Photo by Mariano Friginal/Fresno Chamber | Isaak Thammavong (center) receives his Student Entrepreneur of the Year award last month from Fresno Chamber EOC Scott Miller, left, and Board Chair Nick Rocca.
published on December 2, 2025 – 3:28 PM
Written by Frank Lopez
A local non-profit has launched a new endowment to strengthen and sustain the Fresno County Chamber’s educational programs.
The Fresno Forward Foundation announced today the launch of the Fresno Forward Endowment to provide long-term, stable funding for initiatives that equip local students, emerging leaders and workforce talent with valuable tools and experiences.
The foundation’s programs include Young Entrepreneurs Program (YEP), Leadership Fresno, Small Business University, San Joaquin Political Academy and Business News.
Additional educational opportunities help connect business and education with the community.
“The Fresno Chamber’s mission extends beyond advocacy, it includes cultivating the leaders, workforce, and innovators who will shape tomorrow’s Fresno” said chamber CEO Scott Miller. “Investing in the endowment ensures that the programs shaping Fresno’s future workforce will remain strong, innovative, and accessible well into the future.”
The first gift to launch the endowment was donated by longtime businessman Steve Geil and his family. Geil and his wife Eileen founded Geil Enterprises in 1986, growing it into one of the largest security and janitorial service companies in Central California.
Geil and his son Jason are also past Chairs of the Board of Directors.
The endowment will be managed with dual goals of preserving principal and providing annual support to enhance and expand programming.
Community members, businesses, and philanthropic partners are invited to contribute by calling the Fresno Chamber of Commerce office or line at Fresno Chamber Giving.