Warrenton DECA students organize grand opening for Zeiser Ford

General Manager of Zeiser Auto Group, Mike Feinstein, partnered with Warrenton DECA to organize the grand opening of Zeiser Ford’s new state-of-the-art facility in Warrenton. It is a decision that he says he doesn’t regret. The grand opening was spearheaded by students who spent two months planning not only the event itself, but the marketing for the event as well. Students also created newspaper advertisements which ran in local newspapers, wrote and recorded the radio spots, and created all marketing materials for the event. In addition, the group arranged entertainment, which included a batting cage, petting zoo, performances by the school’s choir and drama department, and face paint by the art club. Normally, an event of this magnitude would be turned over to a public relations firm.

In September, the students were given the offer to arrange the event in exchange for a donation to the Warrenton DECA program. The students accepted the challenge. “Ever since then, we’ve been organizing and getting everything ready,” senior and president Scott Bade said. After the event, the students agreed they had learned far more than anything they could learn from a book in a classroom. “The entire operation was just a great experience,” senior and treasurer, Andrew Sherman said. “We put what we’ve learned into use.” According to Karly Hollenbeck, senior and vice-president, “We put so much into this; having it go smoothly is going to be the best part. It’s a whole day of fun.”

Advisor Mrs. Kernell states, “I am so proud of the students for what they have accomplished. They are motivated and the most professional, business minded students I have ever worked with. I am proud to be their advisor. With out them, the event would not have been a success. The chapter did a phenomenal job coming together to assist in the implementation of the event. Over 50% of our members showed up at the event to offer a helping hand.”

Following up on the success of the event, it was recorded that in excess of 350 people showed up at the grand opening. Nine cars have been sold as a result. This is a win-win situation for everyone involved.

Warrenton DECA looks forward to a long-term relationship with Zeiser Auto Group. In addition to this event, Warrenton will be handling their billboards and will be making a presentation to the St. Louis Ford Corporation.