Findlay’s SIFE Team Wins at Regional Competition

The University of Findlay’s Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) team took first place in its league at the SIFE USA regional competition in Chicago on April 16.

The event was one of 11 SIFE USA regional competitions held across the United States in March and April. Students participating from The University of Findlay were Kenny Klatt (sophomore; Columbus), Austin Wilson (sophomore; West Liberty), Abdullah Alfouzan (senior; Riyadh, Saudi Arabia), Trisha Denniston (junior; Renner, S.D.), Chris Baden (junior; Continental), Madison Hallas (senior; West Nyack, N.Y.) and Alex Kovach (junior; Strongsville).

To enter the competition, students were required to put together a 24-minute video and narrative presentation outlining the projects the team worked on during the past year. A five-minute question-and-answer session followed the presentation, which was judged by business professionals from across the United States. The teams were evaluated based on how successful they were at using business concepts to improve the quality of life and standard of living for those in need.

During the past year, the UF SIFE team has improved local businesses’ profitability and sustainability while simultaneously reducing their environmental impact. Projects were funded through grants from Lowe’s Co. and Sam’s Club. Additionally, the UF SIFE team taught financial literacy at Findlay High School, Millstream Career Center and on the UF campus.

With a grant from Campbell’s, the SIFE team raised awareness of hunger in the community and partnered with local organizations to relieve hunger. In addition, UF SIFE is partnering with Ohio businesses to help African entrepreneurs from Burkino Faso, Senegal, Mali, Niger and Chad to develop business plans.

Gregory Arburn, Ph.D., assistant professor of economics and finance, and Dan Yates, Ph.D., associate professor of business, are the team advisers.

The team will advance to the national level of SIFE competition at the SIFE USA National Exposition May 22-24 in Kansas City, Mo. SIFE is an international non-profit organization active on more than 1,500 university campuses in 48 countries.