Business students win big in scholarships

Two Augustana business students competed statewide and won substantial scholarships last week at separate business-related competitions.

Junior Kate Tobin, majoring in sports management and business with a marketing emphasis, won second place and a $2,000 scholarship at the Sales and Marketing Executives (SME) competition on Wednesday, April 21.

According to its Web site, SME's purpose is to ''promote local educational and meeting opportunities to improve sales and marketing management skills through workshops, newsletters, interesting meetings, events and idea-sharing discussions.''

To be eligible, Tobin had to fill out an application. She and three others were given the opportunity to give a 20-minute sales pitch in front of judges.

Tobin's project was about why the Sioux Falls Pheasants should participate in a company picnic for an annual outing.

This gave Tobin the opportunity to speak in front of some of the top sales and marketing executives in Sioux Falls. SME members include CEOs, marketing managers, sales managers and other senior level executives who contribute to the advancement of sales and marketing management.

''It was great as a marketing student to be with these people in a professional environment,'' Tobin said. ''Although it was nerve-racking and a lot of time, I'm glad I did it.''

Junior Aaron Sherman, a business administration major with an emphasis in entrepreneurship and management, won $2,500 at the 2010 Governor's Giant Vision Business Competition at the Governor's Office of Economic Development Conference, also on Wednesday, April 21.

This year the conference added a business track to the agenda. These sessions provided valuable information to business partners and also helped development gain a clearer understanding of issues facing their local businesses.

''I was really excited with the award,'' Sherman said. ''The money is an added bonus, but the experience will be unforgettable. I have learned so much through this whole process and have made many new contacts that will hopefully help me move forward with this project.''

His business idea is a theme-based concept that provides educational tools to pediatric patients in a hospital setting to create an atmosphere that is less stressful and demonstrates what takes place in a hospital for young children.

Applicants submitted an extensive written business plan outlining their idea. A panel of judges made up of venture capitalists, financiers, educators and established business leaders reviewed all of the submitted plans and invited qualifying entries to a formal competition.

The eight qualifiers, including Sherman, gave presentations and discussed their ideas with those in attendance. Each of them made a formal presentation to a panel of five judges. The judges then narrowed the finalists down to four.

At a dinner, S.D. Gov. Mike Rounds, the main speaker, announced the winners at the closing event.

''There are many people who helped me get to this point, and I am grateful for their help,'' Sherman said. ''I would definitely recommend this adventure to anyone with an idea regardless of their major or background interests. I would do it again if I had the chance.''