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: 1^st place for Largest Increase in Chapter Membership and 2^nd 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 | 3^rd place

Business Communication | Kay Yamada | 4^th place

Business Communication | Alexandria Haslam | 5^th place

Business Decision Making | McKay Anderson | 2^nd place

Business Decision Making | Noah Beery | 2^nd place

Business Ethics | McKay Anderson | 2^nd place

Business Ethics | David Sagae | 2^nd place

Business Presentation | David Sagae | 3^rd place

Business Presentation | Mary Diamond | 4^th place

Business Presentation | Caitlin Steed | 4^th place

Client Service | Kay Yamada | 2^nd place

Client Service | Caitlin Steed | 4^th place

Contemporary Sports Issues | Trenton Yamashita | 2^nd place

Contemporary Sports Issues | Noah Beery | 3^rd place

Cyber Security | Ian Bradley | 4^th place

Economic Analysis & Decision Making | McKay Anderson | 2^nd place

Financial Concepts | Trenton Yamashita | 3^rd place

Future Business Executive | David Sagae | 2^nd place

Impromptu Speaking | Hayden Howlett | 1^st place

Impromptu Speaking | McKay Anderson | 3^rd place

International Business | Hayden Howlett | 1^st place

International Business | Ian Bradley | 2^nd place

Macroeconomics | Hayden Howlett | 4^th place

Management Analysis & Decision Making | Noah Beery | 1^st place

Management Analysis & Decision Making | David Sagae | 1^st place

Management Concepts | Kay Yamada | 5^th place

Marketing Analysis & Decision Making | McKay Anderson | 2^nd place

Marketing Analysis & Decision Making | Mary Diamond | 2^nd place

Microeconomics | Hayden Howlett | 2^nd place

Organizational Behavior & Leadership | Kay Yamada | 1^st place

Organizational Behavior & Leadership | Mary Diamond | 2^nd place

Personal Finance | Trenton Yamashita | 4^th place

Public Speaking | Hayden Howlett | 2^nd place

Statistical Analysis | Hayden Howlett | 1^st place

Strategic Analysis & Decision Making | Alexandria Haslam | 2^nd place

Strategic Analysis & Decision Making | David Sagae | 2^nd place

Parliamentary Procedure | Ian Bradley | 1^st place

Parliamentary Procedure | Alexandria Haslam | 1^st place

Parliamentary Procedure | Caitlin Steed | 1^st place

Parliamentary Procedure | David Sagae | 1^st place

Small Business Plan | Mckay Anderson | 1^st place

Small Business Plan | Noah Beery | 1^st place