For nine years, the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce has invited students at the Texas Christian University – Neeley School of Business to participate in selecting the Small Business of the Year while working alongside local business leaders.
This year, students Matthew Mutaszak, Brooke Barlock, Jack Bosworth and John Paul Watson were invited to help the judging process at the Fort Worth Chamber offices. First, the students took part in reviewing applications for Small Business of the Year, and would then proceed to site visits. Judges would be given a tour of each facility and have the opportunity to participate in a Q&A with company representatives before returning to the Chamber to make final decisions.
“The experience was amazing,” said Neeley student Matthew Mutaszak. “Getting to look inside organizations the owners have spent years building can lead to powerful insights about the importance of persistence, creativity and hiring good people.”
Not only did the students benefit vastly from their experience working alongside the professionals, but the fellow judges said the students made invaluable contributions and insights to the process. Lydia Hall, vice president of programs and events for the Forth Worth Chamber, commented on the student’s contribution: “The students never shy away from giving their opinions, and they are right in the middle of the discussion when it comes time to making the final decision.”
Not only did the four Neeley students get the opportunity to be an indelible part of the selection process and forge relationships with working professionals, but the site visits to potential small business winners were also invaluable. According to Brooke Barlock, seeing the daily operations of the companies they visited allowed her to see business concepts she had studied being applied in real time.
“We look forward to continuing our strong relationship with the Neeley School of Business at TCU,” said Hall, “and watching the futures these young business professionals will have here in Fort Worth.”