Last week, PA Chamber Director of Government Affairs Neal Lesher spent the week on the campus of Lycoming College in Williamsport, participating as a Company Advisor at Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week.  As a Company Advisor, Neal mentored a company of 20 students by supporting, educating, and empowering them throughout the week.

Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week is an intensive program that educates high school students about the American free enterprise system, providing a life changing opportunity for nearly 2,000 students each summer through five week-long camps.  Student companies simulate the actual operation of their own business for the equivalent of three years utilizing a computer program called BizSim.  Students make decisions about what price to sell their product for, how many units to produce, and where to spend their money (marketing, expanding plant capacity, product development, quality management, etc.).  Through the game, students compete for top Return on Equity and top Management Score.  On the final day, students deliver a stockholder’s presentation, using the results of their BizSim decisions, and a marketing presentation, showcasing their creative marketing strategies for their product.

The week also includes motivational speakers and interactive learning exercises, creating a one-of-a-kind real-life educational experience for eager students. Students grasp the value of teamwork, cooperation and leadership, and are provided with an invaluable opportunity to develop communication skills.

Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week is made possible through generous donations from individuals and businesses across Pennsylvania.  The PA Chamber is proud to support this amazing program alongside many of our member companies.