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2019-2020 DECA Virtual Business Challenge Round 2 ICDC Qualifiers
DECA congratulates finalist teams in the second round of the 2019-2020 Virtual Business Challenge (VBC). They have earned the opportunity to compete at the DECA International Career Development Conference (ICDC) this spring in Nashville, Tennessee.

Partner with Purpose: Developing Partnerships for a Stronger DECA
For your DECA chapter or association to thrive, it is valuable to find individuals or organizations that can help you achieve your mission and goals. Forming partnerships allows multiple groups to receive benefits while also contributing to the greater good of their respective markets.

DECA's 2020 Certified School-based Enterprises
Congratulations to the DECA School-based Enterprises (SBEs) that earned a 2020 Chapter Certification! The SBE Chapter Certification program continues to grow each year. This year the project experienced an 8% increase in participation with 560 entries received.

Chatham Charter DECA's 3 Keys to Membership Success
Chatham Charter, a high school of 200 students, has a DECA chapter with 60 paid members - over one-fourth of the student body! However, these astonishing numbers didn't happen on their own. I'm going to share with you our three main tactics for membership campaign success.

How to Choose Your College Major in One Hour or Less
Many high school students agonize over which major they should choose. But, laboring over a decision and making the decision are two different tasks. Which means you’re making more work for yourself! Use this simple how-to guide for you to choose your college major in one hour or less.

Tell Your DECA Story in 4 Easy Steps
The next opportunity to advocate for DECA is here as February is Career and Technical Education Month®! During this month we will raise awareness and celebrate the value of Career Technical Education (CTE) and the accomplishments of DECA members around the globe!

CTE Lingo: Key Terms to Know
It's Career and Technical Education Month® and you may suddenly find your social media feed full of new terms and acronyms. Don't get overwhelmed! Here are the top terms you need to know to be part of the #CTEMonth conversation and help advocate for DECA and career and technical education.

Rock the DECA Exam
It’s competition season! While this can be a nerve-racking time, it is also an excellent opportunity to fine-tune your skills. I know one thing that I consistently struggled with when competing was the exam requirement for many events. Here's what I've learned.

DECA Direct Magazine: Finance
The Finance Issue will help you take your finance game to the next level. From saving and investing to budgeting and fundraising, you'll find it here. The issue also features resources and ideas to help your chapter prepare for Career and Technical Education Month® in February.

The Best Apps for Your #FinanceGoals
A new year means new resolutions, and there’s no better way to kick-off the new decade than taking charge of your financial future. Whether your financial goals this year include getting started with investing or simply creating your first budget, there’s an app for that!

Fundraise Your Way to ICDC
Fundraising often gets a bad reputation for being too hard or not producing the desired outcome. However, by following the six keys to fundraising, you will soon find yourself with money to fund your chapter’s trip to ICDC.

Personal Finance 101
I’ll be honest… Money management is a skill that took me a long time to acquire. I used to be the type of person that would get lunch money from my parents and spend it all on Gushers from the cafeteria...

Where to Start During Tax Season
Earned wages, tracking hours and spending summers lifeguarding at the pool come with the inevitable: taxes. Interview with Steve Brown, CPA and Founder of Brown and Maguire CPAs, PLLC., reveals the key things to know as you file.

Case Study of the Week: Encouraging Guests to Return and Spend More Money
Step into the role of sales manager at Covington Hotel – Blossom City, a full-service hotel located in a city of 100,000 people. The general manager of the property wants you to create a targeted email promotion that will attract past profitable customers.

Pursue Your Profession
If you’re graduating and searching for what’s next, consider a career in residential property management. The RPM industry is hiring talented, creative and passionate people to help provide homes and create communities for 44 million Americans.

Understanding Credit Cards
Getting a credit card can seem magical—you can buy the things you want without needing cash. But if you don’t manage them correctly, credit cards can make your money disappear.

Case Study of the Week: Funding Options for Small Businesses
Step into the role of the owner of Mobile Jewels, an online company that sells accessories for mobile phones. You were able to start the company with your savings and have used it for purchasing supplies, tools, packaging, and a lease on a small workspace.

Congratulations to DECA's 2022-2023 Scholarship Recipients
DECA is pleased to announce the 2022-2023 scholarship recipients. Each year, DECA and its corporate partners award over $200,000 in scholarships to DECA members. Congratulations to this year’s recipients!

Case Study of the Week: The Need for an Accountant
Step into the role of a staff accountant working at Financial Business Solutions, a financial service provider for businesses and organizations in the community. A potential client is meeting with you to determine if services are needed.

Case Study of the Week: Expanding Clientele with New Products and Services
Step into the role of the general manager at Keys & Strings, a local business that provides private string instrument and piano lessons along with various instructional books and sheet music. The owner of the business has asked you to identify additional products and/or services the business can offer that would build clientele and demonstrate how to effectively market the new offerings.

Congratulations to the 2022-2023 Leadership Passport Recipients
Congratulations to the 2022-2023 Collegiate DECA Leadership Passport Program recipients! The Collegiate DECA Leadership Passport Program encourages associations, chapters and individual members to plan activities and participate in events that enhance the experiences of members.

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.