Vol. 17, No. 14, October 4, 2004

IN THIS ISSUE:

This Issue Home Page

The Friday Program: Washington Business Week

Anniversary Dinner Coming

Oktoberfest!

20 Years & Counting With the Brothers Four

Friday Potpourri

New Member Proposed: Michael Ralph

Raffle Update

Web Fun

The Friday Program

Washington Business Week

One of Washington State’s most successful programs will celebrate its 30th anniversary in a few years, and it counts among its staunchest supporters the Bellevue Breakfast Rotary Club. Since 1988, the BBRC has appropriated funds for scholarships to high school students attending Washington Business Week.

Steve Hyer, Executive Director of WBW since 1996, gave members a recap of the accomplishments of the organization. “The Foundation for Private Enterprise Education is the sponsoring entity for Business Week, with a co-sponsorship by the Association of Washington Business. Business Week was created back in 1976 to help high school students learn more about business.”

About 600 high school students from around the state gather on three college campuses for a week-long, intensive study that seeks to teach that profit is not bad. “Students get a hands-on learning experience,” said Hyer. “They really get to apply things they’ve learned during the week. They learn to work as a team. The experience has shown that attendees become better citizens and employees. Business Week is open to any age high school student.”

When they arrive at the collegiate meeting site — either Gonzaga, Central or Western Washington Universities — the individuals are formed into “companies” and remain in that group for the entire week. “The cost of Business Week is underwritten by various organizations. The fee for the week is $295 which includes room and board for 6 days and nights. No student is turned away because they can’t afford it. There’s a fund available to help with tuition costs. Hyer said the true hard cost for the week is $350.

The Distributive Education clubs in Washington require their officers to go to Business Week. Hyer introduced Casey Whitener, a Bellevue High School senior who has attended the last two Business Week sessions.

Casey said, “Business Week exceeded my expectations. I met new friends with whom I continue to connect. The experience changed my view of business to the extent that I’ve enrolled in several business courses and intend to major or minor in business when I get to college. I’m involved in DECA, too. Business Week forms companies of ten people. We attend lectures and assemblies during the day, do research and have company meetings. Business Week truly is hands-on ... much different than regular school.”

Hyer reported that negotiations are underway to offer an additional week at St. Martin’s college in Olympia. In addition to the BBRC, several well-known firms have made Business Week one of their priorities. “PEMCO and Weyerhaeuser are two firms who regularly send their employees to act as company advisors. Each year, we invite teachers to enroll and learn more about business. Everyone likes the small-group meetings where most of the work is done.”

Hyer said it’s a great experience by the adult advisors to watch the personal growth of the kids during the week. “Our program was the first to be established and today, 22 other states have Business Week sessions.” When asked about reaching out to more kids, Hyer said that Australia has a program that is held throughout the year in schools, where 22,000 students get to participate. “For the past several years, we’ve taken our program into selected high schools. It’s been successful, and we’re planning to expand this part of our program.

So, how can we help? Hyer said that continued financial support is vital to Business Week’s success. “Getting employees of your companies to volunteer as advisors is another important way to insure our success. Also, spread the word about the program and let the kids you know about this experience.”

For his presentation, Steve Hyer received a certificate noting that 1100 pounds of fresh food has been donated in his name to Washington food banks.

Our thanks to Bob Holert for his introduction.

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