Greer High’s Virtual Enterprise Program

PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: Friday, December 12, 2008
Organization: Greer High School Virtual Enterprise Program
Contact: Adam Massey, Program Director/Instructor
Telephone: (864) 355-5731
E-Mail: AMassey@Greenville.k12.sc.us

Greer High’s Virtual Enterprise Program Captures Second Place at South Carolina Business Plan Competition

Every Monday through Friday for the last five months a small group of business executives in Greer has gotten out of bed and suited-up to take on the business world. These corporate warriors all play a key role in the future of our nation’s economy. These business people are accountants, marketers, human resource agents, and web designers. They are leaders, they are entrepreneurs, they are educators, oh, and did I mention they are also high school students?

Greer High School is home to one of the most innovative business education programs in the state of South Carolina. Last Thursday the young business professionals who make up The Switch, Greer High School’s Virtual Enterprise Program, had a unique opportunity to showcase their talent as the program captured state recognition when they placed second in the South Carolina Virtual Enterprise Business Plan Competition. This success gives them the honor of being one of only two schools to represent the state of South Carolina at the National Business Plan competition in New York City in March. Presentation Team members included seniors Amanda Clark and Tripp Young, juniors Stephen Reynolds and Brandon Barbare, and sophomore Leah Edens.

“My team and I have put countless hours into the development of our written business plan and presentation. Virtual Enterprise has allowed me to not only gain vital business world skills, but it has also allowed me to grow stronger as a leader inside and outside the classroom,” said Amanda Clark, CEO of The Switch and senior at Greer High. “My peers have become like a second family to me and a support system on which I rely. Their dedication to this program is amazing – they truly showcase the spirit of young entrepreneurs, and I’m truly proud to be their CEO and part of this program.”

Greer is one of just over 50 high schools in South Carolina that participates in Virtual Enterprise, an international program designed to prepare students for the various demands of the modern workplace. In a simulated business environment, students learn about human resources, accounting, product development, marketing, and sales, as well as website development.

The program allows students to experience, in a simulated business environment, all aspects of being an employee in today's business environment. This workplace simulation enables students to understand how employees, teams, and departments interact with each other and work together to achieve the goals of the company. With links to nearly 3,000 firms around the world, V.E. exposes students to different cultures, business practices, and currencies and gives students a broader international perspective.

Throughout the program, students have the unique opportunity to engage in hands-on applications, problem solving, and written and verbal communication. This experience challenges students to step outside of their comfort zone and push themselves beyond their known limits. No event challenges the students like the Business Plan Presentation in which students must take 8 -12 minutes to present their plan to a panel of business professionals who serve as judges and then spend 8 minutes defending their plan. Questions range from specifics of their plan to the impact changes in the economy may have on the viability of their organization.

“Learning how to put together a business plan, process invoices and read a spreadsheet are important business skills to learn, but just as important is the ability to work with coworkers and present yourself in a professional manner in front of your boss and potential clients,” said Adam Massey, Greer’s Virtual Enterprises teacher. “These students are gaining key skills that will better prepare them for their future career path. They may become doctors, lawyers, entrepreneurs or accountants, but no matter the path they choose, the skills they are learning today will give them a competitive edge that they will carry for the rest of their lives”

In order to prepare the students to put their best foot forward, members of the local business community took time to share their personal insights with the students on key presentation skills such as focus, confidence, vocal quality, and the organization of their presentation. The students were invited to attend meetings of the Palmetto Toastmasters Club by chapter president Ruth Witty. In addition to inviting students to the chapter meeting, Mrs. Witty volunteered her time by visiting the students inside the classroom and making presentations on speaking in front of an audience. Her assistance did not stop there…

Mrs. Witty, who also serves as the Area Manager of Professional Network Connections, pulled together a panel of judges in order for the students to present a trial run of their presentation. Members of this panel included Toastmasters members: Barbara Christ, Oommen John from GE, and Brian Woolf from the Retail Strategy Center. Also joining the panel were Jerry Lieberg of Find Great People, a local recruiting firm, and Shannon Lieberg of Think up Consulting.

“What a joy it has been to work with such energetic, bright, and open young people,” said Mrs. Witty. “They have been like sponges taking in all suggestions, and it is reflected in the student’s attitude and work ethic. I have been most impressed with the gratitude that they have showed to the panel of judges and me through e-mails and calls from each team member. They are exceptional. I look forward to helping them prepare for their national competition.”

From here, Greer High will go on to compete at the National Business Plan Competition on March 23-26 in New York City. The 2009 National Business Plan Competition, providing $25,000 in Merrill Lynch sponsored awards, will recognize excellence and showcase the ability of Virtual Enterprise students from school districts across the country to apply sophisticated knowledge and skills often attributed to college students and business professionals. The competition will also bring attention to this unique, fast growing program that is becoming an integral part of the nationwide school reform movement.
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To learn more about the Greer High Virtual Enterprise Program website please visit their website at – www.ExperienceTheSwitch.com

For more information about the Greer High Virtual Enterprise program, contact Adam Massey, Program Director/Instructor, (864) 355-5731.

For more information about the Palmetto Toastmasters Club, contact Ruth Witty, Chapter President, (864) 990-3273