[284] Business leaders of tomorrow reach for success at MTSU-hosted conference

FOR RELEASE: Feb. 15, 2013

EDITORIAL CONTACT: Gina Logue, 615-898-5081, gina.logue@mtsu.edu

MURFREESBORO — Tomorrow’s business leaders tested their savvy at MTSU and walked away with memories they’ll treasure forever.

Tennessee high-school students competed in exercises designed to help them hone their business skills at the Future Business Leaders of America Region 4 Conference on Wednesday, Feb. 13.

The contestants, representing 31 high schools and home-schooling associations, vied for top prizes in categories such as business ethics, global business, management decision-making, entrepreneurship, marketing, client service, impromptu speaking, job interview and public speaking.

In the contests, teams of two or three students were given case summaries and given about 20 minutes to come up with solutions to whatever issues are at stake.

“Not only are the students given an opportunity to demonstrate and improve their skills, but professors can avail themselves of the opportunity to target outstanding students to recruit for future admissions,” said Dr. Martha Balachandran, a professor in the MTSU Department of Business Communication and Entrepreneurship.

The event was sponsored by the Tennessee Department of Education’s Career and Technical Education Division with organizing support from Balachandran, BCE instructor Kay Blasingame-Boike and BCE professor Dr. Wayne Rollins. Doug Tatum, holder of the Wright Chair of Entrepreneurship in the Jennings A. Jones College of Business, secured funding for prizes.

For more information, contact Balachandran at 615-898-2036 or Blasingame-Boike at 615-898-5687.

                                                              —30—

MTSU is committed to developing a community devoted to learning, growth, and service. We hold these values dear, and there’s a simple phrase that conveys them:  “I am True Blue.” Learn more at www.mtsu.edu/trueblue. For MTSU news anytime, visit www.MTSUNews.com.