ABE Florida

Promoting Business Partnerships

Send a letter to welcome businesses to the ACE partnership program
Include a list of current business partners in the information kit
Provide flyers, pamphlets, etc. to display at partnersí offices
Develop a special section in the newsletter to recognize partners
Regularly send partners issues of the ACE newsletter
Develop a network of student helpers – businesses can have the opportunity to have ACE students as interns.This could also be used as a recruiting tool for businesses looking for new employees.

Thank Businesses

There are a variety of ways to thank partners – of course, it all depends on budget.

Find out if the local newspaper has a recognition/announcement section
Plan a "Business Partner Appreciation Luncheon". Have students in the Commercial Food Service Program (if applicable) make lunch or have a local restaurant (an existing Business Partner?) cater the luncheon for free.
Send a flower arrangement, fruit basket or other gift, including a thank-you card with the ACE logo to each partner. Have staff and students sign the card.
Design a plaque/certificate to be awarded to each partner.

Chamber of Commerce Involvement

The Chamber of Commerce offers several excellent opportunities to create awareness among leaders in the local business community. They also maintain a very useful mailing list. If an ACE program is not a member of the Chamber of Commerce, it may be in their best interest to join, or to 'piggy-back' on the local county school district's membership. Call the local Chamber to inquire about the opportunities available to promote ACE to the local business community.