2016 Enactus team advances to nationals

  Wednesday, April 20, 2016 2:00 AM
  News

Pittsburg, KS

The Pittsburg State Enactus team will return to national competition in May after earning a regional championship earlier this month.

The Enactus team, which was named one of three regional champions at competition in Rogers, Ark., will compete next month at the United States National Exposition in St. Louis, Mo.

The competitions include both a written annual report and live audiovisual presentation, through which the teams report the results of the community outreach projects they have conducted. Panels of business leaders serve as judges.

The team finished in the top 12 at nationals last year, and its leaders expect an even better finish this year.

“I think we’re even stronger than we were last year,” said Enactus President Jeffery Yankovich. “Our presentation is very strong, and I think we all have our sights set on finishing in the top 4.”

Much of the team’s presentation focuses on the success of Krimson Kultuur, the Enactus group’s student-run store in downtown Pittsburg. Customer traffic was up by 66 percent this year, an increase spurred by the store’s renovation and expansion.

“The store is really the cornerstone on which everything we do is built,” Yankovich said. “Through the store, we provide job training and internship opportunities, and it is a sustainable funding source for us. It is also a major part of our community and international outreach efforts.”

The store, located at 508 N. Broadway, sells items created by local and international artists. This year, Enactus sent delegates to various countries to foster relationships with artisans whose items could be sold at Krimson Kultuur.

Three students visited Cambodia earlier this year to work with the Pants For a Purpose organization, and one visited Paraguay to build relationships with the artistic and business communities.

The ongoing Suit Up for Success and Community Employment programs both enjoyed continued success this year, as well.

“I think what’s most encouraging about what we do is that we continue to see success and growth,” Yankovich said. “Each year, we find more ways to have a significant impact on our community and the world around us.”

For more information on the national Enactus competition, visit https://www.enactusunitedstates.org/national_exposition.