The two Virtual Enterprise business classes at Huntington High School travel to East Wind Caterers in Wading River earlier this week for a networking luncheon with hundreds of other teenagers pursuing similar studies.
Huntington’s ABODE and Poppy company teams were on hand for the event, which was hosted by the Virtual Enterprise firm from Westhampton Beach High School.
Business teachers Paige Tyree Furman and Suzi Biagi accompanied their respective class, including company chief executive officers John Panos and Ethan Mulroy, who both delivered sales pitches on their products.
“It was a great trial run for our real trade show that we have coming up in January at LIU Post,” Mrs. Furman said. The Huntington students had an opportunity to network with other firms, converse with mentors and business partners and support Long Island’s Virtual Enterprise economy.
“Mrs. Biagi and I are proud beyond words,” Mrs. Furman said. “Our students went into this not knowing what to expect, as it’s our first year running the VE program. There were unforeseen challenges and obstacles, but every single student rose to the occasion. They surpassed sales forecasts, made great partnerships with other VE firms and handled themselves professionally. We can’t wait to see how they do in the January trade show.”
The full-year, one credit business class is available to Huntington High School juniors and seniors. “Virtual Enterprise is a simulated business that is set-up and run by students to prepare them for working in a real business environment,” according to the course bulletin.
“We are a company that manufactures clothing that is designed and catered to local destinations throughout the world,” states ABODE’s company website. “Whether you are a student starting the next chapter of your life, a family starting a new adventure or just somebody that loves where they live, our company gives you the opportunity to take a little piece of home with you wherever you go.”
Poppy is a bagel chip company takes stale bagels and reverse engineers them into bagel chips. The company’s motto or slogan is: “A Chip Off The Old Block.”
“I’d just like to say what an incredible experience it was,” said Graham Young, Poppy’s chief financial officer. “We met so many different companies and got so much great feedback from everyone. It was a little hectic at first, but as the trade show progressed, I got more comfortable and was able to make a lot of good sales. I can’t wait for the next one in January.”
The Huntington business students found the luncheon as they move forward with their respective companies. “I thought the trip was very enjoyable and helpful for myself and others to understand their responsibilities within the company, said Cameron Mills, ABODE’s chief financial officer. “Being able to make connections with the other firms and guests was definitely one of my favorite parts.”
