ISU business students bring home top honors from state leadership conference

The Idaho State University chapter of Business Professionals of America recently brought home five top honors and 18 other awards from the BPA State Leadership Conference held on the Boise State University campus.
ISU students competed against colleges around the state in events that prepare students for careers in a variety of business areas. All of the 12 students who attended earned the right to represent Idaho at the National Leadership Conference in New York City this May.
    “Idaho State University provides a foundation for Business Professionals of America students to excel when competing against students from around the state,” said Dr. Roger Rankin, BPA advisor. “Their commitment, knowledge and service are continually recognized at both the state and national levels.”
The results from the competition are as follows:

•    Kim Russell (Boise) – Placed first in prepared speech and second in medical office procedures.
•    Maureen Anderson (Grace) – Placed first in banking and finance, first in payroll accounting and fifth in spreadsheet applications.
•    Jeron Ricks (Pocatello) – Placed second in administrative support team, fourth in graphic design promotion, fourth in spreadsheet application and analysis and ranked in the top 1 percent of the open event financial math.
•    Tonya Jacobsen (Pocatello) – Placed first in video production team and first in desktop publishing.
•    Brent Russell (Pocatello) – Placed third in small-business management team.
•    Carmen Buttcane (Pocatello) – Placed second in administrative support team and third in presentation management individual.
•    Ashley Tomich (Pocatello) – Placed third in small-business management team and third in basic office systems.
•    Jennifer Walters (Pocatello) – Placed second in presentation management individual and second in administrative support team.
•    Tyler Pearson (Pocatello) – Placed fifth in medical office procedures and fifth in advanced interview skills.
•    Dan Armstrong (Pocatello) – Placed first in video production team.
•    Michael Romrell (Pocatello) – Placed third in small business management team.
•    Natalie Vanleuven – Placed fourth in human resource management. Vanleuven was recognized for her high degree of professionalism and leadership capabilities and has been invited to be the special assistant to the chief executive officer of BPA during the National Leadership Conference. Stanger has been invited to be an intern with the production company. Russell and Romrell have been selected to attend the National Leadership Academy during the conference.

Jacobsen, Armstrong, Walters and Buttcane received the Statesman Torch Award, an award given to those who dedicate time and effort to public service and show a high level of commitment to their communities. These individuals will be honored with the National Ambassador Award, the highest honor for service, which will be presented to them at a special dedication during the conference.

Armstrong was also honored with the Idaho Business Education Association Teacher Educator Scholarship. As the 2006-2007 NBPA post-secondary president, he will preside over the conference. Additionally, he has been invited to attend the National Business Education Association Conference as a special guest.