Tampa, Florida-based supplier BIC Graphic NA (PAI 114187, S13) recently taught students about promotional products production and distribution at its storefront at Savros Institute’s Enterprise Village, by having the students act as BIC employees. Stavros Institute’s Enterprise Village is a self-contained economic education program that provides a hands-on learning experience for students. BIC Graphic NA has participated in the program for more than 20 years.

After learning economic education objectives at their respective schools, students visit Enterprise Village during their “business day” and work in one of 20-plus businesses, receive paychecks, take breaks and make purchases in business-sponsored storefronts like BIC Graphic NA.

The daughter of IT director of infrastructure with BGNA, Michael Moore, recently participated in the Enterprise Village Program and was “hired” as manager at the BIC Graphic NA storefront. Emersyn Moore prepared for her “job” during her math block leading up to her Enterprise Village visit.

“Being the BIC Graphic manager was difficult, but a fun challenge. I applied to work at BIC Graphic because when I visited in real life it was a good experience, so I felt I could help my group and guide them during the day,” says Emersyn. “A leader is someone who guides others and does not boss them around.”

BIC Graphic NA has donated more than $700,000, including $300,000 in product, to Enterprise Village since 1998. Several current BIC Graphic NA employees participated in the program during their middle school years, or have children who participated in the Enterprise Village this year.

“I was a CPA in professional offices at Enterprise Village when I was in fifth grade,” says BGNA trade show associate Tiffany Marmo. “I can’t think of a better way for kids to learn the value of a good day’s work and how different professionals have to collaborate to be successful.”