Virco Inc. Grant to Benefit Principals' Associations Nationwide


SAN FRANCISCO, April 19, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- Today, the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) and Virco Inc. announced a unique service agreement: over the next 10 years, Virco will provide $1.5 million to continue the National Principals Resource Center's Speakers Bureau, which grants funds to NAESP state affiliates to pay for keynote speakers for their annual meetings. This generous commitment will enable the National Principals Resource Center (NPRC) to help state affiliates attract speakers who would otherwise be out of their financial reach.

"Principals need high-quality professional development through excellent speakers at their state-level meetings," said Vincent Ferrandino, NAESP's Executive Director, who announced this new venture at NAESP's annual convention in San Francisco, CA. "Furthermore, top-notch speakers always raise attendance at conventions, which in turn provides much needed revenue for state principals' associations."

"We are very pleased to make this significant contribution to the professional development of our nation's elementary school principals. We look forward to working with NAESP to make this a successful program," said Larry Wonder, Virco's Vice President of Sales.

All of NAESP's 51 state affiliates are eligible to apply for funding. Grants will cover up to 50 percent of the total fee for a convention speaker. Applications will be considered on a first-come-first-serve basis. States are eligible for funds based on their total membership. Applications will be made through the NPRC.

To kick off the commitment, Virco will give away a complete set of classroom furniture valued at $7,500 through a drawing in the Exhibit Hall at the close of NAESP's convention.

Established in 1921, the National Association of Elementary School Principals serves 29,500 K-8 principals in the United States, Canada, and overseas. See www.naesp.org for details.

After opening for business in 1950 with just one customer, Virco has grown to become the country's leading furniture manufacturer for the K-12 market. Virco products include the ergonomically supportive I.Q.(r) Series education furniture line, which received a coveted Best of NeoCon(r) 2002 Gold Award. And in 2003, Virco's industry-leading resource recovery and recycling achievements were recognized when the United States Environmental Protection Agency designated the company as a charter member of its WasteWise Hall of Fame. For more on Virco, visit www.virco.com.



            

Contact Data