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Four Lincoln Trail College Future Business Leaders of American Collegiate students earned seven awards at the FBLA State Leadership Conference in Effingham. Additionally, a Lincoln Trail College alumnus was recognized at the event.
Madisyn McIntosh placed first in Foundations of Management. Vasco Bernardes placed second in Sports Management and Marketing and second in Foundations of Communications. Krista Phillips placed third in Foundations of Marketing.
Faith Shull, Bernardes, and McIntosh took first in the State of the Chapter competition. That competition asks students to describe the chapter’s program of work and summarize a year of activities. It covers things like recruitment, fundraising, leadership development, career exploration and preparation, and community service.
The team of Shull, Phillips, and McIntosh took first in their Community Service Project. They used the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program as their project. LTC’s FBLA chapter assisted residents with their taxes from February through April. The VITA program offers free tax assistance to low-to-moderate income, elderly, limited English-speaking taxpayers, and those with disabilities. Altogether, LTC completed 57 returns and processed more than $54,000 in refunds.
All four students will represent LTC at the FLBA’s National Leadership Competition in Orlando, Fla. this summer.
Meanwhile, Koert Mehler (’16) was named the Illinois Future Business Leaders of American Collegiate Businessperson of the Year. Mehler is a commercial lender for First Robinson Savings Bank. He is also the owner of The Woods Bar and Event Center and Your Flower Basket. LTC business students visited the Event Center in the fall where Woods talked about opening the facility with his wife Sarah in 2021 and about the importance of research before putting money into a project.
“His dedication, leadership, and entrepreneurial spirit have left quite a mark on our FBLA community,” said LTC FBLA Advisor Amie Mayhall. “Congratulations, Koert, and thank you for being a mentor to business students, opening your business for students to learn and experience, and sharing your journey with us!”
Mayhall also thanked First Robinson Savings Bank. “Your commitment to fostering young business talent is commendable. Another amazing FRSB employee, Harlei Payne, deserves recognition as well. Her expertise, experience, and time have been instrumental in helping us to set up the VITA tax program at LTC. Thank you, Harlei, for your dedication and helping to empower our students. People like Harlei and Koert truly make a difference in lives and their community.”
They were not the only people from Lincoln Trail College represented at the state conference. Illinois Eastern Community College and LTC Director of Marketing and Public Information Chris Forde was one of the featured speakers at the conference. Forde talked with students across the state about the fundamentals of effective social media.
