Calgary teens win FedEx Access Award in Washington, DC

Junior Achievement of Southern Alberta (JASA) is pleased to announce that 19 teen entrepreneurs from Calgary won the annual FedEx Access Award at the 2011 North American Junior Achievement Company of the Year Competition in Washington, DC. The FedEx Access Initiative helps JA students understand the impact of global access to create jobs, grow small and medium-sized business, and to benefit our world's environment. The award is given to the student company that best demonstrates the potential to achieve these goals of global access.

The students of Spectra created The Firefly, a portable, solar-powered night light: utilizing the technology in a decorative mason jar. The product allows buyers to personalize its use without the limitations of conventional night lights and lamps, and their need for electricity. The innovative eco-friendly product was very well received in Calgary, generating revenues of nearly $5,500, which was a 643% return on investment for shareholders. The company also donated nearly $1,500 to charity, reflecting the value of social responsibility that Junior Achievement instills in its participants.

“We wanted our product to help different people around the world, so we established a partnership with the Glassco Foundation; customers could choose to purchase a Firefly to be sent directly to a family without electricity in Zambia. Because of our success, we were able to donate $705 to the Foundation and sent 40 Fireflies to families in need. With each Firefly sold, customers contributed to the global community and took a step towards a better future for citizens around the world.“ said Shelley Foo, President of Spectra.

Spectra was also one of the finalists for The Big Pitch: Calgary, set to air on CBC on Saturday, August 6 at 7pm. Filmed in January, the television special showcased five of the 17 students teams who participated in the Company Program this year.  The selected teams had the opportunity to pitch their products and business plans to a panel of business executives live on stage.