New Edition of Program Increasing Awareness
of Successful Entrepreneurs Launched

The fifth edition of the Getting the Message Out (GMO) Classroom Kit and the 2010 GMO Case Study Competition was launched today at Stephenville High School.

�For more than 15 years, our GMO program has been an important tool for creating awareness of some of the brightest and most passionate entrepreneurs to students, educators, community organizations, and industry groups,� said the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. �It effectively demonstrates that passion and hard work can transform innovative ideas into real business opportunities. With advancements in technology, the opportunity to create successful enterprises is increasing in all regions of the province for people of all ages and walks of life.�

On behalf of Minister Skinner, announcement of the new classroom kit and case study competition was made by the Honourable Joan Burke, MHA, St. Georges - Stephenville East.

Beginning in 2005-06, the GMO program has produced an annual supplementary learning resource for teachers of the Career Development 2201 and Enterprise Education 3205 courses in the province�s high schools. The resource is a collection of case studies highlighting the stories of successful provincial entrepreneurs, complete with questions designed to engage students in a discussion of the advantages and challenges associated with entrepreneurship.

�In our knowledge-based economy, it is important that the K-12 system prepares students for post-secondary training and the workplace,� said the Honourable Darin King, Minister of Education. �With the GMO program, students learn practical skills that give them hands-on experience. In addition, by introducing students to modern success stories, they learn that with a little work and planning, they can be the innovators of the future.�

First launched in 2008, the annual GMO Case Study Competition invites students from across the province to submit the profiles of local entrepreneurs whose achievements inspire them. Felicia Hefferan of Stephenville High School, recognized at today�s launch, was last year�s winner. Her prizes included a new laptop computer and iPod as well as having her winning case study featured in the new GMO Classroom Kit. The sponsoring teacher, Odelia Caul, and the school each received a computer.

"This was a valuable experience for Felicia as she was able to interview an individual who was able to show that hard work really pays off,� said Ms. Caul. �Throughout the interview and the case study, Felicia was truly able to see the 'business' side of the Career Education course. This experience allowed her to see the advantages and challenges of entrepreneurship. The GMO program is a great opportunity for all students as it motivates them towards success and the prizes were just the icing on the cake.�

Students enrolled in Memorial University�s Faculty of Business deliver the GMO program to high school students, customizing their presentations to emphasize entrepreneurial opportunities in specific communities. The supplementary case studies are used in the classroom to reinforce messaging following these presentations. Although high school students and teachers are key audiences, the opportunity to receive a GMO presentation is also extended to local community and business groups across the province.

�As a Provincial Government, we care very much about the future of young people in Newfoundland and Labrador and we congratulate Stephenville High School for their ongoing investments in the youth of their region,� said Minister Skinner. �Through initiatives such as the GMO program and our Youth Retention and Attraction Strategy, we are working with community organizations to create the right kind of environment that makes Newfoundland and Labrador the province of choice for young adults to live, work, and raise families.�

For more information about the 2010 GMO Case Study Competition, please visit www.gmo.nl.ca/contest/. 

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2009 10 27                                                   11:05 a.m.