Sponsors Make Delegation PossibleThe Valley's delegation to the All America City Competition in Philadelphia is just about set, presentation rehearsals are underway and sponsors have stepped forward to support the effort. That delegation will be responsible for representing the Valley and making a presentation to a panel of twelve judges who will pick ten winners from the thirty national finalists. According to Bill Powanda and Jodi Ann Hinman who are members of the steering committee, the delegation not only reflects the diversity of the community, but is also comprised of many individuals including youth who were part of the three major projects highlighted in the Valley's application. The full delegation is includes more than 80 people. In order to cover the expenses of the trip, the steering committee has undertaken a fundraising drive, and has already received many major donations in addition to Griffin Hospital's initial sponsorship of the Valley's application. Both Powanda and Hinman stressed their thanks for the way in which the community has already responded. They said, "We were thrilled at how quickly major corporations in the area have followed the lead of the Katharine Matthies Foundation and the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven in supporting this effort. At the rate that we are going, we should be able to support the initiative as the committee has planned." They also noted that administrative services are being provided by the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce and Valley United Way.
Hinman also announced that several other companies have become sponsors of the Valley's booth in Philadelphia. Click here to learn more. Powanda noted the positive benefits that a community receives in winning an All America City award. He noted that the National Civic Leagues research has shown that, "All-America City winners and finalists experience heightened national attention -- a proven boost for the recruitment of industry, jobs and investment to the area. The Award also reinvigorates a community's sense of civic pride. Winning communities benefit from utilizing the ingenuity, wisdom and traditions of the entire community in solving problems. And, most importantly, All-America Cities can teach and inspire communities throughout the nation who are struggling with similar difficult local issues." If you would like to join this effort as a sponsor, please contact Hinman at the Valley Chamber of Commerce in Shelton (925-4981), Powanda at Griffin Hospital in Derby (732-7515) or Jack Walsh at Valley United Way (735-9331). You can also click on their names to reach them by e-mail. |