USU Students Take Top Honors at State Business Competition

Utah State University students competed and placed in six events at a state leadership conference that tested business skills in a variety of areas.

               

The Jon M. Huntsman School of Business students are members of Phi Beta Lambda (PBL), a collegiate business organization. They competed against college students from across the state in a two-day conference sponsored by the national PBL organization, taking first place in four events and second place in two. Students often start as members of the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) in high school and then join PBL when in college.

                

The USU students entered events that tested their business skills through role plays, case studies and exams. Those who placed first, second or third qualified for the national competition in Nashville, Tenn., July 9-12.

               

“The amazing thing about PBL is that it brings out what you are learning in classes,” said Vikki Ballard, winner of two categories at the state competition. “I’ve been involved in PBL-FBLA since high school, and its rewards come from involvement with great people and the ability to learn how the skills I’m gaining in the classroom can apply to me in very real-world ways.”

 

The USU students who took first place include: Derek Kent, sports management marketing; Lori Taylor, public speaking and Vikki Ballard, international business and marketing concepts. Katie Reynolds took second place in both marketing concepts and human resources management. 

 

The students also participated in team events, including business ethics, free enterprise and human resources management events.

 

To raise money for the trip to Tennessee, USU will host the Aggie Invitational in December, an event that will draw high school students who are members of the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). There are more than 11,000 students in PBL nationally.

 

The Jon M. Huntsman School of Business at Utah State University seeks to inspire and equip students to become innovative, ethical leaders with refined analytical skills that will help them understand and succeed in the global marketplace.