Last year was the first year for Collegiate Deca (formerlyDelta Epsilon Chi or DEX) on Millikin’s campus. It was an incredibly successfulyear. We attended several leadership conferences as well as twocompetitions—state competition in Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri and nationalcompetition in Louisville, KY. This was all in addition to managing the footballconcession stand, organizing member social events, and touring and networkingwith businesses like ADM, Caterpillar and Peerless Cleaners.

Last summer, the executive board began building theorganization from scratch at their Leadership Retreat at Starved Rock StatePark in Utica, IL. Earlier this summer, the new executive team had a LeadershipRetreat at Pere Marquette State park in Grafton, IL. Despite the rising floodwaters, out team had a great weekend. We planned and strategized for the upcomingyear and got a chance to know each other better.

As we look forward to the upcoming year, currentmembers and the new executive board are excited to continue building on the foundation that was set last year. We have big plans to improve the concession standwith new food items and specials. There will be even more opportunities tonetwork with businesses and learn more about careers in different fields. Also,we have some great ideas in place for fundraising like TGIF “Tail Gate-It’sFriday!” cookouts on campus. Stay posted because it’s going to be an excitingyear.