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Top Story of The Day: On the way to Atlanta
The City of Brazil is in the spotlight at an April competition in Atlanta, Georgia, because of three Northview High School students.
DECA (formally known as Distributive Education Clubs of America) students Mia Bell, Sierra Paul (both Seniors), and Vivian Etling have been busy getting to know local business owners and doing small commercials introducing them to the community and beyond.
Founded in 1946, DECA is an association of marketing students that encourages the development of business and leadership skills through academic conferences and competitions. Its mission statement was to prepare emerging leaders/entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management competence, to use innovation, integrity, and teamwork to build strong communities. The project started in the fall with the girls discussing how they could create something new and exciting for the DECA competition with their sponsor Ben Reed. Learning the backstories of small businesses, and then showcasing them to the community on the Brazil Small Business Spotlight Facebook page was created.
All three girls credit Reed for the idea and his encouragement. They have met many local business people along the way, who welcomed them in to do the commercials.
“It’s very exciting to meet everyone,” said Mia, who moved to Brazil with her parents, Jonathon Bell and Shannon Long. a big city. “I love my new hometown. I have met so many wonderful people here, and I have had so many opportunities.”
Sierra and Vivian agreed.
“I really hate it when people say ‘There’s nothing to do in Brazil, or ‘Brazil sucks!’” said Sierra Paul, whose parents, Elissa and Mathew Paul, also moved into the area. “I love the closeness of a small town, the safety of being in a small town.”
But, they admit they kind of fell for the complaints at first.
“We wondered at first’ “Why are we doing this?’” said Vivian, a sophomore, admitting they have discovered it has been “neat” meeting so many people. “My mom kind of brags about me doing this. I plan on doing it again next year.”
Vivian’s parents are mother Miranda Goodale and Jeff Etling,
Even when they didn’t understand the project’s scope, parental support was vital for all three girls.
After meeting, and hearing the backstories behind the business first-hand makes shopping locally even more valuable to them.
“You might pay an extra dollar to buy something locally, but you find out the service provided to you is well worth it,” said Mia.
The COVID-19 pandemic affected all businesses, and the girls think their project came along at the right time.
“We have lots of opportunities for us to create big local events
The girls recognized the community support of children and student programs by local business owners in their own lives. That makes them excited to return the favor now and in the future.
In March, the three girls were still working on the project at the state competition. They were nervous but confident.
“I felt like we had a chance,” said Sierra.
The Northview High School DECA Club placed fourth, meaning they were going to the International Competition in Atlanta, Georgia. They had a few more things in the project to refine.
School Board Trustee Amy Burke Adams was happy to spread the good news on behalf of the girls.
“I’m helping them find sources of funds to help with travel expenses,” Burke said about the fundraiser, “It’s time to travel to Atlanta.” “I’d appreciate getting out the good word about their success.”
On the Brazil Small Business Spotlight Facebook Page, you can learn how to support the trip to Atlanta or volunteer your business for a commercial spotlight in the future.