Enactus finishes in top 12 at nationals

  Monday, May 11, 2015 2:00 AM
  News

Pittsburg, KS

Another successful year for Pittsburg State’s Enactus group culminated in its highest ever finish at national competition.

The Pitt State team finished in the top 12 out of 181 teams at this year’s Enactus United States National Exposition, the highest the team has placed since the competition’s global restructure in 2001.

“We had an amazing team this year,” said 2014-2015 President Danielle Ackermann. “Our presentation was very good, the speeches were great and we were prepared to succeed. There are so many seniors on this year’s team, and it was great to perform so well in our final year.”

Along with its high finish in competition, the Pitt State Enactus team was awarded more than $7,000 in prize money for success in various projects throughout the year. The team received $4,000 for being a national finalist for the Partnership Grant, and another $3,200 in project-related prize money.

“We were very busy this year and accomplished many great things through our projects,” said Adviser Suzanne Hurt. “I’m very proud of the time and effort our team put into the projects this year.”

The Enactus students conducted four major projects this year, projects for which more than 7,378 volunteer hours were given. More than 81,000 people were impacted by the projects, Hurt said.

The biggest project is the student-run Krimson Kultuur store in downtown Pittsburg, which generated $25,000 in revenue this year.

The ongoing Suit Up for Success and Community Employment Program both enjoyed continued success this year, as well. Also, through its Enactus Business Consultation program, the PSU team helped local business Odd Duck Soaps increase revenue by more than 285 percent.

Enactus has also begun an effort to establish a sustainable recycling program in the community, with the help of a $1,500 grant from the AB InBEV Better World Project Partnership.

“Our efforts all center around making positive differences for our community, its residents and the economy,” Ackermann said. “We feel like we have found successful ways to make those difference, and it’s a wonderful feeling to help people in this way.”