The Wisconsin DECA State Career Development Conference (SCDC) was held at Grand Geneva Resort in Lake Geneva from February 27-March 1.
Students earned the opportunity to compete at SCDC based on their successful performance at the district-level competition in January at Bayport High School. SCDC brings together approximately 1,500 DECA students from across the state to compete in various business and marketing-related events, showcase their skills, and network with peers and industry professionals.
The conference was bittersweet for Senior Taylor Peterson, who wrapped up her term on the Wisconsin DECA Leadership team. Peterson said, "The networking, leadership, and professional development opportunities my position on the Wisconsin DECA Leadership Team has provided me have been instrumental in determining my future career path! While conferences are always fun, the benefits of these opportunities extend far beyond the week."
SCDC featured a variety of competitions, including written events, role-playing events, and case study presentations. Students had the chance to showcase their knowledge and skills in areas such as marketing management, finance, hospitality and tourism, and entrepreneurship. In addition to the competitions, the conference featured keynote speakers, workshops, and networking opportunities for students to connect with professionals in their fields of interest.
It is a great opportunity for students to gain valuable experience and network with industry professionals, all while showcasing their skills and competing against their peers.
Junior Sophie Roehrborn was elected by Wisconsin DECA members to serve on the State Leadership Team for the 2023-2024 school year. Roehrborn stated, "SCDC was a great experience for me to grow professionally and personally! I had the opportunity to meet so many new people. I can't wait to continue to broaden my network and knowledge through my new position on Wisconsin DECA's 58th Officer Team!"
The theme for DECA this school year is Get the Edge. Twenty-two Kimberly DECA members did just that as they competed at the Wisconsin Career Development Conference (SCDC) on February 27-March 1. Results for Kimberly's competitors are as follows:
Automotive Services
Sophie Roehrborn, Finalist
Business Law and Ethics
Lindsay Massey & Ella Piette, Finalist
Buying and Merchandising
Maddi Gunckel & Alyona Zabel, Third Place
Financial Services
Brady Gaffney & Jack Statz, Finalist
Hotel and Lodging
Taylor Peterson, Seventh Place
Human Resource Management
Madison Weyenberg, Third Place
Hospitality Services
Greta Melzl & Connor Lindenberg, Third Place
Marketing Management Team Decision Making
Jacob Behnke & Grant Campbell, Finalist
Retail Merchandising
Addison Slinger, Role Play Medalist
Travel & Tourism Team Decision Making
Olive Hoffmann and Claire Knutsen, Finalist
In addition to competing in the above events, students also prepared business projects prior to the state conference. These projects include a written report and a presentation at the conference. Top performers for Kimberly include:
Business Solutions Project
Taylor Peterson & Sophie Roehrborn, Finalist
Community Awareness Project
Madison Weyenberg & Sydney Weyenberg, Sixth Place
Financial Literacy Project
Gaby Dilley & Addison Slinger, Sixth Place
Franchise Business Plan
Greta Melzl & Connor Lindenberg, Finalist
Brady Gaffney & Jack Statz, Finalist
Innovation Plan
Lindsay Massey & Ella Piette, Finalist
Independent Business Plan
Jacob Behnke & Grant Campbell, First Place
Integrated Marketing Campaign - Service
Olive Hoffmann & Claire Knutsen, Finalist
Overall, 18 of the 22 Kimberly students who attended the state conference earned the opportunity to compete at the International Career Development Conference (ICDC) in Orlando, Florida, April 21-26. The event will take place at the same time as Kimberly High School's prom, so qualifiers had to make the tough choice between the two opportunities. DECA is an international marketing and business association for college and high school students. DECA provides opportunities for its members to learn more about careers in marketing and business and gain vital career skills.