Nearly 200 high school students from 12 southwestern Ontario high schools were at U of G this week to take part in the Business Reach Ahead Case Competition, a new event co-organized by the Ontario Agricultural College and the Department of Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics.

The event was open to students who are business specialist high skills majors, which prepares them for undergraduate education, apprenticeship training or employment in commerce and business. Twenty student teams competed to win educational prizes totalling $2,100 for their schools. Winners in each category received $400, with $200 for second place and $100 for third.

The students analyzed business cases from a marketing, management or distribution perspective and then presented recommendations to a panel of judges that included business professionals, faculty and graduate students.

The day-long event also provided students with a preview of education and business career opportunities in agri-food, and the opportunity to meet OAC faculty and students.

Participating high schools represented eight school boards: Dufferin Peel Catholic, Durham, Halton Catholic, Peel, Simcoe County, Upper Grand, Wellington Catholic and York Region.