The Business Professionals of America (BPA) members suited up to compete at their Regional meet on January 5th. Teams had been preparing for this competition by practicing speeches, making videos, or creating business proposals. At the regional and state competitions, students have the opportunity to develop leadership skills. There are four main categories with many others in each of them, including finance, information technology, management and marketing, and administrative support which the Cannon Falls BPA found success in as they competed against other chapters in many different business related events. Regionals was held at Century College in White Bear Lake.

At the regional competition several teams placed high enough to advance to state. Those students include Amanda Wulf, Bobbi Cromer, Amanda Holscher, Lizzie Reinhardt, Gina Grosland, Chase Schaefer, Kaitlin Otterness, Alese Bentson, Breanna Sandstrom, Anja Black, Olivia Thomley, Nick Engebretson, and Alex Engebretson. They will be going to state in late March to present their best work. Junior, Alex Engebretson, who placed on an accounting mathematics test, says, “I’m excited for state, and I hope it goes well!”

Advisor, Matt Juncker, mentions, “All of our teams and individuals will be working hard on their events in the coming months, and will be prepared for state.” He also says that this is the most students that have ever advanced to state since he became advisor three years ago.

Not only does BPA allow students to have more information in civil, social, professional, and service events, it also is a great opportunity to form new friendships with many different team members. Good luck to the 13 students competing at state!