Last week, PA Chamber Vice President 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, an intensive program that educates high school students about the American free enterprise system.  As a Company Advisor, Neal mentored a company of 18 students by supporting, educating, and empowering them throughout the week.

Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week provides life changing opportunities for nearly 2,000 students each summer through five week-long camps.  Student companies simulate the operation of their own business for the equivalent of three years, utilizing a computer program called BizSim. In the simulation, students make decisions about product pricing, unit production, and how to spend their money (marketing, expanding plant capacity, product development, quality management, etc.).  Throughout the week, students compete in areas including top Return on Equity and top Management Score.  On the final day, students deliver both a stockholder’s presentation using the results of their BizSim decisions, and a marketing presentation, showcasing their creative marketing strategies for their product.

Neal’s students found success through their hard work, beating out 20 other companies for the highest Return on Equity.  They also received an honorable mention (top 5) for their stockholder’s presentation.

PFEW highlights also include motivational speakers and interactive learning exercises, for a once-in-a-lifetime educational experience. 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.