Business competition draws 25 contestants at YSU

Twenty-five Youngstown State University students recently participated in Beta Gamma Sigma’s Second Annual Case Competition at YSU’s Williamson College of Business Administration,

The first place prize of $500 was awarded to Anthony Nakley and Stephanie Virgallito, while the $250 second place prize went to the team of Zachary Hall, Andrew Klapac and Jeffrey Senediak. The $150 third place prize was presented to Racheal Leonard, Mary Rollo, Alexa Coburn and Kelli Dougherty.

“I’m very thankful to have the help of our VPs, Student Government Association, WCBA faculty, and alumni for allowing us to create a hands-on opportunity for students,” said YSU BGS Chapter President Morgan Sanner. “The competition challenged students to use their knowledge and creativity to solve a common business problem, and no two ideas were the same.”

BGS Vice Presidents Dylan Anders, Emily Huggins and Evan Landgraff, along with Sanner, spent the first half of the fall semester planning the event.

The case outlined problems facing Zara, a global fast fashion retailer. Each of the seven teams was tasked with conducting industry and consumer research to create a new business plan for Zara. Teams presented to a panel of three judges comprised of local business professionals: Brandon Sklenar from Packer Thomas; Christopher Allen from Vallourec; and Melissa Maki from the Middlefield Banking Co.