JA of Washington celebrates National Entrepreneurs’ Day

Educators, entrepreneurs join student in unveiling new storefronts in JA BizTown and JA Finance Park

December 7, 2016 11:30 am
Orlando Ashford, Holland America Line president, talks to visiting students at Auburn’s JA World on Nov. 15. Ashford’s company represents one of the new storefronts that recently opened at the center. COURTESY PHOTO

Junior Achievement of Washington (JA) recently commemorated National Entrepreneurs’ Day by celebrating the opening of several new JA World Auburn storefronts in JA BizTown and JA Finance Park in Auburn.

The event highlighted JA World community education partnerships with Alaska Airlines, Holland America Line, Capital One, Exotic Metals Forming Co., and Columbia Bank. Each storefront was welcomed into the lineup during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Auburn center on Nov. 15.

Thanks to the dedication of JA World partners and 2,700 community volunteers, each year more than 17,000 students in Western Washington are offered the opportunity to run a city for a day in JA BizTown, or to receive critical personal finance education in JA Finance Park, positioning them for successful vocational and financial futures.

“We are delighted to commemorate National Entrepreneurs’ Day by recognizing JA World partners who are true champions of industry and entrepreneurial giants,” said David Moore, Junior Achievement of Washington president and CEO. “Their investment in our community inspires our young people to work hard and achieve their dreams.”

Local executives who were at the ceremony included Orlando Ashford, Holland America Line president, and Shaunta Hyde, community relations managing director for Alaska Airlines. Matt Lorch, Q13 FOX News anchor and reporter, was the emcee.

About Junior Achievement of Washington (JA)

Guided by the basic beliefs of integrity, respect and excellence, JA’s purpose is to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy. JA fulfills its purpose via educational programs that focus on financial literacy, entrepreneurship and work readiness.

Driven by the passionate power of its volunteer citizens, JA programs are taught by community and business mentors – individuals committed to the success and healthy development of young people. Long established as a key component of its successful program dynamic, JA recognizes the positive impact of mentorship and its power to build pathways to sustainable, productive futures for young people.

For more information visit jawashington.org.