By Ms. Terry Zaleski Economics Teacher

A group of senior Economics students had the opportunity to attend a Detroit Economic Club meeting on February 13, 2018 with Ms. Zaleski and Ms. Preston.  They had an opportunity to ask questions of guest speaker, Mr. Jeff Korzenik, Senior Vice President and Chief Investment Strategist at Fifth Third Investment Management Group, in a small group environment.  Senior Joe Jordan asked, “How do you balance the cost and risk of starting a new business with the possibility of future success?”  Most of the questions had to do with how get yourself into a position such as this; what college major did you pursue, and what was your first job like?  Other students inquired about the impact of recent tax legislation on the economy.

After meeting with Mr. Korzenik, the students had the opportunity to ask questions of some younger members of the Detroit Economic Club who are still building their careers. Students discovered from these speakers that sometimes the path one pursues has little to do with their college major and more to do with their personal strengths and the type of work they enjoy.  They were also intrigued by the the prospect of starting their own businesses some day.

Students additionally attended the larger DEC meeting which included a luncheon at the Townsend Hotel in Birmingham.  They heard Mr. Korzenik speak on the topic of full employment and strategies to help marginalized populations re-enter the workforce.  Students learned how difficult it is for someone who has committed a felony to get a job and build a life away from criminal activity and how doing so helps reduce recidivism.  They learned about pilot programs to prepare these individuals to be productive members of the workforce and how the success of such programs depends on all of us understanding the difficulties these people face and embracing compassion.

The students really enjoyed the opportunity to hear about and learn from the experiences of successful businesspersons.  They enjoyed the experience of interacting with members of our local business community in a professional setting.  Our Lady of the Lakes would like to thank Ms. Genna Young and the General Motors Company for sponsoring our attendance at this amazing event.