Students from the Eccles School’s Phi Beta Lambda club had an excellent showing at the 2015 state competition.
The U.’s chapter of the club — which is basically the college version of Future Business Leaders of America — earned three chapter-wide honors: 1st place for Largest Increase in Chapter Membership and 2nd place for Largest Chapter Membership, Largest Percent Increase in Membership and Outstanding Chapter.
“Our students showed really well at the state competition,” said Alayna Willaimson, the group’s adviser, who also was named Outstanding Adviser for the year. “Even when a student didn’t place, the judges were really complimentary. The students did a good job and were impressive. They prepared really well.”
The competition does take work, but the lessons learned are worth it.
“You learn critical thinking skills and how to deliver an impromptu presentation well,” said David Sagae, a freshman in business management. “It helped me improve my analysis skills as well.”
His fellow club member, McKay Anderson, a sophomore in finance, added that “it forces you to act confident, even if you aren’t expecting a question.”
The competition also taught people skills.
“We’re all pretty Type A personalities, and you learn how to work with each other and execute your presentation,” said Caitlin Steed, a freshman in accounting.
The students all had praise for Williamson, who has been undergoing cancer treatment. Regardless, she would make herself available and provide the guidance the students needed.
“She’s been a great resource and really supportive,” said Noah Beery, a freshman in business administration.
Williamson said she was proud of how well the students shouldered responsibilities. The club hosted an FBLA event earlier this year, and the students had to run it the day of the competition because Williamson was in treatment.
“I try to give the students the opportunity to shine,” she said. “I mentor them, but I let them pursue the opportunities they want to pursue. I try to interact with them, but in a hands-off way.”
Eleven of the club’s 24 members competed in the state competition, and 10 of them qualified for the national competition, held in Chicago from June 24-27.
Here is a list of University of Utah chapter members who won at the state competition:
Accounting Principles | Trenton Yamashita | 3rd place
Business Communication | Kay Yamada | 4th place
Business Communication | Alexandria Haslam | 5th place
Business Decision Making | McKay Anderson | 2nd place
Business Decision Making | Noah Beery | 2nd place
Business Ethics | McKay Anderson | 2nd place
Business Ethics | David Sagae | 2nd place
Business Presentation | David Sagae | 3rd place
Business Presentation | Mary Diamond | 4th place
Business Presentation | Caitlin Steed | 4th place
Client Service | Kay Yamada | 2nd place
Client Service | Caitlin Steed | 4th place
Contemporary Sports Issues | Trenton Yamashita | 2nd place
Contemporary Sports Issues | Noah Beery | 3rd place
Cyber Security | Ian Bradley | 4th place
Economic Analysis & Decision Making | McKay Anderson | 2nd place
Financial Concepts | Trenton Yamashita | 3rd place
Future Business Executive | David Sagae | 2nd place
Impromptu Speaking | Hayden Howlett | 1st place
Impromptu Speaking | McKay Anderson | 3rd place
International Business | Hayden Howlett | 1st place
International Business | Ian Bradley | 2nd place
Macroeconomics | Hayden Howlett | 4th place
Management Analysis & Decision Making | Noah Beery | 1st place
Management Analysis & Decision Making | David Sagae | 1st place
Management Concepts | Kay Yamada | 5th place
Marketing Analysis & Decision Making | McKay Anderson | 2nd place
Marketing Analysis & Decision Making | Mary Diamond | 2nd place
Microeconomics | Hayden Howlett | 2nd place
Organizational Behavior & Leadership | Kay Yamada | 1st place
Organizational Behavior & Leadership | Mary Diamond | 2nd place
Personal Finance | Trenton Yamashita | 4th place
Public Speaking | Hayden Howlett | 2nd place
Statistical Analysis | Hayden Howlett | 1st place
Strategic Analysis & Decision Making | Alexandria Haslam | 2nd place
Strategic Analysis & Decision Making | David Sagae | 2nd place
Parliamentary Procedure | Ian Bradley | 1st place
Parliamentary Procedure | Alexandria Haslam | 1st place
Parliamentary Procedure | Caitlin Steed | 1st place
Parliamentary Procedure | David Sagae | 1st place
Small Business Plan | Mckay Anderson | 1st place
Small Business Plan | Noah Beery | 1st place