Higley High School Seniors Win 1st in Statewide Business Analysis Contest
(Gilbert, AZ) (June 26, 2013) – Higley High School seniors, Matthew DiBiase and Isaiah Gurule, were recently awarded first place in the Arizona (DECA) Business Services Operations Research Event. Their work on analyzing and recommending strategic changes to the Gilbert Postal Connections of America (PCA) store’s existing website was also honored with $500 college scholarships to each student by Gilbert PCA for their upcoming studies at the University of Arizona (U of A).
Working with store owners Kevin and Kathy Dorer, the students prepared and distributed customer surveys, conducted a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis of the store’s website and provided recommendations on how the website could be re-structured. Their work resulted in creating a dynamic web design to more closely support the store sales and business goals. Kathy, who is also a teacher at Higley High School, supervised the student project following DECA’s national format.
“Running a small business is time consuming and there are often more tasks to accomplish then there are hours in a day,” explains Kathy. “Their winning entry provided us with valuable feedback on how to update our online information and image to help grow our business.”
The 23-page report also included a recommended strategic plan, cost analysis and proposed timeline.
“The project gave me great insights into the business world that will help me as I move forward with college hopefully as an entrepreneur,” said Gurule. “I am very proud to have won first place in this DECA competition.” Gurule, who will attend U of A in the fall, plans to study medicine and hopes to operate his own anesthesiologist practice someday.
“Working with the Dorers was valuable and allowed me a glimpse of how to operate in the business world,” said DiBiase. “The scholarship will certainly help with the many college expenses that we will incur.” DiBiase, who will be roommates with Gurule, plans to study business, science and medicine at U of A.
With their winning Arizona entry, the two students attended the recent International Conference held in Anaheim, CA, and were among 1,900 of the most intelligent and outgoing business students from across the U.S. who were in attendance.
The Gilbert PCA store is located at 2473 S. Higley Road, Suite 104, Gilbert, AZ 85295. The telephone number is (480) 840-3511. The website is: www.mypostalconnections.com Email: pca178@postalconnections.com
About Postal Connections of America:
Postal Connections is a growing franchise chain of postal, shipping and business services stores, with its newest stores in Orland Park IL, Vero Beach FL, and Modesto CA. Stores operate to make life easier for people on-the-go and small businesses by offering shipping alternatives, packaging, freight, printing and copies, mail receiving, inkjet, toner and laser cartridges, notary, fax, and a unique variety of online buying and selling services.
Postal Connections of America is a network of 50franchise stores nationwide and is a sister-chain with 20 iSold It on eBay stores. The franchises are headquartered in Frisco, TX and can be found at www.postalconnections.com and www.877isoldit.com or call 1-800 POSTALS (767-8257).
