The first quarter for our Business Design and Development class has been a rewarding and productive one. We were able to use the class to improve and elevate our CTSOs, DECA and FBLA - promoting membership, organizing the year’s programs of work, and holding our first Professional Division meeting.

At our first Professional Division meeting of the year, we received feedback from our Professional Division members on moving forward and expanding into DECA, in addition to maintaining FBLA. We also debriefed the PD members about our general plans for the year, and recapped our experiences from the National Leadership Conference, having three national finalists: Publication Design, 6th place, Amy Chen; Parliamentarian Procedure, 7th place, Niloy Gupta, Gokul Kannan, Rachel Ma and Cindy Tian; Future Business Leader, 9th place, Jonathan Zhao.

Throughout the first quarter, we had various guests come in to speak, each bringing their own experiences and lessons in the professional world to share with us:

• Our first guest speaker of the year was Mr. Michael Krouse, one of River Hill’s very own guidance counselors spoke about his real estate business outside of school. He emphasized the importance of being savvy with handling money, especially saving it whenever possible. However, he also explained that, for us, now is the time to take risks as we have less responsibilities.

• Ms. Kate Salisbury, branch manager for the Clarksville branch of PNC bank, taught us the importance of adaptability, and writing down your goals so you are always working hard towards something. She also highlighted the benefits of networking and making connections for one’s future. Specifically relating to banking, Ms. Salisbury spoke to us about the benefits of opening a bank account with a bank that you trust.

• Mr. Daniel Curtin gave us insight into his work at the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the importance of finding a job that is challenging and enjoyable. Additionally, he shared with us his side business as a beekeeper. His hobby of beekeeping was particularly interesting, and we thought it was inspiring that he created a niche business out of his hobby.

• Mr. and Mrs. Gamerman, the owners of Soft Stuff, spoke about their backgrounds, and how they became entrepreneurs, turning their idea into the successful frozen dessert company it is today. Some main points they emphasized were to continually look forward because there is always more to learn no matter how successful one becomes, and to be assertive and strategic to capitalize on business.

• Mr. Kevin Harris told us about his experience in starting his own company, and the keys to ensuring its success. Mainly, he focused on the importance of always thinking about ways to make your company better than others, and paying attention to details. Mr. Harris also touched on the global aspects of business, and how it is essential to be aware of and understand people’s various backgrounds and cultures.

• Lastly, but certainly not least, Mr. Steve Adler spoke to us about his background and how he came to start his own company after his humble beginnings. After selling his first business in the clothing industry, he pursued several other ventures including the historic Savage Mill. He also highlighted the lessons he has learned in retrospect, especially remaining humble, and continually looking to give back to the community in order to make a positive impact. Mr. Adler was accompanied by Ms. Kim Oldham, the Deputy State’s Attorney for Howard County, to speak as well. She reiterated the importance of always finding ways to give back to the community.

Overall, we are excited with our progress and look forward to seeing what the rest of this year brings!