ClassE is where we grow entrepreneurs and nurture success. This is what we have been learning this week.

What a Sweet Week!

We enjoyed coffee with ClassE supporters and a barbershop quartet serenade.  Then we got to experience experience cinnamon-raisin bagel making at Pinnacle and enjoyed the great smell that filled the air. We will complete this Valentine's Day week by volunteering at Catholic Charities for the next two Saturdays.

Saturday, February 17th - Volunteer at Catholic Charities from 9-11 am.
4217 Dewitt Ave., Mattoon

Monday, Feb. 19th - President's Day - No School

Tuesday, Feb 20th - Tour of KC Summers
with Keith Summers
117 S. 19th St., Mattoon

Wednesday, Feb 21st - Locations and Values
with Dan Corries of Corrie Appraisal

Thursday, Feb 22nd - Workday 
LLC Workforce Center
305 Richmond Ave. East, Mattoon

Friday, Feb. 23rd - Book Discussions with Silvey, Drew and Reid 

Saturday, Feb 24th - Volunteer at Catholic Charities from 9-11 am.
4217 Dewitt Ave., Mattoon

ClassE meets daily from 8-9:20 am at the Lifespan Center (unless noted above). 11021 E. Cty. Rd. 800 N., Charleston (Loxa Road - northeast of SBLHS). Class is open and welcome to everyone.
Figuring Out Our Finances

Ann Deters, CEO of Vantage Outsourcing, took the class through creating an income statement. Using Excel, the students can input assumptions in the price and volume of product sold and compare the outcomes. The breakeven and margins were also calculated. This income statement will be added to the business plan they are working on.
Preparing the Bid and Learning About Unions

Holly Bailey of Howell Construction discussed all of the variables that go into bidding a government contract. We learned about prevailing wage, minority subcontractors and their seasonal schedule. To win the bid, you must be the lowest bidder but they do incentivize quality with pay per performance clauses. Pros and cons of labor unions were also discussed.
Networking & Delivering Business Pitches

Thank you to the thirteen mentors, board, school representatives and parents who attended the Valentine's Day coffee and business pitch presentations. The students are well on their way making sales and refining their businesses. 

We were serenaded by a local barbershop quartet who thanked all those who support ClassE.


Touring Pinnacle Foods

Two million Lender's Bagels can be made in a day at the Mattoon Pinnacle facility. Nancy Bruner, quality control manager, shared this and other interesting information about baking this "ready to eat"  product. They have spent more than $4.5 million in capital improvements to ensure food safety. They employe 210 employees and give 40,000 bagels away during the Bagelfest weekend.
We are so thankful for the generosity of the Coles County businesses that sponsor ClassE. For a complete listing and more information about these businesses, please click below.  We also appreciate the that the Lifespan Center serves as our home base throughout the year. We hope you support them as they support us!


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  Investors 
ClassE | 217-549-2564 | [email protected] | www.keepitclasse.org
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