Michigan DECA Chapters Receiving the Inside This Issue Gimmie 5 Award

[X]periencing Success at Conferences.....1 As of December 1, 2007 “Gimmie Five”...... 1 Sports Marketing...... 3 Allendale High School Hartland High School Running for State Office...... 3 Anchor Bay High School Heritage High School Accept the Challenge...... 4 Ann Arbor Pioneer High School Howell High School Creating a New Look for Spirit...... 4 Bedford High School Huron Area Technical Center What Can We Do For You?...... 5 Belleville High School Jackson High School Lights, Camera, Action...... 5 Berkley High School Kearsley High School Check It Out!...... 5 Boyne City High School Lincoln Park High School An Amazing [X]perience...... 6 Byron Center High School Midland Dow High School Calhoun Area Career Center Milford High School Careerline Technical Center Mona Shores High School Clio High School Montague High School Upcoming Events Dearborn Fordson High School Muskegon Area CTC Dearborn High School Parchment High School Detroit Cass Tech High School Perry High School Jan. 22 Deadline: State Officer Detroit Central High School Petoskey High School Candidate Screening Detroit M.L. King High School Rochester Adams High School Registrations Detroit M.L. King High School Saginaw Career Complex Jan. 25 District 8 Conference Detroit Mumford High School Salem High School Jan. 26 State Officer Candidate Detroit Southeastern High School Southfield High School Eaton Academy Southfield Lathrup High School Screening Forest Hills Central High School Troy High School Feb. 1 Deadline: DECA Scholarship Fruitport High School University High School Applications Due to MI DECA Gaylord High School Van Buren Tech Center Feb. 15 Deadline: State Conference Grand Blanc High School Vicksburg High School Registration Grand Haven High School Waterford Mott High School Feb. 23 Written Event Screening Grand Rapids Creston High School West Bloomfield High School At Eastern Michigan University Gull Lake High School Wyandotte Roosevelt High School Mar. 4 Deadline: April Sports & Entertainment Workshop Registration Mar. 14-16 State Career A publication of Development Conference Michigan DECA Dearborn, Michigan Eastern Michigan University April 25-30 International Career Ypsilanti, Michigan 48197 Development Conference Atlanta, Georgia PH (734) 487-3322 FX (734) 487-4329 www.mideca.org Dave Wait, State Director The policy of the Michigan Association of DECA, is that no person shall, on the basis There isEditorial still time Correspondence to receive this Award of race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, for your chapter!Spotlight Membership on DECA additions gender, marital status, weight, sexual must be submittedNick Woods, by January Editor 31, 2008. orientation, sex or disability, be excluded Michigan DECA from participating in, be denied the benefits [email protected] of, or be subjected to discrimination, during And be sure*Articles to check and out letters the Gimmieare welcome 5 article for publicationby State President any program, activity or in employment. Courtney Clark, located on Page 1. Spotlight On DECA Winter 2008 Page 1 Experiencing Success at High Five to Gimmie 5 Your District Conference Participants! By Courtney Clark By Courtney Clark State President State President Are you ready and excited to promote healthy foods. We gave an impression of Congratulations to all of the Michigan DECA chapters that have at- attend DECA’s amazing In- the speaker and got the judge laughing. It turned tained the membership level to receive the Gimmie 5 award! Gimmie 5 is ternational Career Develop- out to be our best score of all our role-plays. Also, this year’s campaign to raise membership throughout our state and make ment Conference in Atlanta, remember to be professional the entire time you are more students aware of the amazing opportunities DECA has to offer. Georgia? This conference in front of the judge. Introduce yourself, shake their All that is required to achieve this level is to increase your chapter’s mem- will include the opportunity hand and greet them with a smile. It’s important to bership by five from last year. What an easy way to expand - yourchap to network with thousands incorporate marketing concepts into your presenta- ter and be recognized at the State Career Development Conference in of DECA members from tion, but it’s equally important to let your personali- March! There are so many simple ways to increase your membership. across the globe, have fun ty shine through and stand out from the competition. while traveling and prove yourself the best among Some members choose to compete in Mar- Some of these include: the brightest marketing students in the world. keting Representative Events at the District Con- • Commercials and announcements on your school’s daily broadcast program Sounds pretty incredible to me! However, you must ference. These include Advertising Campaign, • An informational meeting with incentives, such as food or a fun game be dedicated to achieve the honor of attending the Entrepreneurship Participating, Fashion Merchan- International Career Development Conference. It dising Promotion Plan, and Technical Sales Event. • Presentations to business related classes starts with succeeding at your District conference Students competing in one of these events write • A professional dress day to promote DECA throughout your school and the State Career Development Conference. a paper and present their ideas and their plan to District conferences are the first step to Atlanta. judges. It’s a good idea to compete as a team in A plaque at the State Conference is not the only great thing about increas- Most members compete in role plays at the this event so that you can divide the work it takes ing your membership by five people. Just think of how much more your chap- District conferences. There are so many different to do the research, write the paper and prepare ter could achieve with five more people to contribute their ideas, perspectives, role-play categories that you are sure to find one the presentation. I competed in Advertising Cam- and time as a volunteer at community service events or fundraisers. Also, we of that fits your interest. Examples are: Sports and paign for several years and had a lot of fun with course always want to be spreading the amazing lessons we have learned and Entertainment Marketing, Apparel and Accesso- designing a strategy and sample advertisements. friendships we have gained through DECA to others in our communities. I am ries Marketing, Automotive Services Marketing, All of the events at the District Conference in- encouraging each of you to take the initiative to recruit five new members to your and the Accounting Applications Series. Manage- clude a multiple-choice test. Role play participants DECA chapter. It can make a huge, positive impact on your chapter and all of ment Team Decision Making Events offer the op- take a general marketing test and a longer test that Michigan DECA. So, once again, here’s a high five to all of the chapters already portunity to compete in a role play with a team concentrates on the industry related to their catego- working to increase their membership, and I encourage you to do the same! member from your chapter. Examples of Man- ry, such as hospitality. Competitors in events such agement Team Decision Making events are: E- as Advertising Campaign take only one test that Commerce, Hospitality Services, and Travel and focuses on their specific category. It is beneficial Tourism Marketing. Either type of role play is a to take a few practice tests before the District Con- great opportunity to practice professional skills in ference because some of the questions are similar front of judges, put your marketing skills to work from test to test, and you can practice the timing. and, believe it or not, have some fun. Staying re- While it’s important to practice role plays, your laxed, yet focused, is key to success in role plays. presentation, and tests, my number one piece of ad- Judges appreciate when you have fun or add vice is just to relax and show the judges your person- a little humor to your presentation. I remember ality- set yourself apart from everyone else. This can that while competing in Team Decision Making, go a long way in helping you get to Atlanta in 2008. I my team members and I incorporated the idea of can’t wait to see you all at your district conferences! a humorous guest speaker in our school’s efforts to

C a r l A. G e r s t a c k e r Why Albion? L i b e r a l A r t s I n s t i t u t e f o r P r o f e s s i o n a l M a n a g e m e n t Opportunities and Helping make professional ambitions reality Outcomes.

After graduating in May from the Gerstacker Institute, Julia McCormick is now working for Google, Inc. in Ann Arbor. She believes her experience at Albion and with the Gerstacker Institute helped her secure her position at Google. “Google recruits well-rounded, creative individuals with the ability to embrace change. My study- abroad experience, internship through the Gerstacker Institute, and involvement with service organizations on campus allowed me to develop these qualities.” “Studying abroad in Rome, Italy was an amazing experience,” Julia says. “I was able to experience a new culture and take classes with people from around the world. Studying abroad forced me to leave my comfort zone, learn about myself, and embrace change.” During a summer 2006 internship, she worked for The Minervini Group at Grand Traverse Commons in Traverse City, Mich. “I was able to learn about marketing, advertising, management, and even music production,” she notes. “I was encouraged to explore all of my interests instead of choosing just one to focus on.” Julia was also involved in student organizations on campus such as Student Volunteer Bureau. “Service is my passion, and thus I was very involved with it on campus. I was able to do what I love, while gaining leadership experience and management skills at the same time.”

For more information go to www.albion.edu/gerstacker or call 517-629-0418 Albion, MI 49224 800/858-6770 Spotlight On DECA Winter 2008 Page 2 IS YOUR SCHOOL STORE STORE TEACHING...

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School POS Systems, Inc. Ferndale, Michigan WWW.SCHOOLPOS.COM call 877-271-3730 Congratulations to Detroit ML King High School for winning last year’s International Conference Travel Award! Visit our website for information on how to enter this year’s contest for travel assistance to [X]perience Atlanta at the 2008 DECA International Conference! Spotlight On DECA Winter 2008 Page 3 Sports Marketing and You: Basics and Must-Knows By Kyle Hagan Vice President of Career Development

To increase exposure some type of schooling after high school. This is defined as the Horse Power era. A Hill being the spokesman of Sprite. He is the for teams, sponsors Co-ops and internships are great ways to do piston is a valuable part of a vehicle, and Pis- reason I order Sprite at a restaurant or get one or causes- that is the this. Hearing: “Go to college! Study, and ton’s basketball wanted to capitalize on the from the vending machines. Vitamin Water basic description of learn as much as you can,” was something Motor City name with a new identity for its is a product that has started to sweep the a sports marketer. If that your parents and teachers can tell you, team. The logo changed to a super powered country. Players like Chauncy Billups and you have ever wit- but when it comes from someone in horse, and the red, white and blue were Brian Urlacher of the Chicago Bears have en- nessed a professional the industry it starts to sink in. ditched for a teal, gold and red dorsed this budding product. Chris Chelios sports event, the job What are some real flame combo. When play- and Kris Draper from the Red Wings have of a sports marketer life examples of sports ers like Jerry Stack- broken into the local TV market by becom- has been all around you. From the commer- marketing at its fin- house, Grant Hill and ing the spokesmen for local car dealerships. cials on T.V. or radio, to a half-time show, to est? Take a look John Berry left, so Pro teams are one avenue, but very diffi- the singing of the national anthem; the job at the Detroit was that “horse cult to break into. Other alternatives that bring of a sports marketer is to make sure every- Pistons trans- power identity.” you close to the action are sports apparel and one comes to games and has a great time formations. In The new cam- retailers. Companies like Sports Authority in the arena. The basic entry level career the 1989 paign was, and Dicks Sporting Goods have marketers to salary for a marketing manager is around season, “ R e d , increase awareness of products and brands. $62,000. Depending on the success of the the Pis- w h i t e Nike and Under Armor need marketers to get team and location, the wage could increase tons were and blue Ladanian Tomlinson to wear their gloves or or decrease. Gaining experience and knowl- k n o w n is back.” the Michigan Wolverines to wear their jerseys. edge of different markets could have you by their The Pis- Marketing is a diverse avenue to explore. making over $100,000 annually. Sports mar- attitude. tons de- Many colleges have programs related keting requires an understanding of market- Their slo- cided to to marketing and specifically sports market- ing, promotion, advertising, fundraising and gan was just two go back to the ing. Northwood, Western and Eastern have business. Most four year universities have a short words that success of yester- great programs that will give you first hand marketing program, and some colleges even packed a punch: Bad day with an updated experience. Talk to college representatives offer a specific sports marketing program. Boys. That Pistons team logo and motto, and it or your schools counselor about degree I had the opportunity to speak with was known for its grit on the helped secure another title in programs in the school you are interested Dave Wieme and Craig Turnbull from Pal- court and winning with pure dedication 2004. This season the basketball is back, in. Start marketing sports at your schools; ace Sports and Entertainment. In my dis- and desire. Also, the Bad Boys were able and it’s in honor of 50 seasons in Motown. create taglines, mottos, flyers or commer- cussions with both of them, the one thing to secure back-to-back championships that Sports marketers don’t only focus on team cials to start building a portfolio to show they each emphasized was the importance brought respect and fear to the Detroit Pistons. names and mottos. People are drawn to off as you are applying for an internship or of “continued education.” Our conversation Seasons past, players were traded and products based on emotional and physiologi- entry-level position. Who knows? Maybe just emphasized how important it is to attend retired, which brought a new era to Detroit. cal attachments. I can still remember Grant you’ll be the one behind the next great team.

Running for State Office By Charmaine Williams Vice President of Communications

Take a stand and run for State office! In today’s world, lead- ership characteristics are revealed early in life. Are you a teen that is able to offer positive alternatives in difficult situations? Often, making good sound decisions is no as natural as some may think. In some situations, standing for what you believe is right may be A personal experience I had was a trip challenging for followers but certainly not for to the Grand Canyon. My fellow team mem- those who possess a leader’s quality. Are you bers and I had a marvelous time. We met able to maintain your position despite peer with other state and provincial officers and pressure and/ or negative influences? If your we all bonded. It was the most wonderful response is a resounding YES, then a position experience of my life and that right there for State office may be in your near future. made me grateful and proud for running. Teens deserve a voice in leadership You could have the opportunity to meet new and involvement with decision making. The people and gain knowledgeable information process for participating is quite simple. on important subjects and critical issues. You must have an acceptable grade point As you know, good leaders are called average, be a good public speaker, display upon to represent, understand, listen and leadership, and have good writing skills. If guide based upon sound reasoning and you have these skills, then you definitely facts. A position with State office could become a candidate. Plus! One of its amaz- change your life and impact others as ing advantages is that you have the oppor- well. You could be an inspiration to your tunity to explore and TRAVEL! You will peers and encourage them to get involved. network with other people, meet potential We are a well respected organization business partners, and make new friends that commands a positive image that we from across the nation. Additionally you are must uphold. Remember, if you have the exposed to college scholarships with DECA. drive and determination then this is a state The state office positions are all stupen- position is right for you. More information dous and you can select which one is right for on running for state office can be found at you. There’s District Representative, where www.mideca.org/students/running. Be sure you represent your district, state Vice Presi- to send me an email at cwilliams@mideca. dent, and state President. Each one has its org if you have any questions. So, if you own set of responsibilities. Which ever posi- think, feel, and know, running for state office tion you feel comfortable with, talk to your is right for you, then talk to your advisor and advisor and fill out the application and I as- gain all knowledge to do so and let DECA sure you that the experience is well worth it. take you on an Experience of a lifetime! Spotlight On DECA Winter 2008 Page 4 Accept The Challenge Creating a New By Kellie Morrison Vice President of Public Relations Look for Spirit Each day is a new opportunity to try Not only does accepting the MDA Challenge mean By Kellie Morrison something new, an opportunity to helping a child with muscular dystrophy, but it also means face a new challenge- a challenge that recognition for you and your chapter. All chapters raising Vice President of Public Relations could change yours, or even someone $200.00 or more will receive recognition on the Michigan else’s life. Every year, DECA brings DECA website and in Spotlight on DECA. Chapters rais- Spirit defines the pride you display in a new ultimatum to your everyday ing $600.00 or more will receive a plaque on stage at the something you have passion for. A new concept life; DECA challenges you to make State Career Development Conference in March. And this has been created to allow all of you to show a difference. Now is the time to step year, all chapters raising $25,000 or more will get the op- off this spirit. Spirit Shop is a new company into the MDA Challenge! portunity to make a live check presentation on the Jerry that has started an effective way for students to DECA is a continuous sponsor of the Muscular Dys- Lewis Telethon in Las Vegas, Nevada. In order to qualify show off their spirit, along with creating their trophy Association (MDA). The partnership between MDA for these awards, your chapter must send in all donations own fundraiser. It’s all a very easy concept. To and DECA is made possible by all of the contributions by March 1st, 2008. begin with, you just have to visit, www.spir- from DECA’s members. This year, the Michigan DECA As you can see by accepting the MDA challenge, you itshop.com. Once you have entered the web State Officer team has set a high goal of $70,000 to be do- will be able to help a child, as well as get a lot of recogni- site, you have to register your school. From nated to MDA by Michigan DECA. This goal can be easily tion. The opportunities are endless to reaching these goals. there on, it’s all up to you. Spirit Shop gives attained if we all set our minds to it. The possibilities stretch from hosting a miracle minute you and your fellow classmates the opportu- Through contributions, the Muscular Dystrophy during halftime at basketball game to holding a staff vs. nity to design your own school pride clothing. strives to allow children with muscular dystrophy to live a student basketball game. There are so many different ways This is a simple, cost-effective way to normal life. your chapter purchase customized school apparel. Along The dona- can get in- with the benefit of designing your own clothes, tions given volved. All Spirit Shop offers a 15% commission on all to MDA you have to sales to the registered school. So not only is are used to- do is use your Spirit Shop an easy way to show school pride wards find- imagination along with individuality, it is also a fun way ing a cure and have fun. to raise money for your school. Spirit shop and making Keep in mind also offers schools the opportunity to order the lives of that the hard products at bulk to be resold at school as victims with muscular dystrophy as amazing as possible. work you are putting into raising money is going towards well. Spirit Shop is a great way to fundraise. Every time six hundred dollars is donated to the MDA, letting a child with muscular dystrophy experience the Altogether, Spirit Shop is putting a a child is sent to summer camp. Any child with muscular “best week out of the whole year” at summer camp. twist on showing school spirit. They are dystrophy who has attended summer camp would not hesi- I challenge all of you to accept the MDA Challenge setting up a business to allow you to be in- tate to say that the one week spent at summer camp is the and help make dreams come true. Success can be found in novative and create the look you want to best week out of the whole year. By accepting the MDA anything you set your mind to, so take chances and face wear to show off your school spirit. All Challenge, you are committing yourself to giving a child the challenge of raising money. Visit http://mideca.org/stu- of you should look into it because it’s a the best experience they have of living a normal life. dents/mda.html for more ideas. great way to create a new look for spirit!

Jennifer Kimbrough, ‘06 Business/Information Systems Co-op at UPS

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www.kettering.edu 800-955-4464 ext. 7865 Spotlight On DECA Winter 2008 Page 5 Lights, Camera, Action. Kyle Hagan Vice President of Career Development Create the Future In the age of technology Michigan DECA is getting in the game to give you more. On the MI DECA website are links to different videos. Some topics to be covered At Michigan Tech, it’s not throughout the year are life as a state officer, Central Region Leadership Conference and business as usual... other conferences through out the year. The purpose is to provide something new to the members. Pictures don’t talk, and they can’t capture a DECA dance quite like a vid- eo. They will be linked off of the Michigan DECA web- site to youtube.com. I really hope everyone gets a chance to check out these videos.

What Can We Do For You? Kyle Hagan Vice President of Career Development

The Michigan DECA state check out the state officers officers have been busy blog. There you can read preparing conferences and about past conferences, learning how to become what’s coming up for future better leaders all year. Did conferences and some inter- you know that we went to esting things that have been Arizona? How about the of- keeping us busy. Also, you ficers’ trip to D.C.? When I can tell us what we can do say the word, “Ontichicali,” to help you. Whether you’d does is sound like gibberish? like to know what a district This year’s officers have so conference is like or what many [X]periences we want workshops each of us gave to share with you and let at the State Leadership Con- you know about. What if ference, the officers can’t I told you there was a way wait to interact more with for you to know? Next time you. Please let us know you log onto mideca.org how we can help you out. www.mideca.org Check It Out! Brook Stubelt • Manage real money in a million-dollar Vice President of Leadership Development investment portfolio

There has recently been a new Facebook group created • Work with real companies on projects for Michigan DECA! It just started up a couple of months to enhance their products or services in ago, and we encourage every Michigan DECA member to our Enterprise Program check it out. This group gives us an easier way to communi- cate with all the members. So • Learn the quantitative and technological far, there are 61 members, and we would like to get as many skills you need to compete as a leader people to join as possible. If you have already joined, in the global business world feel free to post pictures or comments on the page about DECA events. Also, please invite other Michigan DECA members you know to join Michigan Technological University the group. If you have any questions, please contact School of Business and Economics me at [email protected]. www.sbe.mtu.edu

Michigan Technological University is an equal opportunity educational institution/equal opportunity employer. Spotlight On DECA Winter 2008 Page 6 An Amazing [X]perience Brook Stubelt Vice President of Leadership Development

was lead by FOCUS Training. Learn- ence, running for state office, increasing will learn about the competitive events Conferences are a ing from FOCUS Training is so different. membership, and the Muscular Dystrophy DECA has to offer such as, Merit Award fun way to expand They take a boring skill such as, writing a Association. We had the chance to listen Program, Series events, Management Team your knowledge speech, and turn it into a fun hands-on ac- to a speaker from MDA come a talk about Decision Making events, and the Writ- of DECA, and that tivity. To end the evening, we had a DECA his experience at summer camp. This gave ten events. By learning more about these is exactly what dance, and everyone a events, you will further yourself for up- we did at the 2007 did some better under- coming competitions. Traveling is another State Leadership k a r a o k e . standing of positive aspect of attending conferences. Conference. The On Tuesday, what MDA There are conferences all over the coun- conference was held on October 15-16 we started is all about. try, for instance, the New York Marketing in Lansing, Michigan. All 600 attendees early with This confer- Conference, the Central Region Leader- came to the Holiday Inn to [X]perience some DECA ence was ship Conference, and the International SLC. Delegates had the chance to net- workshops. filled with Career Development Conference. The last work with other members, learn about DE- State Offi- the oppor- and most important benefit you gain is the CA’s competitive events, and expand their cers, Alumni, and Chapter Advisors present- tunities to learn more and achieve a better opportunity to [X]perience new things. leadership skills. For those that were not ed many workshops on varies topics. Some understanding of what DECA has to offer. State Leadership Conference, as well in attendance, or just want a little more in- topics that were presented include business Now that we know what happens as other DECA conferences, is an awe- formation about the conference, here it is! etiquette, fundraising, networking, running at the State Leadership Conference, we some way to become more involved and The conference started out with open- for state office, and much more. The con- need to recognize the benefits of attend- have a better knowledge of marketing ing session which began at 5 o’clock. We ference concluded with the closing session, ing a conference. The first thing you can and entrepreneurship. If you did not get had a candle light ceremony that followed which wrapped up some main ideas. We benefit from any conference you go to is a chance to attend SLC, I encourage you with an Italian dinner. Later we had the talked about dressing professionally, the networking. You are given the chance to to go to upcoming conferences, and go to Leadership Development Academy which International Career Development Confer- meet and socialize with new people. You the State Leadership Conference next year.

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