The Council for International Visitors in Collier County (CIVIC)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – (NAPLES, FL)
February 1, 2007

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Contact: Stefanie Cuthbertson, Director, Civic Information Center
Phone: (239) 298-7926
Email: scuthbertson@napleschamber.org

The Schrenk Family Foundation presents $10,000 grant to the
Council for International Visitors in Collier (CIVIC)

“The Council for International Visitors in Collier (CIVIC) has received a grant of $10,000 from the Schrenk Family Foundation for the continuance of international awareness and understanding in the Naples community at large,” James Van Fleet, Ph.D. CIVIC Board Chair announced today. The grant is the gift of Dr. and Mrs. George Schrenk of Naples.

The Schrenk Family Foundation was formed to benefit Collier County by Dr. George L. Schrenk, a retired Theoretical Physicist and owner of several telecommunication corporations. Wynnell Schrenk joined its board in 2004. “We do not have a large foundation, so we must very carefully weigh community needs before choosing what we will commit to. We try to focus on a niche: areas where our smaller donations can make a meaningful impact for cultural, educational and artistic endeavors” Mrs. Schrenk said.

CIVIC was formed by the Greater Naples Chamber’s Leadership Collier Foundation. Launched in 2006 as the 91st affiliate of the Washington, D.C. based National Council for International Visitors, its mission is to facilitate citizen diplomacy and hospitality efforts in receiving overseas guests of the United States Government. CIVIC will host organizations which seek to learn more about southwest Florida’s cultural and economic lifestyle.

“The Schrenk grant will enable us to get the new Council up and running well ahead of schedule and will enable us to host an assembly of Consular Generals from the Miami and Tampa area in the near future” Dr. Van Fleet said.

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About The Chamber The Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce, an organization of more than 1,700 members representing some 67,000 employees, plays a crucial role in promoting the area's business and professional community through public policy and business advocacy, leadership programs, executive business forums and sessions, and enhanced Member benefits and service. The Chamber is dedicated to ensuring that Naples remains the best place in America to live and work. For more information, visit The Chamber’s Web site at www.napleschamber.org or phone (239) 262-6376.