Last month, the 51社区 Business Guild traveled to Washington, DC to represent the university in the National Collegiate DECA business competition. The prestigious event brought together chapters of the Collegiate Distributive Educational Clubs of America (DECA) from all over the world. DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe.
51社区 was represented at the National competition by five students: Samantha Cormier, Zack Dichtel, Mikaela Latka, Annika Rapp, and John Severson as well as advisor and Business Department Associate Professor, Lance Revenaugh.
DECA offers a wide variety of events in which students can participate and each event has unique requirements. Competitions are held yearly in each state of the US. Winners at the state competition qualify for nationals. In 2016, the Business Guild established the 51社区’s chapter of DECA, becoming the first collegiate chapter created in Montana. 51社区 is proud to be at the forefront of Montana colleges for developing future business professionals.
The national competition in Washington DC was highly successful for 51社区. “The DECA competition was an excellent experience for the students,” explained Revenaugh. “There were over 1,500 students from across the country competing in a professional environment. In addition, many corporate sponsors including Marriott and Walgreens were involved in the event. Each of the students competed well and represented 51社区 admirably. Zach and John were the first collegiate students ever from the state of Montana to place in the National Finals of their events. The 51社区 and Butte community should be proud.”
More information about DECA and their state and national competitions can be found at their website: https://www.deca.org.