JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT RECEIVES 2007 OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE AWARD

September 26, 2007

[Holyoke, MA] On Tuesday, September 25, 2007 the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce presented their annual Pacesetter Awards. The awards were presented at a breakfast event at The Log Cabin. Junior Achievement was recognized for its thoughtful planned development and growth in meeting its mission.

Junior Achievement, a non-profit organization, was founded in Springfield, MA in 1919 and is dedicated to preparing and inspiring young people to succeed in the global economy. In 2006-07 more than 325 JA volunteers taught almost 11,000 students in grades K-12 in western Massachusetts about the economics of life. JA’s programs focus on seven key content areas: business, citizenship, economics, entrepreneurship, character/ethics, financial literacy, and career development. JA programs are offered to local schools and community youth organizations at no cost. JA raises funds to provide the programs through grants, business and individual donations and special events, such as the Stock Market Challenge, taking place on October 11^th at the MassMutual Center.

Elaine Anderson, from Lester Halpern & Company and Jacqueline Charron, from PeoplesBank presented the awards. The Pacesetter Awards were sponsored by The Bank of Western Massachusetts, Ferriter & Ferriter, LLC, Lester Halpern & Company, The Republican and Ross Insurance Agency. Mayor Michael Sullivan presented the award recipients with proclamations from the Massachusetts State Senate Proclamations on behalf of State Senator Michael Knapik. Also receiving Pacesetter Awards on Tuesday were: Universal Plastics, Hamel’s Catering, and Solutions CDC.

About Junior Achievement
Junior Achievement is the world's largest organization dedicated to educating young people about business, economics and free enterprise. Through a dedicated volunteer network, JA provides in-school and after-school programs for students in grades K-12. Today more than Junior Achievement Worldwide reaches more than seven million students in 98 countries. For more information, visit www.jawm.org.