Chippewa Valley Times

Advanced sales classes in the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire’s College of Business have raised more than $700,000 for the L.E. Phillips Career Development Center over the past 15 years. The center provides vocational services and employment opportunities to nearly 1,500 individuals with disabilities or disadvantages in eight western Wisconsin counties.

Blugolds in the advanced sales classes have dedicated themselves to fundraising for CDC since 2009. This year, the two classes surpassed their fundraising goal and set a record by raising more than $57,000 in golf sponsorships and auction items for the 35th annual CDC Charity Golf Outing on August 2 at Hickory Hills Golf Course.

“This enduring commitment to service exemplifies the university’s core values and its mission to empower students to become responsible global citizens,” said Dr. Lenita Davis, professor of marketing and supply chain management and executive director of the professional sales program.

Students sold sponsorships, solicited donations for the auction table, and sold raffle tickets. In addition to raising funds for CDC, these activities fostered valuable skills in prospecting, cold calling, and other sales techniques among the students.

“We are immensely proud of our students for their exceptional dedication and hard work in organizing this year’s L.E. Phillips CDC Golf Tournament,” Davis said. “Their commitment to making a positive impact in our community is truly commendable, and we are thrilled to see their efforts culminate in such a significant contribution to the L.E. Phillips CDC.”

Gregg Mizerk, president of the L.E. Phillips CDC, stated that the golf outing is the center’s cornerstone fundraiser each year and its largest fundraising event. Without the effort of many Blugolds over the past 15 years, he noted that the facility might not have been able to serve qualified individuals.

“By having these funds, we can help individuals that might not have any place else to turn,” Mizerk said.

The COB class also promotes awareness of L.E. Phillips CDC within the community regarding products produced by clients and services provided by the organization. In a typical week, CDC ships 15 semi loads of completed work to customers.

“The students act as an extension of our small sales and marketing staff in spreading word about how we fit into our community,” Mizerk added.

Ryan Mansfield, a marketing major from River Falls who graduated on May 18, mentioned his motivation from working with adults with special needs during his four years at UW-Eau Claire.

“I think it’s wonderful to be able to learn sales skills while simultaneously helping an organization that does so much for adults with special needs in the community,” Mansfield said. “Sales is all about helping others, and it's a great way to change preconceived notions about the sales world.”

For more information about the COB sales program, contact Dr. Lenita Davis at 706-255-4800 or davislen@uwec.edu.

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