As a new school year begins, Kankakee County CEO launches its first class. Five inquisitive students from participating High Schools in Kankakee County started their semester dressed to impress and eager to learn. In it’s first week, students heard from business professionals in the community about their experiences in their industries. These students have began to make valuable connections which will assist them with navigating through the program and future endeavors.
"The unifying idea behind our 'life lessons' [so far] is that you must hold yourself to a higher standard. I
believe that adhering to that idea and truly putting my best foot forward in all I do will make me a better
person,” shared one CEO student.
Students in the CEO program are guided by class facilitator, Katie Bretzlaff. Katie has over two decades of
teaching experience at the high school, college, and elementary levels. An artist, designer, and photographer,
she is also the owner of Hedgeapple Arts Studio and Gallery in downtown Kankakee, which offers studio art
classes and creative experiences for people of all ages. In addition to being a small business owner, Katie has
experience in communications, marketing, and design through her experience working for local nonprofit
organizations and from her time serving as a high school yearbook adviser. Born and raised in Kankakee
County, she has chosen to call Kankakee home and is dedicated to enriching the culture of our community.
“So far the CEO program is genuinely one of my favorite classes of my entire school journey,” said another
student.
Participants are already hard at work brainstorming their first microbusiness.Their endeavor commences with thoughtful discussions, comprehensive SWOT analyses, and the meticulous crafting of a robust business plan. At the heart of their maiden entrepreneurial initiative lies the 'Badge Business' concept.
The essence of the 'Badge Business' centers around purchasing advertising space on identification badges and lanyards. These badges and lanyards, worn by CEO students daily, serve as more than mere identifiers. They transform into portable billboards, showcasing advertisements to a diverse audience within and beyond the classroom walls.From classroom engagements to business site visits, these entrepreneurial apprentices proudly display their badges, leveraging them as marketing tools. Moreover, they amplify their reach by showcasing the program to potential students and at various networking events, maximizing exposure for the 'Badge Business' concept.
The support and partnership of local businesses such as All Star Management, Vince Clark - State Farm Insurance Agent, and Frank's Appliance Center & Sleepsource have been instrumental in kickstarting this novel initiative. Their participation and enthusiasm in seizing this innovative advertising opportunity have fueled the momentum of the CEO students' foray into entrepreneurship.
