Two students from UW-Stout’s American Marketing Association and Business Sales Team earned second place out of 17 colleges in the AcuRite Digital Marketing Strategy Competition at the 18th annual AMA Regional Conference on Oct. 17, at UW-Whitewater.
Gerishom Muholeza, a computer science senior from St. Paul, and Gavyn Schacher, a business administration junior from Minneapolis, were joined by 10 of their UW-Stout peers at the conference, themed Beyond the Brand: Marketing for the Next Generation.
The event brought together students from varying degree programs — including business, sales and marketing, computer science, game design and development, and digital marketing technology — to compete in person, virtually and in hybrid formats. Participants showcased their skills in multiple competitions in marketing strategy, digital marketing, marketing design, perfect pitch and sales scenarios.
“The competition was a fun and thought-provoking assignment that made us think strategically, creatively and logically about how to market to different client personas,” Schacher said. “Our presentation featured a descriptive and in-depth look into each client persona and answered the question, ‘How can we, as AcuRite, sell our products through different approaches and channels?’ We are very grateful for the opportunity to compete and showcase our skills.”
AcuRite is a leading brand for home weather stations, smart environmental monitoring and connected devices.
Schacher, a transfer student, loves UW-Stout’s hands-on approach to learning. “I do feel that has helped me get ready for this, my first competition,” he said. “I enjoyed the exposure to other schools and professional organizations, and I look forward to going back next year.”
Schacher enjoys learning all the different aspects of what goes into a business. “Learning an overall view, I feel like this has made me a better critical thinker, and it has given me actionable steps to accomplish when I am in the workforce,” he said.
Business Senior Lecturer Pam Vaver, AMA advisor, said, “Each student showcased exceptional professionalism, creativity and teamwork throughout the competition, demonstrating UW-Stout’s strength in preparing students for real-world marketing and sales careers. Gerishom and Gavyn’s outstanding performance highlights the dedication and talent of UW-Stout students. Congratulations to all the students for their hard work, achievement and continued excellence in representing UW-Stout at the regional level.”
Additional students who participated were Haley Abrahams, Jordyn Chapman, Melanie Cops, Ella Jarchow, Hannah LaGesse, Sadie Liebelt, Laina Marcott, Helena Slabber, Peyton Wayne and Owen Whitney.
