DECA Members Sweep the Podium in National Virtual Case Competition

Written by: Gracie Weston 

Students from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater’s College of Business and Economics (CoBE) recently earned an outstanding national achievement, sweeping all three podium positions in DECA’s 2025 Virtual Case Simulation Competition. Competing against more than 100 students from across the country, UW–Whitewater Collegiate DECA members claimed first, second, and third place in the nationwide event.

Junior Tiana Heitmann, majoring in finance and entrepreneurship, earned first place. She was followed by junior George Zimbric, a marketing and finance major, in second place, and junior Ellie Goeden, an accounting major, who earned third place. All three students will be recognized for their accomplishment at DECA’s International Career Development Conference (ICDC) in April.

The Virtual Case Simulation Competition is a standalone national event open to all Collegiate DECA members and is not connected to state or national case study competitions. Students compete individually over a 10-day period, with the top three finishers earning national recognition.

During the simulation, participants assume the role of entrepreneurs responsible for researching opportunities and launching their own business ventures. Students choose from six different business options and manage every aspect of the operation, including conducting market research, analyzing competitors, raising capital, setting prices, hiring staff, designing layouts, building teams, and creating effective advertising strategies.
Competitors may operate up to two businesses during the simulation, which runs through two virtual years. Final rankings are based on each participant’s personal net worth at the conclusion of the simulation.

“I am very proud of the students who participated in the event because they took the initiative to immerse themselves in a very in-depth and

multidisciplinary case study simulation. They had to draw upon a variety of skills and apply them to this real-world simulation. The results are obviously a great achievement and show their ability to apply the skills and education gained through their coursework,” said Frank Lanko, Business Career Services Manager at UWW and faculty advisor for UWW Collegiate DECA.

This achievement underscores UW–Whitewater’s commitment to providing students with meaningful experiences that contribute to their learning and long-term career outcomes. The results reflect not only individual excellence but also the applied, hands-on learning experiences emphasized within the College of Business and Economics.

About UWW DECA:

UW–Whitewater’s Collegiate DECA chapter prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management at both the high school and collegiate levels around the globe. Members compete to solve real-world business problems, volunteer their time to serve the local community, and engage with students across campus to build new relationships and professional networks. Learn more at uwwdeca.com/.

More about the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater CoBE:

Wisconsin’s largest business college, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater College of Business and Economics, is home to the 1 ranked online Masters of Business Administration (MBA) program in the State, of single schools. The College of Business and Economics offers a rich breadth of co-curricular activities to enhance student development and learning outcomes. CoBE is in the top 1% of the world’s business schools, earning both AACSB and AACSB Accounting Accreditation (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business). For more information on the College of Business and Economics, visit uww.edu/cobe or email cobe@uww.edu.