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Econ Overtime: Donor Spotlight – Fred Thompson

As we enter Economic Education Month, we’re launching an exciting series called Econ Overtime Spotlight!

Each week, we’ll put the spotlight on one of our generous donors who have played a vital role in advancing economic education in Virginia.

Our first feature highlights Fred Thompson, the Chief Administrative Officer of Thompson Hospitality.

Fred recently shared his thoughts on the importance of financial literacy and his journey in mastering financial skills. Here’s what he had to say:

We asked Fred, What is one financial skill or piece of knowledge you possess now that you wish you had learned sooner?

“I wish I had known the basics, such as how to balance a checkbook, create budgets, and understand fundamental financial terms earlier in life. I ended up learning these concepts through hands-on experiences, some of which were more costly than others. Having a solid financial understanding can lead to better outcomes and informed business choices.

This is precisely why the work of VCEE is crucial. By providing teachers with a platform to build this financial foundation for Virginia students, they contribute to creating a more financially literate and prepared generation.

We couldn’t agree more with Mr. Thompson! That is why we are thrilled to highlight his important contribution to the Virginia Council on Economic Education (VCEE). Through VCEE, teachers have a platform to build a strong financial foundation for Virginia students.


Special Teams – Learn about our Centers!

Every Tuesday this October, we’re putting the spotlight on our incredible University Centers that are part of VCEE’s Economic Education network across Virginia! These centers are the real MVPs when it comes to equipping K-12 teachers, school divisions, and local businesses with the tools they need to tackle economic education.

Today, we’re celebrating a double-header:

Virginia Commonwealth University Center for Economic Education– Meet the Director: Stephen Day, PhD. Stephen is changing the game in economic education with his expert plays, he leads the charge for economic knowledge.

Center for Economic Education James Madison University– Meet the Director: John B. Kruggel & Assistant Director: Lauren Shifflett. The JMU squad led by John and Lauren is all about scoring big in economics education.

These universities are our collaborative hubs, just like how a football team collaborates on the field! They work with K-12 teachers, school divisions, and local businesses, offering institutes and workshops that provide top-notch training and resources.

So, let’s give a round of applause to VCU and JMU for being our Economic Education All-Stars!

Stay tuned every Tuesday in October for more spotlights on our amazing university partners!


HAPPY ECONOMIC EDUCATION MONTH!

Get ready to kick off The BIG GAME of Econ as we launch VCEE’s 31 Days of Econ to celebrate #EconEdMonth!

We’re celebrating economic education all month long, and we’re starting with an opening statement from our President and CEO of VCEE, Daniel R. Mortensen:

“Studying economics helps one understand how the world works and why people make certain decisions, ranging from government policy decisions that affect an entire nation to an individual’s decision about what they will have for lunch. Scarcity requires the assessment of tradeoffs, involving the evaluation of costs and benefits in pursuit of optimization. This applies to time, money, and resources and is true for individual people, as well as families, organizations, businesses, cities, states, and nations. Knowledge of economics will help Virginia’s students become responsible producers, consumers, and citizens.”

Just like in football, where every play involves strategy, teamwork, and decision-making, economics is the playbook for understanding the world around us. Whether it’s a game-changing policy decision or a personal choice, economics is the key to making informed and responsible decisions.

Stay tuned for daily posts that will make you the MVP of economic knowledge! Let’s huddle up and make this EconEdMonth one for the record books.

  • MONDAYS: Quick Hit Webinar Huddles
  • TUESDAYS: Special Teams – Learn about our Centers!
  • WEDNESDAYS: Win-It Wednesday
  • THURSDAYS: Program Blitz
  • FRIDAYS: Don’t Fumble: Learn A Fun Econ Fact
  • SATURDAYS: Econ Overtime: Donor Spotlights
  • SUNDAYS: All-Star Sundays : Meet the MVPs of Econ

The Countdown to #EconEdMonth!

Get ready to tackle the world of economics because #EconEdMonth is less than a month away!

Mark your calendars for October 1, 2023 when we kick off The BIG GAME OF ECON!

Wondering what it’s all about? Here’s the scoop: This month-long extravaganza is designed to help our educators teach their students to understand how everyday economic decisions and policies affect their lives, their families, and their world.

So, gear up for a month full of economic insights, tips, and tricks to level up your financial game and maybe win some amazing prizes along the way!

Econ Ed Month Lineup:

  • MONDAYS: Quick Hit Webinar Huddles
  • TUESDAYS: Special Teams – Learn about our Centers!
  • WEDNESDAYS: Win-It Wednesday
  • THURSDAYS: Program Blitz
  • FRIDAYS: Don’t Fumble: Learn A Fun Econ Fact
  • SATURDAYS: Econ Overtime: Donor Spotlights
  • SUNDAYS: All-Star Sundays : Meet the MVPs of Econ

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