Whereas, For over 60 years, DECA has aided students in developing the skills and expertise they need for future careers in marketing by helping them to build self-esteem, experience leaderships and participate in community service; and,

Whereas, DECA also hosts a wide range of activities, such as professional development workshops, that allows students to have fun while increasing their skills and knowledge about future careers; and,

Whereas, What began with a few hundred students in 17 states has grown to over 185,000 students in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Virgin Islands, Manitoba, Canada, Guam, Puerto Rico, Germany and Mexico; and,

Whereas, The Michigan chapter of DECA has grown to be the seventh largest in terms of membership and is continually striving to provide as many opportunities as possible to its members;

Now, Therefore, be it Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, governor of the state of Michigan, do hereby proclaim the week of October 12, 2008, as DECA week in the state of Michigan.