Michigan DECA State Officers

ICDC in Atlanta

mideca — Sat, 03 May 2008 17:34:10 +0000

Hey Michigan DECA!

I got home a few days ago from the International Career Development Conference in Atlanta, GA. It was an intense mix of emotions ranging from devastation and disappointment to exhilaration and simple love for DECA. I had the privilege of managing the campaign for my close friend Eric Anderson, who is the state president of Indiana DECA and ran for Central Region Vice-president. He had an awesome theme: “Go the Distance” and the other outgoing officers and I were able to rock some togas at his Greek-inspired booth. It was so much fun to set up caucuses and watch him do an amazing job. Unfortunately, he lost to Isaac from MIssouri. When I wasn’t helping with his campaign, I was able to check out the Coke and CNN headquarters, the Georgia aquarium and zoo, and a little bit of the botanical gardens, and of course attend the opening and awards sessions. My favorite part of the conference was simply being able to spend an entire week with Brook and Kellie, the other outgoing state officers. It was also great to meet up with everyone from other states/provinces that I have met in the last two years… unfortunately, that also meant I had to say good-bye to all of these amazing people. The waterworks were definitely turned on starting Tuesday and haven’t exactly stopped…they have slowed down, but I am not sure I will ever be completely over being done with DECA. I did meet a few other members who are also going to Loyola University in Chicago, so that will make it easier to start a Delta Epsilon Chi chapter there. I am excited to get back into competition. Obviously, another highlight was Billy Gilman. I mean, who isn’t in love with him? Luke Christie, a freshman with muscular dystrophy also spoke at the opening session. It was so touching…what an amazing person. Way to go MI DECA for raising over $60,000 this year for the MDA…keep up the good work next year! And congratulations to all of the Michigan DECA members who made it on stage. What an incredible accomplishment! I definitely saw quite a few of you getting in the top 10, and we even had some third, second, and first placers. I am so proud of you guys and everyone who attended ICDC. I will miss you all so much…add me on facebook, of course! I want to keep in touch.

Court

(former) state president

A-Town!

mideca — Fri, 02 May 2008 21:27:34 +0000

The last week of my life has been one of the most memorable [X]periences. It started out with the opening session on Saturday night when they brought a little bit of the southern cultural to the stage. The Atlanta Drum Line launched the session off with an amazing performance. Opening session consisted of the parade of flags and motivational words from the national officers to the competitors. Billy Gillman closed out the session with his sixth performance at an International CDC. Sunday night we all had the chance to see the Broadway show The Lion King, and the following night we had the big DECA super dance. ICDC is always filled with fun activities, great competition, and leadership academies, but the city is what makes ICDC exceptional. Atlanta had so many places for us to see, we were always busy. I got to visit the Coca Cola museum, the Aquarium, the Atlanta Zoo, the CNN headquarters, and the beautiful botanical gardens. The [X]perience of attending this years ICDC in Atlanta is something I will never forget. I wish the best of luck to you all next year on your journey to Anaheim, California!

Brook Stubelt

V.P. of Leadership Development

Amazing Atlanta

mideca — Fri, 02 May 2008 02:05:35 +0000

Words cannot even describe the last week i just spent in Atlanta for ICDC. I hope all of you that went had just as much fun as I did. Michigan DECA did fabulous in competitions, as well as in membership campaigns. During opening session, we were all given words of encouragement for competition. Not only that but we were all entertained by the Georgia drumline and Billy Gillman, the MDA Ambassador. The following day meant the beginning of competition for most. However it wasn’t just competition, on Sunday Night, Michigan DECA was given the incredible opportunity of going to see Lion King as a broadway (which I would definitly label as one of my favorite highlights of the weekend). Monday was a second day of competition, along with the famous SUPER DECA DANCE. This was an opportunity for all of us to meet students from all over the world. I definitly had a lot of fun spending time with my fellow officers, Indiana officers, Ontario Officers, and the national officers. It was definitly a huge opportunity to use our networking skills. Tuesday was a day for finalist outcomes, national officer elections, and the final results of the night. We were all excited to cheer on the winners of Michigan DECA, which I have to say did an awesome job this year with making it on stage! Overall, I don’t think I have the right words to give ICDC justice, but I do have to say it was one of the BEST [X]periences I have ever had. I hope that all of you agree with me, and for those of you who didn’t go I hope that you still had an amazing [X]perience with DECA this year, and I hope that all of you continue to strive to attend next year’s ICDC in Anaheim, California!!!

Kellie Morrison

V.P. of Public Relations

Atlanta was definitly the host to the most elite students around the world this week. Atlanta not only brought the excitement of competition, but also held much more for all of the tourists in us. We had the incredible opportunity of going to see Lion King as I broadway (which I would definitly classify as one of my favorite highlights of the week!).

Farewell Michigan DECA…

mideca — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 03:50:41 +0000

Hey Michigan DECA! As you know, last weekend was our state conference. I have written a farewell and thank you, as well as a toast, to close my two year term and show my appreciation for all of the amazing people in my life. Here it is…

This state conference was my last state conference as a high school member and also my last time of being state president. I’m not sure if you can even imagine how incredibly difficult it is to just stop being something that has been of the biggest parts of your life for the last two years. I don’t think it has really hit me yet that I’m not president anymore (even though I think the new one, Kyle, is great!). But DECA…I can’t even describe how much it means to me. I have gained everything and lost nothing (except a lot of sleep =]). I hate it when people make fun of it or call it nerdy, because it has changed my life in amazing ways. I have no idea who I would even be today without DECA… probably still shy, having about 5 friends in the world, wanting to stay at home all the time, and having a very low self-confidence. First, I would like to thank my parents for all of your support…I am glad to be a “DECA baby” and love you so much. You have made so many sacrifices that made all of this possible. Also thanks to Rob and Faith for being my cheerleaders and smiles when I need it. Of course, I couldn’t have done this without Dave Wait, Katie Kelly, or any of the other Michigan DECA staff. DECA has led me to some people I consider to be some of my best or very good friends… Eric Anderson, Kellie Morrison, Brook Stubelt, Kyle Hagan, Charmaine Williams, Mike Helmus, Kailee Boik, my former officer team- Steph, Darren, Tim, Michael, Jonathan and countless other people who I love and are great friends… especially the Jenison Chapter Officers. This group of students is so inspiring and never fails to amaze me… Kyle, Callie, Kelsey, Lauren, Laura, Nate, Jake.. thanks for everything. And Michigan DECA members… talk about being the most fun and incredible group of students to get to know and help lead over the past two years. Thanks for all of the memories and support. I hope I have done a good job as your president. I had an amazing time this weekend and have made memories I will never forget. Thank you to the California officers and especially the Ontario officers for making WROTC one of the best conferences ever and a highlight of my year. Also, I am so glad to have gotten to know the national officers, especially Kelly VanWoerkom, who has taught me so much. Thank you to Professor Jackson for believing in me and helping me get to ICDC with my Ad Campaign and for looking out for me as I deal with the increasingly difficult task of choosing a college. I love all of the DECA advisors, especially my own- Mrs. Hunt and Mrs. Sailors. To the other advisors — you have watched me grow up at DECA conferences ever since I attended my first state conference in 1994, and throughout the years your support has been invaluable. I now have four years of experience meeting with business people, receiving professional leadership training, developing advertising campaigns for competition, running fundraisers and community service events, helping to run conferences, speaking in front of thousands of people, and learning how to network and make valuable contacts that I would never have had without the opportunity of DECA. That is a humbling thought. I feel like I have had a great preparation and jumpstart to a career in the marketing and business world that will help me go far. I am looking forward to ICDC in Atlanta even more than graduation, but I can’t believe it will be my last conference ever as a member. I will miss everything about it, but I know DECA has given me everything I need to reach my goals and has helped me grow from a confused kid to a confident and driven adult (well, almost adult). I love you all! (And this isn’t really good-bye…I am joining Alumni for sure).

I decided to add a toast, too, to all of the memories…
Here’s to competing in Nashville in 8th grade, dreaming of being an officer since I was 5, ad campaigns, Soulja Boy, and scantrons. Here’s to learning from mistakes, missing curfew, riding that pony, CTSO, shooting hoops, and Seasons of Love. Here’s to late nights, early mornings, the ever glamourous DECA blazer, flight attendant scarves, and high heels that make pointe feel like a massage. This is definitely to amazing friends, DEE-Troit Basketball, FOCUS, dancing and singing our hearts out backstage, and DECA ducks that fly together forever. Here’s to shady taxi drivers and outlet malls, Olive Garden, Maggiano’s, and the Grand Canyon. Here’s to smores made over a grill, the Henry Ford suite, Monty Python, Voss, and surprise birthday dinners. This is to “bumping and grinding”…, DECA LEADS, running through sprinklers, and rock slides. Here’s to vespers, “Candle on the Water”, Miracle Minutes, and “incest”. This is for sure to being left in the middle of the Grand Canyon, overcoming fears, upside down zip lines, and dancing in Central Park. Here’s to the seven malls where we tried to find uniforms, purse vans in Chinatown, rodeos, Emerson Drive, Billy Gilman, and Cirque de Soleil. This is to dinner cruises, revolving dance floors, and the Super Dance. Here’s to the tears and the laughter, the good times and the bad, friends and memories made, and the love shared.

Courtney Clark

State Career Development Conference

mideca — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 22:36:03 +0000

Can you believe it’s almost time for the 61st Michigan DECA SCDC??? The time being a State Officer has flown by. It seems like last month we were only sworn in! A few tips and reminders before competition starts. Log on to mideca.org and view the Competitive Events Center. You can access information like past role plays and tests in which you can study.

Every year the big categories are Sports and Entertainment MDM and Series, Travel and Tourism MDM and Series, as well as Apparel and Accessories. So to stand out you should study and study often. This is your once and a life time chance to attend the International Career Development Conference. It’s an [X] perience unlike any other.

I hope all is well. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Kyle Hagan

VP of Career Development

Product Placement

mideca — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 03:36:26 +0000

It’s everywhere. Product Placement has been popping up in some of the most random places. Movies, TV shows, and even video games. Try and watch a current movie and take note about how many product lables and or names are used.

Recently after purchasing an Xbox-360, I was playing NHL 2K8. In the game several ads for Dodge and Duracell are mentioned. In fact they have the Dodge Ram hit of the game and even the Duracell power play. Way more information about product placement will be mentioned in the next Spotlight on DECA. Until then I challenge everyone with the next movie you watch, make a list about how many different products and lables are shown.

Kyle Hagan

V.P. of Career Development

It’s Coming to an End

mideca — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 19:32:01 +0000

It may not seem like it but the school year is half way finished. That means the end of DECA conferences and competition is winding down as well. There are only three more DECA conferences. The State Career Development Conference in less than a month, the Sports and Entertainment Conference held April 4 at the Palace of Auburn Hills and of course the International Career Development Conference. Three more times to leave your mark. It’s hard to imagine it this is it.

The State Officer team has been very busy developing new things for you to [X]perience at the SCDC. This year is going to be one of the best. Many important things you should consider. Voting Delegates-log onto www.mideca.org to see this years state officer candidates. Appropriate dress for ALL activities such as breakfast, shopping at the mall and the dance. But most of all, have fun.

Kyle Hagan

Vice President of Career Development

Taking your DECA [X]perience to a new level through Delta Epsilon Chi

mideca — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 17:12:27 +0000

Graduating from high school and moving on to college is an important and exciting time in our lives. Your school, address, level of homework, and involvement in sports and organizations all change. The good news is that your involvement in DECA doesn’t have to. Delta Epsilon Chi, also known simply as DEX, is the college division of DECA. This is an excellent opportunity to further your DECA [X]perience. You will find many of the things that you love about DECA in Delta Epsilon Chi, such as the opportunity to network with a diverse group of students and professionals, leadership development conferences, a comprehensive program of competitive events, and community involvement.

However, no one wants to have the exact same [X]perience twice. Delta Epsilon Chi’s competitive events feature categories such as food service and culinary, information technology, design, and small business management that aren’t available in DECA. Members can also compete in marketing and sales, management, hospitality and travel, and finance and accounting. DEX competitive events feature over 20 career areas. This year, Delta Epsilon Chi featured two leadership conferences in New York City and New Orleans and will be hosting its own International Career Development Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. To find out if the college you plan on attending has a DEX chapter, visit http://www.deltaepsilonchi.org/states/index.php and click on the state where the college is located. With so much change in our futures, we can always count on one thing: DECA and Delta Epsilon Chi provide their members with [X]periences to prepare them for a successful future in marketing, managements, and entrepreneurship and to develop essential leadership, civic consciousness, and professional skills.

Have a great week! I had fun seeing everyone at the District Conferences!

Courtney Clark

State President 2007-2008

Happy New Year!

mideca — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 00:48:46 +0000

Finally the countdown to the end of 2007 is over and 2008 starts. Only 6 more months until I am done with high school and considered in the “Real World.” I know that is true with many DECA members. With the end of high school and the start of college, that gets people thinking about “How am I going to afford this?” The answer is scholarships. DECA offers a wide variety of different scholarships. Some being from Finish Line, Otis Spunkmeyer, and even Sears. What’s the harm in filling one out and seeing what happens? Nothing at all. I hope everyone takes advantage of the available resources you have in front of you.

I had a great time meeting everyone at the District 7 conference back in December. It was really cool meeting you and hanging out a little bit. I’ll be looking forward to attending more as the month goes on. I am also really looking forward to seeing everyone at Rochester Adams high school for the District 6 Conference. It will be really cool to see everyone from my chapter Lake Orion compete. It’s going to be a new [X] perience for me, looking on the outside-in. Good Luck to everyone, I know you are going to do a great job.

If you have ANY questions at all about anything. Please e-mail me. khagan@mideca.org I would really like to talk to everyone and try to help them out.

Kyle Hagan

Vice President of Career Development

‘Tis the Season

mideca — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 02:30:26 +0000

Hey Michigan DECA! I hope all of you are enjoying the holiday season just as much as I am. Last week I attended CRLC in Indianapolis and it was a great kick off for the holiday season. I had so much fun learning about leadership and getting my Game On with the other officers. I hope that all of you who went had a great [x]perience. And for those of you who didn’t get a chance to go, I highly recommend you attend CRLC next year!

Along with the holidays, December has also brought the season of Competition for all of you. No matter what competition you have chosen to compete in this year, I hope you have prepared yourself and I wish you all good luck! I can’t wait to see all of you at the upcoming District Conferences!

if you have any questions about competition or running for state officer, now is the time! feel free to contact me or any of your other state officers.

Happy Holidays!!

Kellie Morrison

V.P. of Public Relations