Four Trent Business students who travelled to the Odette School of Business at the University of Windsor in January to compete in the 2010 OSB Regional CMA Case Competition returned as winners – placing third among ten teams and winning a $400 cash prize.

Despite this being the team’s first accounting competition, the students pulled from their classroom experiences at Trent to succeed in placing among the top three teams. This year's case was about a butterfly pupae supplier in developing Costa Rica that was deciding whether or not to move into the deadstock market and expand their business.

“Although our competitors may have had a more proficient understanding of accounting, they did not compare to Trent’s focus on strategy, management and ethics in the classroom; all of which played a part in our success,” said Trent’s team captain, Jeff Waite, a fourth-year Business Administration student. Speaking on behalf of his teammates and fellow students, Michael Blackburn, Gemma Edwin, and Brian McCarthy, he said, “We are exceptionally proud of how we performed. Our third place finish is a testament to Trent Business’ unique education and concentration on problem solving and critical-thinking. We urge future students to attend these competitions to further prove our competitive spirit and quality of education.”

The OSB CMA Case Competition is designed to make students think critically and apply their business acumen to a complex business situation. “It went beyond just crunching numbers. In addition to the bottom-line, there were ethical, social, and environmental considerations,” said Mr. Waite.

The competition was divided into two rounds. Each school was given a chance to present their recommendations. After a very strong first round, Trent’s name was announced as one of the five finalists that would go on to present their recommendations in front of a panel of 16 judges and 40 students.

Afterwards, judges praised the Trent students for their “clear, concise, and focused” style of presenting as well as their “humbleness”, a characteristic that the team attributes to Trent’s mentality.

“What I loved was that you did not have a gimmick,” said Judge Vince Georgie, an assistant professor with the Odette School of Business. “You were all very personable and professional. It was like you were talking to us one-on-one.”

Pictured (left to right): Dr. H. Allen Conway (Dean of Odette School of Business), Brian McCarthy, Gemma Edwin, Jeff Waite, Michael Blackburn, Deborah Clarke (CMA Ontario Representative)