The Davis & Elkins College Students in Free Enterprise Team has received a $1,000 Environmental Sustainability Challenge Award from SIFE USA and Sam's Club to implement recycling and sustainability projects in Canaan Valley.
The D&E team's project is designed to assess recycling needs, provide suitable collection bins for added drop-off points, and reduce energy usage in cooperation with the Land of Canaan Homeowners Association - a 42-unit time share that operates year-round. The SIFE team's goal is to target one business initially during ski season from December through March and expand to others in the Canaan Valley - Canaan Valley Resort/State Park, Timberline Resort and Blackwater Falls/Lodge. The Davis & Elkins SIFE Team worked closely with Neshia Bridges, membership assistant manager at the Emily Drive Sam's Club Store in Clarksburg, to ensure the application met the grant guidelines.
According to surveys conducted by SIFE and interviews with business owners in Canaan Valley, there is a need for additional drop-off points and containers that can stand up to the wind and bears. Promotion is also essential as students learned that many businesses in the area are not aware of current recycling locations and services. In addition, visitors to the area have expressed a desire to recycle. Working with The Land of Canaan, the SIFE team hopes to expand the types of recyclables being picked up through the Sam's Club grant.
Article Photos
TEAM EFFORT — The Davis & Elkins College Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) Team has received a $1,000 Environmental Sustainability Challenge Award from SIFE USA and Sam’s Club to implement recycling and sustainability projects in Canaan Valley. From left are team member Jacqueline Moats, Land of Canaan Vacation Resort Manager Cindy Cook, SIFE Team Project Manager Kelsey Gilbert, SIFE Team Leader LaTosha Ware, and D&E Professor of Business and SIFE Team Advisor Dr. Victoria Mullennex.
A second project the grant will support is to target energy savings by replacing regular light bulbs with energy efficient ones with a plan for measuring the savings, using time-share units at the Land of Canaan as a model.
Laminated flyers will be posted in time share units and the community to promote recycling and drop off points, and surveys at local businesses will be used to determine awareness and increase a positive response.
Land of Canaan Manager Cindy Cook awarded the team a certificate for a three-night stay at the Land of Canaan Vacation Resort to facilitate the process for the SIFE team to raise $1,000 to match the grant funding. The team will be soliciting additional donations for the vacation award. Already, students have received a Pampered Chef baker donated by Consultant Winnie Sites Lambert for the drawing.
Kelsey Gilbert is the D&E SIFE project leader contact for Land of Canaan. Business interested in helping the team with the Environmental Sustainability Challenge may contact Kelsey at 304-940-3639 or e-mail kelsey-gilbert20@yahoo.com or LaTosha Ware at 304-940-3639, e-mail latoshaware@gmail.com.
The team will be glad to assist businesses with their recycling initiatives.
Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) is an international nonprofit organization that brings together the leaders of today and tomorrow to create a better, more sustainable world through the positive power of business.
Founded in 1975, SIFE has active programs on more than 1,500 college and university campuses in more than 39 countries. Through projects that improve the lives of people worldwide, the university students, academic professionals and industry leaders who participate in SIFE are demonstrating that individuals with a knowledge and passion for business can be a powerful force for change.
