Columbia and Greene County Chambers of Commerce

to Promote BEST Education Program at Taconic Hills

Hudson , NY , February 8, 2005 – The Columbia and Greene County Chambers of Commerce will host a kick-off event for the Business Employability Standards Transition (BEST) program at Taconic Hills Central School District in Craryville. The Columbia County Chamber, Taconic Farms and Columbia Hudson Partnership will host an introduction event for participating students on February 11, 2005. The Greene County Chamber will present a program to the students on February 18, 2005. The program will run from 11:45 – 12:30 pm.

The Columbia-Greene BEST, Business Employment Standards Transition Program certifies the work readiness of students so that when they apply for local employment or admission to college they can easily demonstrate that they have the skills, behaviors and knowledge necessary in the workplace and/or college. The BEST Certificate is based on standards set by local area businesses. It verifies student's competence through an assessment of their academic performance, school attendance, community and career exploration activities. Each student's experiences are complied into a portfolio that demonstrates the application of his/her skills.

The Columbia-Greene BEST Program is in its pilot year and will be operating in the Taconic Hills School District and Questar III Columbia-Greene Educational Center for the 2004-05 school year. Local business participation is critical for the success of this project. Businesses are able to participate in a variety of different ways including internships, mentoring, job shadows, classroom skill development, portfolio reviews, etc.

The BEST program has received the support of the Workforce Investment Board of Columbia and Greene Counties , Columbia Hudson Partnership, Greene County Economic Development, Columbia County Chamber of Commerce, and the Greene County Chamber of Commerce.

The Columbia County Chamber of Commerce, with its 850 members, acts as the principal advocate for Columbia County business. The Chamber is active in government and community affairs as it promotes planned economic growth and development consistent with community needs and interest and provides programs and services for businesses both large and small to help them grow and prosper. Those seeking more information concerning the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce and membership can contact the Chamber at (518) 828-4417 or visit the website at www.columbiachamber-ny.com.