provides a business link to the economic, educational, cultural, and environmental interests of the Ventura regional community with a vision to the future.

Purpose

It is anticipated that the projects in the four key areas and the leadership required to manage them will have significant impact on the economy of the City of Ventura and the regional community and the health of its business and education communities.

The Ventura Commerce and Education Foundation will link business to projects that help the Ventura regional community develop and prosper. The Foundation will convene community leaders to discuss critical topics. Because of its non-profit status, the Foundation will attract tax-deductible contributions to accomplish its goals.

The Foundation’s leaders recognize that the challenges and opportunities faced by Ventura are common to many small communities in California. By developing, implementing and evaluating promising and proven programs and by convening community leaders and fostering partnerships, the Foundation has an important role to play as it confronts the complex concerns that come with growth and change.

Programs

Teacher of the Month (TOTM) program awards one teacher each month for his/her outstanding performance in teaching and their contribution to the students at their school and within our community.

The program has ten presentations, with the first in September and then continuing once a month, throughout the school year. Nominations are submitted by the principals and PTA groups at each of the Ventura Unified School District schools. Honorees are presented with certificates of recognition from our local government officials and receive donated gifts from many Ventura Chamber of Commerce businesses. Businesses that participate in recognizing these outstanding teachers donate 10 items; one for each presentation. They are then invited to attend each presentation at the school site and present their gift to the teacher being honored.

With this program, the VCEF sends a clear message to these teachers that the business community supports and values their dedication to the children of Ventura.

This program is open to all Ventura Chamber businesses. Please call Stephanie Lundquist at (805) 652-5110 or email slundquist@cpventura.com for more information or to get involved.

Principal for a Day allows business leaders to get a close look at the challenges and responsibilities of school principals. An average of 30 business leaders takes advantage of this program annually. Sponsorships are available when the program is being promoted.

How to Do Business with Public Agencies provides businesses with important information and key contacts by bringing them together with purchasing agents from the Ventura Unified School District, Ventura County School District, Community College District, California State University at Channel Islands, City of Ventura, County of Ventura, and several state and federal agencies. For a complete list please click on the link from above. The Chamber and Foundation joined forces with Assemblyman Pedro Nava in 2007. This annual program is designed to provide a benefit to the business community for their support of education. Sponsorships are available when the program is being promoted.

Coastal Marine Biolabs (CMB) is located in the heart of Ventura Harbor and offers innovative, inquiry based science experiences to prepare high school students for entry into the biotechnology workforce and to give them a competitive edge for college and university admissions. The nine-day Integrative Biosciences Program includes: Applied laboratory of field training under the mentorship of research scientists, scuba certification by diving professionals, science-based field excursions to the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, nine days accommodations at the Holiday Inn Express (within a short walking distance from CMB), meal plan from participating Ventura Harbor restaurants. The CMB is seeking grant opportunities to provide scholarships for high school students.

For more information on the Ventura Commerce and Education Foundation, contact info@ventura-chamber.org or call (805) 643-7222.