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Spring 2014

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STATE

CONFERENCE

PREVIEW

Congratulations to everyone who competed and quali-fi ed at their District Conference, and to those who have completed their written projects for the Michigan DECA State Career Development Conference. Each and every one of you now has the opportunity to compete with the

best competitors in the state to see who will be representing Michigan at the 2014 International Career Development Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. Not only will you be representing Michigan, but you will have the opportunity to compete against the world’s best for a place on the Grand Awards stage. The State Career Development Conference is quickly approaching and will take place Friday, March 14th- Sunday, March 16th. Everyone has been given the same window to prepare, so make sure to take full advantage of this time. For individual and team series events, I personally recommend checking out www.decadirect.org and www.mideca.org for competition reminders. As the level of competition advances, the test score becomes a vital factor in the overall score. 67% of the overall score is role play and the other 33% is the test, but realize that the 33% could be what determines if you will be traveling to Atlanta, Georgia.

This year’s state conference is going to be one for the record books. Michigan DECA is holding the conference at Detroit Marriot and the newly-renovated COBO Hall. Written events will be held on Friday. Series and Team Deci-sion Making events orientations will be held on Friday with competition on Saturday. The Opening Session will be held on Friday and will also include speeches and campaigning from your very own chapter members running for State Executive Council. Eight offi cers will be chosen to represent Michigan for the 2014-2015 term, and the names of those elected will be announced on Sunday. Saturday evening’s entertainment will include a hypnotist, and will be performing an interactive show for all delegates. On Sunday, the Grand Awards Ceremony will be held at COBO Hall. Be ready to go up on stage when you hear your name called in front of 4,000 members and adults.

Reminders:• Make sure to bring your dollars and change for our Miracle Minute!• Be prepared to meet thousands of other DECA members from Michigan

throughout the weekend.• Get your phones ready; we will be blowing up Social Media sites with

information.

Stepping Stone to Success

Ryan Clogg, State President

A Publication of the High School Division of the Michigan Association of DECA

Spring 2014Spring 2014

Inside this IssueJust Try Three Things ........................ 2Be Where You Are .............................. 3So You Want to Go to Atlanta? ...... 4Staying Connected ........................... 5State Offi cer Candidates ................. 6A Diff erent View ................................. 7The Road to the State Conf. ........... 8State Conference Agenda .............. 9Partner Profi le: Western Mich. ....11

The policy of the Michigan Association of DECA is that no person shall, on the basis of race, color, national origin,

ancestry, age, gender, marital status, weight, sexual orienta-tion, sex or disability be excluded from participating in, be denied the benefi ts of, or be subjected to discrimination,

during any program, activity or in employment.

A Publication of Michigan DECA208 King Hall

Eastern Michigan UniversityYpsilanti, MI 48197

p. 734.487.DECAf. 734.487.4329

www.mideca.orgDave Wait, State Director

Editorial CorrespondenceSpotlight on DECADave Wait, Director

Michigan [email protected]

Articles and letters welcome for publication

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2 Spring 2014

Just Try Three Things

Harrison Krasner, Vice President of Community Service

I recently went to a college presentation where they said they like to encourage new students to: get involved with something they have always done, get involved in something new, and try something

they’ve never heard of. As I thought about it, I realized in high school that I have been involved in many things; some I had done for a long time like playing guitar in Jazz band and sailing. Then there were other things I tried for the fi rst time and really enjoyed like working on the school paper, solar car, student government, and Link Crew. However, there is only one thing I tried that I had never heard of and that was DECA!

Honestly, when I am asked “What is DECA?” I fi nd it defi es explanation. It is so many things. The interesting thing is that for everyone I meet there are subtle nuances and differences; yet there are also so many common threads and experiences even if someone is involved with DECA in On-tario or Kansas. So what does it mean to me to be in DECA? This organi-zation that I had never heard of became such an integral part of my high school experience.

For me DECA has become:• A place to compete• A place to network• A place to learn• A place to have fun• A place to give back to our larger community• A place to lead

Being in DECA for three-quarters of my high school career was the best decision I ever made. I started with learning about business subjects and effective communication from one of the fi nest teachers I ever had, and meeting others outside my usual circle from my school. From there I was

able to compete with students from around Michigan and beyond, as well as partake in leadership training with DECA members from around the world. This path inspired me to seek state offi ce and since then I have been proud, and humbled, to work with other offi cers and DECA chapters from Michigan. Being a State Offi cer has provided the opportunity to hone my leadership and communication skills as well as work with other lead-ers from all over my state. Continuing to compete has provided me with the adrenalin of going into the role-play and the sense of accomplishment when standing on the stage.

Along the way, I have also met hundreds of great people; friends and po-tential business partners. Additionally, I have been able to make a direct difference through supporting fundraising and community service projects as well. I have traveled with fellow offi cers and learned more about the real world and leadership than would be possible in a traditional classroom. I found that my passion is for business, specifi cally fi nance and marketing. The incredible opportunity to take on and succeed as a State Offi cer and to compete on an international level would be unimaginable for me if not for DECA. DECA taught me how to lead, network and dream.

If I had not tried this association I had never heard of, I would have missed so much. Refl ecting on all this makes me realize I really like the concept of getting involved in something you know, something you have never tried, and something you have never heard of. Doing so is an incredible way to polish your skills, expand your horizons and friends, and to grow. I suspect that as I move on in life there will be some things I try that I never heard of that I walk away from forgetting or wishing I still had not heard of them. There will undoubtedly be things I really like and are added into my standard repertoire as well as things that drop off my radar though I like them. But I cannot imagine anything I’ve never heard of having quite the impact that DECA has. I’m so glad I didn’t just stick with what I knew or had heard of. I am so glad I did DECA.

So whether you are just starting in DECA or an old pro—my recommen-dation is to make it your own and enjoy it. Take chances in DECA and beyond, and enjoy the results (even if it’s laughing over an epic failure or the view from the stage). I urge you to try three things; something you love, something you’ve never tried and something you’ve never heard of. And most of all, I hope you all Make It Count.

Spring 2014 3

Be Where You Are

Noah Kuhlmann,Vice President of Business Partnerships

As I sit in my room, after a long day of school, wres-tling, scholarship applications, and college worries, I try to imagine a life free of stress. I imagine a life

where I have more time to spend with my friends, and where articles write themselves. Just as this fantasy almost becomes a reality, my mom knocks on my door and reminds me to take the trash out. Just add it to the list. For many of you, this edition of Spotlight on DECA fi nds you in the midst of, or on the other end of, a stressful week of exams or fi nals. Between DECA, wrestling, college applications, and scholarships, my plate is pret-ty full too. So those of you who feel overwhelmed, I’m right there with you. It is my belief that even the busiest life can be lived effi ciently and effectively by following a few simple words: be where you are. How much more obvious does it get? No, I do not think you are stupid and I am not insulting your intelligence, just think about it. Yes, I do endorse planning ahead, but there exists a fi ne line between think-ing ahead and living in the future. I could spout off some cliché expression about how the present is called the present because it’s a “present,” but I will not. Instead, we will go back to these words, “be where you are.” It sounds simple, right? That is because it is; however, sometimes the most insightful things are so obvious we cannot recognize them. The easiest way for me to explain this is us-ing my own life. In one day I attend seven classes, go to wrestling practice for 2 hours, do my homework, write some college es-says and maybe hangout with some friends. The main method I use to be where I am is this: I change. From 7 am to 3 pm, I am a student, in fi rst hour I’m a mathemati-cian and fi fth hour a scientist. The test next hour does not matter, nor does practice af-ter school. Then, during wrestling practice I clear my mind, and I’m a wrestler. School, family and friends, those leave my mind for those two hours. Your life is probably far busier than mine, but the same principles apply. Constantly worrying about what lies ahead seems silly to me. The test next hour can-not be taken until next hour, so there is no need to waste all of fi rst and second hour worrying about a test in third hour. That be-ing said, these words are not an excuse to neglect preparation. Proper preparation is necessary and, during the time that you des-ignate for preparation, by all means use it. Plan your day out, study for your tests, plan your essays, but avoid mixing these things all together. During your study time, if you are thinking about practice the next day, your performance on test day will lack as a result of your wandering mind. Another method is this: divide the day into manageable pieces. If a day seems over-whelming and impossible to fi nish, break it up into events, hours, chunks, etc. In the back of your mind, when you get something done, check it off. The hardest things can be accomplished with little steps.

So, the next time you have a daunting week, day, project, job, practice, or class ahead of you, break it up into manageable pieces, and most importantly, be where you are, not

where you are going to be at noon. Train your mind to focus on what you are doing at that time, not what lies ahead. I have found, and hope you will fi nd, that this makes life much easier, and more manageable. A wise man once said, “There is only one absolute in life: life is diffi cult.” Even though life is diffi cult, focus on the things you can control. Namely being where you are and working hard.

4 Spring 2014

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So You Want to Go to Atlanta Now, Do You?

Justin Rabaut,Vice President of Leadership Development

So you’ve caught DECA fever, and have been dreaming of going to the International Career Development Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. Well, as many of you know, with the help of DECA, your dream may become a reality. Other than competing at the International Career Development Conference, there are so many other things to do. To start things off, Brett Eldedge and Easton Corbin will be performing at the opening session. When you’re not busy at competition, there will be time for some other famous attractions; such as CNN’s World Headquarters, the World of Coke (which is an incredible museum connected to the Coca-Co-la world headquarters) and The Georgia Aquarium, which is home to many animals from penguins to seals. Now, before you get your trip planned, make sure to integrate these key principles in your plan to Make it Count at the State Career Development Conference:

Principle #1:Know Yourself and Seek Self ImprovementUse your comments and feedback from district competition to work on a plan of improvement and those weaknesses.

Principle #2 Be Technically Profi cient Make sure you are familiar with your occupational category, the event specifi c directions, performance indicators, duties and team roles as they apply to your area of competition.

Principle #3Seek Responsibility & Take Responsibility for Your Actions Don’t be satisfi ed with average performances and just squeaking by. Seek to challenge yourself and accept the consequences of leadership and deci-sion making.

Principle #4Make Sound and Timely Decisions Remember great leaders must be able to reason under the most critical condition and decide quickly what action to take.

Principle #5Set the Example Be the role model others want to follow. No aspect of leadership is more powerful than your ability to be disciplined, creative, and in control of your interview.

If you work hard and show the judges that you have mastered theses skills you will be ready to take on ICDC and make this DECA year count in Atlanta, Georgia!

Spring 2014 5

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Staying Connected

Anthony Lemanski,Vice President of Membership Development

As this DECA year starts to wind down it may feel like there’s not much excitement for the next DECA year. Michigan DECA wants you to stay in-volved and keep updated on what’s new, including

new events, new competition, and what’s new with International DECA. Staying connected will give you the advantage of being prepared for the next DECA year. Building connections between you and other members can give you the opportunity to swap fundraising ideas, competition prep-aration, and so much more that can help grow your chapter and Michigan DECA.

Are you following or liking the Michigan DECA on Facebook? These pages can help you gain an understanding of how you approach your com-munity through social media as well as how to use social media. When you are reaching out to your community through social media there are three things to remember. Social media is used for member engagement, brand awareness, and communication streams. These are very important factors that go into DECA’s social media.

When one is engaged, there may be so much to learn or so much to teach. As offi cers it is our duty to be sure that not only our community knows us, but that they know our members and how much effort members put in. It is also a duty of an offi cer to be engaged in the chapter members and non-members, so that excitement is created for DECA and its cause. Becoming engaged in members and non-members will bring more opportunities to chapter events, which can potentially bring students to become members. Engagement to our members during this next summer will keep the excite-ment and readiness for members to Make it Count next year. Engagement in your members is success in your chapter.

Communication through social media has the advantage of keeping mem-bers, businesses, and non-members intrigued in DECA. Throughout the summer, members lose interest or sometimes can forget about the skills they gained through DECA. Communicating with your targeted audience; whether it be alumni, members, businesses, students, or even the com-munity can be a tremendous latchkey to unveiling a whole new spectrum for those who choose to join DECA, and the cause in which it represents. As the next DECA year comes, stay involved in any chapter event that you can. Staying involved within your chapter and community will help a magnifi cent chain reaction of leaders, sponsorships, scholarships and so much more. As the summer of 2014 rises upon us remember to keep those communication streams alive.

Throughout your DECA career you’ll gain skills that you hold onto for the rest of your life. Stay Ready and Stay Connected, it is how you will rise up and emerge to be the leader you were meant to be.

www.facebook.com/mideca

Keep up to date with all of Michigan DECA’s Happenings

6 Spring 2014

State Offi cer CandidatesEach Voting Delegate will vote for up to 8 candidates for State Offi ce at the State Career Development Conference.

Once the offi cers are elected, they will meet in May to select amongst themselves who will serve in each offi ce.

Marshall ConleyTuscola Technology Center

I want to use this networking opportunity to build my portfolio and fi ne tune my communications skills. I’m a well-traveled person that wants to pursue a career in international business, and I feel I could meet some very valuable contacts as the DECA State President. Furthermore, I know that I could be an excellent role model as the

DECA State President. I have a charismatic leadership style, and I am very passion-ate about helping others. As my chapters DECA President, I have had the opportunity to lead members in a variety of community service activities, leadership events, and chapter developmentDECA Activities:DECA Chapter President, Tuscola Tech ChapterMDA fundraisers

Activities/Organizations:Saint Michaels Catholic ChurchWrestling Team, Captain

Jessica HinkleHartland High School

I want to be a State Offi cer to be more involved with DECA, and gain more business experience and knowledge. DECA is a large part of why I have decided to pursue an education and later a career in business. I want to help create that kind of passion for hard work, creative thinking and networking in other high school students.

DECA Activities:DECA Chapter Leadership BoardChapter Offi cer, Hartland ChapterCentral Region Leadership Conference

participantDistrict 4 Conference participantState Leadership Conference participantInternational Career Development

Conference participant

Activities/Organizations:Be the Change ClubOptimist ClubNational Honor SocietyStudent Leader for middle schools

students

Austin JaniceCarlson High School

I want to be a Michigan DECA State Offi cer because I believe its prestigious thing to do. I am so enthusiastic about DECA, it is some-thing I am proud to be a part of. It’s both fun and rewarding. Also, it gives me a chance to show my leadership skills at the highest level.

DECA Activities:Runs DECA chapters Twitter page,

Carlson ChapterDistrict 5 Conference participantState Career Development Conference

participant

Dan LeeAnn Arbor Skyline High School

DECA has provided a great opportunity already by giving me the chance to develop public speaking and leadership skills but being a DECA State Offi cer would be a tremendous opportunity for my per-sonal growth. Such a valued opportunity to expand public speaking, organizational, and leadership skills while providing a tremendous

experience networking with new people all over the country exists nowhere else. These skills would then be useful to me in developing a future career in business. Addition-ally, as a State offi cer I want to help provide this one of a kind experience of exhilarat-ing competition and networking to other high school students because those who never participate in DECA are truly missing out.DECA Activities:District 4 Conference participantChapter Offi cer, Skyline ChapterCentral Region Leadership ConferenceState Career Development Conference

Activities/Organizations:Lacrosse, Captain BMITSummer Camp CounselorHead Coach, Youth Soccer

Katelyn MuellerNiles New Tech Academy

DECA is a major passion of mine, and the only academic club/group that I’ve really felt at home in. I liked all the clubs I joined, but DECA makes me passionate. I look forward to every com-petition and conference and start counting the days and months ahead. My goal is to encourage other people to be as passionate as I am and I feel that as an offi cer, I’d have a better opportunity to do that and to show people how incredible DECA can be.

DECA Activities:District 3 Conference participantState Career Development ConferenceState Leadership Conference participant Virtual Business Challenge

Activities/Organizations:Robotics TeamStudent AmbassadorStage CrewScience Olympiad, Treasurer Ecology ClubTutorFounded & Co-directed a peer counseling

group

Ali NasrallahDearborn High School

I want to become a Michigan DECA State Offi cer because it is a great experience and a major tool that will help me in the real world. I feel I have the skills needed for an offi cer which include great communication skills, being mature and professional, being able to lead a group of people, and more. Being DECA Chapter

President, I feel my skills can contribute to Michigan DECA as well as strengthen it. I have grown a lot throughout my years of DECA and feel I am ready to become a Michigan DECA State Offi cer.

DECA Activities:District 8 Conference participantState Leadership Conference participantState Career Development Conference

participant

Activities/Organizations:Young Entrepreneur Academy

Kofi Ofori-DarkoMidland H. H. Dow High School

I want to be a Michigan DECA State Offi cer because I have a pas-sion for DECA and a strong interest in business. I believe in the instrumental role DECA plays in preparing students for successful careers. My strong leadership skills will make me a great candi-date to work with a team of offi cers that will make Michigan DECA

thrive and count. My goal is to strengthen Michigan and make it one of the best states in the nation. I would like to increase membership of Michigan DECA by promoting more events in the name of DECA, doing this will allow other students the privilege of experiencing what DECA has taught me.DECA Activities:District 1 Conference participantState Career Development Conference

participantChapter Director of CompetitionsMiracle Minute Fundraisers

Activities/Organizations:First Baptist Church of MidlandMidland County Youth Action Council

(MCYAC)

Stefan SantrachNovi High School

I want to be a DECA State Offi cer because DECA was a great ex-perience for me. Through my experiences with DECA I have grown to learn more about my career interests, grown as a student, and grown as an individual by building my business skills. I know that none of this would have been possible without the great service of

the State and National offi cers who help, along with the many adults, to keep DECA alive and thriving. I would like the opportunity to help serve the DECA community and give other students as great or an even better experience than I had.

DECA Activities:District 6 Conference participantDECA State Leadership Conference

participantDECA International Career Development

Conference participantDECA Board of Direction, Novi Chapter

Activities/Organizations:IB Diploma program

Spring 2014 7

Get to Know the Candidates Better!

All of the candidates will have a booth on display from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. on Friday at

the State Conference. They’ll also be giving speeches during the Opening Session.

Bailey SchneiderNiles New Tech Academy

I loved serving as the Michigan DECA State Secretary this past year. As A State Offi cer, you get to see DECA from a different per-spective. Not only do I want to work with a team of leaders from across the state, I want to connect with members across the state. As a State Offi cer I want to make positive impact on the members and

the association as a whole. DECA Activities:Central Region Leadership Conference

participantState Career Development Conference

participantMichigan DECA State Secretary

Activities/Organizations:National Honor SocietyTutor elementary studentsStudent CouncilNew Tech Ambassador ProgramRonald McDonald House Charities Teen

Board

Grace ShecklerBedford High School

I want to be a Michigan DECA State Offi cer because there are so many students in Michigan who upon hearing the word “DECA” nothing signifi cant comes to mind. I want to raise awareness of DECA and give back to the organization that gave so much to me. I know that I can serve my state and represent DECA in a fair, re-

sponsible, and exciting way. I hope to lead Michigan DECA to higher involvement within the community, which will in turn raise awareness to the organization and help each chapter and DECA as a whole develop and grow. I know that this position will feed my hunger for being something so much larger that a member of my local chapter.

DECA Activities:First year DECA memberDistrict 4 Conference participant

Activities/Organizations:Link CrewRite of Christian Initiation for AdultsLocal Community Education VolunteerHonor Student

Cole StewartAnn Arbor Skyline High School

The position of a Michigan DECA State Offi cer is one of great pres-tige and responsibility. I want to be a state offi cer because I believe it would be a challenging yet incredible experience. Not only does the experience give you an edge in the business world, but it pro-vides you with the opportunity to make lifelong connections that

almost no other organization provides. To go along with these reasons, one of my big-gest dreams is to help build Michigan DECA into a brand name organization in every school in Michigan. I want to make it so that every high school in the state of Michigan either knows what DECA is, or has a growing chapter with people as passionate about DECA as I am. As a State Offi cer, I believe I can make this dream a reality.DECA Activities:District 4 Conference participantState Career Development Conference

participantDECA Chapter President

Activities/Organizations:Volunteer Camp CounselorVolunteer at Peace Neighborhood CenterVolunteer at Food Gatherers

Ryan VanZalenForest Hills Northern High School

I want to become a Michigan DECA State Offi cer because I see it as an opportunity to learn more about the business world and further participate and involve myself in DECA. The organized competi-tions are a great way for students to learn more about and prepare themselves for real life business situations, so the chance to help

organize these events and challenge myself seems like a great experience that will help me prepare for the future. DECA Activities:District 2 Conference participantState Leadership Conference participantHead of Public Relations, Forest Hills

Northern Chapter

Activities/Organizations:Forest Hills Northern Yearbook Class,

Theme EditorTrack & FieldNational Honor SocietyVolunteer at WMEACVolunteer at DegageModel U.N.

Monique ViauJenison High School

I want to be a Michigan DECA State Offi cer because I want to give to others the same, great DECA experience I have experienced. I want to be able to lead others with workshops, and help them gain confi dence and be successful in the workplace in the future. I want to be a State Offi cer for myself because I know I have what it takes

to reach higher in DECA and achieve greater success with confi dence, public speak-ing, and overall communication skills. The increased responsibilities of being a State Offi cer will help me be a better leader as I transition to my adult and professional life.DECA Activities:Vice President, Jenison DECA ChapterDECA fundraising District 2 Conference participantState Career Development ConferenceInternational Career Development

Conference

Activities/Organizations:Student CouncilChamber Singers, school choirWork workshops

A Diff erent ViewJessica Thomas,

Vice President of Public Relations

We all have a background; a story behind us. We all have a different life, dreams, aspirations and op-portunities ahead of us. Things have happened to us in the past that defi ne who we are and things will happen in our future. Even though all of us come

from these different backgrounds, lives, opportunities and stories we all have one thing in common and that’s DECA. DECA is that one connection we all share; even after the different paths we plan on taking to fulfi ll our journey begins.

This story began freshman year. A little girl scared to death and wasn’t quite sure where she fi t in. She always had this energy or vibrant light that wanted to motivate her and others. As her year in a new school started off, her business class seemed to be the place she felt that she belonged and DECA became a marketing club she wasn’t quite sure what had in store for her. As the year fl ew by, she took every opportunity she could; State Leadership Conference, Central Region Leadership Conference, District Conference and the State Career Development Conference truly opened her eyes. Reaching these milestones as a little freshman in high school amazed her and she knew that this is where she belonged.

That girl in the story was me and I had realized that DECA gave me a place to fi t in. Connect and be with my friends. Motivate and help people which is something near and dear to my heart. Help myself prepare to better my future. Learn valuable skills and have a great time doing it. I couldn’t be-lieve all of the different aspects DECA contained and I was determined to fi ll all of them. I had to experience everything once; just once and I would be satisfi ed.

As DECA became a major part of my high school journey, I’ve learned things about myself and others that I’m forever grateful for. I’ve been shown that no matter what obstacles come about, I will accomplish my goal. I’ve learned to take advantages of opportunities that cross my path for they are once in a lifetime chances. I’ve learned to never judge another because some people have it better off than me and others do not. I tend to think that they are like me and use DECA as their outlet, a place to fi t in and a major stone to add to their story.

These stories defi ne who we are, and with DECA, we all are brought to-gether. Everyone’s stories, challenges, opportunities, dreams, and goals tie together here, within this organization. Even after we branch out into our journeys, DECA will be the one thing that remains the same. I challenge you, Michigan DECA, to go out and meet someone new and fi nd out their story. You never know, you might be close to someone than you think.

8 Spring 2014

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The Road to the State Conference

Bailey Schneider,State Secretary

Now that District Conferences have concluded for another year, it’s a great time to refl ect as both the members and leaders of Michigan DECA to pre-pare ourselves for the State Career Development Conference in Detroit, March 14 - 16. Throughout

the conferences, I had the honor to connect with Michigan DECA mem-bers across the state. After the District 5 Conference held at Eastern Michi-gan University, I had the opportunity to speak with Austin Janice, a Junior from Carlson High School, and get his thoughts on the conference and SCDC. I asked him a series of questions in order to get an in-depth view of his experience.

Q. What were some of your thoughts going into your event and coming out of it?

A. “Going into my event, I kept telling myself to be confi dent. I literally saw the judge and shut down. My role play started out shaky but once I sat down and got rolling, things were going smooth. I didn’t think I did great walking out of my role play and I didn’t know if I did enough in the role play to get me a medal so I was defi nitely unsure, but once hearing my name announced at the award session, I got a rush of adrenaline and start-ed to jump and I ran to the stage and I was very speechless at the moment.”

Q. How do you feel about qualifying for the state conference?

A. “I’m really excited. The State Conference gives you the opportunity to meet DECA members from across the whole state and it can defi nitely

create bonds and friendships. Out of all Michigan DECA conferences, the State Conference is one you don’t want to miss and also one Michigan DECA Members look forward to year after year.”

Q. What advice would you give to someone who’s attending the State Conference?

A. “Defi nitely think positively and don’t let anyone tell you can’t. As Michigan DECA members we take pride in what we do, so be proud of yourself, whatever the outcome may be. And also defi nitely study and pre-pare before states, because it could make or break you, and hopefully it will all pay off by winning and becoming a Michigan DECA State Cham-pion.”

The Michigan DECA State Executive council loves being able to share with you the excitement and anxiety for the State Career Development Conference. We want to help members make it count not only in their competitions, but all weekend. For any tips or help in preparing for March, please feel free to contact any State Offi cer!

Spring 2014 9

Friday, March 14

10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Written Event Judges

11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Conference Registration

1:15 - 2:00 p.m. Adult Assistants Meeting: Friday Written Events

2:00 - 5:00 p.m. T-Shirt Pickup and Sales 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. Written Event Orientation Business Services Operations Research Buying & Merchandising Operations Research Chapter Awards Program Community Service Project Creative Marketing Project Entrepreneurship - Growing Your Business Entrepreneurship Promotion Project Entrepreneurship Written Financial Literacy Promotion Project Finance Operations Research Gold Merit Awards Program Hospitality & Tourism Operations Research International Business Plan Learn & Earn Project Public Relations Project Sports & Entertainment Operations Research 3:00 - 3:30 p.m. Adult Assistants Meeting Apparel & Accessories Automotive Services Business Finance Business Services Marketing Food Marketing Hotel & Lodging Management Human Resources Management Marketing Management Quick Serve Restaurant Management Restaurant & Food Service Management Retail Merchandising Sports & Entertainment Marketing Series

3:00 - 3:30 p.m. State Offi cer Candidates’ Meeting

3:00 - 7:00 p.m. Written Event - Presentations All competitors are to report according to their assigned time.

3:00 - 8:00 p.m. Vendor & Career Exposition 4:00 - 4:30 p.m. Adult Assistants Meeting Business Law & Ethics TDM Buying & Merchandising TDM Financial Services TDM Hospitality Services TDM Leadership & Teamwork Marketing Communications TDM Principles of Business Management Principles of Finance Principles of Hospitality & Tourism Principles of Marketing Sports & Entertainment TDM Travel & Tourism TDM 4:00 - 4:45 p.m. Event Orientation and Scheduling Apparel & Accessories Automotive Services Business Finance Business Services Marketing Food Marketing Hotel & Lodging Management Human Resources Management Marketing Management Quick Serve Restaurant Management Restaurant & Food Service Management Retail Merchandising Sports & Entertainment Marketing Series

4:00 - 6:00 p.m. State Offi cer Candidates’ Campaign Booths

5:00 - 5:30 p.m. Adult Assistants Meeting For Saturday Written Events

State Conference Tentative Agenda

10 Spring 2014

5:00 - 5:45 p.m. Event Orientation and Scheduling Business Law & Ethics TDM Buying & Merchandising TDM Financial Services TDM Hospitality Services TDM Leadership & Teamwork Marketing Communications TDM Principles of Business Management Principles of Finance Principles of Hospitality & Tourism Principles of Marketing Sports & Entertainment TDM Travel & Tourism TDM

5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Dinner - On your own, as your schedule permits. 6:00 - 6:45 p.m. Event Orientation & Scheduling Advertising Campaign Entrepreneurship Innovation Plan Entrepreneurship Participating Fashion Merchandising Promotion Plan Hospitality & Tourism Professional Selling Professional Selling Event School Based Enterprise Sports & Entertainment Promotion Plan

8:00 p.m. Doors Open for Opening Session

8:30 p.m. Opening Session

9:30 p.m. Election of State Offi cers

10:30 - 11:00 p.m. Chapter Advisors’ Meeting 11:00 p.m. Chapter Meetings

11:30 p.m. Curfew - Delegates in own room, room checks. No food deliveries are allowed after this time.

Saturday, March 15

7:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. Breakfast - Meal ticket is required. 8:30 a.m. Morning Judge Check-In

8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Competitive Events Automotive Services Marketing Business Law & Ethics TDM Business Finance Business Services Marketing Financial Services TDM Food Marketing Hospitality Services TDM Human Resources Management Leadership & Teamwork Marketing Management Marketing Communications TDM Principles of Business Management Principles of Finance 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Vendor & Career Exposition 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Conference Headquarters

9:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Competitive Events Advertising Campaign Entrepreneurship Innovation Plan Entrepreneurship Participating Fashion Merchandising Promotion Plan Sports & Entertainment Marketing Promo. Plan 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Economics Evaluations Math Evaluations Open to all delegates

10:00 a.m. - Noon Administrators’ Reception

Noon - 1:00 p.m. Afternoon Judge Check-In

1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Competitive Events Apparel & Accessories Buying & Merchandising TDM Hospitality & Tourism Professional Selling Hotel & Lodging Management Principles of Hospitality & Tourism Principles of Marketing Professional Selling Event Quick Serve Restaurant Management Restaurant & Food Service Management Retail Merchandising

SUCCESS = PROFITGranita is 100% fruit Italian ice!

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o Increases your profi tability since more drinks are being sold within a given time

Marketing AdvantagesUtilize many other opportunities within your school:

o Fund raising projects and sports activities

o Selling Polar ParadICE can help in the development of human relations, communication and employability skills

o Polar ParadICE will signifi cantly help give the students the optimum, hands-on opportunity to learn what marketing and entrepreneurship is all about

For Flavors & Nutritional information, please visit our website @

www.PolarParadice.org

Spring 2014 11

School Based Enterprise Sports & Entertainment Series Sports & Entertainment TDM Travel & Tourism TDM

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Dinner - On your own, as your schedule permits.

9:00 - 10:00 p.m. Entertainment Brian Imbus, Hypnosis

10:00 - 10:30 p.m. Written Event Return Chapter Advisors Only

10:00 - 11:00 p.m. Michigan Marketing Educators Annual Meeting - Chapter Advisors Only

Western Michigan University’s Haworth College of Business is home to nationally recognized programs and award-winning students.

• Integrated Supply Management—Ranked 12th in the nation by Gartner and fourth in the nation for the total number of Richter Scholar recipients

• Sales and Business Marketing— Selected by the Sales Education Foundation as a top U.S. university sales program; in 2013, student teams took top honors at two national sales competitions and an additional team was given the Rookie of the Year award in an international competition

• Entrepreneurship—Offering courses in entrepreneurship, strategy and leadership; students have

opportunities to launch businesses through the WMU PITCH competition and Starting Gate—a student business accelerator

• Food and Consumer Package Goods Marketing— One of the premier programs in the United States, offering students a four-year business degree

• Advertising and Promotion—Students have placed in the top 10 since 2005, including first place in 2012, at the Edventure Partners’ National Case Study Competition

Our students learn by doing, applying concepts to real-world projects with industry partners in preparation for launching their careers.

Western Michigan University. It’s your turn to GO WEST.GO WEST.

Our students learn by doing, applying concepts to real-world projects

with industry partners in preparation for launching their careers.

wmich.edu/GoWest/business

The Haworth College of Business is among

fewer than five percent of business schools worldwide

that are accredited at both undergraduate and graduate levels by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

11:00 p.m. Chapter Meetings

11:30 p.m. Curfew - Delegates in own room, room checks. No food deliveries are allowed after this time.

Sunday, March 16

7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Breakfast - Meal Ticket is required.

9:00 a.m. Doors open for session - Business attire is required.

9:30 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. Grand Awards Session See mideca.org for the order of awards.

Michigan DECA Partner Profi le: Western Michigan University’s Haworth College of Business

Western Michigan University’s Haworth College of Business—Learner Centered, Discovery Driven, Globally Engaged

Students in Western Michigan University’s Haworth College of Business learn by doing, applying concepts to real-world projects with indus-try partners in preparation for launching their careers. The Haworth College of Business off ers students the very best in hands-on learning—managing investments, participating in audits, work-ing with brand managers, designing business intelligence tools, creating business process plans and so much more.All of these learning opportunities take place in an atmosphere where relationships matter. The Haworth College of Business is truly a family—a family that supports and celebrates the many successes of its students. Greta Lorr, the 2012 National Collegiate Speed Selling Champion, shares her thoughts on the Haworth College of Business experience: “The most critical relationships for me as a business student are the ones I have with my professors. These relationships are central to my success here at Western. With all the resources, tools and organizations laid out in front of me, I was able to start my own path of professional development. After joining a student organization and picking out which major was the best fi t for me, the rest fell into place. My classes were always a challenge, and I had awesome professors and peers, forming a great community in the sales and business marketing program. The amount of passion my professors bring to the classroom on top of the dedication they have for not only my success but for all the students, is undeniable.” The Haworth College of Business is among fewer than fi ve percent of business schools accredited at both undergraduate and graduate levels by AACSB International—The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. One of the top-100 public universities in the United States, Western Michigan University is committed to being learner centered, discovery driven and globally engaged. As a public research university, WMU off ers more than 240 academic programs to students pursuing degrees through the doctoral level.

Spring 2014

The UDM Commerce Scholarship is a renewable $25,000 scholarship for outstanding freshmen entering as business majors. You can learn more about it, as well as our five-year B.S./MBA program, at an upcoming UDM Visit Day.

You’ll also learn how our business administration degree gives you everything you need to get started in your career—the latest in accounting, law, finance, marketing, management, information systems, international business—as well as a lifelong ethical perspective that you can only get from a Jesuit and Mercy institution.

UDM business majors take advantage of internships at major companies, mentoring from corporate executives, and service-learning courses that bring a hands-on approach to real-world issues. And our AACSB accreditation means you are attending an elite university where teaching matters as much as research—and accountability reigns.

Come to a Visit Day and learn more.

We want great things for you.business.udmercy.edu

Announcing the Commerce Scholarship for exceptional business majors.Another reason why our business degrees add value(s).

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