YOUTH BUSINESS
A group of Weyerhaeuser High School entrepreneurs formed a MIRA team and
planned to build a web page for local businesses. Phone numbers are listed for free with a nominal fee for additional information.
This project was not as successful as originally hoped for. Local businesses showed little interest in Internet advertising. Through a collective opinion, the group applied their entrepreneurial skills on promoting and marketing the school's shop products such as lampshades, snowshoes and fishing nets.
A Macintosh G4 and Epson color printer were purchased with MIRA funds, and soon the shop's products were added to the Weyerhaeuser School District web page, www.fwsd.k12.wi.us.
Partnerships
This small entrepreneur group has been quite successful. The Northwest Regional Planning Commission gives projects that require a small amount of mass production for start-up companies. Weyerhaeuser K-12 School shop has been chosen as a project school (in conjunction with the Ladysmith K-12 School) by Woodlinks www.woodlinks.com. This company is working to provide incentives to people to learn the art of woodworking. In return, Weyerhaeuser and Ladysmith receive equipment and woodworking curriculum.
Leadership
Weyerhaeuser shop teacher, Richard Manor, was the key leadership person for this MIRA team. He and the students decided which products to make and how to market them.
The original MIRA goal of setting up local business web page was not completed; yet the group moved on to accomplish different goals. They earned $600 for their hand-made snowshoes, and also received a Leavy Award for Excellence in Private Enterprise Education for Mr. Manor.
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