JA Students Ready to Market Gifts at the Trade Fair

Nov. 21, 2011 - PRLog -- Seventy-seven students from four East Hawaii high schools have been working since September to prepare their products for sale at the Junior Achievement Trade Fair this Friday and Saturday at the Prince Kuhio Plaza in Hilo. (November 25 & 26)

The students are part of the JA Company Program and are organized into five company teams, each sponsored and advised by a local business. During the 15-week program, students learn to be entrepreneurs by running their own business. They purchase start-up stock in their company, select leaders, decide on what products they’ll market, manufacture the products and account for all expenses and revenues. The Trade Fair is an opportunity for the public to see what their hard work has accomplished and to purchase their products.

Mākia, the JA company sponsored by HPM Building Supply, will be selling French memory boards, cookbooks and decorated clothespins. Makia’s Jeremy Valdez says, “French memory boards are perfect for displaying pictures, letters and anything that’s worth remembering and cherishing.”

Amanda Cruz of the N.I.N.J.A.S. (“Naturally Innovative Never-Quitting Junior Achievement Students”) sponsored by Big Island Toyota says their company is, “promoting the idea of going green and saving money by producing products that are friendly to the environment.” They will be selling items such as koa zipper pulls, koa key chains and customized lanyards made from environmentally friendly materials.

Lifesavers, the JA company sponsored by Bank of Hawaii, will be marketing recycled decorated notebooks, greeting card calendars, and cookbooks featuring a selection of recipes from local celebrities. Company member Anthony Vizzone, says that Lifesavers’ mission is, “to provide essential tools to improve the quality of life for the betterment of our communities,” and added that in addition to selling products the company will also be performing several community service projects.

I MUA, a JA company sponsored by HFS Federal Credit Union, is selling two products this year.  The first is a greeting card bundle, and the second is a holiday mug including hot cocoa, biscotti, and a candy cane. “It’s a perfect gift for family, classmates, or co-workers,” says company member Robert Saludares.  

Odille Capco is the VP of Public Relations for the HELCO-sponsored JA company Conscious Youth. Capco encourages the public to come to the Trade Fair, “to see our mini 18-inch lighted Christmas trees and Get Fit Kits” which include a drawstring bag, a reusable aluminum water bottle, a hand towel and a get fit booklet including healthy recipes and exercise tips.

A sixth JA company is run during regular school hours at Hilo High School.  J.A.R.S.  (Junior Achievement Recycled Supplies) is also sponsored by Big Island Toyota. Its members will be selling decorative jars that one company member says, “Will brighten up any room!” The mission for JARS is to encourage others to find fun ways to recycle supplies, for a cleaner reusable future.

“This is the only program of its kind in the whole state,” says Lee Wilson, Junior Achievement of Hawaii Island’s board president. “The Company Program is really popular internationally, especially in countries developing market economies. We need to make sure our kids have the chance to develop the skill and confidence to be entrepreneurs in the world market,” continued Wilson.

In addition to the Company Program conducted each fall, Junior Achievement of Hawaii Island teaches business and economics to over 3,000 East Hawaii students, from kindergarten through high school each year. For more information about JA programs on the Big Island please contact District Manager Susan Labrenz at ja-susan (at) hawaii.rr.com or stop by the Junior Achievement information table at the Plaza this weekend, or go to www.hawaii-island.ja.org.