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2021 DECA Pumpkin Contest Winners
Congratulations to the winners of DECA's Annual Pumpkin Contest! This year's contest had an impressive 565+ submissions from members all across the DECA world. The selection process was not easy, but the members have voted and we are excited to announce the top three winners in each category!
DECA and Piper Sandler Complete 42nd Semi-Annual Survey of 10,000+ U.S. Teens
DECA and Piper Sandler completed the 42nd semi-annual Taking Stock With Teens® survey. This survey highlights discretionary spending trends and brand preferences from more than 10,000 teens across the U.S. with an average age of 15.8 years.
Discover DECA+
Introducing an all-new portal to help DECA members explore careers and prepare for competition.
Case Study of the Week: Keeping the Fixings Bar at Burger Country Fresh
You are to assume the role of the operations manager at Burger Country, a fast food restaurant with five locations that specializes in hamburgers. The owner of the company has asked you to explain operational considerations in a new portion of each restaurant called the “fixings bar.”
4 Factors for College Matchmaking
Many DECA members will soon begin starting the college application process. While there are many factors that should influence your decision, here are four key factors you should consider when choosing which college(s) to apply to.
Earning DECA Glass: Online Events
Previous ICDC competitive events winners share their thoughts and insights on DECA's online events. Discover tips and tricks to help you prepare for your quest for DECA glass in the Stock Market Game and Virtual Business Challenge.
Case Study of the Week: Remarketing a Classic Shoe Store
You are to assume the role of a marketing communications consultant hired by Cost Less Shoes, a national chain of discount footwear for men, women, and children. The CEO of the company has hired you to develop a marketing communications plan that will remarket the brand.
5 Ways to Improve Your Prepared Event
Written events can be difficult to master. What does a winning project look like? What kind of before-hand preparation is required?
Improving the Employee Experience
This year's Business Operations Research topic focuses on ways to improve the employee experience. We visited with Intuit, Men's Wearhouse and Marriott International to learn how they are charting a course for the future of their workplace culture based on their experiences from the past year.
Rules to Live By: The Nature of Ethics
When you think of ethics, what comes to mind? Doing what people say you should do? Obeying the law? While these can both be part of ethical behavior, it takes a lot more than just listening to authority figures or doing what’s legal to be an ethical person.
Case Study of the Week: Investing Money at a Bank
You are to assume the roles of the investment manager and investment specialist at Cross Town Bank. You will be meeting with a customer to discuss options for investing in order to earn a return.
3 Ways to Handle Burnout
Have you ever experienced a case of burnout? If so, it can be a challenging experience. During the school year, we take on many responsibilities and may find it hard to balance work, academics and life with so much on our plate. It is important to find a way to take a break and rest–both physically and mentally–to avoid burnout.
Case Study of the Week: Customers Overstaying Their Welcome
Step into the role of general manager and shift supervisor at Family Kitchen, a local family restaurant that is open 24-hours. The owner of the restaurant has asked you to analyze a new restaurant policy, determine if it is ethical, and provide a response.
Utilizing Your Strengths and Your Weaknesses
You may be asked about your greatest strength and weakness in many job interviews. It’s easy to know what we’re good at, but how do we portray our weaknesses positively and compellingly? Use this information to help boost your interview skills!
Advice from DECA Competitive Event Judges
This April, DECA members participating in the competitive events program will appear before a volunteer judge to present on current business trends in various events and formats. In this article, hear from two of our dedicated volunteer judges as they provide insight on their experience serving the past 20+ years.
Super Bowl Commercials: Spiraling Towards the End Zone or Spiraling Out of Control
Costing an astounding $7 million for 30 seconds, Super Bowl commercials either fascinate or flop in front of over 113 million viewers. These commercials are the epitome of strategic marketing.
Case Study of the Week: Methods to Market an Inconvenient Location
Step into the role of the marketing director for Ricardo’s, a mid-priced restaurant with 10 locations. The owner of Ricardo’s has asked you to develop a marketing plan that will build a new location’s local clientele, given its unique location.
Taking Stock with Teens | Fall 2022 Insights
Edward Yruma, Managing Director and Senior Researcher, and Abbie Zvejnieks, Research Analyst, with Piper Sandler highlight insights from the most recent Gen Z research study.
UW Madison DECA's Mentorship Program
UW Madison DECA started a new mentorship program this semester, greatly benefiting both new and senior members. The program has had a lot of success as new students feel welcome paired up with a senior member.
FVTC DECA Restocks Local Food Pantry
FVTC DECA collected over 400 food items during the statewide Trick-or-Can helping restock the FVTC food pantry. The FVTC food pantry is dedicated to providing students with access to free food.
Case Study of the Week: Rich Content for Weekly Emails
Step into the role of director of marketing for Our Town Grocery, a grocery store chain with 350 locations. The senior vice president has asked you to determine content for weekly emails and how to obtain more customers’ email addresses.
Helping Our Communities
Volunteers stepped up on a rainy Sunday afternoon to drop off bags requesting nonperishable food items for the Whitewater Community Space, a nonprofit community center that provides free clothing, furniture, books, food and many other items to anyone in need.
Case Study of the Week: The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in Lending
Step into the role of a loan officer at Coopers Savings & Loan. You must explain to another loan officer the importance of emotional intelligence when helping customers apply for a loan.
The Magic of Next: 5-Word Motivation from Iconic Super Bowl Slogan
In the sports and entertainment world, it does not get any bigger than winning the Super Bowl in front of thousands in person and by millions around the world via television and radio.
