By Juliana Campbell
Daily Titan Staff Writer
Published: March 10, 2010

From March 8-10, Mihaylo College students and small business owners attended workshops on campus to gain new perspective on how to finance and run a smoother company. The Mihaylo College of Business and Economics has a week long event just for students once a year, sponsored by the Business Inter Club Council (BICC).

“I commend the Business Inter Club Council for putting on such elaborate events,” said Emeline Yong, assistant dean of Student Affairs. “Students should go because it is such a great resume builder and there are skills you can learn that are not taught in the classroom.”

Tuesday night small business owners and students met together to talk about one of the most important things that affects a business – addiction. Business owners and students were educated by Kitty Dekakis and Carol Caesar on, “When There Is An Elephant In The Room And Dealing With All Sorts Of Addictions.”

“There is so many types of addiction,” said Director of the Family Business Council Mike Trueblood. “Some of the things that come to mind are internet, drugs, cell phones, gambling and being a workaholic. The term ‘elephant in the room’ refers to when there is such a big problem no one will make an issue about it.”

Trueblood stated that the term elephant dose not refer to the mascot in any way, the name just seemed to fit.

According to Carol Caesar, there are two terms they use in determining a diagnostic, which is drug abuse and drug dependency. Drug abuse is where someone is using the substance and getting in to trouble, such as a DUI. Drug dependency is where the person has built up a tolerance to the drug and constantly need more and more; heroin addiction, for example.

“When I say addiction you do not picture the functioning,” Caesar said. “Addiction is not a ethical or moral issue, it’s a disease of the brain.”

Caesar emphasized the importance of running a business with all the issues on the table before the person gets more involved with the company.

Hill Brothers Chemical Company CEO and President Ron Hill mentioned his company has connections with substance abuse programs and he has witnessed all sorts of addictions such as pills, food, alcohol, work and even attention.

“I really feel it does not impact the business all that much, but when the company is small I can see the problem,” Hill said.

The next day, The Finance Association hosted their own event sponsored by the BICC. The theme was, “Get Your Finance On” from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00p.m. Even though President Karen Maltes expected more students that reportedly attended, the event was definitely made a great turn out with over 40 people.

Guest Speakers from Northwestern Mutual, The Waltos Group and Orange County’s Credit Union came to present students with workshops so they can better finance the cost of going to school and maintaining a personal budget.

“The workshops were good, informative information for students,” said Executive Vice President John Kisling. “With out the people from Northwestern Mutual, we could not of had such a wonderful event.”

Northwestern Mutual was adamant in making sure students understand budgeting, financing and credit.

The Dress For Success fashion show seemed to be the more popular event for the students. Bloomingdale’s was gracious enough to donate clothing for students who proudly strut down the catwalk. One student was reportedly wearing a $900 suit by Bloomingdale’s.

“It is important for us to know what we should wear and not wear to certain events,” Maltes said. “They had real interesting outfits that we should wear in the office, meetings, interviews and even on the golf course.”

Although some of the students really enjoyed their new look they had to return the outfits to Bloomingdale’s as soon as the show was over.

“Running an event can be hard,” Maltes said. “I wanted to say thank you to Northwestern Mutual, The Waltos Group, Bloomingdales, Aflac and Orange County Credit Union for helping us make this such an unforgettable event.”