December 2008 Issue

December 2008 $2.50 US

FUTURE CEO STARS In This Issue

NFTE STARS SHINE in NYC

FUTURE CEO STARS In This Issue… 5 Networking Increases Net Worth Marketplace for Kids 7 More Than Prepared NFIB YEH 8 Sharon’s Page 9 Starting Young Aiming High Réseau des CJE du Québec 11 Transferable Credits Buchholz Academy 12 Entrepreneurship the PA Way AdVanz & PA State Leadership Team 13 Two Emilys - One Dream NCEE 15 Ask GoVenture Media Spark 16 Stars Shine in NYC NFTE, Inc. 19 Business Education in the Heart of it All Ohio SBDC 21 A Fitting Career Opportunity NY REAL 24 “Student Success Story” Winner 25 Import/Export Idea Challenge Winner 27 Theresa Ann Oei National Museum of Education 29 Don’t Miss This Conference Il Institute for Entre. Ed. 31 Our Sponsors

December 2008

Celebrating Future CEO Stars! The Consortium for Entrepreneurship Education has been providing leadership for over 25 years. Our primary focus has been assisting instructors, which has been quite successful, but we still felt something was missing…and that something was direct communication with the students. Knowing that “experience is the best teacher”, we decided that who better to communicate with potential young entrepreneurs than young entrepreneurs themselves! Thus, Future CEO Stars was born. Future CEO Stars is a monthly publication that features successful young entrepreneurs from Consortium member organizations…designed to generate the entrepreneurial mind-set! Each issue has feature articles dedicated to stories written by students that tell the secrets of their entrepreneurial success. Our hope is that this magazine will motivate, educate, and stimulate young people to follow their examples and chase their own dream. Founder of National Entrepreneurship Week, the Consortium for Entrepreneurship Education is a non-profit collaborative representing 100+ member organizations from national, state and local levels. Together we represent over 40,000 teachers and more than two million students. Our common bond is the philosophy that “to be successful in the emergence of a new global marketplace, entrepreneurship education should be a critical component of the overall education experience as a lifelong learning process.” We invite readers to meet the Consortium members at: www.entre-ed.org/_contact Learn about the Young Inventors Hub at: www.younginventorshub.com

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Published by The Consortium for Entrepreneurship Education 1601 W Fifth Ave. #199 Columbus, OH 43212 www.entre-ed.org [email protected] Publisher: Dr. Cathy Ashmore Editor: Michael Ashmore Graphic Design: SPLASH Designs Publishing Advisors: Soorena Salari, Young Inventors Hub Al Abney, Consortium Advisory Council Annual Subscription Available - $25.00 Contact: [email protected]

Networking Increases Net Worth! By Trey Welstad

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eing an entrepreneur is more than just running a business; it is a lifestyle. My name is Trey Welstad, and I am a 20-year-old website developer and entrepreneur. I have always had a passion for running my own business. It started out simply, but over the six years that I have been in “business”, it has become part of my life. The reason I am writing this article is because I want to emphasize the importance of networking. But first you need to know a little about me.

Photo By Bethany Leyrer I started making websites as a hobby in the sixth grade because I was curious as to how they were created and accessible to the entire world. It really piqued my interest that anyone could create something from nothing and get it around the globe for free. I found out about a website design internship for high school students through Minot Public Schools. I talked with Craig Nansen, director of the technology department, and he asked me to be the newest addition to the webmaster team. The team consisted of three other students: Dirk Monson, Peder Rice, and Rob Scheeler. Working with the team helped me learn faster than I would have on my own, and I could always depend on them to help me with solving difficult problems. So, without even knowing it, I was already networking toward success.

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Dirk and Peder created a business specializing in website design. Appearing to be a simple process, I decided I would start my own company. I did not know what I was doing, but with the help of others I was able to officially create a registered business. It was very exciting, and I soon acquired my first job designing a site for a local autorepair shop. Looking back, I probably was not fully prepared to take on a business’s website, but I am glad that I had the opportunity because I learned a lot through the hands-on experience. With the help of the team, I was able to accomplish all of this and more, which leads me to my topic of networking. Networking: To the “tech guy” in me it is the connection of computers to each other, but to the “business guy” in me it is the acquisition of professional contacts. Meeting new people allows you to get your information out to the public. Since you represent your business, your personal character and professionalism will reflect how your business is portrayed in the community. The contacts you establish will distribute your company’s name to potential clients. In return, they can depend on your company to spread the word of their business. To top it all off, you have one more person to assist you with any problems or questions about your business. This could include legal aspects, company image, new ideas, and revamping old methods. It is a win-win situation for all involved so get out there and meet people! Here are a couple of examples on how networking has helped me. Dirk Monson and myself were asked to work at the Marketplace for Kids Education Day (an annual showcase of young students’ innovative ideas) and create a video for the closing ceremonies. By donating our services we built a good rapport with the individuals running

the event. As a result, Dirk has them as a website client, and I am a featured entrepreneur on that website and assisted with the Technology section of their Learning Guide. Additionally, I had the chance to promote my company on those mediums at no cost. I helped them out, and they returned the favor. My second example helped me acquire a big contract. I helped out Kathryn Pederson, the director of the Mid-Dakota Education Cooperative, by creating an extensive registration program for their annual conference. During the process of programming the site, I became acquainted with Kathryn. From that moment forward she has become a close mentor for business ideas and personal issues. (Note: Finding someone who has had many experiences can help you avoid problems. It is like having a cheat-book for life.) She became the director of another program and told me that they needed a website. It was a big project but she knew I could handle it. Her assistance led to my company getting the contract. Having people know your capabilities can really come in handy. You are starting a business and wondering how people will find you. My advice: network with others. You can get your name distributed, free advertising, and many new clients by focusing on making new friends in the business world. Making money will come eventually, but to get a great start, volunteer your services and start out working for less so you can build up a base of professional contacts. It may cost you some money up front, but you will be glad you took this approach down the road. Good luck in your endeavors!

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More Than Prepared !!! Image s lliic icensed from

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f course, it all starts with MTV. A commercial for Youth Venture, a social-entrepreneurship group that funds community-minded ventures, caught my attention in 2006. That fortuitous day led to my first real experiment with entrepreneurship. I was 16 and went on to create a nonprofit student group called Bridge Education, which helped dozens of Central Florida students prepare for the SAT and get into college by pairing the student test takers with high achieving mentors. After Bridge Education was up and running and successful, I handed the reigns over to a new student leadership team so that I could pursue a separate idea— my first commercial business in late 2006. While I was showing peers how to solve algebraic functions and compose persuasive essays, it became apparent that I could make preparing students for the SAT, a make-or-break factor in college admissions, into an online program that would allow many more people to benefit from my business… and I hoped I’d be able to provide the online test preparation program for free. After deciding to create an online test prep program, I scoured the web until I found and hired skilled website and curriculum development teams to create the site infrastructure and content. Each night I would spend hours on MSN Messenger with my web development team in India going over changes to the site and next steps. Similarly I worked closely with the curriculum developers throughout the U.S. to create a consistent and easyto-understand set of lessons and SAT practice questions for students with Future CEO Stars

December 2008

IStock photo.c .com

By Jason Shah

an engaging approach. Supporters like college access groups, education foundations and universities helped to provide funding and resources that allow the site to sustain itself and expand. I see INeedAPencil.com as an ideal avenue for colleges and other groups to reach smart, collegebound teenagers, and so I provide these educational institutions with a unique medium through which they can attract applicants and interest.

Entrepreneurs are springing up on college campuses across the world and even in some high schools. Organizations like the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) provide generous college scholarships and networking opportunities to nurture the minds of hundreds of entrepreneurial students each year. I was a winner of the NFIB scholarship, and I credit groups like NFIB with setting up an incentive system to properly steer young minds towards pursuing their entrepreneurial endeavors.

16,000 students and teamed up with groups like AOL, Coca Cola and Harvard Student Agencies to provide our services to their students as well. Currently I am focusing my efforts on building an online presence on Facebook and teaming up with college access groups in dire need of quality SAT prep curriculum and tools. Many of these college access groups are working with teens that often don’t have the money or information to get expensive test prep programs, which have been proven to not even really work for most students. As I return to Harvard Yard this year, I hope to continue signing on partners that work with teens and expand our reach to teenagers everywhere in need of free and effective SAT and college preparation. While many lessons have been learned easy and hard, I believe that it is most important for young entrepreneurs to respect themselves as businesspeople and maintain high expectations for what they can do. It is very easy to become content with achievements and just as easy to become discouraged by failures, but I would like to urge everyone to understand that your business never really actualizes its full potential and you must expect to continually reach higher levels.

Since launching the new site in April 2007, I have worked with over

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Starting Young and Aiming High!! By Francois Bujold

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or many, the area from which I am from does not seem to hold much opportunity - Gaspésie Quebec Canada. In the last couple of years, this has held true as our two main industries, fisheries and forestry, have been in crises. These two industries are in the process of being transformed, but times are tough. In the last couple of years we have seen a significant number of youth and big business leave our region for bigger cities. Although things look bleak, hope still remains in our youth! They are returning, for the most part, with diplomas in hand, as well as an entrepreneurial spirit. They realize that they need to start their own business if they want to return. They see the opportunity that lies where they come from and are willing to do the work. We have seen many little business spring up that have a local flair. My work as an Entrepreneurship Awareness and Promotions Officer is to help them find the entrepreneur inside of themselves, as well as sensitize younger youth to opportunities that can be found in this area. Because we know of the importance of starting young, we created a tool that is geared to children aged 7 years old. It is a story of a sea star that dreams of one day being a star in the sky. With its local approach, we wanted to show children that they can reach their dreams where they live. The story is called Celestine`s Long Journey.

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The story parallels many of the challenges that the readers themselves will face on their personal journey toward entreprenurial success. This makes these challenges less of a surprise and familiarizes the young reader with the realities of life. It also gets them thinking about creative solutions to problems they could likely face. By using the familiar framework of a child’s story to introduce the challenges of entrepreenurship and life, these students become very familiar with what awaits them. Simply turning problems into challenges that can be overcome is an effective way to adjust young student minds toward a positive entreprenurial mindset. From “The Cat in The Hat” to “The Little Engine That Could” children’s stories have long been a way to teach important lessons in a fun and engaging way, so why not use Entrepreneurial concepts too? This is but one example of what we do here. Our goal is to help our youth realize that dreams don`t just have to be dreams and that they don`t have to leave this region in order to fulfill them.

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Transferable Credits You “CAN ” Take it with You!!! By Danielle Good

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am a junior at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. While I love my school, I will admit freshman classes were anything but easy. As a result, I developed a learning system strategy for each class—Italian, History, Philosophy, Theology, and English. My system was so effective in my own academic performance that I decided to open my own tutoring and strategy business, drawing on skills I had learned at Buchholz High School’s Academy of Entrepreneurship. In most college classes you will be given 100 percent of information yet you will only be tested on 25 percent. Students will study over fifty hours for a midterm, yet their resulting score will not demonstrate the hard work they invested. My tutoring and strategy business helps students to filter the key concepts and terms that each professor wants and expects you to know from all the other stuff that gets in the way. My business mission is to provide students with the tools and strategy to help them learn how to be their own student strategist. Each student is a different type of learner; the key is to understand what your learning strengths are and to use that to your own advantage. My tutoring and strategy business sells products as well as services—study guides and study strategies; each of these is delivered in a scheduled session. The primary target market is students at the Catholic University of America enrolled in the classes I have already taken or am taking currently. With over 21 credits each semester since my freshman year, I have taken a large number of classes and have maintained all my notes, quizzes, tests, and strategies for each class.

Melissa Sliviak, Danielle and Pamela Tremblay

dent is more concerned about his own performance than his friends. In addition, I price the study guides at a higher rate to make up for lost buyers. The business is marketed through word of mouth and referrals. My past teachers encourage students who are struggling to seek help from me. My plans for my business in the future will be to sell my study guides and strategies online. I have truly grown to love helping students to help themselves succeed. It is an incredibly rewarding experience. College can be the most stressful and exciting time of your life. The key is to know how you best succeed. Had I not been involved with the Academy of Entrepreneurship at Buchholz in high school I probably would not have even thought to make a business from my own previous effort in college. Although my career path may not lead to me becoming an entrepreneur in the end, my entrepreneurial thinking is already paying off. Thinking like an entrepreneur can give you a different perspective on things, and a competitive edge, regardless of the path you take. Learning about Entrepreneurship is more than just becoming familiar with the technical aspects of running a business; it really incorporates a completely different mindset than most traditional thinking. So, if you have an opportunity to add Entrepreneurial Experience to your list of qualifications, I highly recommend it. I’m glad I did.

One of the problems I have faced in my business is when a particular student copies and hands out his purchased study guide to other nonpaying students. To control this situation I place a limited buying time for the study guides, usually a 2-3 day period prior to the exam when the stuFuture CEO Stars

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Entrepreneurship Education the PA WAY! By Ethan Ellenberger

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ocated d in a small liberal arts school in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, Susquehanna University Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) team has been working to address real needs on its campus, in its communities, and around the globe since its inception in 2003. Since then, the organization has blossomed into a group of 70 students from a variety of majors and backgrounds. Led by its faculty advisor Mr. George Cravitz, and with the support of Susquehanna’s Sigmund Weis School of Business, SU SIFE operates over 20 projects that focus on the SIFE criteria of success skills, financial literacy, market economics, business ethics, environmental sustainability, and entrepreneurship. In order to meet the guidelines set for entrepreneurship, SU SIFE operates numerous projects to affect many different at-risk demographics.

market research about biometric technology then created a business plan for the company. Over the past three years, our consulting project continues to grow and flourish with both local and international companies. We have assisted Chilean Adventures (a company based out of Curico, Chile for study abroad experiences) gain exposure in the United States. Locally, we have consulted with a chiropractic office and a Tae Kwan Do studio to develop marketing and promotional materials. Currently we are working with Dutch Mill Bulbs, a national flower bulb fundraising corporation, to help expand their market presence. Through this project, SIFE is able to help businesses with market research, industry data, marketing and promotional materials, accounting, OSHA regulations, HR policies and laws, and so much more—all for no fees! We look forward to expanding to new and existing businesses to help them reach their goals.

To date, our strongest projects have been geared towards entrepreneurship. Three of our projects focus on empowering aspiring entrepreneurs with the Project SCI, begun in basic skills needed to jump start spring 2006, also promotes their endeavors. For instance, the entrepreneurial spirit. the Marketplace project was Initially, this project, focused established in spring 2008 on providing inmates with SU SIFE team with Carmen Dawson at when only one Amish farmer personal success skills such the 2008 GEW event in Philadelphia, PA set up shop each Saturday at the as résumé building and weekly farmers market in downtown interviewing skills, was made Selinsgrove. By partnering with the Borough Manager possible by a partnership with a bilingual educator at the and other local business leaders, ten SIFE members had institute. Through feedback from the inmates, Project SCI the opportunity to visit four Amish farms and speak with now provides inmates with the skills necessary to embark the families about the famers market. Our initiative began on their own entrepreneurial venture upon release from with a promotional campaign of the Farmer’s Market to the facility. For example, we are currently in the process the Selinsgrove community. This year, we have continued of developing stock market lessons to teach prospective our partnership with the Borough Manager as we work entrepreneurs about the workings of the stock market. to expand the market to more local farmers and promote it to the community. There are tremendous growth Through projects such as these, members of the SU SIFE opportunities to assist these entrepreneurs in promoting team have learned that personal connections are essential their weekly event and encouraging more participation to any entrepreneurial success. These are just a few ways among the citizens. that SU SIFE is addressing real needs in the community and around the world. For more information please visit SIFE’s business consulting project began in the 2004our website at www.susqu.edu/SIFE. 2005 school year. The following year the project began Sponsored By AdVanz llc and by working with a company called Algorithmic The PA State Leadership Team Identification Systems (AIS) as we conducted

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Two Emilys One Dream By Carrie McIndoe

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mily Ricardi and Emily Adams participated in the July 2008 EntrePrep program at Hebron Academy in Hebron, Maine. The girls are seniors at Keene High School and live in Keene, New Hampshire. They are proud of the fact that they have been friends since 3rd grade. Both are active in DECA at Keene High and have competed at the state level earning recognitions independently and as partners. Emily Adams describes herself as outgoing, independent and creative while Emily Ricardi describes herself as creative, organized and self motivated. As participants of the EntrePrep program, the girls worked to form a partnership, their own business. “It’s all in the Basket!” was the tagline for E&E Basket Company for which they created a jingle and business cards. Their product is baskets for all occasions. The initial launch of the business was designed to provide non-profits with a fundraising opportunity. The girls started their business on Saturday and worked through the EntrePrep program resources with the support of the director, coordinators, mentors and community partners. The time line required that the girls would conduct their business on Friday and present a power point presentation to the shareholders (the EntrePrep group, families, friends and interested community partners) on Sunday.

The girls worked diligently on their business plan with an early start and late end to each day. After some setbacks and revisions, they planned a one day raffle of two baskets with the proceeds benefiting EntrePrep. Two baskets were created with a dual theme, Made in Maine and Moose. A stuffed moose was the center piece for one basket surrounded by food products. The girls approached several business and solicited donations for the contents. This allowed the girls to split their budgeted $50 between business supplies and marketing tools, business cards and advertisement.

The day of the raffle, the girls traveled by van with 3 other groups to Freeport. They sat up a table displaying the poster they made along with flyers and business cards they designed and had printed plus information about EntrePrep. The baskets were positioned to attract attention and the girls asked people passing if they would like to support their program and potentially win a fabulous basket by purchasing one or more raffle tickets for $1 each. The girls decided to offer a raffle instead of just selling product because it provided both a service intended to benefit a great cause and a product that allowed other companies to market their product. The company’s product was the basket that the girls created from the items donated. They were certain tourists would be seeking items to take home from their trip to Maine so Maine and that the popular Moose theme was sure to be a winner. In the end the success of E & E Basket Company was attributed to the partners’ ability to identify strength and weaknesses, assign tasks to the person best suited to do it well and give each other equal credit and respect at all times. Emily Ricardi liked that she could be creative, connect with people, potentially help others, and experience being an entrepreneur. Emily Adams valued her independence which allowed her to discover how to create a business and make it work by doing it. E & E Basket Company made a $60 profit plus a connection with a woman who took their business card with the promise that she would invite them to her company’s conference. She wants them to create baskets for the company as well as promote the program. A plan to launch their company is under construction. They are going to run their business from their dorm room, just like at Hebron Academy, and pay their way through college!

The target market for the business was tourists visiting Freeport ME where the girls arranged to set up a table in front of a busy Rite Aid store. They decided that they would sell tickets in advance to people on the Hebron Academy campus as well as local businesses. Imagges lic IImages licensed censeed from m ISt IStockphoto.com IStockphoto tockkph hoto.com com Future CEO Stars

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STARS SHINE in NYC T

he National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship and OppenheimerFunds, Inc. congratulat the top three winners of our annual business plan competition! First place winner Jessica Cervantes of NFTE South Florida, second place winner Rodney Walker of NFTE Chicago, and third place winner Amanda Loyola of NFTE New York Metro, competed against 32 other NFTE graduates for seed capital in an intense, day-long competition in New York City on October 23rd. Here, these three extraordinary young people share their stories.

1st Place Jessica Cervantes My name is Jessica Cervantes, and I am 18 years old. I became involved with NFTE 2007 when I began my entrepreneurship class at John A. Ferguson Senior High School. Noticing the national trend for cupcakes and my own passion for baking, I decided to create a business that incorporated both aspects. After conducting some research, I discovered the biggest drawback to cupcakes was their “messiness.” Parents often complained how cupcakes left frosting all over their children’s hands, which ultimately landed on sofas, walls, and floors. I decided to solve this problem with a unique and delicious invention - Popsy Cakes, the first cupcakes produced on a stick. In the beginning, it was difficult trying to produce the product, but after many weeks of experimentation, my hard work finally paid off. Soon after, I began to work on my business plan. I chose to sell my product in my neighborhood, which is comprised mostly of family households with children. Since my product is the first of its kind, it does not have any actual competition, however, I investigated some local cupcake bakeries to come up with a reasonable selling price for my product. As for marketing, I have a website, www. PopsyCakes.com, and I distribute flyers, business cards, promotional discounts, refrigerator magnets, and most importantly, samples.

Naomi & Noemi Romero from E-City in Cleveland presented their business plan for Cosfurs, a service that creates custom-made costumes

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I am in the process of obtaining patent and trademark protection for my product so I can license it to specialty bakeries. This will allow me to earn a steady income while devoting my time to furthering my education. I could not be more thrilled with the accomplishments I have achieved with the help and support of NFTE. I encourage every student to “be their own boss” and initiate their own business. NFTE has definitely made my dreams come true and made my business a success!

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Rodney Walker

Amanda Loyola

2nd Place

3rd Place

In my 18 years of life, I have been placed in over 15 foster homes and have attended more than 10 elementary schools. Growing up, I really didn’t have a true family to rely on, to go to for comfort, or to teach me things I would need to know later in life. These experiences have taught me not to be dependent on others, but rather, self-reliant. By not having the opportunity to have a life with my own family, I feel like I’ve been able to find myself as an individual, and that’s why I am so e is Issuand ambitious about goingIntoThcollege succeeding.

I’m Amanda Loyola, and I am 15 years old. Two years ago, my dog Princess died of cancer. I was heartbroken, and wanted to know what caused her to get sick, so I did some research online and found out that red meat is one of the leading causes of cancer in dogs. The process of raising cattle is also really harmful to the environment – the chemicals that cattle ingest are released back into the environment and can damage the earth’s ozone layer.

I was born and raised in Chicago. Before my senior year in high school, I knew nothing about what it meant to own your own business. Then I was introduced to NFTE, and from that program I was able to develop a business plan and establish a business. In January 2008, I launched Forever Life Music & Video Production, which creates videos and music for special occasions and events. The unique aspect of this business is that we produce original songs for your special event. We also produce your event as a movie-like video, to help bring out the true emotion of the event. So far my business, which has grown with the help and support of so many people, has generated $5,000 in gross profit. The business is not currently at full operation due to my school commitments – I’m in my freshman year at Morehouse College - but plans for full operation will begin after I graduate. I feel this business can fulfill its ultimate purpose, which is to help customers realize how blessed they are despite the challenges they might face. My business is meant to help instill a sense of gratitude and appreciation in people, and to influence positive energy, love, and happiness to all that come in contact with this service. In my life, I’ve experienced pain, sorrow, misery, turmoil, and tragedy, but from everything I’ve gone through, I still have so much hope and gratitude for everything and everyone that has touched my life. This feeling and this hope are what drive me to expand my business and to go further in life.

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In 2007, I took a NFTE BizCamp as part of New York City’s Prep for Prep program, which was tons of fun, and taught me so much. When it was time to come up with an idea for a business plan – I knew exactly what I wanted to do. I had attended the Live Earth concert that summer, and it made me to make my own mark on the world – that feeling, combined with the loss of my dog and what I had learned about her illness, inspired me to found EcoDog Treats LLC, a line of vegetarian dog treats. My dad is a chef, so he helped me figure out the best recipe. The treats are made of peanut butter, eggs, flour, oil, vegetable broth, and peas and carrots. After I had perfected the recipe, I went to the corner and offered them to the dogs walking by. They all ate them really fast, so I knew I had a good product! I was really surprised when I won first place in the NFTE New York Metro regional business plan competition, and even more surprised when I was one of the three finalists at the national competition. It was a great experience and I met a lot of other great NFTE students from all over the country. When I go to college in two years, I want to study economics, and hopefully I will get the necessary pet food licenses that will allow me to make and market more flavors of dog treats. Eventually I want to expand into making healthy dog meals as well. My advice to other aspiring young entrepreneurs is this – if you believe in your business idea, then you should go for it!

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Business Education in The Heart of it ALL

5th Graders Learn to Earn!!!!

By Katie Kotowski

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member of the Voinovich School professional staff showed yet another way the School helps the community on Oct. 17, 2008, by educating two Vinton fifth grade classes on business and entrepreneurship. This area of study is extremely important for these young students as it relates to their everyday lives and as a new edition to the state indicator test. Shawn Mallett was the speaker at the event and is a part of the Small Business Development Center at the Voinovich School. In addition, he recently became the coach of a state-wide initiative sponsored by the financial industry to increase education of young people on areas of the economy, finances, and entrepreneurship. As a father to five children, he understands the importance of this education. Despite learning about entrepreneurship in the fourth grade, students were excited and interested as Mallett talked about the importance of goal setting and taking advantage of opportunities. “Starting a business is a process that starts slow and hopefully progresses,” he said. Ms. Walker, a fifth grade teacher, enjoyed the presentation noting that it is an important topic for students of this age since it appears on their state test. In addition, learning about business encourages them to practice good leadership skills and teaches them goal setting. “It is really good for this grade… It teaches them to be better adults and to participate in the world,” said Walker. She also said that she is hoping to have the students start a school store to help them learn about running a business. It will teach them better math skills as they create budgets and keep inventory and teach them leadership skills as they work to manage the store. She found this exercise extremely successful the last time she used it, and hopes that Mallett’s talk will help get the program off the ground. Students said that they enjoyed the opportunity to learn from Mallett. The students left the presentation excited about the future and ready to set goals for their plans. Most said they were looking forward to starting their own business and putting Mallett’s information into practice. Future CEO Stars

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A “FITTING” Career Opportunity

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uba, New York- Eugene McFarland always knew he wanted to own his own business. Little did he know he would end up owning one in the town he’d grown up in. In 2006, after several years moving around the southwestern New York area, Eugene, his wife Katie and two daughters ended up living in Cuba, the town they had both grown up in. The family was taking a serious look at moving south where it seemed more business opportunities would open up. “Most people ask me if it’s scary to have a business in these financially unsteady times,” says Eugene. His reply is a positive, upbeat, “No.” Eugene says he is trying to grow the business slowly by listening to the needs of each member. The gym is not the first business venture for Eugene and Katie. In 1997 while living in Buffalo, New York, they opened a teacher supply store near the local state college. “We thought it would be a great resource for the many education majors and teachers in the city. Katie, being a teacher, had knowledge about the products and needs. We kept the business open for a year, but in order to keep it going we both had to work several other part time jobs. It was also difficult to keep an inventory that met the many needs and short time frame teachers demanded,” said Eugene. “So after a year we sold the inventory and took on full time work. We didn’t look at that as a failure, though. It really was a great learning experience.” Future CEO Stars

December 2008

Though many years had passed, Eugene still had the entrepreneurial bug. It was also during those years that exercise and healthy living had become a lifestyle for both Eugene and Katie. “It started out by running on a 5K relay team for a friend,” said Eugene. “We caught the running bug and began making running and other exercise a daily routine.” Eugene and Katie have both completed 3 marathons. “Finding time to exercise or train is always tough, especially with two young children so the idea of opening a gym was something I had explored,” Eugene said, “but Cuba already had one and isn’t big enough for two.” Then one day last August the family was taking a walk and spotted a sign in the gym that said, “Fitness Equipment for Sale.” They went inside and learned that the owner was selling everything and closing. Not wanting to see another business leave the area and knowing this was an exact match with their interests they decided to purchase the equipment and give the gym a second chance. It was then that Hometown Fitness was born. Since he and his wife had both struggled with weight most of their lives they understood how intimidating going to a gym can be. So, they have fixed up the facility to be as warm and welcoming as possible. Water is available to all members for free as well as a bowl of apples to enjoy and encourage members to snack healthy. The facility is accessible 24 hours a day so anyone can

enjoy the benefits of exercise anytime. “The area has several manufacturers with overnight shifts, so we offer them the opportunity to work out when they couldn’t before,” says Eugene. The facility even has wi-fi available. Hometown Fitness has already grown from 15 members to over 80 since the McFarland’s have taken over. A number they hope to continue to grow as they offer additional services like personal training (Eugene is in the process of obtaining his certification) and healthy lifestyle clinics. As for future plans, they hope to be able to expand and upgrade equipment, but most important will be to keep that hometown personal feeling. The McFarland’s are also using 21st Century Skills and tools to market their new business. Using free web page and blog builders they have been able to spread the word about Hometown Fitness worldwide. For More info go to www.cubahometownfitness.blogspot.com or www.cubahometownfitness.weebly.com.

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Future CEO Stars December December2008 2008 Future CEO Stars

www.NationalEweek.org This Announcement is Sponsored by the Consortium for Entrepreneurship Education, a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation

“Student Success story” essay winner

Susie deVille Schiffli S

usie deVille Schiffli of the Entrepreneurial Learning Initiative in Mentor, Ohio was the winner of the Consortium for Entrepreneurship Education’s Student Success Story.

The following is her winning Essay.... By all outside appearances, Steve Orlando was an average American high school student. A senior, from an average middle class family, living in an average middle class community, with average grades and an average girlfriend, Steve worked part-time earning minimum-wage serving ice cream in a local sweet shop – an average high school job. And that’s where the “average” part of the story ends. Out of curiosity, Steve enrolled in a new entrepreneurship class being taught by Gary Schoeniger and Mike Baird, two local entrepreneurs who offered the year-long program to the juniors and seniors at Lake Catholic High School in Mentor, Ohio. Rather than using grade point average to determine a student’s eligibility, students were required to attend the class an hour before school started. Entitled “Free Enterprise”, the course was designed to introduce students to the fundamental concepts of entrepreneurship and the unlimited opportunities it could provide. Drawing on their own entrepreneurial experience as well as those of other real-world entrepreneurs, students gained firsthand knowledge of what it takes to start and grow a successful business. Steve soon found himself immersed in a project-based learning program that would change his life forever. “As Steve’s father, I can attest to the change in his thinking once he entered the entrepreneurial mindset” After Steve’s request for a $.50 cent raise at his part-time job was met with a $.05 cent offer, Steve decided to take what he had learned and apply it in the real world. Steve created a basic flyer and set out going door-to-door in nearby office complexes, offering to clean offices. After having many doors slammed in his face, and suffering serious self-doubt, Steve’s persistence paid off. He met a property manager who asked if Steve would be interested in cleaning a parking lot for a local shopping center. With a bit of guidance from his “Free Enterprise” instructors, he drafted a proposal that was quickly accepted, in effect, replacing his minimum-wage position with a $40 per hour part-time job. Today, Steve is enrolled in college where he is studying business and economics while he continues to run his business, which now services seven different shopping centers. Needless to say, Steve’s parents are delighted: According to Steve’s mother Karen “My son, Steve Orlando, attended Gary Schoeniger’s entrepreneurship class at Lake Catholic High School his senior year. The class impacted his life in a major way. He learned the ups and downs of management and real-life business by starting his own company. We are proud of his success and the life experiences he has gained from this class. Steve has stressed that the entrepreneurial mindset should be part of all high school curricula and I feel the same way. Keep doing what you are doing, the next generation of leaders will be like nothing we’ve seen before.”

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Future CEO Stars

December 2008

Rachel Pavelka www.freewebs.com/everygirlzdream

R

achel Pavelka, winner of The Consortium for Entrepreneurship Education’s Import/Export Challenge, knows the value of the emerging world market. In fact it is already paying off for her. Her award winning video depicted her efforts to import actual Peruvian jewelry into the United States and sell it in her hometown of Bellevue, Nebraska ... not something you would ordinarily expect from a 13 year old. But she is no ordinary 13 year old! Her entrepreneurial endeavors started at the age of 6 when she, and her younger brother, set up shop in their neighborhood. They’ve done everything from puppet shows and lemonade stands to delivering Daylilies to their neighbors. She initially started earning money so she could deposit it into a local bank. The bank gave prizes to kids with the biggest “self made” accounts. She wanted to win and indeed she has in more ways than one! From this beginning her entrepreneurial spirit has truly grown. Rachel has effectively used the internet to secure sources to import hand-made Peruvian jewelry which she markets effectively ... no easy task considering the language barrier she had to overcome. Using the combination of local outlets, craft shows, and the internet, Rachel’s sales are growing daily. Her future plans include expanding her internet presence as well as participating in more arts and crafts fairs across a larger geographical area. Rachel is an example of a new breed of entrepreneur that combines modern technology with entrepreneurial skills and values to create her own career instead of depending on someone else to do it for her. She sees barriers simply as small challenges to overcome. This attitude, combined with her drive for success, clearly sets her apart from your ordinary teenager and is why she won the Consortium’s Import/Export Idea Challenge. Future CEO Stars

December 2008

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DON’T MISS THIS CONFERENCE!!!!!! Student: I heard about the IIEE Young Entrepreneurs Conference. Where is this conference going to be? IIEE: It will be held at a brand new location this year, The Westin Northwest Chicago in Itasca, IL April 29th, May 1st and 2nd. Student: It’s in a hotel? Do I have to do something special or dress a certain way? IIEE: Well like any professional you must be on your best behavior. And you want to wear business attire during the conference. However, casual attire will be accepted on Friday evening. Student: Is there a specific focus for the conference this year?

IIEE: Yes there is expo area where you can sell and practice marketing. The student attendees are given hundreds in “Expo Cash” to spend or exchange for real money afterward. Student: Is that all? IIEE: On Friday evening we have the “The Business Showcase.” Students can advertise their businesses in a creative format in front of a live audience. It’s like American Idol/So You Think You Can Dance meets American Inventor. The more creative the better! It’s also another chance to earn prize money if you win. Student: If I can not come all three days, is there any other way to participate in the conference?

IIEE: Yes! This year, we’re excited to focus on technology and how you can use it in your business. We’re going to discuss social networks such as Facebook, MySpace, YouTube, mobile marketing, blogging and how established entrepreneurs use technology in their business.

IIEE: Sure, you can come to the conference on a “one day” registration on either Thursday, April 30th or Friday, May 1st. The cost is only $100 which includes workshops and dinner on Thursday or workshops and lunch on Friday. For $130, you can come on Friday, May 1st for workshops, lunch, dinner AND the Business Showcase!

Student: What kind of workshops will you have? Who teaches them?

Student: Will there be any colleges or universities that I can talk to about their programs and if they have Entrepreneurship as a major?

IIEE: We will have industry specific workshops taught by entrepreneurs currently working in a specific field, such as technology, music, fashion, advertising, culinary arts, accounting, etc. Student: Are there different competitions at the Conference? How do I sign up?

IIEE: Yes, absolutely and you will be able to visit them at the expo. Student: While I’m in my workshop will there be something for my teachers? IIEE: There are “teacher tracks” throughout the day as well as colleges and universities available to assist teachers in choosing the right colleges for their students.

IIEE: Yes, there are four categories of competitions: Jumpstart, Start-Up, School/Group Business and the Advanced Business Plan Competitions. There’s also a Youth Expo competition. Students can actually exhibit their own businesses and make sales during the conference. Entry forms are located on our website (www.iiee.org) and must be submitted by February 27, 2009. All of these competitions allow you to compete for prize money ranging from $150.00 to $600.00!

Student: Speaking of prizes, how will I know if I won any of the competitions that I entered?

Student: Are there any other competitions besides the business plan competitions?

Student: Wow!! The conference sounds exciting! How can I register?

IIEE: Definitely! There’s the competition for the IIEE Teacher of the Year and IIEE Young Entrepreneur of Year award both worth $1000.00. In order to compete for these awards, you must go to our website (www.iiee.org) and fill out an application, but hurry, the deadline is December 18, 2008!

IIEE: Your teachers, parent or guardian must register for you unless you are at least 18 and you must be a high school student.

Student: What type of events do you have in the evening for students? IIEE: We have a student lounge called “The Den” where there will be computers, business social networking groups similar to MySpace, games and much more. Student: I heard there is an expo to sell items and market your business ? Future CEO Stars

December 2008

IIEE: The winners will be announced on the very last day of the conference, Saturday, May 2nd.

The Illinois Institute for Entrepreneurship Education (IIEE) invites young entrepreneurs and their instructors to register for the 3rd Annual IIEE Young Entrepreneurs Conference to be held in May of 2009 in the Chicagoland area. Students from around the country participate in: Business Workshops, Business Plan Competitions, The Young Entrepreneur Expo, The “E” College Tour, Networking with adult and young entrepreneurs, presentations from nationally known Keynote Speakers and more! For more information go to www.iiee.org or call IIEE at (312)587-9296.

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Future CEO Stars

December 2008

Our Sponsors W

e would like to thank the sponsors of Future CEO Stars whose forward thinking, support, and generous contributions made this publication possible. It is organizations like these that keep your education focused, moving forward, challenging, and potentially profitable. To learn more about what they have to offer please feel free to visit their websites listed below.

When an organization really cares,

it shows!!! Appalachian Regional Commission

www.arc.gov

Buchholz High School

www.bhs.sbac.edu

The Coleman Foundation

www.colemanfoundation.org

E*TRADE Financial

www.etrade.com

Illinois Institute for Entrepreneurship Education

www.iiee.org

Marketplace for Kids

www.marketplaceforkids.org

MediaSpark Inc

www.mediaspark.com

National Council on Economic Education

www.ncee.net

National Museum of Education

www.nmoe.org

NFIB Young Entrepreneur Foundation

www.nfib.com/yef

National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship

www.nfte.com

NY REAL

www.nyreal.org

Réseau des CJE du Quebec

www.cjereseau.org

University of Florida

www.cei.ufl.edu

Yourhomework.com

www.yourhomework.com

USA Today

www.usatoday.com/educate

Small Business Development Center

www.ohiosbdc.com

AdVanz, LLC Ohio Department of Education

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