This spring, the Greater Merrimack Souhegan Valley Chamber of Commerce is offering two scholarships to graduating seniors in the area. One is for a student pursuing an education in a trade and the other is for a student pursuing an education at a two or four-year college.
Amherst Label could not be prouder to be supporting these scholarships.
Amherst Label’s Marketing Manager Ruth Sterling initially got involved with the Chamber of Commerce because of her interest in ongoing education. For several years, Amherst Label hosted busloads of local middle schoolers for their annual Manufacturing Day event, demonstrating the company’s interest in sharing information about the business world with kids. Later, Amherst Label sponsored the Chamber’s education series (for adults).
When Ruth had the opportunity to work on the Chamber’s Scholarship Committee, it was a natural extension of her commitment to learning.
Amherst Label has stepped up to match funding for the Chamber’s scholarship program
Ruth commented, “One of Nick Calvetti’s favorite sayings is ‘Learn something new everyday,’ and helping people learn is one of the great things about Amherst Label. I am so proud that the company stepped up to match funding for the Chamber’s scholarship. It fits our WHY, which is We Help You.”
Liz Calabria, President and CEO of the Greater Merrimack Souhegan Valley Chamber of Commerce, answered a few questions about this Scholarship program:
Why do you believe this is a good thing for the Chamber to be doing?
Our Chamber is all about community and what better way to be community oriented than to foster the future leaders by offering scholarships. Students in our region have many opportunities and we are excited to offer new opportunities not only for students pursuing the traditional education track, but to students who will pursue a career in a trade.
How does it make you feel personally to be involved in this project/cause?
Personally, I feel proud to be a part of the mission of the GMSVCC Scholarship Program, which is to enhance and enrich educational opportunities for the region’s rising workforce by providing financial assistance to promising high school seniors in the Chamber service area.
Do you see this as an investment in hope/our future?
Absolutely, this is an investment in hope for the future. In these times, there is so much to be said for offering hope to those who will grace our future. Today’s students are faced with many challenges and offering possibility and hope is something very important to the members of our Chamber. The support that the chamber has received regarding raising funds to go toward our scholarships has been heartwarming and hopeful. We are grateful and happy to be able to give back.
Chairing the Chamber Scholarship Committee is Mark Constable of Market Place Insurance Co. (pictured above). Mark cited “giving back” and “seed planting” as two ideas in the background of this scholarship program. “To me, the Chamber is a business organization made up of business people who make their living in the community. We need to be doing something to give back,” Mark asserted. “This is also seed-planting,” he continued. “When these students get through school, maybe they’ll work in our communities and maybe they’ll be part of the Chamber.” (Along this line is the Chamber’s new FLEX program aimed at attracting young business people and new ideas.)
The Chamber and the Scholarship Committee, donors to the Scholarship*, and Amherst Label have rallied behind a common theme: investing in the next generation is good for everyone.
Students interested in applying for these scholarships are encouraged to get in touch with their high school guidance counselors. Home-schoolers are asked to contact Liz Calabria at the Chamber.
*In addition to many individual contributions, the following businesses generously contributed to the Chamber Scholarship Fund: Peniel Environmental, Classic Signs, Millyard Bank, Ponemah Crossing Dental, Modern Woodman -John Sterritt, Bar Harbor Bank, Budget Blinds, Cruise Planners (David & Barbara Visco)
Link to GMSVCC Scholarship Page with Application
Poster PDF
