DECA Direct | November-December 2013

THE MAGAZINE

NOVEMBER–DECEMBER 2013

THESE BOOTS WERE MADE FOR

SELLING THE

ENTREPRENEURSHIP ISSUE

EDITORIAL Publisher Edward Davis Editor Christopher Young Managing Editor Janelle Scudder Editorial Committee Jeff Collins, Sandra Tucker Advertising Cindy Allen Art Direction and Design Chuck Beatty

NOVEMBER–DECEMBER 2013

DISCOVER YOUR ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT

DECA NATIONAL OFFICERS President Carter Christensen North Atlantic Region Vice President Jack Fenton Central Region Vice President Connor Brashear Southern Region Vice President Lexy Parsons Western Region Vice President Trevor Dickerson

BOARD OF DIRECTORS President Jim Brock President-elect Ev Vaughan Secretary Lynore Levenhagen Treasurer Mary Peres Members Marsha Bock, Jacklyn Schiller, Dave Wait, Brycen Woodley NAB Chair Roger Glenn Ex-Officio Members Edward Davis, LeAnn Dinsdale, Wayne Kutzer

EDITORIAL CORRESPONDENCE DECA Direct Magazine 1908 Association Drive Reston, Virginia 20191-1594 communications@deca.org

SUBSCRIPTIONS & CHANGE OF ADDRESS DECA Direct Circulation 1908 Association Drive Reston, Virginia 20191-1594 DECA Direct (ISSN 1080-0476) is published four times each year—September/October, November/December, January/February and March/April. Copyright ©2013 by the Distributive Education Clubs of America, Inc., 1908 Association Drive, Reston, Virginia 20191-1594. All rights reserved. Annual non-member subscription rate is $5.00. Periodicals postage paid at Herndon, Virginia and additional mailing offices. $1.00 of membership fee goes toward subscription to DECA Direct, a publication of DECA, (USPS 566-200), Volume 2, Number 2.

Postmaster—Send form 3579 for change of address to: DECA Direct, 1908 Association Drive, Reston, Virginia 20191-1594.

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THE SKILLS TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

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GET MORE DECA DIRECT ONLINE

COLLEGIATE DECA NATIONAL OFFICERS President Cara Gooch Vice President Thomas Fitzpatrick Vice President Brittany Keating Vice President Alexander Louden Vice President Michael Santillan

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CHAPTER BUZZ

FEATURES

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SHOWCASE YOUR INNOVATION TO THE WORLD Team EcoWear, winner of Idea Challenge 2012, shares helpful tips for those who want to participate this year.

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YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO SCHOLARSHIPS Applying for scholarships can seem like an overwhelming task, but with these helpful tips you’ll learn how to receive crucial funds to help your post-secondary dreams come true.

COLLEGIATE DECA TAKES OVER D.C. April may seem far away, but the Collegiate DECA International Career Development Conference will be here before you know it! Find out what awaits you in the historic and powerful city of Washington, D.C.

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DECA ENTREPRENEURSHIP AROUND THE WORLD Find out the entrepreneurial challenges, resources and economic landscapes of Germany, Canada and the United States from DECA advisors and experts.

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IF YOUR DREAMS DON’T SCARE YOU, THEY AREN’T BIG ENOUGH Find out how DECA alumna, McKinzey Whitty, used her passion for fashion and entrepreneurial spirit to create two successful businesses.

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THE SECRETS TO ENTREPRENEURIAL SUCCESS

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Get tips on how to succeed in an entrepreneurship competitive event—straight from a former Entrepreneurship–Growing Your Business event judge.

THESE BOOTS WERE MADE FOR SELLING

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DECA members Bailye and Brynne Stansberry took their entrepreneurial drive and became co-founders of TwoAlity, LLC, the ultra-successful boot company.

NOVEMBER–DECEMBER 2013

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CHAT

@DECACarter

TIMELINE NOVEMBER 2013 1

Deadline for Honorary Life Membership Award and Outstanding Service Award Candidate Nomination ICDC T-shirt Design Contest begins

1–3 The Ultimate DECA Power Trip Boston, Mass.

1–30 DECA Month

8–10 Innovations and Entrepreneurship Conference, Chicago, Ill.

14–16 Western Region Leadership Conference, Phoenix, Ariz.

15 Idea Challenge 2013 begins Online membership dues deadline Virtual Business Challenge I ends

18–24 Global Entrepreneurship Week

20–24 ew York Experience I N New York City, N.Y.

22 Idea Challenge 2013 entries due

DISCOVER YOUR ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT CARTER CHRISTENSEN | DECA NATIONAL PRESIDENT

29 Community Service Campaign due lobal Entrepreneurship Week G Campaign due Membership Campaign due

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, the DECA year that is!

Promotional Campaign due

Over the past few months, many chapters have been working hard to tackle DECA’s Chapter Campaigns. One of those five chapter campaigns provides members a unique opportunity to dive deeper inside their minds and unleash their inner entrepreneurial potential.

Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) is one of the world’s largest celebrations of innovative and ambitious individuals who have, and continue to, launch initiatives that bring their ideas to fruition and change our world for the better.

Last year, DECA members from around the world joined the over 1,500 students and 400 teams that participated in DECA’s Idea Challenge during Global Entrepreneurship Week! The Idea Challenge, which encourages student teams to find a new use for a common, everyday item, truly promotes the spirit of global entrepreneurship and innovative thinking.

DECA’s Idea Challenge 2013 begins on November 15 and is slated to draw participation from students in several countries. As an added bonus, if your chapter participates in the Idea Challenge, you can use it as an event during Global Entrepreneurship Week that can count towards completing your GEW Chapter Campaign.

With such an amazing opportunity available to you and your chapter this year, I encourage you to go a step further and discover your own entrepreneurial spirit. This is your year to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. So Make It Count this November and participate in Global Entrepreneurship Week and DECA’s Idea Challenge!

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NOVEMBER–DECEMBER 2013

DECEMBER 2013 eadline for Honorary Life D Membership Award and Outstanding Service Award Application Packet

4–7 ACTE CareerTech VISION 2013 Las Vegas, Nev.

4–8 New York Experience II New York City, N.Y.

6–8 Central Region Leadership Conference, Milwaukee, Wis.

13 Stock Market Game ends

20 ICDC T-shirt Design Contest ends

DECA DIRECT

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CHAT

@CaraCDECAPres

TIMELINE NOVEMBER 1

Collegiate DECA ICDC T-shirt Design Contest begins eadline for Honorary Life D Membership Award and Outstanding Service Award Candidate Nomination

1–30 DECA Month

14–16 Collegiate Leadership Academy, New York City, N.Y.

15 I nitial Collegiate DECA online membership dues payment Idea Challenge 2013 begins

18–24 Global Entrepreneurship Week

22 Idea Challenge 2013 entries due

30 MAKE IT COUNT Membership Campaign Goal—25 or More Submitted

DECEMBER 1

THE SKILLS TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE CARA GOOCH | COLLEGIATE DECA NATIONAL PRESIDENT

Collegiate DECA is more than a business organization on campus. It is a community of likeminded individuals that not only want to make a difference on their campus, but also in the world.

Collegiate DECA instills members with 21st Century skills needed for the business world: confidence, professionalism, ingenuity and creativity. Collegiate DECA members are constantly tasked to use these leadership skills to manage meetings, organize events, plan trips or prepare competitors.

It may not be obvious to everyone, but Collegiate DECA members make not only exceptional business professionals, but are equipped from the beginning to be successful entrepreneurs as well. From recruiting members at orientation to competing at international conferences, Collegiate DECA members know how to sell a product, develop a functional business model and think on their feet at a moment’s notice.

Collegiate DECA isn’t filler on a résumé but a symbol of accomplishment. No matter what your studies or majors, Collegiate DECA takes those lessons and transforms them into real-world experiences members can build upon for a successful future.

Whether you knew from an early age you were born to be an entrepreneur or you’re just starting to discover your entrepreneurial passion, Collegiate DECA can help you achieve your dreams. In every challenge lies an opportunity to think outside the box and create something new.

So this year, how will you take what Collegiate DECA gives you and turn it into your opportunity to showcase your entrepreneurial talents?

NOVEMBER–DECEMBER 2013

Deadline for Honorary Life Membership Award and Outstanding Service Award Application Packet

4–7 ACTE CareerTech VISION 2013 Las Vegas, Nev.

20 Collegiate DECA ICDC T-shirt Design Contest ends

JANUARY 15

Association Administrator of the Year Award recipients due

17 Student Scholarship applications due (submitted directly online)

DECA DIRECT

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TRENDING

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@DECA_Daniela: Get ready to make this year count with @RhodeIslandDEC1; we have an amazing year planned ahead, so be prepared! #MakeItCount @revanwest: Looking forward to a great year with these Collegiate DECA officers from AZ! @GCUDECA @CollegiateDECA

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Leave your comments on DECA’s Facebook pages at facebook.com/decainc or facebook.com/collegiatedeca.

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@TylerMcBeeDECA: Extremely excited for @TexasDECA State CDC in Dallas this year! I’m ready to #MakeItCount @MirandaVeal: Put up some #DECA posters today about our first meeting next week! Tis the season!!!! #DECAForLife @NC_DECA @DECAInc @KentuckyDECA: Start fundraising now so you won’t have so much to do when it comes time for state and national conventions! #TipTuesday @DECAInc @Rondawgdawonsta: DECA community service project :) #DECA #Love @DECA_Juan: I’ve aspired higher, thrived for success and now I’m ready to make it count with @DECAInc #DECA @HoughDECA: #FanFriday shout out all the students and parents who expressed interest in DECA today!

Can’t wait to get you involved! @DECAInc @NC_DECA @matthewkonicek1: State officer training is in 2 weeks. #makeitcount @CollegiateDECA @ClaudiaTischer: We’re ready for the new DECA Year to start! Are you? @AN_DECA #DECA

DIFFERENCE between HERE and ANYWHERE It’s the

Located in Nashville, TN, Belmont University is a fast-growing Christian university, with almost 7,000 students who come from every state and 25 countries.

Recognized for excellence, our undergraduate and graduate business programs have earned accreditation by AACSB International for business and accounting and are ranked in the top tier for business schools in the nation in 2013. In addition, our entrepreneurship program has been named a National Model Program by the United States Association of Small Business and Entrepreneurship. Belmont University also has one of the top Collegiate DECA chapters in the country. Belmont’s Undergraduate School of Business Administration offers a Bachelor of Business Administration degree as well as a Bachelor of Science degree.

Experienced faculty, state of the art facilities, small class sizes, career focused internships, and study abroad opportunities combine for a rewarding learning experience that prepares our students to go from here to anywhere.

Learn more at www.BELMONT.edu/business

SHOWCASE YOUR

INNOVATION

TO THE WORLD Do you have a knack for turning every-day items into incredible inventions?

Don’t let these skills go to waste! Use them to become internationally recognized in DECA’s Idea Challenge 2013!

Idea Challenge 2013, which begins November 15, is open to students around the globe. This competition challenges secondary and college-aged student teams to find a new use for a common, everyday item. Teams will showcase their new product in a short YouTube video that will be reviewed by a panel of judges.

The winners of last year’s Idea Challenge, Team EcoWear (Mission San Jose High School, Fremont, Calif.), turned the chosen item, a plastic grocery bag, into a fashionable hat and handbag.

“Participating in the Idea Challenge was a wonderful experience,” said Pranay Singal, a member of Team EcoWear. Singal’s suggestions to teams wanting to participate this year are to focus on your presentation, take time to develop a brilliant idea and find a creative way to market it.

Singal’s fellow EcoWear teammate, Cherielynn Tsay, advised interested participants to, “Work in a group that you can have fun with, but at the same time, get things done and be able to come to an agreement. Also, collaborate with people with different talents.”

Becoming a successful entrepreneur is all about thinking outside the box and taking a leap of faith. Idea Challenge 2013 is the ideal place to begin your own entrepreneurial journey, so get 2013 started today!

NOVEMBER–DECEMBER 2013

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Tweet: Do you have an awesome scholarship tip to share? Tweet @DECAInc and let us know!

YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO SCHOLARSHIPS “Apply for every scholarship out there!” Even though I heard this mantra many times myself during high school, the true impact of this statement didn’t hit me until I began college. College is a huge investment of time and money, and without the proper financial security, you could be jeopardizing an invaluable opportunity.

There are an inconceivable number of scholarships out there just waiting for someone to apply, so what are you waiting for? It’s free money that could mean a better future for yourself.

Here are a few tips to get you ready for the scholarship application process:

START EARLY Get a head start and take full advantage of Thanksgiving and winter breaks. Call around to local businesses, clubs and organizations to find out if they offer scholarships to high school seniors. Your guidance counselor and teachers may also know of scholarships that would be perfect for you. Take advantage of the Internet to locate potential sources as well. Next, go ahead and ask a couple teachers to write a general recommendation letter. This way you can use them for multiple scholarships. Last, write essays (think about everything you’ve accomplished in high school), prepare a general résumé and check for any other required materials such as a transcript or portfolio.

APPLY FOR EVERYTHING Many scholarships, whether they are from a large company or a small, local business, only ever have a few applicants. The biggest deterrent for people applying to scholarships is simply the time required to fill out and submit an application. No matter how big or small the scholarship might seem, by not applying, you’re only hurting yourself. You may not think you have a chance at receiving a prestigious scholarship, like the Young Entrepreneur Award, but LEXY PARSONS you never know—you may be the only one applying!

SOUTHERN REGION

CHECK, THEN DOUBLE CHECK

VICE PRESIDENT @LEXYPARSDECA

After all your time and effort, don’t penalize yourself by missing a deadline or forgetting a signature. Go over the requirements and materials thoroughly before you send off your application and double check deadlines or postmark dates. You don’t want your application tossed aside for being one day late.

Luckily, you already have an advantage when it comes to earning scholarships by just being a DECA member! DECA Inc. offers over $300,000 in scholarships every single year, and many of DECA’s corporate and business partners offer scholarships exclusively to DECA members as well.

Here’s a simple timeline for DECA scholarships to keep in mind: • Apply for every DECA Inc. and corporate partner scholarship that you possibly can by January 17. Be sure you meet the scholarship criteria. (www.deca.org/scholarships) • Recipients will be notified by mail in March.

• Scholarships finalists are recognized on stage at the International Career Development Conference in May. Remember, spending one hour of your time applying for scholarships could save you $1,000.

Stay focused, diligent and organized, and you could be going to the bank with your scholarship checks in just a few months.

NOVEMBER–DECEMBER 2013

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ICDC INTERNATIONAL CAREER DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE

• POWERFUL STUDENTS • POWERFUL SPEAKERS • POWERFUL CITY

APRIL 23-26, 2014 • RENAISSANCE HOTEL • WASHINGTON DC WWW.DECA.ORG/EVENTS/COLICDC

Tweet: Tweet @CollegiateDECA and tell us what part of ICDC 2014 you’re looking forward to most!

COLLEGIATE DECA

TAKES OVER

DC The 2014 Collegiate DECA International Career Development Conference (ICDC), hosted in Washington D.C., may not be until April, but it’s never too early for your chapter to start preparing.

In many cases, if a chapter wants to request funding from their college or university to help with travel and lodging expenses, members have to ask months in advance, often needing full details of the event.

You may also need to let your college or university know how many students plan to attend, so begin advertising ICDC to your members as soon as possible. Sell your members on all the events, opportunities and unique experiences available to them in D.C. Aside from the competition, there are many different aspects of ICDC that can be used to attract attendees.

This year, ICDC will be held in the historic and powerful city of Washington, D.C. This is the perfect opportunity to connect with some of our nation’s top decision makers and leaders.

Collegiate DECA members can use this visit as an opportunity to meet with their congressional representatives to advocate for DECA and Career and Technical Education programs. Spread the word of DECA and Collegiate DECA by getting your congressman or representative involved!

D.C. is also home to numerous national landmarks that you must experience once in your life. Collegiate DECA National Vice President, Mike Santillan, said that he is most excited to see the Library of Congress, the Kennedy Center, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the National Cathedral and the Supreme Court. Personally, I am more exited for the food BRITTANY KEATING in Chinatown, the Tidal Basin pedal boats and The National Zoo. COLLEGIATE DECA VICE PRESIDENT While the city of D.C. has so much to offer, the Renaissance Hotel in @BRKEATING Washington, D.C., where Collegiate DECA ICDC will be held, does too!

“Not only does this hotel have free Wi-Fi and refrigerators in every room, but there’s a Starbucks in the lobby,” said Cara Gooch, national president. On top of all of that, there are over 140 restaurants, from fast food to fine dining, within 10 blocks of the hotel.

Once you have properly promoted ICDC to your members, it’s time to prepare them. Hold a campus-wide conference (get more information at www.collegiatedeca.org/competitions/9/), or order practice materials from DECA Images and hold practice competitions during meetings with a panel of peers or professors.

April is sooner than you might think, so get started right away on promoting ICDC to your members, discussing funding options with your college or university and preparing for an exhilarating conference in the city where leaders are made.

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Create Conversation: Connect with DECA’s international chapters on Facebook and reach out to their members to expand your DECA network across the globe.

DECA ENTREPRENEURSHIP

AROUND TH Entrepreneurship is fueling economies across the globe. It’s sparking new ideas and creating innovation. DECA’s mission to prepare emerging leaders and entrepreneurs extends globally.

As part of the movement of Global Entrepreneurship Week, DECA takes a look at what it’s like to be an aspiring entrepreneur in two countries with strong DECA programs—Canada and Germany, as well as in the United States. Discover the resources available to business owners and how DECA helps these emerging entrepreneurs.

CANADA SHALINA KHANNA DECA ONTARIO BOARD OF DIRECTORS What are the best industries for entrepreneurs to break into in Canada?

Trending industries in Canada reflect the increasing demand for products that encourage a healthier lifestyle with the same level of convenience as their industrial competitors.

These businesses include bike and scooter sales and repairs, organic foods (production of and delivery to urban areas), and hot lunch delivery to commercial buildings. Regardless of the industry, there are plentiful independent and franchise opportunities for keen entrepreneurs.

What types of resources are available to help entrepreneurs in Canada?

Resources available to entrepreneurs range from consultation to financial support. For many organizations, the raison d’être is simply to encourage and allow entrepreneurs to grow by being their one-stop-shop for guidance in all areas of launching and leading a successful business. In the last decade, the spotlight has been given to youth entrepreneurship spawning specialized organizations such as The Canadian Youth Business Foundation, Start Up Canada and the Ontario 12

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Network of Entrepreneurs. DECA Ontario continually seeks to make connections with these not-for-profit, governmentsupported operations to assist our members in transforming their DECA business proposals into viable start-ups.

How is being an entrepreneur viewed in Canada?

Entrepreneurship is a symbol of accomplishment and contribution in Canada. With a culturally rich population, many people are eager to establish themselves by sharing what they know and where they are from. With this motivation, Canadian entrepreneurs connect our economy to the world and are viewed as the leaders willing to take risks for the betterment and advancement of the greater good. Thus, they accomplish their goals by contributing to our diverse society and keeping us dynamic.

How does being involved with DECA in Canada help aspiring entrepreneurs achieve their goals?

DECA helps with skill development, network expansion and vision clarity. By nature of our program, being a member of DECA Ontario makes you feel like you are in a skillsfor-success boot camp. At the most basic level, you learn

THE WORLD GERMANY DR. HERMANN ELLINGER GERMANY DECA ADVISOR to articulate yourself in a logical, mature manner rather than being an excited atom of passionately charged but disconnected thoughts. Moreover, DECA Ontario prides itself in establishing and nurturing strong sponsor and alumni relations.

We present our members with experienced professionals who have a vested interest in the organization and the success of our members.

What should DECA members in other countries know when it comes to global entrepreneurship?

What are the best industries for entrepreneurs to break into in Germany?

Some of Germany’s top leading industries are healthcare, information technology and telecommunications, aerospace engineering, automotive engineering, chemicals and pharmaceuticals and medical technology. A good 99 percent of German companies are part of the “Mittelstand,” Germany’s small and medium sized enterprises. Four out of every five trainees go on to be hired by these companies.

Talk about your crazy ideas, stick to the one that makes you talk with animation and be surprised at how much help is out there to pursue your vision. The global economy thrives on innovation in entrepreneurship, and with crowdsourcing, this has never been more achievable. People and organizations around the world want more opportunities to stimulate economies, improve communities, and be ahead of the curve. You have the how-to, the talent, and the monetary backing of the world if you establish the network to give you that reach—that global voice. DECA is just the beginning of this network.

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What types of resources are available to help entrepreneurs in Germany?

Entrepreneurial resources depend on a big mixture of important criteria such as locality, size of business, product range, social necessity, fashion, short/long term demand, taxes on revenues, governmental restrictions and local or regional tax reductions for pioneering important products.

There are lots of trustworthy institutions on the worldwide net, which are reliable, but one must address them continuously because some economic advantages for entrepreneurs might change very quickly on account of different reasons.

How is being an entrepreneur viewed in Germany?

Entrepreneurship is a key driver of our economy. A high majority of jobs are created by small businesses started by entrepreneurially minded individuals, many of whom go on to create big businesses. People exposed to entrepreneurship frequently express that they have more opportunity to exercise creative freedoms, higher self-esteem and an overall greater sense of control over their own lives. As a result, many experienced business professionals, political leaders, economists and educators believe that fostering a robust entrepreneurial culture will maximize individual and collective economic and social success on a local, national, and global scale.

Entrepreneurship education is a lifelong learning process in Germany, starting as early as elementary school and progressing through all levels of education, including adult education.

How does being involved with Germany DECA help aspiring entrepreneurs achieve their goals?

Here in Germany, our young students normally have dual training, meaning they are prepared for their future jobs at specific vocational training schools and alternately in their corresponding chosen companies. We are thankful to use DECA materials, which of course had to be modified accord14

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ing to our training system, but the goal is the same. At our more modest competitive events conference that takes place annually, we are very proud to watch our students presenting at a relatively high level of entrepreneurial competence and in English nonetheless!

What should DECA members in other countries know when it comes to global entrepreneurship?

To be successful in a highly competitive market, you need to be highly motivated to combine the knowledge and experience of the German market, within its special cultural setting, with characteristics of countries from all over the world.

In addition to all that, you have to have skills and relevant business know-how. A good method is to combine solid professional qualifications with extensive international experience and recognized certification of your training skills.

UNITED STATES JEFF CORNWALL JACK C. MASSEY CHAIR IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP BELMONT UNIVERSITY

Generally entrepreneurs are viewed quite favorably in the U.S. Most surveys show that Americans respect and admire those who take the risk to start a new business.

How does being involved with What are the best industries for entrepreneurs to DECA in the U.S. help aspiring entrepreneurs achieve break into in the U.S.? their goals?

The best industries are the ones that are undergoing the most change, because it is in times of change that entrepreneurs find opportunities for new and innovative ventures.

The U.S. industries undergoing the most change right now include healthcare, information technology and education.

DECA offers wonderful programs that help to hone aspiring entrepreneurs’ skills in both general business and in business start-up activities. DECA is an amazing place to network with both aspiring entrepreneurs and successful entrepreneurs who serve as speakers and judges. Many of my students have What types of resources are available to help made valuable contacts through DECA that have lasted well into their business careers post graduation. Finally, DECA entrepreneurs in the U.S.? builds confidence—a critical trait for all entrepreneurs.

U.S. entrepreneurs can get help from a variety of sources, including university-based programs, public programs What should DECA members in other countries know through community organizations such as Chambers of when it comes to global entrepreneurship in the U.S.?

Commerce, government sanctioned Small Business Devel- Many of the entrepreneurs I meet in other countries have a opment Centers, community entrepreneurship centers, ac- distinct advantage over U.S. entrepreneurs—they view their celerator programs, incubators and a growing array of on- market as a global market. American entrepreneurs have been line resources. Many U.S. entrepreneurs find that successful rather slow to expand their businesses internationally. As the entrepreneurs are more than willing to serve as mentors, economies of the world become more and more interconwhich can be one of the most valuable resources for those nected, that global perspective will become more important starting their first business. for all entrepreneurs. DECA members in other countries can help teach U.S. DECA members about becoming a global How is being an entrepreneur viewed in the U.S.? entrepreneur.

? QUICK QUESTIONS In what ways is becoming an entrepreneur in Canada or Germany different than becoming one in the U.S.? In what ways is it similar?

What is one aspect of being a DECA member in a different country that you learned through this article?

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Create Conversation: “Like” Koo Koo’s Nest on Facebook to see where the mobile boutique is headed next! Facebook.com/Koo Koosnest

IF YOUR DREAMS DON’T SCARE YOU, THEY AREN’T

BIG ENOUGH “I knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur from the first time I had a lemonade stand as a child.”

This may seem like a bold statement, but the craziest ideas usually turn into the most rewarding experiences. The dream of owning and operating a business is not one for those who like to play it safe, but McKinzey Whitty was never one to back down from a challenge. Whitty knew with enough courage, enthusiasm and a leap of faith, she could turn her entrepreneurial dreams into a reality one day.

Whitty, a former North Dakota DECA vice president, understands how the willpower of an entrepreneur, coupled with the experience and skills gained through DECA, can drive an individual to achieve his or her dream.

JANELLE SCUDDER Whitty was a member of Minot DECA in Minot, N.D., and credits her MANAGING EDITOR experience in DECA to fulfilling her entrepreneurial spirit. @JJSCUDDERDECA “DECA confirmed my choice to be an entrepreneur,” Whitty stated. “I found all the lessons, events, presentations, conferences and seminars to be very beneficial.”

After graduating from high school, Whitty started working full-time as a photographer, and then later completed some accounting courses at Minot State University.

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“Once I knew my passion and desire, I enrolled at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles, Calif.,” Whitty said. There, she majored in fashion merchandising and marketing.

Then in January of 2007, Whitty embarked on her first entrepreneurial pursuit. She started her first retail business, Fiancée 2, a seasonal prom store in the Bismark, N.D., area. However, Whitty didn’t jump right into stocking shelves and decorating the store.

“I started by gathering data about the area and researching to determine if the community could support a seasonal prom retailer,” Whitty explained. “I also wrote financial and business plans for operating the business.”

The store was a hit, but in order to maintain that success Whitty had to work for it. “Since the business is seasonal and only open January to April, I am there all day, everyday,” Whitty said.

However, the ability to create and watch your own business grow is worth all the effort for her.

“I love what I do and I love being at the store to make the business successful,” she said.

After the success of Fiancée 2, Whitty began to have another entrepreneurial itch. She wanted to continue her passion for the retail industry but with a new and exciting twist. In July 2013, she opened Koo Koo’s Nest, a mobile women’s clothing boutique—a shop on wheels.

Even with her experience with Fiancée 2, this new project was a whole new world for Whitty.

“I knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur from the first time I had a lemonade stand as a child.”

“[Koo Koo’s Nest] is a very unique and different business model and has its own set of obstacles,” Whitty said.

She spent many days researching and consulting with the city’s attorney to see if her mobile boutique business was even legal. However, her ambition and motivation always kept her going and she can now proudly say she is the owner of not one, but two successful businesses.

There are ups and downs to any job, but the job of an entrepreneur has its own highs and lows.

Whitty can attest to this statement and said her biggest challenges were feeling intimidated and overwhelmed. There is also a level of time commitment required for an entrepreneur that would be hard to match up with any ordinary job.

“You are the business,” Whitty said, “so you need to understand that you are going to work, work, work and work some more. You can’t be lazy and own a business.”

So is the emotional roller coaster and crazy work hours worth it? To Whitty, the answer is, “Absolutely!”

“I love meeting new people in my industry and new clients or customers and being able to build a relationship with them,” she said. She also loves traveling to markets to find and buy new merchandise for her stores.

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“The proudest moments I have had from either of my businesses are simply hearing positive feedback from the customers. I love hearing them excited to shop and experience something that I have created.” Whitty said.

Behind all of her successful entrepreneurial ventures, Whitty knows there is still a little piece of DECA there helping her along.

“So many of my skills from DECA have helped me in the entrepreneurial world such as networking, communication and organization,” Whitty said. “Utilize everything DECA has to offer you. The people sitting next to you at a conference could be helping you in your business one day.”

Whitty knows that the life of an entrepreneur can be scary. There are many unknowns when you set out to create your own income, but those fears can also be motivating.

“I did have doubts when I first considered opening my own business, but if your dreams don’t scare you, they aren’t big enough,” she said.

Whitty’s dreams are clearly coming true and her experience can serve as a testament to what dedication, drive and DECA can help a person achieve.

Whitty’s advice for current DECA members hoping to follow in her footsteps of entrepreneurial success is pretty straightforward.

“If you have the ambition, drive, data, research and planning to support the risk you are about to take, you are ready,” she said.

“Use other business owners to gain experience and knowledge and communicate with your city’s Chamber of Commerce, city office and other resources available to you.”

It may be hard to visualize your own entrepreneurial dreams coming true now, but the spirit and drive you possess is just the first step to an incredible journey. Whitty still knows her DECA experience only ignited a passion she had all along.

“I am so thankful for all of the opportunities DECA presented to me and I am thankful my advisors encouraged me to participate,” Whitty added.

So whether your dreams are to be the next Donald Trump or to own your own shop on wheels, keep your eyes open to the opportunities DECA has in store for you. Use Global Entrepreneurship Week to connect with those around you and in distant countries. Use others’ knowledge and your creativity to ignite your own entrepreneurial passion!

“Utilize everything DECA has to offer you.

The people sitting next to you at a conference could be helping you in your business one day.”

? QUICK QUESTIONS McKinzey went through extensive research and planning before executing her business plans. Why was this phase so critical to her business’ success?

What DECA skills do you think McKinzey still uses today as an entrepreneur and business owner?

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2014

INTERNATIONAL CAREER DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE MAY 3-6, 2014 | ATLANTA, GEORGIA

COMPETITIVE EVENTS

NEW ADVISOR ACADEMY

LEADERSHIP ACADEMIES

NATIONAL OFFICER CAMPAIGNS

DECA CONCERT FEATURING EASTON CORBIN

#MAKEITCOUNT ■ WWW.DECA.ORG/EVENTS/ICDC

Tweet: Did you learn a new competitive event tip from Tara’s advice? Let @DECAInc know by tweeting it for #TipTuesday!

THE SECRETS TO ENTREPRENEURIAL

SUCCESS

Winners of the 2013 Entrepreneurship—Growing Your Business event: Andrew Jacob and Andre Najmolholda, West Bloomfield DECA, Michigan

Interested in participating in an entrepreneurship competitive event this year? Are you hoping your savvy entrepreneurship knowledge with take you all the way to the International Career Development Conference (ICDC)? Before you start anything, you should first understand what an entrepreneurship event judge could be looking for in a competitor.

Tara Richardson, owner of Custom Resources, LLC, judged the Entrepreneurship—Growing Your Business event at the 2013 International Career Development Conference—and she is a true entrepreneur herself.

She shared with DECA her own thoughts on how to be successful not only in DECA’s entrepreneurship events, but in the competitive entrepreneurship industry as well.

What is your overall impression of the level of entrepreneurial knowledge from DECA members after judging at ICDC? Overall, the participants in this event were very knowledgeable. They had already experienced business ownership at some level and were savvy in several areas of entrepreneurship challenges such as manufacturing, supply and demand, distribution, marketing and customer service.

When you were judging the entrepreneurship events, what criteria did you look for in a standout project?

I followed the criteria listed on the judge’s score sheet and based the scores on my feeling of confidence in the students as business owners with realistic growth potential. Certainly the students’ business idea is the most important element to take into consideration. However, at the top of every pack of competitors, confidence and professionalism, along with being personable and comfortable, usually equates to at least half a point (which at ICDC is all it takes to separate the top 10).

Did any one project or entrepreneurial idea stick out to you so much that you still remember it today?

I remember a competitor who had a coffee roasting business (probably because I love coffee), but I was so impressed by the young entrepreneur’s knowledge about the coffee roasting process. I also recall a granola bar maker and another who had a pet snack business. However, the winning 20

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DECA ENTREPRENEURSHIP COMPETITIVE EVENTS ENTREPRENEURSHIP— GROWING YOUR BUSINESS ENTREPRENEURSHIP INNOVATION PLAN ENTREPRENEURSHIP PARTICIPATING (INDEPENDENT OR FRANCHISE BUSINESS) ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROMOTION PLAN ENTREPRENEURSHIP WRITTEN

COLLEGIATE DECA ENTREPRENEURSHIP COMPETITIVE EVENTS ENTREPRENEURSHIP (GROWING YOUR BUSINESS) ENTREPRENEURSHIP (STARTING A BUSINESS) ONLINE BUSINESS PLAN

team, which created, manufactured and imported a belt, still comes to my mind. They earned my following on Facebook, and I’m able to watch their success, such as recently increasing the distribution of their product.

Is there an area in the entrepreneurship competitive events that members typically need to spend more time on?

I judged the Entrepreneurship Innovation Plan event at district level conferences and at that stage of competition I remember several concepts that scored very poorly on the rational and feasibility sections. At state and ICDC, in the Entrepreneurship—Growing Your Business event, I recall many plans for growth were often a little too optimistic.

Which evaluation elements do most members struggle with meeting during their presentation and what advice do you have to help members accomplish this?

Since members know exactly what criteria the judge will be given to score participants on, those criteria should be the road map to developing a presentation.

Practice time is important so members can receive feedback from advisors, parents and business professionals and improve their presentation delivery. Using visuals effectively is another area that can be improved upon for most competitors. For example, if a graph is a part of a board or slide, it should be large enough for the judge to see and an explanation should be given. If the visual doesn’t deserve an explanation, it shouldn’t be a part of the presentation. Aids should only be used for the purpose of better explaining a tough or creative concept or showcasing something important.

In your opinion, what makes for a successful and realistic entrepreneurship project Tara Richardson, Custom Resources, LLC and how can a student take their project and turn it into something real?

A successful or realistic entrepreneurship project is one that quickly makes sense to the judge, meets a need that can easily be identified with or a cool idea that just has a certain wow factor. If the project idea is overly scientific or high-tech, the judge must be able to quickly understand it and believe in it. Personally, for me as a judge, I have to believe in it initially, or it has to be sold well to increase my belief in it in a short amount of time. For students to turn ideas into reality, they just need a desire to do so! Also, the willingness and ability to take the next step such as more research, going to pre-market, or to pitch it to someone who can help fund the next step.

In general, as an entrepreneur yourself, what do you think are the top three lessons students should know about entrepreneurship?

Lesson 1: There is a difference between being an entrepreneur and a business owner; just because someone thinks they are one, does not mean they are also the other. A business owner has the necessary management skills: organizing, planning, directing, evaluating. They are controllers who don’t like risk and hate to lose. An entrepreneur’s skills are much different and may be found in their head or heart. Instead of organization, they often thrive on the unknown.

An entrepreneur does not give direction well and certainly does not take it well either. They often leave the job of evaluation up to the next person involved.

Lesson 2: If you are an entrepreneur, you may need a “job” to fund your habit of creation until one of your creative ideas is profitable. Even then, you may need additional funds to hire a business manager if you’re not also the business-owner type.

Lesson 3: An entrepreneur or business owner’s work is rarely ever done, but often it doesn’t seem like work. Instead, it is an accepted extension of their life.

? QUICK QUESTIONS How can your Entrepreneurship—Growing You Business team make sure your business’s plans for growth are realistic and feasible enough for a judge?

Do you agree that an entrepreneur and a business owner are not necessarily the same person? Why or why not?

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Scholarships Available

for DECA Members Only High school seniors who are members of DECA may be eligible for partial- and full-tuition scholarships.

Here’s how to get started: • Download and complete the DECA Scholarship Application (BerkeleyCollege.edu/DECA)

by December 31, 2013 • Submit a letter of recommendation from their DECA advisor • Submit their high school transcript Scholarships are renewable yearly based on GPA and consecutive full-time enrollment.

For more information, call 800-446-5400 ext. GD7 Apply at BerkeleyCollege.edu/DECA Find us @BerkeleyCollege Contact us at #BCInfo

Locations in New York, New Jersey, and Berkeley College OnlineTM Berkeley College reserves the right to add, discontinue, or modify its programs and policies at any time. Modifications subsequent to the original publication of this document may not be reflected here. For the most up-to-date information, please visit BerkeleyCollege.edu.

P3247 - 9.2013

Tweet: Make sure to follow @TwoAlityStory on Twitter for more updates on this awesome DECA duo!

THESE BOOTS WERE MADE FOR SELLING

Can you imagine turning your DECA competitive event project into a real business with products sold around the country? For two former DECA members, this dream became a reality that turned into TwoAlity.

The Stansberry twins, Brynne and Bailye, started their entrepreneurial journey when they were just 17 years old. Their DECA advisor, Sonda Stuart, suggested they participate in DECA’s Advertising Campaign competitive event. Rather than designing a campaign around an existing product, the twins decided to design a product and then build an advertising campaign to support it.

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT They first started with a new product development brainstorming session by asking themselves, “What do we love and how can we make it better?”

The answer was Boots by TwoAlity, a design concept that consists of transparent boots with interchangeable liners. Their product solved many problems associated JANELLE SCUDDER with the common boot: lack of versatility, fashion and comfort, but it also MANAGING EDITOR added to the value of boots. For example, Boots by TwoAlity can be used @JJSCUDDERDECA throughout three seasonal elements: snow, rain and muck.

With their product and advertising campaign in hand, Brynne and Bailye pitched their idea to a judge in DECA competition. Through the various stages of competition, the twins carefully took note of the judges’ feedback, comments and advice. They began to think that their DECA project actually had potential.

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The twins won their association DECA competition, and the idea of TwoAlity becoming a real business started materializing. However, taking their DECA project and turning it into a real business was no easy job.

The next step in creating their business was to develop a formal business plan. During the twins’ time at Columbia College (Mo.), Brynne and Bailye built upon the foundation created in DECA and expanded their business plan to be more encompassing and complete.

“To make our plan more complete, we added production costs, financial projections, a business management structure and an exit strategy,” Bailye explained.

“We created a very detailed layout for what we thought it would take to build a successful business and a strong business structure for the future. We use our business plan to guide us, not constrict us,” Brynee added.

PROTECTING THEIR IDEA

TwoAlity Patterns

With faith in themselves and their product, the twins turned their attention to patenting and protecting their idea. The girls started the patent process as seniors in high school, and received their patent at the age of 19.

“The patent process is not as overwhelming as it might seem,” the twins reassured.

The process involved various steps such as research and design, initial patent search, drafting and then patent filing. Next, the girls waited 18 months during the patent pending stage until they finally received the good news that their patent had been accepted. The twins’ patent number is US D623, 385 S and protects their designs for 14 years.

FINANCING A VENTURE The first amount of seed capital Brynne and Bailye obtained was through a local business competition they won out of sheer persistence and a little good luck.

“We entered a local Idea Bounce competition in 2011, and at first, our application was denied, but we decided to go anyway for the networking opportunities,” the twins said.

By lunchtime, someone had dropped out of the competition and Brynne and Bailye were asked to take their spot. With just 60 minutes to prepare, the girls gave their pitch. Brynne and Bailye ended up taking first place in that competition and the prize money went into TwoAlity to take their business to the next level.

The twins’ second amount of seed capital was an opportunity through their college. They were awarded the very first Steve and Barbara Fishman Award for Entrepreneurship, which granted TwoAlity $10,000. Again, this money was put toward taking TwoAlity to the next level.

After these two opportunities, the twins decided not to approach a venture capitalist or angel investor.

“Brynne and I did not want to lose control of our company by giving up majority ownership for money,” Bailye said. “We started a business so that we could run it together; not to have an investor tell us how to run TwoAlity.”

So instead, the twins and their dedicated team bootstrapped to make things possible, until they were able to obtain a Small Business Association loan.

The twins and their chapter advisor, Mrs. Sonda Stuart, at the 2009 association competition.

CREATING PARTNERSHIPS Currently, TwoAlity uses a new model for obtaining collegiate partners. Brynne and Bailye reach out to college bookstores, both on and off campus, and embroidery shops that cater to the TwoAlity market. Brynne and Bailye see major opportunities for TwoAlity in both of these 24

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Brynne and Bailye model their creations at their very first trade show in Chicago.

Photo by Clay Stansberry

areas because they use Boots by TwoAlity as a vehicle for versatility, expression, and customization.

Instead of TwoAlity having to secure and carry licensing agreements, the twins allow the shops to purchase boots and liners, and then the stores can embroider or customize the liners how they see fit.

TwoAlity recently teamed up with “The Monogramming Trendsetter,” Marley Lilly, to produce monogrammed boot liners. This exciting new venture is sure to take Boots by TwoAlity to an entirely new level of success.

DISTRIBUTION Currently, Boots By TwoAlity sells its products in several different ways. One way is through the online store (www.thetwoalitystore.com), a full functioning e-commerce website where customers can browse the online catalog, select their size and liner colors, and then place an order.

Boots by TwoAlity also sells its products through trade shows by obtaining retail partners that purchase Boots by TwoAlity from TwoAlity, at wholesale prices, and then offer the boots in their stores. In other words, this is a direct business-to-business sale.

Another way TwoAlity sells boots and liners is at “cash and carry” shows. “This is a show where all sorts of products are being sold and customers can shop the entire show throughout a weekend,” Bailye explained. “At these shows we are selling directly to the customer, or in other words, business to consumer.”

TwoAlity also utilizes social media, such as Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and LinkedIn, to promote their products. “These accounts offer a free opportunity to spread the word about Boots

by TwoAlity to the entire world and makes us very accessible to future and current customers,” Brynne added.

CONNECT WITH

TWOALITY

@twoalitystore

THE BIG PICTURE Along their journey, there have certainly been obstacles to overcome. For example, the twins had a difficult time sourcing a quality product to actually make the boot overseas, so they turned their focus to being made in the United States, which was their original dream for the company.

The entire footwear industry told the Stansberry’s that they would not be able to produce this boot in the U.S. Despite being told “no” by the industry, they proceeded and found a way to produce their boots domestically.

Another major hurdle for TwoAlity was obtaining their SBA loan. The twins were turned down by multiple local banks until they met with a bank that helped educate them on what it would take to secure an SBA loan. In doing so, TwoAlity and People’s Bank have built a strong relationship that translates into a solid financial foundation for the future of TwoAlity.

“What helped us [keep going] was that we always kept the ‘big picture’ in mind, but set little goals along that way that would help us reach the big picture,” Bailye said.

“If we had only looked at the big picture, then the task ahead of us would have seemed really overwhelming, but breaking it down into smaller goals made the process manageable,” Brynne added.

DECA is all about creating opportunities for its members to take advantage of, and the Stansberry twins know that DECA members can always achieve the impossible. The girls’ hard work paid off, and since sales launched in May 2013, boots and liners have already been sold in 19 states.

Next time you sit down to work on your competitive event project, take a minute to brainstorm the possibilities that are in front of you. Could your project be the next DECA success story? It’s up to you to Make It Count!

NOVEMBER–DECEMBER 2013

Pinterest.com/twoality

Facebook.com/twoality

www.thetwoalitystore.com

DECA DIRECT

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BUZZ

Send a photo and caption of your chapter activity to communications@deca.org.

WHAT’S YOUR CHAPTER BEEN UP TO?

t The Wisconsin DECA association officer team was hard at work planning for the Central Region Leadership Conference this year. The officers can’t wait to see Central Region members this December in Milwaukee, Wis.

u Pleasant Grove DECA (Pleasant Grove, Utah) loved recruiting new DECA members at their school’s club carnival. Way to Make It Count!

p The Appleton East DECA (Appleton, Wis.) officer team stopped to pose as they “Make A Muscle” for the Muscular Dystrophy Association at the Show of Strength Telethon sneak peek in Green Bay, Wis.

u La Cueva DECA (Albuquerque, N.M.) started the year in a very big way!

They held a giant pizza party for their first meeting.

u Wausau West

t The girls of

DECA (Wausau, Wis.) took a break from promoting DECA to new freshmen at their “Warrior Welcome” night to pose for the camera. Great job recruiting new members!

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Hough DECA (Cornelius, N.C.) showed their DECA pride while filming a video for their chapter. Jill Amasya, Leanna Conti, Rose Jackson and Jenny Stevenson helped create this awesome new promotional piece.

NOVEMBER–DECEMBER 2013

BUZZ t Legacy Christian Academy DECA (Beaumont, Texas) chapter members got together to “Make a Muscle” for the Muscular Dystrophy Association in their classroom to get ready for the MDA Show of Strength Telethon.

q There were smiles all around the room at the first Chippewa Valley Technical College Collegiate DECA (Eau Claire, Wis.) chapter meeting of the new school year for current members.

q Gateway Technical College Collegiate DECA (Kenosha, Wis.) chapter officers sat down for their first officer meeting. During this meeting, the officers planned social events for the upcoming year and created the agenda for the first chapter meeting of the year as well.

t Rio Rancho DECA (Rio Rancho, N.M.) donated nearly 100 boxes of cereal to a local radio station for families in need during the backto-school season. While dropping off the boxes, chapter members also got a chance to tour the radio station and go live on the air!

u Raymond S. Kellis DECA (Glendale, Ariz.) presented St. Mary’s Food Bank with a $2,000 donation during a chapter meeting. Two Arizona DECA association officers were there to help with the presentation and celebration of this great achievement. The money was earned through the Lead2Feed Project. p The chapter officers of Veterans Memorial DECA (Mission, Texas) posed together at a breast cancer fundraiser last year.

Pictured are Norma Acosta, Maryah Lopez, Alexandria Gonzalez, Galilea Zorola, Kevin Toscano, Gonzalo Arevalo and Ernesto Torres.

p It was a full house at Cooper City DECA’s (Cooper City, Fla.) first meeting for the new school year. New members filled the auditorium to find out more about starting their DECA journey.

u Ardrey Kell DECA (Charlotte, N.C.) had an amazing turnout for its first chapter meeting of the year. Over 200 students came to learn more about DECA and start another terrific DECA year.

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BUZZ u Merrol Hyde Magnet School DECA (Hendersonville, Tenn.) chapter members throw up some DECA diamonds during their first chapter meeting of the year.

q New London DECA (New London, Wis.) officers promoted DECA at their freshmen first day booth. The officers also handed out freeze pops to all students at lunch and encouraged each new freshman to visit their DECA booth and attend the first chapter meeting of the year.

The Harker School DECA (San Jose, Calif.) chapter members attended DECA University 2013 recently and represented the Silicon Valley District and California DECA while they were there. q

q Queen Creek DECA (Queen Creek, Ariz.) had an amazing turnout for its first DECA meeting of the year. Over 100 interested students showed up, excited to learn more about DECA and how they could get involved this year. The classroom couldn’t even fit everyone!

p Seventeen Northern DECA (Dillsburg, Penn.) members posed together at the 2013 International Career Development Conference in Anaheim, Calif., this past April. Northern DECA hopes to have the same success this year and “Make It Count” all the way to Atlanta.

STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT, AND CIRCULATION

p South Dakota DECA association officers get ready for an unbelievable MDA Show of Strength this year as they “Make a Muscle!” Pictured (l-r) are Kelsey Sprout, Keisha Jami, Keylee Rentschler, Anna Haiar and Sophia Lima.

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(1) Publication Title: DECA Direct. (2) Publication Number: 0566-200. (3) Filing Date: 10/1/2013. (4) Issue Frequency: 4 times/year: Sept./Oct., Nov./Dec., Jan./Feb., Mar./Apr. (5) Number of Issues Published Annually: 4. (6) Annual Subscription Price: $5.00. (7) Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication (Not printer): DECA Inc., 1908 Association Dr., Reston, VA 20191-1594. Contact Person: Ed Davis. Telephone: 703-860-5000. (8) Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher: DECA Inc., 1908 Association Dr., Reston, VA 20191-1594. (9) Full Names and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher, Editor, and Managing Editor: Publisher: Dr. Edward Davis, DECA Inc., 1908 Association Dr., Reston, VA 20191-1594. Editor: Christopher Young, DECA Inc., 1908 Association Dr., Reston, VA 20191-1594. Managing Editor: Janelle Scudder, DECA Inc., 1908 Association Dr., Reston, VA 20191-1594. (10) Owner: Full Name, Complete Mailing Address: DECA Inc., 1908 Association Dr., Reston, VA 201911594. (11) Known Bondholders, Mortgagees, and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent or More of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages, or Other Securities: None. (12) Tax Status (For completion by nonprofit organizations authorized to mail at nonprofit rates): The purpose, function, and nonprofit status of this organization and the exempt status for federal income tax purposes: Has Not Changed During Preceding 12 Months. (13) Publication Title: DECA Direct. (14) Issue Date for Circulation Data Below: September 1, 2013. (15) Extent and Nature of Circulation: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months/No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date: (a) Total Number of Copies (Net press run): 115,691/88,000. (b) Paid and/or Requested Circulation: (1) Paid/Requested Outside-County Mail Subscriptions Stated on Form 3541. (Include advertiser’s proof and exchange copies): 108,561/80,685. (2) Paid In-County Subscriptions Stated on Form 3541 (Include advertiser’s proof and exchange copies) 0/0. (3) Paid distribution outside the mails: 0/0. (4) Other Classes Mailed Through the USPS: 5,202/3,900. (c) Total Paid and/or Requested Circulation [Sum of 15b (1), (2), (3), and (4)]: 113,763/84,585. (d) Free or Nominal Rate Distribution (By Mail and Outside the Mail): (1) Outside-County included on PS Form 3541: 0/0. (2) Free or Nominal Rate In-County Copies Included on PS Form 3541: 0/0. (3) Free or Nominal Rate Copies Mailed at Other Classes Mailed Through the USPS: 0/0. (4) Free or Nominal Rate Distribution Outside the Mail (Carriers or other means): 0/0. (e) Total Free or Nominal Rate Distribution (Sum of 15d (1), (2), (3), and (4)): 0/0. (f) Total Distribution (Sum of 15c and 15e): 113,763/84,585. (g) Copies not Distributed: 1,928/3,415. (h) Total (Sum of 15f and g): 115,691/88,000. (i) Percent Paid (15c divided by 15f times 100): 100%/100% (16) Publication of Statement of Ownership: Publication required.

Will be printed in the November/December 2013 issue of this publication. (17) Signature and Title of Editor, Publisher, Business Manager, or Owner: Edward L. Davis, Publisher. Date: 10/1/2013.

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SWE SHIR AT TS

AS OUT SIDE IT GETS A DE , STAY W COLD CA S A WEA RM IN TSHI RT!

FOR ALL YOUR CHAPTER’S NEEDS

703.860.5006 www.deca.org/shop deca_images@deca.org Every dollar of profit earned goes to support programs for DECA members and advisors.