The 2009 – 2010 State Action Team wants to make this a year of growth in membership and meaningful activities. They are looking for colleges and students interested in making a difference within themselves and for others. Help them make this an outstanding year! Click on the picture of an officer you want to send an email message.

Nichole Mohlenhoff, President

Nichole Mohlenhoff is working to obtain her Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management with an emphasis in marketing, at Globe University. She is originally from Sioux Falls, SD and has lived in Boston and Washington DC. Her goals this year through the State Action Team are to develop leadership skills and grow personally through Delta Epsilon Chi, bring more awareness to the organization through chapter membership and business awareness. With the growth of chapter membership, 2009-2010 will be a year to remember!

Brady Smith, Executive Vice President

Brady Smith is enrolled in the Business Management program at South Central College in Mankato. He enjoys the outdoors - hunting, fishing and most any activity that gets him outside. He is active in his community participating in various acts of service through the Knights of Columbus. Brady is the proud father of two beautiful daughters, Chloe-2 years old and Kalyn-20 months. He has worked at a H & R Block franchise for eight years and plans ot own and manage his own franchise someday. Brady looks forward to meeting many of you over the next year as he serves Minnesota Delta Epsilon Chi as Executive Vice President.

Alex Mitchell, Vice President of Public Relations

Alex Mitchell was strongly encouraged to join Delta Epsilon Chi his first year. He I wasn't sure it was for him, yet after learning more about what the organization was all about he knew it would be a good experience. Delta Epsilon Chi has helped him grow professional, given him the confidence to become a better person and strive to be a better person. He is proud to be a member and wants to help others, within the organization and to support the community. Alex is honored to be working with this year's State Action Team and plans to help make the 2009 – 2010 year unforgetable for Minnesota Delta Epsilon Chi!

Kia Adams, Vice President of Chapter Development

Kia Adams is currently a Freshman at the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota where she plans to obtain her degree in marketing. As chapter President, Kia has been instrumental in getting Delta Epsilon Chi active at the University of Minnesota. She was in DECA in high school her sophomore to senior year and held numerous leadership positions including North Dakota State Vice President. Kia received recognition at the International Career and Development Conference junior year for placing in the Top 10 with Creative Marketing Research project – no easy task! Minnesota Delta Epsilon Chi is pleased to have Kia as a member of the State Action Team.

Luke Grabinger, Vice President of Communications

Luke Grabinger is a member and student at St. Cloud Technical College, and has spent most of his life in St. Cloud, MN. He wants to share his mission statement he developed using the Franklin Covey planning pages: I always taking an extra step, whether that is on a road lesstraveled or a well-beaten path. Often greatness lies in taking the extra step when everyone else sat down. I strive to teach others, for then I learn and they become more powerful. I ensure relationships I share with others are held dearest to my heart; accomplishments are empty when achieved alone. Luke enjoys learning and teaching; so he reads for pleasure. He also enjoys math! We are thankful that he can provide his skills to Minnesota Delta Epsilon Chi organization, which has and is developing those skills. Luke says, "For anyone who feels too busy to participate or is wondering about becoming an active member, DO IT! There will be nothing more beneficial to you!"

Thomas van Wakaren, Vice President of Business Partnerships

Thomas van Wakaren is pursuing a degree in Financial Services at Alexandria Technical College. Thomas is from New Zealand and has a delightful accent revealing his home country. In New Zealand he worked in the operation of his families orchid farm. Thomas brings a new perspective to MN Delta Epsilon Chi since he had not been involved in a professional student organization in New Zealand. He coaches one of the Alexandria Soccer teams and brings the teamplayer attitude to the MN DEX State Officer Team . We know you will enjoy meeting Thomas and working with him.

Minnesota at the 2009 International Career Development Conference

Congratulations to all 147 delegates from Minnesota that attended the 2009 International Career Development Conference, April 21 - 25 in Anaheim, California. Not only were the delegates amazing in their events, but Minnesota as a whole was recognized as the second largest number of students. Please take a moment to look through all the awards, certificates, and results from the competition. Again, congratulations to those who were able to attend, you have made Minnesota proud of you! Spring is in the air and it’s time to start getting ready for next year's conference.

Passport Award: Alexandria Technical College

Advisor of the Year Award: Mike Zarn, South Central College

Universal Studios Challenge: Thomas van Wakeren, Alexandria Technical College.

National Management Institute winning team members (they receive cash awards):

1st - John Fode, Minnesota State Technical College – Moorhead
2nd - Daniel Werner, South Central College
3rd - Gertrude Huskisson, Minnesota School of Business – Rochester

Culinary Management Institute winning team members (they receive a Safeway Foods Scholarship):

1st - Sarah Barta, Timothy Born and Anna Larsen, South Central College

ValPack Award of $750 for First Place in Sales Management Meeting:

Ron Krafka, Alexandria Technical College.

Certificates of Excellence are for competitors that earn a score of 70% or higher in the preliminary competition. In Business Simulation events they are use the comprehensive exam and the role play for the 70% or higher.

Click here to see students who received Certificates of Excellence. (PDF Document)

Students Made Their Mark at the State Career Development Conference.

Famous Dave Anderson fired everyone up at the Opening Session of the Career Development Conference on February 17 at the Alltel Center in Mankato! During the session Student Service Awards were presented to:

Amanda Haag, Michalene Kirchhevel, and John Macy – Alexandria Technical College

Alfredo Lopez-Ibarra, Joseph Moen, and Patrick Wirkus – Globe University

Jesse Brandes, Robert Dunbar, and Jessica Maas – South Central College

Luke Grabinger and Ashley Raisanen – St. Cloud Technical College

Kia Adams and Michael Orlando – University of Minnesota

Calvin Beckel, Luke Bergo, and Michelle Haddad – MSC, Southeast – Winona.

Mike Zarn, Chapter Advisor at South Central College, was named Advisor of the Year.

The chapters at Alexandria Technical College, Globe University, South Central College and St. Cloud Technical College were recognized as Diamond Chapters for the 2008 – 2009 year.

Click here to view the Opening Session.

Preliminary competition was held Wednesday, February 18th. Students who advanced to the final rounds were announced at the Mini Awards Thursday morning. The culmination to the conference was the Awards Ceremony Thursday evening. Click here for the listing of the students that were recognized for their accomplishments.

Entrepreneurship is all about controlling resources and taking action with the goal of creating value.

Last November members of Minnesota Delta Epsilon Chi were challenged to form a team to meet an Entrepreneurship Challenge.

The challenge was to create as much value as possible using a recycled cardboard box plus two add-ons. The box had to be a 1 piece box – not a box with a separate cover. The add-ons can be no more than two things to complete the project. Value could be measured at any level the team chose.

Value comes from actually implementing ideas and delivering results. To be successful the teams had to challenge assumptions, seize opportunities, be creative, and Make Your Mark!

Entries were judged on the product title and rationale for the product, projected target market, explanation of the marketing plan, and the amount of risk involved.

The winning entry was "Band on the Crawl" by the Bearson Beaters, Tony Jensen, Ben Asplin, and Christine Ahrens, Alexandria Technical College.

Click here to view the video.

Who do you think of when you read Make Your Mark?

People are making their mark everyday in various ways, think of Susan B. Anthony, who made her mark in the advance of Women's Rights or Rosa Parks, who worked for justice. What about Dr. Martin Luther King working for equality and freedom for all. Mother Theresa certainly made her mark with her caring and compassionate care for the people. Where would technology be today if it were not for Bill Gates? Michael Phelps, this year's Olympic medalist, truly showed us how we can make our mark if we work hard towards achieving a goal.

What is your goal? Are you preparing to Make Your Mark? Delta Epsilon Chi will help you to reach your goals – get involved, stay involved and you will Make Your Mark!