Davenport FBLA competes at national conference

CHICAGO – Twelve members of the Davenport High School FBLA chapter spent June 27- July 2 connecting with top future business leaders and showcasing their talents as future business leaders at the FBLA National Leadership Conference.

The members competed in a variety of events against more than 8,000 FBLA members from across the United States.

Evan Gunning and Ally Slahtasky competed in Local Chapter Annual Business Report against 90 nationwide chapters.

The group developed a formal report which showcased the FBLA activities the chapter has participated in throughout the year.

The report included information about recruitment activities, career exploration and preparation, business partnerships, chapter fundraising, public relations activities, community service projects and regional, state and national conference recognition details.

Emma Cormier, Lexi Cormier and Jesse Raugust participated in Partnership with Business for the project titled "Connecting the Community, One Donation at a Time."

This group partnered with the Davenport Care and Share. The partnership's goals were to expand advertising and knowledge about Care and Share and what they offer, fundraise for Care and Share move and create a new logo for Care and Share.

Through the partnership, FBLA members had the opportunity to participate in the Kiss the Pig fundraiser, where individuals were able to vote for their favorite staff member to "Kiss the Pig (Goat)." FBLA students then volunteered and assisted with the moving of facilities for Care and Share.

Zackary Bruce and Grayson Danekas participated in Business Financial Plan.

This group researched and developed a business financial plan for a work-from-home business. The name of their business is "Highlander Custom Apparel."

They had to research and identify the structure of their business, operations and management, target market and growth and create a financial plan.

Ryan Utley participated in E-Business. He researched and developed a website for a winter sports gear store. He spent countless hours creating a website for "Rainier Gear."

Cody Jenkins, Jason Schillinger, Libby Swiger and Cady Zellmer participated in Parliamentary Procedure.

Slahtasky participated in the Accounting II testing event.

Members not only had the opportunity to experience competition at the national level, but were able to enhance their business skills through networking with other FBLA members from throughout the U.S. and around the world, learn from motivational speakers and watch various competitive events to learn what others are doing, which will help Davenport FBLA become even more competitive at the national level.

The group also explored Chicago, where they thoroughly enjoyed the sites. The chapter participated in 'State Day' at Six Flags and dinner at The Hard Rock Café. The group visited and toured Shedd Aquarium, SkyDeck located in the tallest building in Chicago, Navy Pier and a boat tour along the Chicago Riverfront taking in the architecture.

The chapter expresses appreciation to the Davenport School District, staff, parents, students and the Davenport community who graciously donated, participated, and supported the various fundraising activities while preparing for the trip to Chicago. These members worked over 30 hours participating in Work For Hire, City Wide Yard Sale and the Duck Race in order to lower the financial cost of the trip.