Posted: 10/15/03

Chamber of Commerce endorses school levies

The Forest Lake Area Chamber of Commerce board unanimously voted on Oct. 9 to endorse the two school levies being proposed by the Forest Lake Area School District (Independent School District 831) on Nov. 4.

ìThe Chamber supports our local school district because strong schools build strong business communities,î said Chamber Chair and board President Debra Oaks of Forest Lake Travel.

ìLike all of us, the district has been trying to do more with less. But theyíre down to bare bones now. Recent inquiries are showing that businesses interested in locating to our community are looking for strong schools so that they can attract quality employees.î

The Chamber also applauds the districtís planned investment in technology, Oaks said.

ìWhether we like it or not, we now live in an information-based society,î Oaks said. ìKnowing how to use technology is no longer a luxury. Itís as fundamental today as knowing how to multiply or read.

ìMany of the district's systems and computers are now six years old. Thatís ancient when it comes to technology. Most of our member businesses are upgrading their systems every two years now.î

Oaks noted some of the benefits local businesses enjoy as the result of a strong school system and high-performing students, including a positive image for the area and a qualified future workforce.

ìTodayís students are tomorrowís employees,î she said. ìAs business leaders, we need to take an active role in ensuring we have qualified job candidates to help run our businesses successfully in the future.î

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