Fourteen students from Tracy Area High School participated in the annual Minnesota Business Professionals of America (BPA) State Leadership Conference on March 5-7 at the Minneapolis Hyatt Regency with more than 1,200 members competing. During the school year, over 2,000 Minnesota BPA members took part in the organization's competitive events program, allowing them to compete in nearly 70 events focused in the areas of finance, business administration, management information systems, digital communication & design, and management, marketing & communication. The competitions are designed to prepare students to succeed and assesses realworld business skills and problem-solving abilities. After qualifying earlier this year, regional winners put their talents to the test during the State Leadership Conference.
Tracy students worked hard to prepared projects and presentation but did not rank in the Top 9 for competitions.
Opening ceremonies at state included music from SJ McDonald, a country singer who grew up on a small farm in Virginia and now lives in Nashville. On Friday, she conducted small breakout sessions with students to discuss "The Business of Music." Her session focused on creating a brand and marketing herself as a musician. There were also opportunities for students and advisors to speak directly with her. On Friday evening, several members enjoyed a session called "Boots, Business & BPA" where they enjoyed line dancing lessons as well as social and networking time. A few of members also donated used books to a literacy service project that was sponsored by the State Ocer Team.
Students ranking in the Top 3 for judged events and the Top 5 for other events at state earned the opportunity to compete with thousands of top students from across the United States at the 60th Annual National Leadership Conference - the pinnacle of BPA competition - in May in Nashville, TN.
TAHS BPA advisor Stacy Schuh expressed her gratitude to those who sponsored the trip: Shaw & Associates, Ed Carter and Julie Peterson; Moose Mowing; Above The Fold Publishing; Minnwest Bank; and the Tracy Eagles Club.
