Students from the Business Careers in Technical Education (CTE) program at Siuslaw High School took part in the 2024 MarketingJAM. This event was held from January 26 to 28 at Spark at Booth-Kelly in Springfield, Oregon. At MarketingJAM, CTE business students are given a real-world marketing scenario for a local business. They create a strategy to increase the firm’s profile, promote, and even rebrand. Then they present their marketing campaign to a panel of judges made up from industry professionals. This marketing contest was organized by Connected Lane County, exemplifies the synergy of community, education, and industry. Eddie Mielke, a coach from Siuslaw High School, praised the event: “This competition in business and marketing couldn’t be more relevant and useful!”
Siuslaw fielded several teams, including Team Siuslaw (Seniors Team), composed of Jordan Strickland, Quinn Hammond, Sean Martinez, Gabe Whitney, and Ethan Moore. These students had previously achieved 'Best in Show' in the 2023 competition. “The marketingJAM, last year and this year, opened my eyes to an exciting side to business!” said Team Siuslaw Captain, Jordan Strickland.
The rest of Siuslaw participants were Team Bonesaw, Delylah Hammond (senior), Colton Johnson (sophomore), Lily Clemons (freshman), and Team Little Man Dan, consisting of freshman students Cayden Knapp, Mykah Knabe, and Joshua Honza. Siuslaw's coaching and chaperone team included Eddie Mielke, Bill Shaw, Robin Moses-Mielke, Amber Clemons, and Donna Shaw.
The challenge kicked off at Siuslaw High School with teams choosing and researching a company from a provided list. These firms were Lane Workforce Partnerships, Springfield Education Foundation, City Club of Eugene, and Positive Community Kitchen. The teams then worked through the weekend at SPARK at Booth-Kelly to develop their marketing plans. During this time, students got the opportunity to work with industry professionals from the Eugene/Springfield area as mentors, including Becky-Joe Samples, marketing director at Lane Connected, and Andrew Brown, director of sales for the Eugene Emeralds. At the end of Saturday’s work session at Spark, students refreshed at a Mongolian Grill for dinner; then, they were off to overnight work session at a hotel in Eugene/Springfield prompting Team Siuslaw member Ethan Moore’s statement, “Rocking it out with our team overnight is the best school field trip!”
Team Siuslaw focused on a website redesign for City Club of Eugene, Team Bonesaw created a social media campaign for Positive Community Kitchen while Team Little Man Dan worked on rebranding and logo design for Springfield Education Foundation.
The event concluded with presentations and awards. “I liked seeing how other teams treated the same challenges as us, not just Siuslaw teams but the other schools!” said Team Siuslaw member Gabe Whitney.
Creswell High School won 'Best in Show' for 2024, while Team Siuslaw (Seniors), last year's champions, were recognized with the “Most Knowledgeable” award. Team Bonesaw received the “Most Technical” award, and Team Little Man Dan was awarded for “Most Charismatic Presentation.” “I think it was a really fun and unique experience. It would be fun to have more students participate and more events like this! I can’t ‘till next year!” added Lily Clemons, Team Bonesaw member.
The cherry on top for Siuslaw's senior team was a job offer from Day to Day Market & Deli/Krispy Krunchy Chicken, based on their impressive presentation. The owner, Chris Schreiber, who was in the audience during the presentations said, “I was really, really impressed with how bright those kids are!” So he offered Team Siuslaw a job managing the marketing campaign for their upcoming to-go hamburger program.
The 2024 MarketingJAM provided a platform for students to apply their learning in a real-world context, demonstrating the importance of such initiatives in preparing youth for future careers and contributions to their communities. “I couldn’t be more proud of our business students! From our seniors to our new freshman competitors, Siuslaw kids met their challenges with expertise and innovation not normally expected at this level!” said Coach Mielke.