2022 Annual Report

OUR IMPACT JULY 2022 | MONTANA

GREETINGS As nearly everyone has proclaimed — the past year was unlike any other. While it disrupted our organization in unimaginable ways and significantly changed the member experience, it was also a period of significant innovation that would position our organization even better for the future. As we present our success over the past year, our leadership team remains steadfast to our mission and core values.

We quickly realized the support our chapter advisors and key partners would need throughout this unique year of remote, hybrid and in-person learning, and we responded promptly with new delivery methods, new programs and layers of support.

The pandemic also challenged us to make significant progress on our strategic plan in an unprecedented quick timeframe with limited resources. Because of the foresight of our board of directors, our talented staff, our resilient advisors, our enthusiastic members and our generous partners, DECA is poised for a prosperous future.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS §

Engaging Our Members

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Supporting Our Advisors

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Championing Our Chapters

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Strengthening Our Partnerships

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Propelling Our Organization Forward

On behalf of the Montana DECA Inc. staff, thank you for your commitment to DECA this past year.

JOHN STILES STATE DIRECTOR MONTANA DECA Inc.

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ABOUT DECA COMPREHENSIVE LEARNING PROGRAM

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OUR MISSION

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STRATEGIC DRIVERS PROGRAM OF STUDY

STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS

Review all dimensions of existing and potential programs spanning the spectrum from middle school through post-secondary.

Engage relevant stakeholders to create synergies that advance DECA’s mission and vision.

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Strengthen value proposition of DECA high school program.

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Develop and strengthen DECA collegiate program in alignment with member needs.

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Evaluate feasibility of middle school program and expand the collegiate program.

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Cultivate relevant industry partnerships to elevate DECA’s reach and impact.

Effectively engage DECA alumni in communicating and demonstrating the value of DECA to prospective audiences.

Leverage strategic partnerships to access and engage underserved populations.

RESOURCES AND SUPPORT

ORGANIZATION STRENGTH

Provide training, information and tools to support advisors at every level.

Enhance talent, technology and communication to support every dimension of DECA.

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Foster a chapter-centric philosophy at all levels of the organization.

Optimize resources to ensure relevance and quality for all DECA audiences.

Ensure support and consistency in the onboarding and training of DECA leaders.

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Explore and implement virtual delivery and engagement systems.

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Evaluate and update communications systems to ensure timeliness and relevance in all DECA communications.

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Cultivate staff and volunteer talent and capacity to deliver on organizational priorities.

Align and strengthen volunteer leadership structures to advance the organization.

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SUPPORTING EDUCATIONAL INITIATIVES

NATIONAL CURRICULUM STANDARDS

21ST CENTURY SKILLS GAP

ENTREPRENEURIAL MINDSET

Reinforce career and academic standards identified by business and industry

50% of graduates are not considered workforce ready by hiring managers

33% of employers are seeking entrepreneurship skills in new hires

FINANCIAL LITERACY

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

TEACHER RECRUITMENT, ENGAGEMENT, RETENTION

75% of students graduate unprepared to manage finances

97% of organizations believe project management is critical to business performance and success

81% of DECA advisors say that DECA makes teaching more meaningful and engaging

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AN EXPANSIVE NETWORK OF EMERGING LEADERS MEMBERSHIP BY THE NUMBERS

GENDER

152,000 3,400 TOTAL MEMBERS

TOTAL CHAPTERS

n Female

54.2%

n Male

44.5%

n Other

1.3%

n Hawaii n India n Indonesia n Japan n Korea n Ontario

n Poland n Puerto Rico n Saudi Arabia n Spain

MEMBERS n 7,500 - 10,000 n 5,000 - 7,500 n 2,500 - 5,000 n 1,000 - 2,500 n <1,000

n White/Caucasian

51.2%

n Latino/Hispanic

12.1%

n Asian

9.8%

n Black

8.5%

n Middle-Eastern

1.5%

n American Indian

0.6%

n Other

16.4%

DECA

Marketing

77.8%

Finance/Accounting

38.8%

Management/Administration

24.7%

Sports + Entertainment

18.5%

Hospitality

10.0%

Entrepreneurship

2.5%

COLLEGE MAJOR

RACE/ETHNICITY

n Alaska n Alberta n B.C. n China n Germany n Guam

BUSINESS COURSE TAKEN

DECA

National

Business/Management

45.1%

14.4%

Marketing/Advertising

21.8%

3.0%

Entrepreneurship

12.1%

3.2%

Economics

10.8%

1.9%

Finance

10.4%

1.5%

Accounting

8.1%

2.9%

Communications

3.7%

1.6%

Hospitality

2.6%

1.2%

DECA

National

Business/Management

55.8%

18.5%

Entrepreneurship Marketing Communications

46.2%

18.4%

41.5%

7.9%

CAREER PLANS

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DYNAMIC IMPACT ON COLLEGE+CAREER SUCCESS 21ST CENTURY SKILLS

COLLEGE + CAREER PLANS

PREPARING THE NEXT GENERATION

98%

97%

73%

69%

92%

91%

of DECA members report they gained skills in problem solving.

of DECA members report they learned how to communicate thoughts and ideas.

of DECA members report that DECA has influenced their career plans.

of DECA members report that DECA has influenced their college plans.

of DECA members report that DECA experiences empowered them to become an effective leader.

of DECA members report that DECA experiences connected school to the real world for them.

86%

98%

91%

66%

82%

76%

of DECA members report they learned how to work as part of a team.

of DECA members report they gained skills to improve personal and professional behavior.

of DECA members report that participation in DECA prepared them academically for college and a career.

of DECA members have an increased desire to own a business.

of DECA members recognized the benefit and responsibility of community service.

of DECA members report they are more interested in attending school.

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NEXT LEVEL

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ENGAGING OUR MEMBERS PROVIDING RELEVANT & INNOVATIVE EXPERIENCES FOR OUR MEMBERS §

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The Game-Of-Life provided a unique, hands-on learning opportunity to connect with industry, learn financial principles, and plan for life’s unexpected.

The Shark Tank Challenge continued. As a premier event of the State Career Development Conference, Sky Federal Credit Union challenges teams to create a service or product, using a revealed household mystery item in just under two weeks.

DECA reimagined an all-new DECA Direct Online in March with new features for the classroom and a digital-first delivery.

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DECA released a new Student Portal, giving members access to participation transcripts, membership news, and more.

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DECA Plus was launched in October, providing members cutting edge competition preparation, 100+ case-studies, and state of the art industry engagement.

Sky Federal Credit Union is the proud Finance Pathway Partner of Montana DECA. We are always impressed with the DECA students and the elected State officers.

Every year we come away feeling excited about what the future holds with these bright individuals.

We are so happy to be part of such a wonderful organization, making a huge difference in the DECA students’ lives, future and confidence as they take that next step. Keep up the great work!

ANNAMARIE DEYOUNG

PRESIDENT/CEO | SKY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

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SUPPORTING OUR ADVISORS ASSISTING OUR ADVISORS WHO ADAPTED TO VIRTUAL, IN-PERSON OR HYBRID TEACHING § More than 1,436 DECA advisors participated in DECA’s first-ever Advisor Professional Learning Virtual Conference in early August, designed to provide resources for the unique year ahead. § DECA’s newly introduced Classroom Connection provided advisors with a weekly lesson plan and resources such as videos, digital classroom activities and seminars. With many on-demand videos, they were clutch for virtual learning. § The complete rollout of the Advisor Mentoring Network provided a formal program featuring a monthly curriculum to help on-board our new advisors while transferring knowledge from our experienced advisors.

The Montana Chamber Foundation knows that it is imperative to support students and come alongside them in preparing to enter the 21st Century Workforce. The Montana Chamber was excited to be invited to be part of DECA’s State Conference in Fairmont earlier this year. It was there that we saw firsthand how DECA is instilling workforce readiness into students as well as equipping them with day-to-day skills that will support them in whatever they choose to pursue.

With workforce readiness being one of the Montana Chambers primary goals, we were happy to support and participate in DECA’s annual conference and are enthusiastic about what DECA is doing to prepare Montana’s students. The Montana Chamber Foundation looks forward to continuing our partnership with DECA every year.

MONTANA CHAMBER FOUNDATION

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Our DECA sponsorship is made possible by Envision 2026 investors supporting workforce readiness and entrepreneurship through the Montana Chamber’s ten-year strategic plan.

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CHAMPIONING OUR CHAPTERS DEVELOPING THE LIFEBLOOD OF OUR MEMBERSHIP BY CREATING A CHAPTER-CENTRIC CULTURE §

DECA Plus provided members on-demand resources, including competition preparation, over 100 case-studies, and engaging industry resources.

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The Recruitment Toolkit provided student leaders with customizable graphics, logos, and social backgrounds to assist in member recruitment and engagement.

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DECA refined online resources to attract teachers to serve as an advisor and start a DECA chapter.

Success in the 21st Century economy requires more than just skills. It requires ethics, leadership and global awareness. That is what our students are learning, and is on display across all DECA programs, conferences, and events.

CAITLIN HEUSCHER CHAIR | MT DECA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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Weekly DECA Direct Emails engaged the student membership base with current events, weekly case-studies, and industry relevant articles that expand and integrate to classroom instruction.

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STRENGTHENING OUR PARTNERSHIPS MAINTAINING & ENHANCING INDUSTRY SUPPORT § DECA continually involves industry in program execution. As a co-curricular organization, we understand that connecting to business aligns DECA’s Impact with contemporary and relevant industry needs. § Merit-based scholarships are provided to student-members through a variety of corporate and education partners. § Our esteemed partners continue to support work-based learning initiatives, and hands-on learning challenges that support innovation and creativity in and out of the classroom.

Through connection with business, and the integration of DECA’s contemporary, co-curricular programs, students learn to express themselves, develop professionalism, improve their networking skills, and become leaders.

ERIC SWENSON BUSINESS EDUCATION SPECIALIST OFFICE OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION

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PROPELLING OUR ORGANIZATION FORWARD ENHANCING TALENT, TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATION TO SUPPORT EVERY DIMENSION OF DECA. § Our Industry leading technology solutions keep members engaged, partners connected, and our impact meaningful. § DECA continues to be the flagship business career & technical student organization (CTSO), providing contemporary, relevant, meaningful solutions. § In an ever-changing landscape, DECA continues to connect with student-members through new, exciting, and innovative programming and resources.

MSU’s Jake Jabs College of Business & Entrepreneurship is proud to be a partner and supporter of Montana DECA! We recognize that DECA students are academically prepared, community oriented, and future professional leaders, whom we are always excited to welcome to our campus.

MSU JAKE JABBS COLLEGE OF BUSINESS

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OUR ESTEEMED PARTNERS We thank our esteemed partners who supported our mission to prepare emerging leaders and entrepreneurs during this unprecedented time.

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PATHWAY PARTNERS

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CORPORATE + ASSOCIATION PARTNERS

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COLLEGE+UNIVERSITY PARTNERS

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FINANCIALS 2021-2022

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FINANCIALS 2021-2022

SOURCES OF INCOME

Montana DECA continues its strong financial standing with another successful year. Our organization has operated debt-free for over 75-Years, and continues to re-invest in program impact and development. Despite the unpredictable challenges this year presented, our leadership re-allocated and invested resources in key areas for optimal performance.

SOURCES OF INCOME One of DECA’s tremendous financial strengths is the diversity of income sources, minimizing exposure to the risk of being forced to reduce services when a primary source of revenue is affected by conditions, such as the economy, that are beyond the control of the non-profit. Our operating revenue reflects the income sources from corporate support, membership dues, conferences, government grants, and other sources.

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FINANCIALS 2021-2022

EXPENDITURES

EXPENDITURES The total expenses for fiscal year were $377,872. Included in the expenses are classified categories: Administrative, Training, and Conferences. Montana DECA remains cognizant to the allocation of our resources. Our administrative and operating costs remain low, relative to program delivery and execution, allocating over 80% of expenses directly back to student members.

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FINANCIALS 2021-2022

CORPORATE SUPPORT

CORPORATE SUPPORT DECA’s business and education partnerships are one of the organization’s most significant strengths. Partnership funds flow through DECA’s budgets to students and chapters in the form of scholarships, career promotion, special projects to support chapters and general support.

Our business partners provide significantly more support through in-kind activities and financial support directly to the state conferences and chapters that are not recognized in DECA Inc. financial records.

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FINANCIALS 2021-2022

BOARD INVESTMENTS Each year the DECA Board of Directors reviews the net operating income and “invests” a significant portion of those funds in research, new program development and program improvement.

LOCAL CHAPTERS Local chapters operate as independent units and are not included in the Montana DECA funds report.

Throughout our history, DECA has built a brand around innovation. This past year posed many fiscal, social and economical impacts that have provided us the opportunity to re-evaluate the manners in which we prepare emerging leaders and entrepreneurs. This opportunity provided remarkable growth and expansion of key services, strengthening our core values and creating new, contemporary products to our student members. DECA programming remains strong, resilient and continues to be the flagship model for Career and Technical Education.

JOHN STILES | STATE DIRECTOR

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OUR LEADERSHIP

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LEADERSHIP 2021-2022

BOARD OF DIRECTORS § § § § § § § § § § § § § §

Scott Donisthorpe, President Caitlin Heuscher, Vice President Tanner Curey, Secretary Brad Mehr, Treasurer Chad Ross, Member Jessica Tillman, Member Sean Elser, Member Jessica Frazier, Member Levi Dawes, Member Josh Munro, Member Travis Crawford, Member Jacki Bauman, Member John Stiles, Ex-Officio Eric Swenson, Ex-Officio

MONTANA DECA STAFF § § § §

John Stiles, State Director Robert Hosier, Leadership Specialist Marti Paugh, Conference Specialist Mario Stanislao, Senior Executive Assistant

STUDENT EXECUTIVE OFFICERS 2021-2022 OFFICER TEAM § § § §

Hannah Wyman, Great Falls High School Stephen Voigt, Gallatin High School Marley Miller, Flathead High School Vivian Rahn, Glacier High School

2022-2023 OFFICER TEAM § § § §

Katie Brearey, Flathead High School Wyatt Thompson, Flathead High School Tess Catron, Gallatin High School Logan Springer, Gallatin High School

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OUR FUTURE GET THE EDGE

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THE FUTURE STRATEGIC PLAN DECA is in the planning and development stage of a refreshed strategic plan. As we position ourselves for an expanded member experience and impact, we value your partnership, contribution and involvement in Preparing Emerging Leaders and Entrepreneurs.

A BRAND OF EXCELLENCE

In 2022-2023, DECA challenges you to GET THE EDGE.

As the worlds largest, oldest, and most premier Business Career & Technical Student Organization (CTSO), DECA remains the Flagship model for business education. As we prepare to celebrate our 75-Year Anniversary, we stand proud of the past, while ready to embrace the future.

Whether in competition, college applications or your career search, DECA gives you an unmistakable competitive advantage to stand out and be a cut above the rest.

2022-2023 CONFERENCE LINEUP

Explore all that DECA has to offer at mtdeca.org

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State Career Development Conference February 12-14, 2023 | Fairmont Hot Springs Resort

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International Career Development Conference April 22-25, 2023 | Orlando, FL ANNUAL IMPACT REPORT | 27

GET IN TOUCH www.mtdeca.org

DECA Inc. is committed to creating and maintaining a healthy and respectful environment for all of our emerging leaders and entrepreneurs. Our philosophy is to ensure all members, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation or socio-economic status, are treated equally and respectfully. Any behavior in the form of discrimination, harassment or bullying will not be tolerated. It is the responsibility of all members to uphold and contribute to this climate.