Lauren Russell
News Reporter

Phi Beta Lambda, the MSC business club, held their seventh annual Distinguished Executive Program Dinner on Friday in the College Center ballroom.
The event was organized by PBL Vice President Ashley Wiseman, as a fundraiser to send qualifying members of PBL to the state competition and then to nationals, where they compete in business-themed events. Last year every member qualified, so the dinner is a vital means of raising funds.
“It’s our biggest fundraiser to go towards the state and national competitions,” Wiseman said. “PBL really depends on the community.”
The event consisted of a silent auction, formal dinner, member auction and panel discussion.
The panel guests consisted of representatives from local businesses that work with PBL, as well as community members.
According to PBL President Justin Kawcak, the evening was designed around leaders of the community who contributed to the club in some way.
“We work to build a professional and working relationship with people in the community,” Kawcak said. “We like to try to form a mutually beneficial relationship where we help them and they help us.”
Business and community members helped PBL raise funds both by donating items for the silent auction, and also by bidding on them. Big items included jewelry, hotel rooms, massages, salon treatments, limo rides, scuba lessons and photo sessions. The auction also included smaller items such as wine, flowers, jam, candleholders and various services from local businesses.
PBL students also auctioned off their services for childcare, housework, yard work, or computer help in the member auction. Groups of two to four students sold for $100 to $200 to generous bidders.
After the auctions, the panel of guest speakers discussed questions about business and leadership. This year, the panel consisted of Brook Blaney, president of Impact Promotional Products; Dave Hansow, co-founder of the non-profit organization Light Gives Heat; Douglas Simons, owner of Enstrom’s; and Rick Taggart, former president of Marmot, Inc. and current Director of Marketing and Recruitment at MSC.
The speakers were chosen by a committee of PBL students, who wanted to represent a diverse range of businesses.
“The speakers had great advice, and were very well-spoken,” Wiseman said.
Wiseman said that the night was an overall success. Holding the dinner in the College Center Ballroom allowed more guests to attend, and gave the club the opportunity to represent MSC at its best.
“We had a great turn-out,” Wiseman said. “Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves, and we were really successful with fundraising. Hopefully it keeps growing and getting bigger next year.”
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lrrussel@mesastate.edu