UnEARTHing Iowa, College of Growth in Iowa
 Joseph Vesterfelt |
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| Rhonda Greenway 
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Chelsea Berry |
After lunch today, we did a business simulation which was really interesting. It was really neat to watch how our business developed over 16 quarters. We adjusted our price, our amount of marketing, etc. It was difficult to figure out how to stay competitive with other companies, while allowing our business to flourish. I realized that the businesses we touched the least were the ones that grew the most. We didn’t adjust prices or the amount of marketing much on our “dairy” product, and it was the one that allowed us the most success. It was interesting to see first hand how businesses in a competitive field compete. My favorite part of the day was our speaker Dr. Roe. He is the President of Central College in Pella. I thought it was really refreshing how he wanted us all to become leaders and to grow. I love hearing people talk who are enthusiastic about what they speak about, and he was definitely very passionate – which made me believe his advice all the more.
I also enjoyed hearing the discussion about financial literacy. I am currently reading “Rich Dad Poor Dad,” and a lot of the financial advice we were given came from that book. I could tell that he was extremely passionate about money and finance, and I realized that it’s really not as complicated as it may seem to become “financially literate” and to make good money. It’s not in what you make in a year, but what you come out with at the end of a year. There is a difference in good debt and bad debt. There is a difference in assets and liabilities, and it is hard to tell the difference sometimes. I think it was a common interest in a lot of my other teammates, and it was very interesting to hear. I would love to become more involved in the other programs associated with this.
To be honest, the best part of the day was not in the discussions, simulations, or the speeches we heard. For me, the best part of today was getting to know the other people involved in this program. The best time to get to know them, I felt, was in a less structured environment where we were allowed to make jokes, have fun, and be ourselves. So far, I have met 22 amazing people who are going big places. Not only do I feel fortunate to know them, but I feel that this experience will benefit me in my future growth – as well as theirs. I have not met one person in this conference that I am unimpressed with, and I am very excited to learn more about everyone and their goals and aspirations. |
Aug 11, 2009 9:14 AM
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Leadership Iowa University is a program of the Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI) Foundation. The program is designed to bring together two ABI Foundation programs, Leadership Iowa and Business Horizons, to create a unique opportunity for college students. Leadership Iowa University will educate, inspire and develop young leaders as the foundation for Iowa’s future economic growth and encourage their on-going involvement in local communities and the state to create a better future for all Iowans. |  |
