STUDENTS GET FIRST-HAND VIEW OF BUSINESS WORLD

From left, Southeast Missourian director of advertising Pat Zellmer, Jackson U.S.A. Signal editor Joel Vinson and sales manager Marvin Wormington discuss the composition of the weekly newspaper with Jackson FBLA members Jared Crouch and Matt Pourney.

Members of Future Business Leaders of America at Jackson High School got a first-hand look at the business world last week.

As part of the organization's "promote Local Business Week," 25 high school students toured 20 local businesses during "Shadow Day" held Thursday.

"The students were real excited and learned lots of things," said Jackson FBLA adviser Kathy Hecht. "Shadow Day is helpful to students because they can see what's out there in the job market and it might help them make a career decision based on what's out there."

FBLA members Jarred Crouch and Matt Pourney toured the offices of the Southeast Missourian's newsroom, advertising department, circulation department, composing room and printing facilities.

Other students "shadowed" at Val's Upholstery, Select-A-Style, Capital Bank. Leonard Buessink Woodworks, The Way, Lee Avenue Warehouse, H&R Block, SEMO Specialties and Sports, Day's Inn, Wal-Mart and Precious Memories.

Overall, the "Promote Local Business Week" was a success. Each day, students took part in an event relating to the week, including Thursday's Shadow Day and a social meeting with the Jackson Chamber of Commerce on Monday.

"We wer real pleased," said Hecht. "We got a real good response from the local businesses and we hope to make this an annual event."