Campus Connection

UW-La Crosse was the only school with two students to finish in the top 10 at the 10th annual Great Northwoods Sales Warm-Up, Oct. 20-22 at UW-Eau Claire. Out of 63 total competitors from across the country, UWL senior marketing majors Ben Stauss and Adam Letto placed fourth and 10th, respectively. The Great Northwoods Sales Warm-Up is a national collegiate sales competition that showcases the talents of sales and marketing students. All contestants make two different 20-minute sales presentations to sales professionals who act as buyers. A panel of sales managers from sponsoring companies evaluates students on all elements of the sales call including their ability to communicate effectively and act professionally. Following each presentation, Sales Warm-Up contestants have a half-hour debriefing session with one of their judges. In addition to the two days of competition, students participated in a job fair. “Because they’ve made it to this level, there is a great deal of interest in students,” says Stacy Trisler, UWL faculty coach and associate lecturer in marketing. “It’s also a great resume builder, and an opportunity to network with business professionals and hone their sales skills, which we all use, particularly when seeking a job.” Last year, two UWL students who placed in the top 20 were hired following the event. Several of the student competitors this year and the student coach are scheduling interviews with at least one of the event sponsors. UWL hosts a sales competition in March where marketing students compete and local business people serve as judges. The top four students from the UWL event will go on to the Great Northwoods Sales Warm-Up next year. Those attending this year’s Great Northwoods Sales Warm-Up included:

• Ben Stauss, senior marketing major – 4th place overall
• Adam Letto, senior marketing major – 10th place overall
• Mikayla Williams, senior marketing major
• Alicia Roberts, senior marketing major (alternate)
• Kayla Peterson, student coach
• Stacy Trisler, faculty coach, associate lecturer in marketing

Learn more about the event at http://www.uwecsaleswarmup.com/