The Sales and Marketing Executives of Sioux Falls (SME) members work hard every year to provide support to Youth Business Adventure (YBA) so that youth from South Dakota can participate in the summer camps organized by YBA.  In May over $16,000 was given to YBA to benefit and scholarship students in the program where training in business concepts is the primary focus. 

SME received letters of thanks from the following youth who were attendees at the annual Youth Business Adventure camps in June. 

Dear SME:

This past week I attended YBA in Vermillion, SD.  I would personally like to thank you for sponsoring this event and giving myself and my peers the opportunity to experience YBA.  Without your help this event would not have been possible.  Over the week, I was given the chance to see multiple sides of the business world. YBA was filled with everything from financing a business to creating a product and commercials.  In our companies, we also created a logo for our product, persented a company cheer, and created a presentation for our "investors".  These business related activities that I took part in only strengthened my desire to major in business in college.  I still don't know exactly what I want to do, but YBA helped me realize this is something I want to do in my life.  Not only was YBA hardwork, but it was also a lot of FUN!~  Throughout the week I met so many great people and got to create many new friendships.  The week here at business camp I will never forget and I will recommend other students who are interested in business to attend.  Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

Sara Wiederrich, Washington High School, Sioux Falls, SD

Dear SME:

Thank you so mich for sponsoring YBA and helping it be as good as it was.  YBA has helped me test the waters of business and having a career in it.  I had a really good time learning here at YBA and have to thank you for helping make it possible.

Max Grimsham,  Todd Country High School, Mission, SD

Dear SME:

Thank you so much for sponsoring YBA.  YBA was extremely beneficial because I learned so much about business and I plan to use what I learned in the future.  I really enjoyed all of the speakers.  It was a lot of fun to dress up the last day for the banquet.  I also enjoyed preparing for emerging entrepreneur.  I learned some business do's and don'ts.  I also learned how to create a product and get the product invested in.  I plan to go to business agriculture school and take over my dad's company and to also start other ones.  Chris, my CA, taught me so much about business he was probably the best CA there.  My attitude for business is a lot better because of him.  I would recommend the YBA program to every studnert.  They would have a lot of fun if a lot of kids from their home town go. 

Sincerely,

Alex Meine, Yankton High School, Yankton, SD

Dear SME:

Thanking you from the bottom of our hearts for sponsoring us and making this phenomenal week possible!  This has been a very beneficial week and we have learned so many aspects of the business world.  Throughout the week we had many speakers which makes names hard to remember.  However, two names that stand out are David Williamson and Duane Salonen.  DW is a poet and artist from Central Iowa.  He was very creative, taught us a lot and gave a very wise quote most of which he actually created himself.  I also enjoyed being chief Financial officer, walking into the investor meeting and leading the management team in selling our product and getting the investors to invest.  Here at YBA I learned that networking is important, good relationships should be made and can even easier be broken.  We also learned there is nothing within the free enterprise system of America stopping us from making a product or service, selling it, and making money.  I plan to continue my educatio after high school and attend a business school anywhere west of the Mississippi is a possiblity at this time and I believe YBA applications will help me through this.  My CA has made me realize how fun and competitive business can be.  I enjoyed him very much and would easily recommend this great experience to other students.

Sincerely,

Brady Rust

Dear SME:

Thank you so much for sponsoring me at YBA.  This is a great camp to participate in.  The speakers and learning activities were very educational.  I would very much recommend this camp to other students at my school.

Sincerely,

Ron Weber, Armour High School, Armour, SD

Dear SME:

I would like to thank you for sponsoring the people who come to the YBA program.  This week has been hectic, but I have to say it has been one of my best ones.  Personally, I learned a lot, from developing social skills to learning about how small businesses excel themselves into huge franchises.  But the most important thing I learned all week is to do well, and excel, you have to believe in yourself and the people around you.  Your imagination can take you anywhere, just like your business.  This program was amazing for me and I would recommend it to the world. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Amy Beyl, Rosholt High School, Rosholt, SD

Dear SME:

I honestly want to tell you, it's amazing that businesses like you donate your money.  This business camp was amazing.  It allowed me to learn so much.  Intuition and vision help businesses strive.  Creativity is major in the business field.  We turned a Dar Hinge into a beauriful butterfly.

Sincerely,

Matthew Fowler, Tea Area High School, Tea, SD

Dear SME:

I want to thank you with all my heart for investing in my education.  I must say your investment was a great investment.  YBA was fantastic.  I learned so much at YBA, like managing a group of 12 people and getting everyone involved.  The staff is very kind, and the food was gerat.  I hope you keep investing in YBA'S students.  The program will create great leaders.

Sincerely,

Leonel Fartan, Madison High School, Madison, SD

Dear SME:

Thank you so muich for having sponsored many others inlcuding myself here at YBA in Vermillion.  The experience we gained has opened my eyes to the true business world and will definately be beneficial in any job field.  The speakers that involved us with questions, skits, and hand motions were fun and knew exactly what they were talking about.  YBA left a lasting and positive impression.  We learned in what ways and the levels of work people put into projects such as the E. E. or the average jobs as well.  Our advisor did a great job with managing the entire groups ideas and opinions.  I'd strongly recommend YBA to anyone.  It was a total blast every step of the way.

Thanks again,

Katelynn Isaacs, T. F. Riggs High School, Pierre, SD