Elon’s chapter of Students in Free Enterprise was named a regional champion at the SIFE USA Regional Competition in Charlotte, N.C.
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Elon’s chapter of Students in Free Enterprise was named a regional champion March 27 at the SIFE USA Regional Competition in Charlotte, N.C.
SIFE, an international non-profit organization, aims to bring together the top leaders of today and tomorrow to create a better, more sustainable world through the positive power of business.
At the competition, which was one of 11 regional competitions held around the country, teams presented the results of their community outreach projects to panels of business leaders serving as judges. The teams were evaluated based on how successful they were at using business concepts to improve the quality of life and standard of living for those in need.
Elon’s team presented on the following three projects.
• “Honey Project” – The chapter helped the Mayan village of Tinum by importing the village’s organic honey at fair market value and creating new markets for the honey in the U.S.
• “Skid’s Restaurant Project” – The chapter worked with local Skid’s Restaurant on creating new marketing strategies and renovating the restaurant to make it more environmentally friendly.
• Campbell’s “Let’s CAN Hunger Challenge” – The chapter raised hunger awareness on Elon’s campus and funds to donate to the local food bank.
Twenty-five schools participated in the competition, which divided the teams into five leagues. Elon competed in League 4 against Bennett College, Central Piedmont College, Westminster University and Winthrop University.
Elon, along with the other regional champions, will compete at the SIFE USA National Exposition in Kansas City, Mo., in May.
Elon’s presenters were Kyle Cassaday ‘13, Liz Jester ‘14, Sean McCormick ‘14, Andrew Somers ‘12, Kelvin Walker ‘13 and Christopher Welch ’13. Jeff Baldetti ’15, Andrew Ganim ’13 and Hope Williams ’13 also attended the competition along with chapter advisor Sarah Thomas ’05 G’07, director of undergraduate programs.
“My experience at the competition reminded me how talented Elon students are,” said Walker, a business administration major. “I also enjoyed seeing other SIFE chapters present on the impact they’ve made with their projects.”
Elon also received the “Rookie of the Year” award.