MAPS Wins National Business Competition

From March 16th through the 18th, the Marketing Association of Plymouth State (MAPS) competed in the National Business Simulation Competition in New Orleans, Louisiana. There were thirty schools that went to compete, with Plymouth coming out on top for the first time in the school’s history.

Plymouth State MAPS began attending the AMA competition three years ago, and while they did not place in their first competition, they placed third last year.

Samuel Chiaverini started in MAPS his sophomore year and has since become President of MAPS. He received this position by being hard working and displaying great leadership qualities.

“I always wanted to be the go-to person when something extra needed to be done because I knew I wanted to lead the group at one point in time,” he said. “The SABRE business simulation is a competition at the annual international conference. We decided to get involved just to try something new and add more diversity to our conference experience.”

The AMA International Collegiate Conference gives students real experience in marketing for their future. Students will get the opportunity to learn from real life professionals as well as develop skills that will help them later in their business careers. As the competition was on the first day, MAPS figured they would try their luck competing with schools across the nation.

Within MAPS there is a steady flow of members from semester to semester, with a consistent group of 30 at every meeting. As there was only twelve who got the chance to go, the groups consisted of current Eboard leaders and others who will be Eboard leaders next year. Students on the Eboard are the ones who lead MAPS; they do a lot more of the behind the scenes work and put more time into the club than others.

As first and second time MAPS members attended this conference, they were unsure of what to expect, but continued to improve. This year in particular, they changed their mind set and prepared for this event for about a month.

“The day of [the competition] we came up with a system of teamwork that allowed us to split into four groups; two that came up with stats and plans that we then discussed as a group before making final decisions: Chiaverini said. “This allowed for a system of checks and balances to make sure everyone came to the same conclusions and had accurate numbers”

“At the beginning of the competition, we were given a product that we had to sell,” said junior board member and MAPS treasurer Eric Vose. “Throughout the competition, the goal is to sell as many of the product we’re given. There are six sessions, and each session equals a year, so after six years whoever has made the most profit is the team that wins.”

The AMA International Collegiate Conference is a great opportunity for students that are motivated in the field of marketing.

“As MAPS is a great opportunity to get involved on campus, being able to get down to the conference and listen to people in the field is a great way to open up your outlook on marketing,” said Vose.

As five of the eight students on the SABRE team are returning next year, the bar has been set for at Plymouth State repeat in 2018.