From left to right: Alison Shutzberg, North Springs Charter High School;  Jenna Kahn, The Weber School;  Bilal Gutu, North Springs Charter High School;  Jan Berland, Riverwood High School; Matthew Kurzweil, The Weber School and Jack Kosakowski, President, Junior Achievement USA | Submitted Photo
 

Acworth, Ga.-based Americo Manufacturing announced that a team of high school students advised by Americo volunteers has won the National Junior Achievement Company of the Year competition, held in Washington, D.C. 

The teen entrepreneurs — called the Custome Coasters — were selected from 15 teen-run finalist companies representing all regions of the United States for their custom, tailor-made coaster business. A commercial about their company, a presentation to a judging panel and a trade fair on Capitol Hill where the students sold the product, helped to secure the award. 

Over the seven months leading up to the national competition, the members of Custom Coasters were advised by volunteers from UPS and Americo Manufacturing Co., as part of the JA Fellows program. Americo chief executive officer and JA volunteer advisor, Leonard Shutzberg, states:

“This is the very first time that Georgia has ever had a national winner for JA’s Company of the Year," says Leonard Shutzberg, chief executive offiver and JA volunteer advisor. "This is an incredible honor for these kids and I am very thankful for the support that Americo gave them over this past year.” 

Custom Coasters was also recognized with the NYSE Euronext Foundation’s award for the Best Financial Performance of any company in the USA.