December FE Updates!

Hello World!

I hope everyone had an amazing Thanksgiving filled with friends, family and food!


It's only been a month since my last post, but a lot of exciting developments to report from the FE world. As we have progressed throughout the semester, the leadership team has focused intensely on what is the most critical component of our business: the foundation. Our IT Group has worked hard establishing key strategic relationships with UDIT and Dining Services IT in order to provide more secure, reliable, and timely services to our businesses. Furthermore, the accounting group has made major improvements in our monthly auditing process as well as internal controls. Courtney Heinekamp, the CFO, and Bryan Kristy, the CIO, have done an amazing job and their leadership has been key in refocusing the foundational support structure of Flyer Enterprises.

Also, we have continued to focus on our founding principles: entrepreneurship and innovation. Last week, we delivered our proposal for a storage venture to UD administration. The new venture coordinators, Ryan Hunn and Sean Holdmeyer, did a great job in developing the initial draft of the proposal and delivered a outstanding presentation as well. Overall, UD administration was very impressed and are interested in moving on to "stage B." At present, that next step from UD's perspective is not clearly defined, but I should have an update soon. Stay tuned!

We have also continued to be innovative in our marketing tactics. We just completed our FE Passport campaign and it was very successful. We had over 100 people turn in completed passports, which equates to a 172% increase from the previous year. This success can be largely attributed to the efforts of VP of corporate development, Megan Arko, and director of marketing communications, Rachelle Patsey. They crafted a great campaign that was communicated and executed very well. Furthermore, our collaboration with Dayton to Daytona added a new dynamic to the contest and greatly increased the appeal of the promotion. A big thanks to every single FE'er for their hard work and help in spreading the word!

As we move forward, the month of December brings more than cold weather and snow, but also the beginning of our transition season (man time flies!). On December 6, the 2011-2012 CEO was announced to the company (Congrats again Jeff Firestone!) and we will now move quickly into interview season for execs then managers. While turnover is one of our biggest challenges as a student-run business, it also provides great opportunities for young FE'ers to bring fresh and innovative ideas into the company. I encourage everyone to consider applying for a leadership position within the company! While it is a lot of hard work, the impact you can make on the business and great relationships you will develop make it truly a worthwhile experience.


I wish everyone the best of luck on their upcoming exams and keep up the amazing work! As I have said numerous times, you are the most important part of FE and your hard work will ensure our continued success!

FE Love always & forever,

Joe