FBLA Region 21 Leadership Workshop Empowers Young Entrepreneurs at East Stroudsburg University

FBLA

Posted by: Elizabeth Richardson on October 23, 2024, No Comments

On October 17, 2024, 79 students and 13 school advisors from 10 regional schools gathered at East Stroudsburg University for the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Region 21 Leadership Workshop, hosted by ESU’s Division of Economic Development and Entrepreneurship. The workshop provided aspiring young entrepreneurs with opportunities to develop their leadership skills, connect with business professionals, and showcase their innovative ideas.

The event began with a networking breakfast sponsored by Lorna J. Hunter, Ph.D., vice president of enrollment management, setting the stage for a day of learning and inspiration. The students were welcomed by Dr. Hunter; Patrice Dume, director of the business accelerator and entrepreneurship; and Sylvester E. Williams, JD, dean of the College of Business and Management.

Dume also served as the moderator for a panel discussion featuring three distinguished speakers: Chris Barrett, president and CEO of the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau; Jonathan Weber ’14, founder and CEO of Marathon Studios, Inc., AbuselPDB, LLC, and TickCheck, LLC; and Alexa Villafana, a student entrepreneur and creative director of Network Exchange Magazine. They shared their experiences in business and provided valuable insights on overcoming challenges and building successful ventures.

The highlight of the day was the “Made in the Poconos” Business Pitch Competition, where teams from Jim Thorpe, Lehighton, Palmerton, Pleasant Valley, Pocono Mountain East, Pocono Mountain West, Stroudsburg, and Weatherly High Schools along with the Jim Thorpe LB Morris and Jim Thorpe Penn Kidder, Middle Schools competed for the coveted 2024 Innovator of the Year Award. This award recognizes students who present a fresh and innovative business idea, demonstrating entrepreneurial thinking with viable solutions for the community and beyond.

Judged by Dr. Williams; Doug Engler, regional manager to Lehigh Valley, for Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania; and Leigh Fennie, business consultant at the University of Scranton Small Business Development Center; the competition showcased impressive talent and creativity. Lehighton High School emerged victorious for the second consecutive year, claiming the 2024 Innovator of the Year Award with their business concept, “Mountain Mapper.” This innovative idea aims to improve safety, enhance traffic flow, and assist in locating missing persons and equipment in real time.

Lehighton’s win follows their 2023 success with “Backseat Driver,” an app designed to combat distracted driving and enhance road safety.

“The level of creativity and problem-solving displayed by these young leaders is truly inspiring,” said Dume. “The Mountain Mapper idea showcases the potential students have to make a significant impact, not only in business but within the community.”

The workshop continues to be a vital platform for nurturing the region’s future business leaders, equipping them with the skills and experiences needed to thrive in today’s entrepreneurial landscape. ESU has hosted the FBLA Region 21 Leadership Workshop since 2016. For more information about FBLA Region 21 and future events, please contact Michael Moreno, manager of the entrepreneurial leadership center, at mmoreno4@esu.edu or (570) 422-7995.