Junior Achievement's BizTown

             Declares “Wachovia Bank Day"

Pictured (L to R) Leslie C. Davies, Consultant to Junior Achievement, Costas Liatsos, Regional President for Wachovia Bank, Elizabeth Arevalo,Vice President of Marketing & Community Relations Wachovia Bank, James S.Gavrilos, President & CEO Junior Achievement of the Palm Beaches, Inc.

                                  

 

              Mayor Bertram Gill of Junior Achievement BizTown officially declared March 26, 2008 as “Wachovia Bank Day.”  The spunky 5th grader from Port Salerno Elementary School incorporated his “proclamation” as part of his mayoral duties during his visit to BizTown.  Costas Liatsos, Regional President of Wachovia Bank was accompanied by Elizabeth Arevalo, Vice President of Marketing and Community Relations to present Wachovia’s annual donation to support BizTown.

 

              Located at Junior Achievement’s headquarters (5601 Corporate Way in West Palm Beach), BizTown is the culmination of weeks of preparation by students, teachers and parent-volunteers.  On their appointed day at BizTown, 5th graders from all across Palm Beach, Martin and Hendry Counties actually assume the roles of C.E.O., C.F.O. and Managers…learning what it takes to run a successful business.  For nearly 90 years, Junior Achievement has taught financial literacy, workforce readiness and entrepreneurship reaching over 87 million children throughout the world.  In addition to the usual classroom curriculum, Junior Achievement of the Palm Beaches operates both BizTown (for 5th Graders) and Finance Park (for 8th Graders), providing experiential learning opportunities.

 

              James S. Gavrilos, President of Junior Achievement of the Palm Beaches notes:  “There is no substitute for experiential learning.   A lifetime of lectures and books would not accomplish what Junior Achievement does in one visit to BizTown.  These children leave here with a firm grasp on what it takes to succeed in business.”  Gavrilos adds:  “Without the support of the business community, we could not continue to offer such high quality programming.  We are so appreciative of our ‘shop sponsors’ as well as our annual supporters.  Wachovia Bank has been a big part of our efforts to educate young people.”

 

              Mr. Liatsos graciously received a key to BizTown and asked how many C.E.O.’s were present.  As a number of young people enthusiastically raised their hands, the dynamic Regional President of Wachovia Bank smiled and responded:  “Me too!”  Mr. Liatsos then offered his own encouragement and exhortation to the young people.

 

              For further information on BizTown, or to schedule a visit for your child’s class, or perhaps to discuss sponsoring a shop in BizTown, contact Junior Achievement of the Palm Beaches, Inc. at 561-242-9468.