Austin Vuichard Competes at International Business Ethics Conferences for McKendree University

2013 May 31

Austin Vuichard of Coulterville, represented McKendree University at two competitions for business students. Vuichard, a senior accounting major, co-presented "What's Eating You? Unhealthy Eating Habits and Restaurant Responsibility" at each conference as part of a four-student McKendree team.

The International Business Ethics Case Competition, the oldest and most-recognized business ethics competition of its kind, was held in San Diego, May 8-10. The McKendree team was the runner-up in the undergraduate division of the full presentation category. Twenty-five teams of three to five students participated in a variety of competitions-a 20-minute presentation followed by Q&A, a 10-minute presentation and a 90-second presentation-judged by practicing ethics and compliance professionals. Each team selected a topic from any area of business ethics and described both the problem and a proposed solution.

The McKendree students said they chose their topic because of widespread obesity and controversy regarding recent attempts to ban certain food and beverage options from the public, specifically the ban on large sodas sold in New York City. "We believe that banning these goods from the consumer is ill-thought and think restaurants should instead encourage healthier eating," Vuichard said. "Our research found that when they do so, customer traffic and sales numbers increase, ultimately benefitting both the restaurants and consumers. Nothing is taken away and customers make the decision on how they want to eat."

The group also showcased its ability to analyze a case and recommend ethical solutions at the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education Student Case-Study Competition held in Orlando, April 16-19.

McKendree University ranks among the top quarter of regional universities nationwide in U.S. News and World Report's "Best Colleges" for 2013. www.mckendree.edu