Taking care of business

At Niagara-Wheatfield High School, Kevin Schucker's marketing classes each created their own business this year through the Junior Achievement program, which teaches students about owning and operating a real business.

The students learned that teamwork, communication, organization and dedication were crucial in order for their business to succeed.  They were focused on creating a high-demand, quality product and offering it at a reasonable price.

The businesses mirrored real businesses, and students performed tasks such as selling shares of stock for $2 each; electing officers to run certain aspects of their business; designing, producing and selling their product; paying commissions to the students; and liquidating their businesses. As with any business, they encountered several problems and faced some difficult decisions that ultimately provided insights, and practical knowledge of the business world and economic system.

All three businesses were successful and the students not only gained practical knowledge and real experience, but they also received commissions totaling more than $1,800, Schucker said.

• Junior Achievement Company 1 - Prestige Worldwide Inc.: Students decided to sell Niagara-Wheatfield shorts. They sold 175 pairs of shorts and earned more than $3,000 in gross profit. They donated $300 to Charity Water (a non-profit organization that provides clean water to developing nations) and also donated two Chinese auction baskets to local family fundraising events. They also returned $5 per share to their stockholders on an initial $2 investment.
• Junior Achievement Company 2 - RBW 2010: Students decided to sell Niagara-Wheatfield wristbands and lanyards. They sold more than 360 wristbands and 440 lanyards and made more than $2,000 from sales. They donated $400 to Niagara Hospice and also donated two Chinese auction baskets to local family fundraising events. They also returned $5 per share to their stockholders on an initial $2 investment.
• Junior Achievement Company 3 - FalconHub Industries: Students decided to sell Niagara-Wheatfield water bottles. They sold more than 450 water bottles and made more than $5,500 from sales. They donated $500 to the Niagara County SPCA and also donated two Chinese auction baskets to local family fundraising events. They returned $6 per share to their stockholders on an initial $2 investment.