Chamber members welcome new area educators

Published 7:06 pm Wednesday, September 30, 2026

The Bolivar Area Chamber of Commerce continued its annual tradition of welcoming new educators to the community by delivering nearly 100 New Teacher Welcome Bags to teachers beginning the 2026-27 school year.

Chamber members distributed the welcome bags, filled with items donated by local businesses, to new educators in six area school districts: Bolivar, Halfway, Humansville, Fair Play, Morrisville, and Pleasant Hope.

The annual initiative is a way for the Chamber and its members to show appreciation for the

educators who play an important role in the community and to help new teachers feel welcomed as they begin the school year.

“Welcoming new teachers has become a special tradition for our Chamber, and it’s a great way to remind educators that this community is behind them,” said Sammy Burks, president of the Bolivar Area Chamber of Commerce. “We appreciate the businesses that continue to give so generously and the Chamber board members who take the time to put the bags together and deliver them. We hope these small gifts help new educators feel at home in our community from the very beginning.”

Items in the welcome bags included classroom supplies, snacks, local coupons, promotional items and other gifts from area businesses.

The New Teacher Welcome Bags are one of several Chamber initiatives designed to connect local businesses with educators, schools, and the broader community.

For more information about Chamber programs or membership, contact the Bolivar Area Chamber of Commerce at (417) 326-4118 or info@bolivarchamber.com.