DECA Direct | September-October 2015 by DECA Inc.

DECAdirect SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER 2015

www.decadirect.org

DECA DIRECT

WHAT IT MEANS TO #BEDECAEPIC

DECA BY THE NUMBERS

#BEDECAEPIC THIS YEAR

TABLE OF CONTENTS EDITORIAL

Publisher Paul A. Wardinski Editor Christopher Young Managing Editor Janelle Scudder Editorial Committee Jeff Collins, Sarah Williams Advertising Cindy Allen Design Frank Peterson

5 HOW TO MAKE THIS YEAR EPIC

DECA EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

COLLEGIATE EXECUTIVE OFFICERS President Jaimie Thimmesh Ratchie Vice President Savannah Bice Vice President Alura Carbrey Vice President Matt Weingard

7 EPIC CONFERENCE SEASON

THAT’S PINTERESTING

BOARD OF DIRECTORS President Jacklyn Schiller President-Elect Kevin Reisenauer Secretary Pam O’Brien Treasurer Oleg Shvets Members Marsha Bock, Shanna LaMar, Mary Peres, Ryan Witzig NAB Chair Ken DiSaia Ex-Officio Members Tammie Brewer, Wayne Kutzer, Paul A. Wardinski

EDITORIAL CORRESPONDENCE DECA Direct Magazine 1908 Association Drive Reston, Virginia 20191-1594 communications@deca.org

DECA Direct (ISSN 1080-0476) is published four times each year—September/ October, November/December, January/ February and March/April. Copyright ©2015 by the Distributive Education Clubs of America, Inc., 1908 Association Drive, Reston, Virginia 20191-1594. All rights reserved. Annual non-member subscription rate is $5.00. Periodicals postage paid at Herndon, Virginia and additional mailing offices. $1.00 of membership fee goes toward subscription to DECA Direct, a publication of DECA, (USPS 566-200), Volume 4, Number 1. Postmaster—Send form 3579 for change of address to: DECA Direct, 1908 Association Drive, Reston, Virginia 20191-1594.

THE LOST MEMBER’S GUIDE TO DECA DIRECT ONLINE

18 INTRODUCING THE NEW DECA.ORG

13 MEET YOUR HIGH SCHOOL EXECUTIVE OFFICER TEAM

MEET YOUR COLLEGIATE EXECUTIVE OFFICER TEAM

22 CHAPTER BUZZ

SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER | 2015

President Alec Romero North Atlantic Region Vice President Tara Nath Central Region Vice President Ashton FIlburn Southern Region Vice President Tyler McBee Western Region Vice President Marizza “Mitch” Mitchell

WHAT IT MEANS TO

#beDECAepic ALEC ROMERO

HIGH SCHOOL DIVISION EXECUTIVE PRESIDENT

@alecdeca

This year’s theme is BE EPIC, but what does it mean to #beDECAepic? Does it mean being the most involved in the classroom or the most dedicated outside of the classroom? Is it measured by how often you win or how often you participate? Is it based on who can post the

8 30

Stock Market Game begins Piper Jaffray Taking Stock With Teens Fall Survey ends

OCTOBER

9-12 19

MBA Research Conclave, Oklahoma City, OK

Virtual Business Challenge Round 1 begins

DECA diamond? Truth is, all of these can work! There are so many ways to #beDECAepic this year, and the only common denominators are hard work and creativity. This year you can #beDECAepic by taking DECA outside of the classroom and into the real world. Schedule meetings with your local government officials and business professionals to advocate for DECA and its ongoing mission to prepare emerging leaders and entrepreneurs. You can also donate materials and volunteer your time at local charities in your area. Why not work hard to double, triple, or even quadruple your chapter’s membership numbers this year? You can also #beDECAepic by studying hard and practicing even harder for your DECA competition, so that when the time comes, you can hoist some #DECAglass over your head in front of 18,000 members from across the world! Close your eyes and imagine a year from now you’re looking through your old posts and you come across a picture with #beDECAepic on it. Think about what you want that photo to show. There isn’t a wrong answer, but it’s up to you to decide how you’ll #beDECAepic this year. Start now and make sure to record everything you do on Twitter and Instagram, so that next spring you can look back at all you accomplished during this EPIC year.

SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER | 2015

SEPTEMBER

most unique and powerful pictures of themselves while rocking the

What does #beDECAepic mean to you? Share your answer with @DECAInc on Twitter!

HOW TO MAKE THIS YEAR EPIC JAIMIE THIMMESH RATCHIE COLLEGIATE DECA EXECUTIVE PRESIDENT

@jaimie_tr

To make this year EPIC, you need to push yourself (and your chapter!) to be the best and achieve the most. One doesn’t accidentally get a great internship or job, and Collegiate DECA members don’t accidentally receive awards on stage at the

7 9-12 12 15

Early-Bird Registration Deadline for Collegiate Leadership Academy MBA Research Conclave, Oklahoma City, OK

you need to work harder than those around you. The first step to making sure you have an EPIC year is setting your goals. Do you want to be on stage at ICDC or complete the Leadership Passport Program? Perhaps you want to complete a campaign with your chapter? All of these great achievements come with planning.

Collegiate Leadership Academy registration and housing due

What do you want to achieve, and how will you get there?

BE EPIC Membership Campaign Goal— initial online membership submission

Step up to the challenge you created for yourself and work hard, not

The second step to making this year EPIC is stepping up your game. just to check something off the list, but to fully accomplish something that you didn’t think you could. Lastly, I encourage you to make this year EPIC by seeking leadership positions within Collegiate DECA. That doesn’t just mean leadership positions with fancy titles. One can easily help lead their team to success with any role by serving as a support system for their officers, recruiting new members, mentoring new competitors, or sharing ideas on how to help your chapter. Your Collegiate DECA Executive Officer Team knows you want this year to #beDECAepic, and we’re so excited to see what you achieve! Set your goals, step up your game and be a leader for those around you – that’s how you make this year EPIC.

Do you have an EPIC goal you want to achieve this year? Brainstorm and share three actions you can take this year to ensure you meet your EPIC goal at the end of the year.

SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER | 2015

OCTOBER

International Career Development Conference. To achieve success,

NOW TRENDING: #beDECAepic

[1] CATHY DING

@cathyyydingg #DECAELS was a blast! Had the best time with my team at DC #beDECAepic #summerofDECA

[2] ABHISEK SAHOO

@Abhiseksahoo Honored to meet with @repswalwell at the Capitol to advocate for Carl D. Perkins funding for #CTE today! #beDECAEPIC

[3] NATHAN SCARBROUGH @bignatebrighton Another day at the White House #beDECAepic #ELS #tnDECA

[4] MATT WEINGARD

@weingardm Early morning Starbucks run and networking with South Lakes High School member @gavin_b11 before heading to another day of training!...#takedecatocollege #beDECAepic #SummerofDECA

[5] KRIS CONROY

@kristopherc97 DECA ICDC was such an amazing experience and it would not have been possible without this man and his contributions and dedication to the PRHS chapter! #BeDECAEPIC

[6] ROYCE DICKERSON

@roycedickerson Asher and the former officers definitely left some big shoes to fill, but your new Lambert DECA officer team will do nothing but the best to make next year EPIC!! #beDECAEPIC

[7] WINCE WU

@Vincecwu Good grief…are these freshmen, seniors already? I’m getting old. #HuskyDECA #beDECAEPIC #caDECA

[8] MOKSH JAWA

@DECA_Moksh Thank you to DVHS DECA for inviting me to speak at your first annual banquet! Had a great time meeting you all! #beDECAepic

Share your photos all year long for a chance to be featured in the next issue!

[9] TARA NATH

@DECAvpTara “Hey look Tara, we are epic… Can you post a picture of me so I can get more followers?” Words can’t describe how much I love my family #BeDECAEpic

[10] BELLEFONTAINE HS DECA @bellefontainedeca Our first Marketing 2 “family pic” for the year. We are so ready to #beDECAepic.

GET MORE DECA DIRECT ONLINE

How to Get Your Chapter Trending This Year

Get Ready for DECA SBE Week 2015!

http://bit.ly/chaptertrend

http://bit.ly/decasbeweek

Back-to-School Recruitment Ideas for Your Collegiate DECA Chapter http://bit.ly/cdecarecruit

decadirect.org

5 Fundraising Ideas Perfect for Fall

DECA Goes Lean in Entrepreneurship

http://bit.ly/fallfundraising

http://bit.ly/decaleanent

SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER | 2015

That’s HERE’S HOW TO GET STARTED … CREATE AN ACCOUNT

Creating an account is easy! Go to www.pinterest.com or download the app and sign up using your email address.

START PINNING

Pinterest will start by suggesting some boards for you to follow. This is a great place to start finding things that interest you.

Search for other boards that appeal to your interests! This is how to make sure your feed is personalized for you and you’re always seeing relevant content when you log in.

There are thousands of accounts that you can follow and can be both an individual’s account (like your best friend), or a business’ account (like Target). Be sure to follow DECA Inc.’s Pinterest too! Keep in mind that when you follow an account, you automatically follow all of their boards, but don’t worry, you can always choose to unfollow whichever ones do not interest you.

I’m sure almost everyone has heard of Pinterest – the social curation website for sharing and categorizing images found online. What most people don’t know is that Pinterest isn’t just for recipes or DIY projects; it has a practical purpose for your DECA experience and professional life too! Pinterest allows you to discover thousands of articles, blog posts, infographics and more that have been taken from all corners of the Internet. If used correctly, Pinterest can be a great tool to organize your professional ideas and discover new ones too. An example of this superb pinning can be seen if you visit DECA Inc.’s Pinterest page (pinterest.com/decainc)! Personally, I love checking out DECA Inc.’s Pinterest. It is a great resource for finding chapter activities, discovering fundraising events, exploring social media trends, checking out career options, and learning how to ace your competitive event. If you or your chapter doesn’t have a Pinterest page yet, you should definitely consider creating one to store and share all your awesome ideas. That way, you have a one-stop shop for all of your activities, articles, resources, graphics and more!

PIN IT!

Explore your feed until you find a pin that you know you want to reference later. Click on the “Pin It” button and choose which board you want to pin it to.

TARA NATH

NORTH ATLANTIC REGION VICE PRESIDENT

@decavptara

Ready to conquer the competition this year? DECA’s “Competitive Events” board will help you out!

Keep your chapter up-to-date on everything DECA with DECA’s “Chapter Resources” Pinterest board.

■ pinterest.com/decainc/competitive-events

■ pinterest.com/decainc/chapter-resources

DECA’s Pinterest has over 35 boards filled with interesting articles, social media tips, competitive event advice, chapter resources, community service projects, t-shirt ideas and so much more. So next time your chapter is struggling to generate a new idea, project or chapter activity, go to DECA’s Pinterest first and get ready to be amazed with pinteresting ideas!

SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER | 2015

CREATE BOARDS

Boards are how you organize your pins, similar to how folders are used for organizing documents. You can make as many boards as you wish, and can even create secret boards that only you can see.

The Lost Member’s Guide to DECA Direct Online Are you constantly waiting for DECA Direct the magazine to arrive at your school? Well, why wait for the next issue, when you can have all the information directly at your fingertips? Not only can you access the latest DECA news 24/7 on decadirect.org, but you can also find archived materials and a variety of other resources that will make your DECA experience as EPIC as can be. It truly is a one-stop shop to find any DECA information you may be looking for!

ALL ABOUT EVENTS

DECA Direct Online offers a variety of articles that let you see what chapters throughout the organization are up to. Some articles may be giving a shout out to a chapter that has been very active within their community or completed a project to better their chapter. This is a great way to find ideas to help your own chapter excel. Just click the “Chapter Resources” tab on the home page to find recruitment ideas, fundraising advice and even helpful classroom activities for advisors.

MATT WEINGARD COLLEGIATE DECA VICE PRESIDENT

@MWeingard

Whether you’re looking for a sneak peek or a review of a DECA event, DECA Direct Online has all the conference updates you need! From planning and pre-conference updates to live coverage from DECA’s many conference correspondents, you’ll never be out of the loop, no matter where in the world you are. To find conference news, click on the “Conference Highlights” tab on the decadirect.org homepage, and then scroll down to find previews, live conference updates and reviews.

BE EPIC IN EVERYTHING YOU DO

Many other articles on DECA Direct Online are there to help members be college and career ready! Under the “College + Career Advice” tab, you can find information on anything from how to live with someone new in a dorm room to interview advice and even tips on how DECA can impact your employability! Be sure to check out the many articles written by DECA’s corporate and college partners too.

DECA Direct Online truly offers a myriad of resources with just a click of a button, but it doesn’t stop there. DECA Direct Online creates an interactive community for all DECA and Collegiate DECA members to be a part of! You can join in on the conversation by writing your own article and sending it to communications@deca.org to be published online. You can share chapter news, personal tips on competitive events or advice on how to pack for an upcoming conference! The more information we can share with each other, the more EPIC this year can be.

SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER | 2015

INSIGHT FROM CHAPTERS AROUND THE WORLD

DECA BY THE NUMBERS Whether you’re just now starting your EPIC DECA journey or you’re about to embark on your final year as a member, it’s important to understand the incredible organization you are a part of. Take a look at some of DECA’s remarkable achievements and get to know some important facts before beginning your EPIC year.

18,344

225,435 21,160

DECA holds 5 conferences each year for over 21,160 attendees. Turn to page 18 to find out more!

Collegiate DECA holds 2 exciting conference experiences for its members each year Turn to page 21 to find out more!

3,800

There are 3,500 total high school DECA chapters and 300 Collegiate DECA chapters.

DECA has 5 main social media pages

780

Over 780 members, advisors and business partners have signed up as DECA Direct Online Social Media Correspondents since 2013. You can sign up today at http://bit.ly/decasmcsignup.

decainc

Collegiate DECA has 2 unique social media pages

collegiatedeca

17,000 | 25,000 | 6,500 DECA and Collegiate DECA combined have over 17,000 followers, over 25,000 and almost 6,500 followers.

fans

Now that you know more about DECA, are you ready to #beDECAepic? Turn to the next page to learn more about DECA’s programs, conferences and activities to help enhance your DECA experience and make this year truly EPIC.

SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER | 2015

DECA and Collegiate DECA have 225,435 members (as of June 30, 2015).

The 2015 #DECAICDC had the largest attendance in DECA history, with 18,344 members and advisors in Orlando, Florida.

CAMPAIGNS

The best way to set your chapter up for success is by utilizing DECA’s chapter campaigns in your classroom this year! Kick off the epic year during DECA Month in November by completing the Membership Campaign, Promotional Campaign, and Community Service Campaign. You can also enhance your entrepreneurial skills by participating in the DECA Idea Challenge 2015 and completing the Global Entrepreneurship Week Campaign. Keep the momentum going during Career and Technical Education Month in February by taking on the Advocacy Campaign. Strive to complete all five campaigns this year and watch your chapter grow in more ways than one, plus earn spots to send members to the 2016 #DECAICDC! Collegiate DECA has new and improved campaigns to help its members maximize their potential this year too! The Jumpstart Campaign will get your chapter ready for success as you aim to reach 25 members by December 1. Then in February, tackle the Membership Campaign by striving for 15, 30 or 60 more members (deadline February 15)! Finally, advocate for Career and Technical Education in February and complete the Advocacy Campaign by March 1 to highlight your efforts. The Leadership Passport Program will also help guide your chapter’s activities this year and members can receive Individual Passport Program Awards for their specific activities as well!

Every DECA year is incredible, but this year is different. DECA has a lineup of c conferences and more that will make this year truly EPIC. Check out the way

COMMUNITY SERVICE

Part of being a DECA member is also being a leader in your community, and this year DECA challenges you to make an epic impact on yours! Whether your chapter wants to support the Muscular Dystrophy Association, DECA’s longest charitable partner, or create a community service project that is unique to your area, we can’t wait to see what changes you’ll create in your hometowns. Your community service activity can also help your chapter complete DECA’s Community Service Campaign! Be sure to document your amazing efforts and activities this year on social media by sharing photos and more using #beDECAepic on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. 16

COMPETITIVE EVENTS

Are you ready to get some #DECAglass? Get ready to take the stage as you work harder than ever before. The DECA Guide is your complete source for all the information you need to be successful in DECA’s Competitive Events Program this year. Whether you’re competing individually, with a partner or as a team, DECA has the tips you need to be a champion on www. decadirect.org. Utilize your resources, never give up and this year you could be walking away an international winner. Whether this is your first year as a DECA member or you’re a seasoned veteran, you still have the opportunity to make this the most memorable year yet. Create your goals, make a plan and get to work! In a year from now you’ll be able to look back and think, “Wow, that was an epic year!”

CONFERENCES

DECA and Collegiate DECA have plenty of conferences happening this year to keep you and your chapter motivated! DECA’s high school conferences include the Ultimate DECA Power Trip and the Central Region Leadership Conference happening this fall, as well as the New York Experience trip in December. In 2016, get ready for the Sports & Entertainment Marketing Conference and the epic DECA conference – the International Career Development Conference, in Nashville, Tenn., next April. Want to learn more about the high school conference this year? Flip to page 18 for more details!

SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER | 2015

campaigns, competitive event opportunities, community service, ys you can go farther than ever before and start planning your epic year now!

Collegiate DECA members will enhance their professional development skills in the city that never sleeps this fall during the 2015 Collegiate Leadership Academy in NYC. Next April, members will converge in Washington, D.C., to compete for international glory at the 2016 International Career Development Conference. Check out page 21 for more information on these conference experiences. Want to learn more about DECA’s EPIC conferences?

Turn the page ▶

GET READY FOR AN EPIC CONFERENCE SEASON This year, DECA is preparing more ways for you to experience an EPIC year by creating conference experiences that will change your life! Check out what’s in store for you this year and start planning your EPIC trips now.

THE ULTIMATE DECA POWER TRIP November 20-22 | Austin, TX For the first time ever, three powerful DECA regions will converge in Austin, Texas, for a weekend of EPIC proportion. The North Atlantic, Southern and Western Regions will prepare for successful college experiences, discover new career paths, engage with industry professionals, develop leadership skills for inside and outside the classroom, and meet hundreds of new friends from around the world. ■ deca.org/austin #DECAPOWERTRIP

INNOVATIONS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP CONFERENCE November 20-22 | Austin, TX Do you have dreams of seeing your own creation become a real product one day? Do you hope to be your own boss and run a company the way you want things done? Do you have ideas that no one else can even imagine? Then discover how to make all your entrepreneurial ambitions come true! Real world entrepreneurs will share their secrets with you and you learn how to survive in this competitive industry. ■ deca.org/iec #DECAIEC

DECA’S INTERNATIONAL CAREER DE

April 23-26 | Nashville, TN Members who make it to DECA’s biggest international st you network with 18,000 fellow members, compete for i engage with industry leaders from the country’s top org EPIC year. ■ deca.org/icdc

#DECAICDC

tage will not be disappointed. Experience Music City as international glory, develop your leadership skills and ganizations. #DECAICDC is the best way to cap off a truly

November 20-22 | Kansas City, MO Kansas City may be home to advertising agencies, H&R Block, Hallmark and Google Fiber, but come November it will also be welcoming thousands of eager DECA members from the Central Region, ready to learn, explore, engage and create! Don’t miss your chance to get a leg up on the competition, network with members and business leaders and create EPIC memories for your year. ■ deca.org/crlc #DECACRLC

DECA NEW YORK EXPERIENCE December 2-6 & 9-13 | New York City, NY It’s the concrete jungle where dreams are made of and this winter, you can experience New York City in a whole new way! Engage with leaders and professionals from today’s top industries such as fashion, sports marketing, finance and hospitality. See some of the world’s most famous landmarks and develop your leadership skills as you navigate the city that never sleeps. ■ deca.org/nye #DECANYC

DECA SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT MARKETING CONFERENCE February 3-7 | Orlando, FL Interested in the fast-paced world of sports and entertainment marketing? Discover the in’s and out’s of these incredible industries from true business leaders representing Orlando’s biggest sports teams and entertainment venues, like Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. Amazing activities like a performance from the Blue Man Group and afternoons in the theme parks make this DECA conference one EPIC trip.

SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER | 2015

EVELOPMENT CONFERENCE

CENTRAL REGION LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

■ deca.org/sem #DECASEM What are five reasons why attending any of DECA conferences this year would be an educational benefit to you? What do you plan to gain while at your favorite conference?

COLLEGIATE CONFERENCES

This year, Collegiate DECA is preparing more ways for you to experience an EPIC year by creating conference experiences that will change your life! Check out what’s in store for you this year and start planning your EPIC trips now.

COLLEGIATE LEADERSHIP ACADEMY November 12-14 | New York City, NY Discover the professional side of New York City as you engage with business leaders in various industries from marketing and fashion to finance and sports. Attendees will also fight for the gold in the case study competition and learn to work as a team to impress the judges. This is one NYC trip you cannot afford to miss. ■ deca.org/cla #DECACLA

April 16-19 | Washington, D.C. Collegiate DECA members will meet in D.C. for the chance to earn international glory as they compete against hundreds of other members from around the world. Professional Development Academies encourage attendees to dive deeper into the industry of their choice and learn from professionals on how to be successful after graduation. Engaging speakers, amazing experiences and memories to last a lifetime all await you during #DECAinDC.

SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER | 2015

INTERNATIONAL CAREER DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE

■ deca.org/colicdc #DECAinDC 21

EXPERIENCE

THE NEW DECA.ORG It’s hard to believe that in less than five years a website can become outdated, but in today’s rapidly-changing technology space, just one year can be the difference between cutting edge and ancient. When DECA Inc. set out to redesign deca. org in the spring of 2014, DECA had some pretty specific guidelines in mind to create the perfect user experience for its visitors by implementing best practices in web design. Before even searching for a developer, Christopher Young, DECA’s high school division director and former communications director, had open forum discussions with DECA staff and focus groups about the goals of the new website. The main goal of the new website was to tell DECA’s story in a visually appealing way, while creating an easy-to-navigate and mobile friendly site that moved visitors to take action. After thoroughly researching beautifully designed websites, intuitive layouts, new technology and more, DECA’s communications team drafted layouts of what the new site could look like. “We wanted big photos and videos to be the first thing visitors saw on our site, and then use vertical scrolling to keep the number of pages minimal, so visitors wouldn’t have to move from page to page to page,” Frank Peterson, DECA’s director of communications, said. 22

Through working groups, DECA staff created sitemaps to form the site’s navigation. Once the groundwork was complete, DECA then developed a request for proposal and searched for the perfect team of developers to put its ideas into fruition. Since DECA had done so much work on the frontend of the project, it could present ideas and plans to prospective developers and receive realistic feedback on the concepts. Here are some of the important components within the new deca.org. CONTENT STRATEGY Content is king, and it must be well structured and organized. DECA created the navigation that organized information in a thoughtful manner. For example, if a high school student wants to see all the high school programs in one place, they can visit the high school page. Or, if a prospective partner wants to engage with DECA, they can see all their options on the partner page. In addition, DECA wanted to engage its members’ voices by embedding social media feeds and creating a conversational tone that used concise, compelling copy and visuals to tell its story. Furthermore, DECA made a conscious decision to limit the amount of text on each page and use large photos and videos instead. LARGE PHOTOS AND VIDEOS Using large background photos, alongside compelling text and subtle parallax effects (when the photo

remains fixed, but the text moves upon scroll), engages viewers and catches their attention, especially with today’s audience engrained in a visual mindset. DECA leveraged its great images of members engaged in programs to show the excitement of being part of DECA. Likewise, the video at deca.org immediately shows the DECA experience: from the classroom to chapter meetings to conferences to competitive events. Rather than read about the DECA experience, visitors can see it through the large photos and videos. OPEN DATA More public and private companies are making data and content available. DECA’s website provides lots of information for its prospective and current members, allowing them to see what the DECA experience holds. While you don’t have to be a DECA member to access the information, you do have to be a DECA member to take advantage of conferences, competitive events and more. RESPONSIVE WEB DESIGN One key trend in website design is responsive web design, which means optimizing the layout for viewing whether it’s on a computer screen, tablet or mobile phone. DECA’s website provides users an experience optimized for their viewpoint, because a computer screen is larger than the screen on a mobile phone.

WEBSITE MOCK-UP

WEBSITE FINAL

“DECA.org is our one ‘employee’ that virtually works 24/7 for the organization,” said Young. “Therefore, it’s important that we make sure it’s able to perform by communicating information, encouraging prospective members to join, compelling organizations to partner with us and most importantly, providing ways for current members to engage in our programs.”

Since its launch nearly 10 months ago, deca.org has helped more than 670,000 unique visitors access more than 5.7 million pages. And, deca.org has received accolades from the association community, winning a Gold Circle Award from ASAE: The Center for Association Leadership. If you haven’t experienced the new deca.org yet, be sure to check it out before starting your epic DECA year.

NOW IT’S YOUR TURN This year’s DECA Professional Selling Event encourages high school members to assume the role of a sales representative of a website development firm. A local small business owner has scheduled a meeting with you because he/she has a desire to reach current and potential customers and wants to hear

SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER | 2015

CALLS TO ACTION Today, websites can’t just be full of information. They have to engage users and convert them to take action. In order to get visitors to deca.org to take action, you’ll notice lots of buttons and calls to action. Visitors can register for a conference, learn more about membership or submit an entry. Thousands have signed up for weekly DECA e-mails by using a simple call to action on deca.org.

your sales presentation to learn how your firm’s website design services can be beneficial to

What are some new technologies that a web site needs to have in order to best serve its customers and organizations?

his/her business. 23

MEET YOUR

2015-2016 HIGH SCHOOL

EXECUTIVE OFFICER TEAM

ASHTON FILBURN

TARA NATH

@decavpashton

North Atlantic Region Vice President

“Your chapter can #beDECAepic this year by striving for incredible membership engagement! Instead of trying to be the biggest chapter this year, I challenge you to try to be the BEST chapter. Membership engagement is key for your chapter’s success.”

“You can #beDECAepic this year by saying that you are a published author. How? Sign up for the DECA Direct Online Social Media Correspondent Program and be a part of the DECA Direct community as you share your chapter’s news and accomplishments.”

Central Region Vice President

@decavptara

ALEC ROMERO Executive President

@alecdeca

“Your chapter can #beDECAepic this year by participating in DECA’s Chapter Campaigns! Participating in these campaigns will push your chapter to grow in several key areas, ensuring your members have an EPIC experience!”

TYLER MCBEE Southern Region Vice President

@decavptyler “The best way to #beDECAepic in the competition this year is by using the DECA Guide! It has all the latest updates on DECA's Competitive Events Program to help you make it on stage in Nashville and take home some #DECAglass.”

What are some ways you can serve your own chapter, whether you’re an officer or not, this year? Think of three ways and share them with your chapter.

MARIZZA MITCHELL

Western Region Vice President

@decavpmitch

“The best way to #beDECAepic in your community is by reaching out to local organizations and making an impact. Try finding a Muscular Dystrophy Association chapter near you and learn how your DECA chapter can participate in MDA walks or other events this year.”

SHOP THESE

AND SO MUCH

ITEMS MORE

SEE IT

WANT IT

GET IT

W W W. S H O P D E C A . O R G

MEET YOUR

2015-2016 COLLEGIATE

EXECUTIVE OFFICER TEAM

ALURA CABREY

SAVANNAH BICE

JAIMIE THIMMESH RACHIE

MATT WEINGARD

@decavpalura

@decavpsavannah

@jaimie_tr

@mweingard

Executive Vice President

“The Leadership Passport Programs are perfect to make the 2015-2016 school year EPIC! While planning your year, use these campaigns as a template to create your chapter’s activities and Program of Work. Start early, plan ahead, and work together as a team to make this year the best one yet!”

Executive Vice President

“Collegiate DECA’s social media helps connect all members to each other throughout the year. Encourage your members to become Social Media Correspondents and share their experiences and accomplishments with over 200,000 readers on DECA Direct Online!”

Executive President

“Collegiate DECA’s membership continues to increase, and this year we are excited to see EPIC growth from all chapters. It is never to early to start making personal connections, so start reaching out to students on your campus and encourage new members to be a part of this EPIC year!”

What are three ways you can utilize your Collegiate DECA Executive Officer Team more this year to help your chapter achieve its goals?

Executive Vice President

“Collegiate DECA’s Competitive Events Program is the driving force behind helping our members BE EPIC! It creates the passion within us that pushes us to be our best and strive for the gold at ICDC!”

SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER | 2015

CHAPTER BUZZ ◀ EAST STROUDSBURG DECA | Pennsylvania Officers smiled for the camera at the first of many summer meetings together.

▲SOUTHINGTON DECA | Connecticut The chapter held its annual end of the year banquet to celebrate the graduating senior officers and announce the incoming team. Mrs. Spinello and Mrs. Brooks, the chapter's co-advisors, are pictured with the 2015-2016 officer team.

▼GRAYSON COUNTY DECA | Kentucky The 2015-16 officer team prepared for an EPIC year ahead at a planning meeting during their #SummerofDECA.

▶NORTH DAKOTA DECA | North Dakota The 2015-2016 North Dakota DECA officer team met with North Dakota's governor, Jack Dalrymple, at the North Dakota Capitol during officer training this past summer.

▼WISCONSIN DECA | Wisconsin The Wisconsin DECA association officer team is ready for an EPIC year! After a successful officer training session held in Madison, Wis., these officers are prepared to make the 2015-2016 DECA year the best one yet.

▲CACTUS SHADOWS DECA | Arizona Rose Capin shared some DECA love during her #SummerofDECA in Paris, France!

▲JOHNSON & WALES UNIVERSITY | Florida JWU’s North Miami Collegiate DECA chapter was front and center recruiting new members during JWU’s three summer orientation programs.

▶APPLETON EAST DECA Wisconsin What’s a #SummerofDECA without a selfie? These Appleton East DECA members are ready to head back-to-school to start their #DECAEPIC year.

◀PARK RIDGE DECA New Jersey Member Kris Conroy took DECA all the way to Germany during his epic #SummerofDECA.

SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER | 2015

▼WEST CAREER AND TECHNICAL ACADEMY DECA | Nevada Members started their #SummerofDECA and a #BeEpic kick-off party, complete with food, fun and chapter planning for the upcoming school year with the new officer team.

CHAPTER BUZZ ◀LAMBERT DECA | Georgia Vice President of Event Coordinating, Laura Hancher, threw up her DECA diamond in front of the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy during her #SummerofDECA!

▲NORTHERN DECA | Pennsylvania Chapter members showed their colorful spirit after their first annual Color Fest. This event was an opportunity to establish school spirit. DECA members sold color packets and t-shirts, and the event raised over $800 for the DECA chapter! Shout out to Mariah Shope, Jena Linder and Rachel Lippy for starting this craze at Northern High School!

▼NEW MEXICO DECA | New Mexico The New Mexico DECA association officers brought their DECA spirit to D.C. during the 2015 DECA Emerging Leader Summit in McLean, Va.

▶WESTLAND JOHN GLENN DECA | Michigan Westland John Glenn DECA officers spend their #SummerofDECA preparing for a terrific year for their members!

▼CYPRESS BAY DECA | Florida Chapter officers had a blast at this year’s DECA Emerging Leader Summit, and no trip to Washington, D.C., is complete without an EPIC photo at the U.S. Capitol!

▲LAKESIDE DECA | Georgia Chapter president, Jenna Grace Cooper, showed some #DECALove at the beautiful beaches of Jekyll Island, Ga., this past summer.

SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER | 2015