The Chamber of Commerce luncheon yesterday (8.28.19) was all about Olympics but opening remarks centered on the excellent Lakeland School System (LSS).
Wil Ashworth, president of the Lakeland Chamber, began the meeting at Stonebridge Golf Club by acknowledging August accolades for the local school system.
He was referring to the Tennessee Department of Education (DOE) naming the LSS an Exemplary School District for the third time in four years of eligibility, with both of Lakeland’s schools named 2018-19 Reward Schools.
The Aug. 15th DOE announcement also noted both Lakeland Elementary and Lakeland Middle Preparatory were named 2019 Reward Schools which is the highest distinction available to public schools in Tennessee. The Department of Education released data to show the Lakeland School System is the #1 ranked district in the state for grades 3-5 achievement, and the #2 ranked district in the state for grades 6-8 achievement.
Mr. Ashworth explained the Chamber and its businesses are closely tied to LSS through its efforts to raise funds for both schools. To that he mentioned the annual Golf Tournament Sept. 30th, the biggest fundraiser of the Chamber. “We raise funds through this event to help the schools,” said Mr. Ashworth.
The luncheon sponsor was 901 Local Homes, Faye and Jim Jones.
Mr. Ashworth introduced the speaker, Love Collins, vice chancellor for development and alumni affairs at UT Health Science Center, who also acknowledged the remarkable Lakeland School System accomplishment.
Among Mr. Collins many accomplishments are his involvement with the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games in Atlanta. His presentation provided a brief history of the Olympics, steps to the Olympics and thoughts on the upcoming 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.
History of Olympics
The five colored rings represent every color which is on at least one country flag.
Ancient games started in 776 BC, modern games in 1896, making the Atlanta games the 100-year anniversary.
He recalled that in 1990 Atlanta was very excited their city was chosen for 1996 but planners and residents didn’t realize just how tough it would be to stage such an event.
Retrace steps to the Olympics for Atlanta
The games raised $1.6 billion in revenue, $1.5 billion in expenses and $100 million donated to the International Sports Federations.
The games put $5 billion into the Georgia economy.
Prepare for 2020
There will be new mascots, 200 countries and five new sports: baseball/softball, karate, skateboarding, sport climbing and surfing.
The “greenist” gold medals will be made from recycled cell phones.
Mr. Collins said his most favorite Olympic memory is meeting the G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Time) – Muhammad Ali.
Chamber announcements by Mr. Ashworth included the Sept. 25th next meeting with the State of the City address by Mayor Mike Cunningham and the Annual Golf Tournament Sept. 30th at Stonebridge.
The luncheon sponsor was 901 Local Homes, Faye and Jim Jones. Attending from Lakeland City Government was Commissioner Wesley Wright.
… Photos by Anna Stonestreet Smith
