Business Olympians Look to Revitalize Smithtown

Smithtown High School West was the site of the 20th Business Olympics, coordinated by the Smithtown Career and Technical Education Department.

The event brings teams of students representing both High Schools East and West together to develop a business plan following a common theme. Many local businesses and professionals also lend their expertise and support to the Olympiad.

This year’s theme was “Revitalizing Main Street: Smithtown.” Close to 50 teams of students worked for the past several months – after school and on their own time – to develop a campaign, including a live commercial, which they presented to panels of judges comprised of local business professionals, school district officials and town planning board members on Nov. 20. Every team set out to achieve one goal: have their campaign chosen as the one to promote and help reinvent the downtown Smithtown corridor.

Seven finalist teams were selected to present to a larger collaboration of judges. Many ideas were floated during the presentations, including utilizing the district’s New York Avenue campus for outdoor concerts and/or movies. Teams also proposed underground roadways and railways to alleviate traffic concerns. One team proposed converting the lumberyard into a go-kart arena and even relocating Whisper the Bull to the center of town so more people could admire the statue.

Along with the live commercial, students presented print ads and other promotional pieces, as well as outreach and electronic/social media strategies. After students made their case, “The Main Street Masters” were named the top presenter. Each team member was awarded $75 and a personalized jacket, while the other six finalists received smaller cash prizes and gift cards to local establishments.

The Main Street Masters is comprised of Kalia Cerbone, Jainee Gabrielsen, Ryan Micozzi and Chris Miller.

This year’s platinum sponsor was People’s United Bank. Lynn Barnhardt’s State Farm agency was a gold sponsor and Damianos Realty, Raul E New York and The Sexy Salad were all silver-level sponsors.

Photo by Smithtown Schools: Industry Advisory Board executive director Mary Pat Grafstein (center) present members of the winning team –The Main Street Masters– each with a check for $75 and a personalized jacket.