Food marketing students make another impressive showing
Nov. 22, 2002
KALAMAZOO -- For the third consecutive year, a trio of Western Michigan University students has earned top honors in an international competition.
The students, who are all part of WMU's Food Marketing Program in the Haworth College of Business, captured second place in an international case competition sponsored by the Food Distribution Research Society. Seniors Bethany Evich, Laura LaHaye, and Kelly Smythe bested competitors from around the United States and Canada with their plan for a takeout food program for a chain of supermarkets. The Oct. 27-28 event was held in Miami.
Dr. Ron Larson, assistant professor of marketing and the team's coach, coordinated this year's competition for the society and wrote the case. "Our team worked incredibly hard to develop a creative and feasible solution to the challenges outlined in the case study," Larson said. "As usual, I was impressed with our students great showing among tough competition."
WMU teams earned second place in the competition in 2001 and third place in 2000.
This year's team was chosen for the international competition after a local showdown between several WMU student groups. Evich, LaHaye, Smythe and alternate Kathleen Schauerte were tapped to participate by a panel of judges from the food industry.
Bethany Evich of Ann Arbor, Mich., is the daughter of Nancy McKay and Don Evich.
Laura LaHaye of Lowell, Mich., is the daughter of Mike and Marsha LaHaye.
Kelly Smythe of Grosse Pointe Farms, Mich., is the daughter of Robert and Rita Smythe.
Media contact: Jessica English, 269 387-8400, jessica.english@wmich.edu