A Preview to the 2025-2026 Exciting New Initiatives!

Hi Illinois DECA!

It’s Josh Koyfman, your Illinois DECA Association President. I hope you all had a restful Thanksgiving, filled with fun memories with friends and families. I am excited to share this first blog post of the year, and in Thanksgiving spirit, I am grateful to all of you for helping grow our statewide membership to over 6,000! The fact that you are taking the time to read this blog right now is a testament to your commitment and passion for DECA.

I’m excited to outline a few exciting initiatives that the State Action Team is working on this year. Think of this like a trailer for what you can expect for the year.

• If you’ve been to ICDC, you know and love the pin-trading. Now, pin-trading will be coming to ILCDC as chapters are encouraged to design their own pins to trade at State. And don’t worry, the officers will have their own limited supply of special pins for you to snag. Trust me, if you get them, they will be a hot commodity on the market.

• Illinois DECA is on par with the latest trends and now has a Podcast! Our first podcast covers Pitch Decks and the key details you should know before you submit. You can find this episode on YouTube in the first week of DECA. While you’re on our socials, check out our Instagram and TikTok (@illinoisdeca) for some top-tier content covering your favorite topics, Dancing with the Stars, Power Trip, and Crumbl Reviews!

• Fine-tune your dinks because we will be organizing pickleball tournaments across the regions to support the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Start looking for a partner and grab your paddle because when the details come out, you won’t want to miss it.

• Communication is key, which is why we offer many ways for you to stay connected with ILDECA. The first newsletter will be sent on December 3rd to advisors, iConnect Representatives, chapter Presidents, and anyone who has attended a Leadership Council. You can also find it on the Illinois DECA website (it has got some content you’re gonna want to know!) And if you loved this blog (of course you did :)) and are pumped for the year ahead, stay tuned for another blog post before the end of the year with ideas for what you can do over winter break to set yourself up for success at sectionals.