Economic Education Today,
Economic Strength Tomorrow.
Progress and
Growth for 2012
We are planning new programs and exploring new ways to reach our communities and promote the free enterprise system. Please consider a gift to ACES to help us meet our goals this year!
Donate
RECYCLE
FOR
BUSINESS WEEK
Americans for the Competitive Enterprise System, Inc.
1001 State St. Ste. 310
Erie, PA 16501
P. (814) 456-7007
F. (814) 461-7832
info_aceserie.org
The
Centennial
Program
Fort LeBoeuf High School
March 26 - 30, 2012
TELL US YOUR BUSINESS WEEK STORY
Carl Wolfrom, far left, and Jim Martin, far right, of Northwest Savings Bank present a grant check to ACES Executive Director Val Laufenberg and Assistant Programs Manager Andrew Silbert. Mr Wolfrom is also a member of the ACES Board.
A Look Ahead...
ACES is moving forward in 2012! We are discussing new programs and more effective ways to reach students, educators, and the general public with important economic education. Our recent annual fund letter describes in more detail what is on the horizon for the upcoming year.
Read the Annual Fund Letter
Tell us your story...
Please share stories about your Business Week experience with us! How did this program affect you?
Keeping in Touch
You can now view our newsletter on-line! You can also sign up to receive the newsletter via email. To view the newsletter or sign up for email newsletters, use the links below.
Our Mission:
Americans for the Competitive Enterprise System (ACES) is a non-profit, non-political, educational organization promoting the understanding of free market economics to students, teachers and the general public through partnerships between the business and education communities.
Click here to share your story!
ACES nwsltr (3).pdf
Pennsylvania Business Week
In 1999, ACES added Pennsylvania Business Week (PBW) to its list of economic education programs. PBW is an exciting partnership between the education and business communities. It's an intense one-week, in-school program that teaches high school students about the American economic system, as well as important business concepts and principles.
October 17 - 21, 2011
November 7 - 11, 2011
December 5 - 9, 2011
Jan. 30 - Feb. 3, 2012
Feb. 27 - Mar. 2, 2012
Youngsville High School (Warren County)
Sharpsville High School (Mercer County)
Sharon High School (Mercer County)
Neshannock High School (Lawrence County)
Cambridge Springs High School (Crawford County)
Fort LeBoeuf High School (Erie County)
About the Program
Pennsylvania Business Week was developed in 1997 by the Manufacturer and Business Association in conjunction with Ft. LeBoeuf High School. In 1999, the MBA turned the program over to ACES. Business Week is designed to allow teams of high school student to manage companies through a computer simulation for an entire week. Students are taught how to manage finances, execute effective advertising campaigns, and work together as a team to achieve success. The program culminates in 5 competitions at the end of the week: Advertising, Stockholders, Trade Show, Return on Net Assets and Top Company.
Why an In-School Program?
Economics education is not a required course of study in the Pennsylvania public education system. As a result, high school students are being graduated without any understanding of how their American economic system functions and how they play a critical role in participating in, and preserving, that system. Pennsylvania Business Week provides ALL students with an opportunity to learn this vital information by taking the program directly to the students - in their own classrooms.
Teacher Programs
Americans for the Competitive Enterprise System was established in Erie, Pennsylvania in 1956 and has provided northwestern Pennsylvania with free enterprise education programs since that time. ACES' purpose is to promote and inform our constituents about the benefits of the American free enterprise system through structured programs. We have achieved good standing in both the business and education communities and serve as a link between the two.
One of the major premises underlying the development of our programs is that the students of today are tomorrow's workforce. It is the educator's goal to help supply students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the 21st century by being better prepared to fill top-level positions and compete within a global economy. It is ACES' goal to help prepare teachers for that challenge.
Free Enterprise: How it Works in Northwestern Pennsylvania
This extremely popular educator program is approved for two Act 48 Graduate Professional Education credits and 60 Act 48 hours. The program is an applied course, designed to provide two-way dialogue with local business leaders. It consists of a series of seminars between businesspersons and educators, conducted on-site at various business locations, supplemented by classroom lectures on related topics.
The program gives teachers an opportunity to interact with business executives in whose operations particular social studies, economic principles, math principles, technology and communication concepts are applied. Teachers can discuss and share ways to transmit these topics and related information to their students. In addition, teachers will also be better able to inform students about expectations and skills needed for the workplace. Articles, websites and standards-based lesson plan development enhance the course and will help educators achieve proposed Academic Standards for Economics at all grade levels.
For pricing or more information, please contact the ACES office at (814)456-7007 or info_aceserie.org.
GEnESUStm : A Business Management Experience
ACES' exciting, popular in-school program "Pennsylvania Business Week" has now grown up! This business simulation course has been upgraded to fit the needs of educators.
Genesustm, an ACT 48 eligible graduate course (one Act 48 Graduate Professional Education credit and 30 Act 48 hours), is a comprehensive one-week program, which requires educators, grades K through 12, to test their decision-making abilities in all facets of business operations and see the results. Through a computer business simulation, presentations by community business executives, outside reading assignments, interactive discussions and teamwork, educators gain business and economic knowledge in an interactive, competitive environment. Educators are divided into management teams that run their own companies and compete in the marketplace, making all managerial decisions dealing with pricing their product, investing, research and development, marketing, production and human resources.
Career Opportunities in Northwestern Pennsylvania
Developed and patterned on our popular Free Enterprise program, this is our newest ACES course, consisting of shorter weekly seminars at area businesses. It will focus on career opportunities available to students in the region. Act 48 hours will be awarded based on the number of weekly seminars in the program. The program gives teachers an opportunity to interact with business executives to learn what opportunities are available locally for their students, and what skills are needed for a successful career in their own back yard, without the need to relocate to another area.
RECYCLE for
Recycle for Business Week is now easier than ever! Simply collect your used printer cartridges, laser cartridges, and cell phones and give us a call at (814) 456-7007 or email us at info_aceserie.org to let us know you have a pick up for us. No sign up is necessary and we take care of the rest! The entire process is free of charge and helps support the Pennsylvania Business Week program. We can also provide you with a courtesy collection box for your office or place of business!
Thank you for your interest in supporting free enterprise education through the ACES organization. There are a few unique ways to give so that you can control how your donation is used.
Please select an option from the choices below to make an easy and secure online donation or learn more about giving opportunities.
Give to the ACES
General Fund
A donation to the ACES General Fund is a donation to the ongoing efforts of the organization as we seek new and innovative ways to promote the free enterprise system.
Help Fund a Business Week Program
It is now possible to support a specific Business Week program from our online portal. Click the link below to learn more about sponsorship levels and make a donation.
Competition Prizes
Winning teams during Business Week receive prizes donated from local businesses or organizations. If you would like to donate prizes please contact us here for more information.
Give to the ACES General Fund
Help Fund Business Week
For our Corporate Donors
ACES is proud to have been selected by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development as an approved Educational Improvement Organization (EIO). Therefore, contributions to Pennsylvania Business Week may qualify for Educational Improvement Tax Credits. Qualified organizations can recieve up to 90 % of their donation back in state tax credits. Click the link below for more EITC information from the PA Department of Community and Economic Development
Back To Support Us Home
It is now possible to support a specific Business Week program online. Click each sponsorship level to find out more about how your donation impacts a program.
*To allocate funds to a specific program, please see the instructions below*
$5,000
This donation level sponsors all participating students during the program.
$1,500
A Top Company Sponsorship sponsors the prize money for the program's winning team.
$1,000
An Industry Sponsorship sponsors approximately 45 students during
Business Week
$500
A Competition Underwriter sponsors an entire competition during the Business Week program.
$350
A Company Sponsorship sponsors approximately 15 students during
Business Week.
$100
A Contributing Sponsorship sponsors approximately 4 students during
If you would like your donation to support a specific program, please note the program you wish to support on the donation form. Here's how:
*On the final page of the Paypal form, you may add a "note to seller". Please add a note detailing which school you would like your donation to go to. You will be taken to the donation form when you click any "Become a Sponsor" button.*
You do not have to be a Paypal member to donate.
Thank you for your support!
<Learn more about Business Week>
Americans for the Competitive Enterprise System, Inc. of Western PA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational organization A copy of ACES’ official registration and financial information may be obtained from the PA Department of State.Call 1-800-732-0999 within Pennsylvania. Registration does not imply endorsement. The IRS 501(c) (3) number is 26-2763757.
Ways to get involved with PBW
We are always looking for volunteers to help out at Pennsylvania Business Week. Below are a few ways you can become directly involved with the program. For further information or if you have any questions please contact us
BUSINESS ADVISOR INFORMATION
Business Advisors are needed to assist students in running their company. Business advisors and teachers partner in the classroom. Each student company is assigned a volunteer from the business community to offer guidance and assistance for the week. These professionals hold the most important role of the program because they not only guide the students as they run their companies, but they act as role models. Please click the link below for more information on how to participate as a business advisor.
JUDGE INFORMATION
Judges experienced in accounting, advertising, banking, and related fields view and judge the student competitions at the end of the week. Please click the link below for more information on how to participate as a competition judge.
SPEAKER INFORMATION
Speakers knowledgeable in business ethics, money, banking, investments, marketing, manufacturing, entrepreneurship, and other business related topics offer their expertise to students and educators. Please click the link below for more information on how to participate as a feaatured speaker.
Volunteer Spotlight
Peggy Walker
Programs Manager
Contact Peggy
Val Laufenberg
Executive Director
Contact Val
Andrew Silbert
Assistant Programs Manager
Contact Andrew
Charles "Boo" Hagerty, Chief Development Officer and VP, Hamot Second
Century Foundation
Chairman of the Board
John E. Krahe, Vice President, Manufacturer and Business Association
Board Vice Chairman
James B. Ohrn, VP & Chief Financial Officer, Custom Engineering Co.
Board Treasurer
Jeremy Lincoln, VP of Purchasing, Lincoln Metal Processing Co, Inc.
Board Member
Carl M. Wolfrom, Divison Vice President, Erie East Senior District
Executive, Northwest Savings Bank
Yvonne Best-Proctor , Principal, Waterford Elementary School
Board
of
Directors
HISTORY
Since 1956 ACES has been dedicated to building a strong foundation between the business and education communities, benefiting thousands of individuals while promoting the free enterprise system.
Originally a chapter of a national organization, ACES was established in Erie, PA in 1956 through a joint effort between the Manufacturer’ and Business Association of Erie, the Erie School District, General Electric and the Erie County Council for Educational Aid and Research. ACES is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational organization founded to:
• Provide economic education for all students through in-school initiatives
• Provide guidance, assistance and training to teachers to help improve the economic education of students
• Create partnerships between the education and business communities
• Increase awareness of the American free enterprise system to the general public through our programs
• Achieve our mission in a cost-effective manner for our donors and the communities we serve through sound fiscal management.
ACES' substantial impact reaches throughout western Pennsylvania as we continue to implement specialized opportunities that allow participants to increase their knowledge and appreciation for our American economic system through our unique and popular programs.
The ACES Bob and Betty Merwin Outstanding Citizen Award
ANNUAL AWARDS
ACES celebrates its accomplishments each year with supporters, business leaders, members of the community, and educators as we share an evening recognizing the positive impact of the American free enterprise system. Please click the links to the right to find out more about these awards.
The ACES Educator of the Year Award
Past Recipients
About the Award:
In recognition of their commitment to ACES and the community, the Bob & Betty Merwin Outstanding Citizen Award is presented each year to an individual who is dedicated to their profession and free enterprise, while contributing to their community as well. Bob & Betty Merwin, founders of Eriez Magnetics and longtime ACES supporters, truly embodied the spirit of the competitive enterprise system. They are remembered with this tribute for their leadership in the community and the business sector.
2010 ACES Outstanding Citizen Award Recipient
Sam B. Biasucci
The ACES Educator of the Year
About the Award
In addition to the Merwin Outstanding Citizen of the Year Award, a special educator is honored annually for his or her commitment to the American free enterprise system through their educational initiatives and personal life.
2010 ACES Educator of the Year Recipient
Joseph A. Scungio
ENDOWMENT FUND
ACES has established an Endowment Fund with the Erie Community Foundation to meet the needs of our donors. If you have specific or unique needs for your philanthropic and estate planning objectives, please Contact Us.
RESOURCES AND REFERRALS
If you would like our assistance in finding speakers in your community for specific business topics, contact our office so that we may facilitate scheduling your presentation. ACES is more than happy to connect you to local resources.
Contact Us
ACES Partners and Supporters
Manufacturer and Business Association
Erie Community Foundation
Erie Regional Chamber & Growth Partnership
Association of Fundraising Professionals
Northwest PA Workforce Investment Board
Northwest Tri-County Intermediate Unit
PA Department of Community & Economic Development
PA Department of Education
School to Career Connection
The Nonprofit Partnership
Information Strategies Plus
GoErie.com
PA Business Week Participating Schools
New Castle Area High School (Lawrence County)
Maplewood High School (Crawford County)
Saegertown High School (Crawford County)
Sharon Senior High School (Mercer County)
PA Business Week Top Sponsors
UPMC Hamot Second Century Fund
Thomas Lee Printing & Mailing
Logistics Plus
Eriez Manufacturing Co.
The Plastek Group
Erie Insurance Group
Scott Enterprises
Lord Corporation
Marquette Savings Bank
International Paper
Ridg-U-Rak
Highmark Insurance Group
Northwest Savings Bank
MacDonald Illig Jones & Britton
The Small Business Development Center
Gannon University: College of Engineering & Business
Penn State Behrend: The Sam and Irene Black School of Business
Do you have a favorite memory from Business Week? Did Business Week affect your future career aspirations? Did something you learned during Business Week have a profound impact on you? If so, please let us know! Fill out the form below, submit it, and your story could be featured on our website, in our newsletter, or in our annual report!
Quick Links:
Business Week Video
Business Advisor
Featured Speaker
Competition Judge
Board of Directors
Staff
Upcoming
Programs:
PA Business Week
Neshannock HS
Jan. 30-Feb. 3
Volunteer Opportunities
Cambridge Springs HS
Feb. 27-Mar. 2
Fort LeBoeuf HS
Mar. 26-Mar. 30
ACES on
PBW on
Americans for the
Competitive Enterprise System
Stay featured or remove this badge.
