From left, Doug Terrell, marketing manager for Wendy’s of Parker; Criss Elementary School Principal Adam Shaffer; and Jill Parsons, CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of the Mid-Ohio Valley, are shown signing a Partners in Education agreement recently at the school. (Photo provided by Chamber of Commerce of the Mid-Ohio Valley)

PARKERSBURG — The Chamber of Commerce of the Mid-Ohio Valley recently announced a new partnership between Wendy’s of Parkersburg and Criss Elementary School through the chamber’s Partner in Education program.

The program aims for partnerships that support students’ growth, foster achievement and deepen community connections, according to a release from the chamber.

Criss Elementary has been recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School for its dedication to academic excellence and creating lifelong learners and problem solvers.

“Through this new partnership, I am confident that Wendy’s will aid in implementing our mission statement: to create lifelong learners and problem solvers,” Principal Adam Shaffer said. “Criss is delighted to add another community stakeholder to our team who will promote student growth and strive to uphold a culture focused on school improvement. We have already developed plans to recognize student achievement, strengthen school programs and provide opportunities for our students to give back to the community.”

Doug Terrell, marketing manager for Wendy’s of Parkersburg, highlighted the importance of investing in students and enhancing their educational experiences.

“Our outlook is it is all about the kids,” Terrell said. “It is important that each child is given the building blocks to succeed in life by increasing their knowledge and work skills, bonding with others, working together as teams and bringing out their personalities. We want to help in all these areas and more, especially with their grades, with rewards from us like food coupons, books and supplies for reading, helping in the classrooms and doing fun things with the kids,” he said.

“Criss Elementary is a wonderful school with great teachers and a principal with great vision and leadership,” Terrell said. “Wendy’s and Criss Elementary is a strong team now and forever. My favorite part of my job is working with all the kids in this great school and several other schools.”

Wendy’s partnership will offer rewards for achievements, provide resources for academic programs and engage with the school community through various activities and events.

“It’s always inspiring to see local businesses like Wendy’s stepping forward to support our schools and community,” chamber CEO Jill Parsons said. “Partnerships like this create a strong foundation for student success, and we are excited to see the positive impact this collaboration will bring to Criss Elementary.”

The chamber encourages other businesses to consider participating in the Partner In Education program to make a difference in the lives of students and the community. More information is available by contacting the chamber at 304-422-3588 or info@movchamber.org.