Usman Vahidy tells us about the TRU Foundation and all of the good work that this charity does to help support students who otherwise wouldn’t have been able to afford to obtain their post secondary education.
TRU Foundation is the primary fundraiser on campus. They raise and collect funds to support students who are having a hard time financially or are less privileged. They provide bursaries, scholarships and awards. They also recognize and acknowledge students who have done well in their academics with merit scholarships.
The student body is growing at a rapid pace and so is the need for funds to help support these students. Every university has a foundation but the success of the Thompson Rivers University Foundation is evident through the numbers they’ve shown over the years and in fact they are one of the best run departments at the University.
TRU services students from not only a local market but also right across Canada and a significant number of international students. Due to the unprecedented growth Thompson Rivers University has many glowing examples of their proven results and track record. The new House Of Learning and library currently in construction is one such example of the phenomenal focus on building for the future at TRU.
Time for a Race Update from The Race To A Million teams. Team Nexus is down a little (again) after purchasing software for their online store… Pete says “I’ll eat my hat if the site is up in time”. Team Matrix hasn’t yet moved from their $755 mark. They’ve lost a couple of members but they’re in the process of adding replacements. Matrix assures us, however, that they are getting ready to move forward with their strategies. Third place has Team Genie who also has lost a member but they are very excited about their upcoming product launch. In second place is team Alpha who has added their first sponsor, Brian from Home Pro Inspections Service and they’re dropping the cost of the car they have for sale. In first place is Team TRU still meeting weekly… still innovating… the business community seems to really buying in to this team while they leverage all of their ideas.
Here’s an EXTENDED team updates video from October 25, 2010 with members of each Race To A Million Team checking in via video to tell us what’s happening in the race.
Regan Hayes from Team Genie talks about their upcoming plans to launch something VERY BIG and include their charity in an equally BIG way.
Gregg Murray from Team Matrix speaks to some of the challenges their team has faced but believes the members of the team are still “game” for the game.
Lisa Ottenbreit from Team TRU feels confident that their team is increasing their social media following and is embracing the lead that her team has over the others cautiously but also with optimism. They are enjoying the opportunities to try different business ideas and they are excited about what’s to come. Lisa tells us a little more about their TRUly Fresh Personnel strategy and their partnership deal with Kamloops Night Out. They are also looking for more partnership opportunities with other businesses in town.
Team Nexus tells us to remember, remember, the 5th of November… DealsVonMastermind.com is launching on that day! A one stop shopping portal for electronics, vacations and lots of great deals on many other items. These guys are hilarious and entertaining!
And don’t forget Team Alpha who speaks to us about their ups and downs and the way they are turning things around… The Car, Star Wars collectibles, Mosaic picture software and a contest that has something to do with counting noodles.
Join us behind the scenes in the audio and video editing bay at the Race To A Million where we update you on the latest happenings from the teams.
Team Nexus is still wearing Star Wars helmets and they are still launching their dealsvm.com electronics online store on November 5th, 2010… don’t forget to check it out.
Team Matrix announces a partnership with both Vata Vibe for selling Healthy vibration machine technology and Simply Communicating for business employment relations services
Team Genie is launching their SECRET strategy very soon and all we can say at this point is that it will be a great opportunity for community groups as a potential fund raiser
Team Alpha is still trying to sell their car
AND … Team TRU is leading the pack in a partnership with Kamloops Night Out and an Art show coming up at the Commodore.
On the home page of Team TRU’s website at www.teamtru.ca they write that they “are a group of young entrepreneurs seeking to win the Race to a Million by taking a truly fresh approach to business”.
At Dictionary.com an entrepreneur is defined as “a person who organizes and manages any enterprise, esp. a business, usually with considerable initiative and risk.” Team TRU has definitely organized themselves and managed their business endeavors thus far very well. They’ve shown the initiative and taken the risk. These are not just your average academic students. They are clearly showing the drive and determination that it takes to succeed in business today but will they succeed? Can they continue their sprint to the finish line of this marathon entrepreneurial contest? Time will tell. One thing seems certain; while there are a lot of zeros in $1,000,000 there are more heroes than ‘zeros’ on this team.
Here’s some of the “considerable initiatives and risks” being managed by Team TRU.
This coming Thursday, October 21, 2010 Team TRU will once again be on the air with 98.3 CIFM at 1:40 in the afternoon.
Team TRU made a substantial financial commitment this week in securing a spot this coming weekend (Friday Evening through Sunday, October 22-24, 2010) at the Interior Savings Centre for the Fall Home Show. The event is free to attend and is one of the most widely attended shows in the interior of BC. In previous years, this particular Home Show is usually attended by 20,000 to 25,000 people. The Team Tru booth will be located in the middle of the main floor of the Home Show. Team TRU will be offering some great products for your home including:
Home furnishings and decor
Heating solutions they claim “will blow your mind” including some great fire places and in-home heaters
AND, One-of-A-Kind original works of art starting at only $650 including beautiful wood relief carvings and canvas paintings. The local artist will be on hand to answer any questions about her pieces.
This Team has already done very well signing advertisers for their own website and as a result of this and other demonstrations of their business savvy Team TRU has announced that they have been hired to ramp up the advertising sales for Kamloops Night Out. They will be using some of their students from their TRUly Fresh Marketing and TRUly Fresh Personnel to hit the pavement and sign new clients for the Kamloops company.
And finally, on Tuesday Novemeber 9th, 2010 Team TRU will be hosting an ART Design – Wine and Dine at The Commodore Grand Cafe and Lounge. Team TRU has been commissioned by a local artist Carly Mercer to help her create a name for herself in the art community of Kamloops. Carly is a Fine Arts Graduate of Thompson Rivers University and is looking to Team TRU to help her pave her path to success. This event is created to showcase work from this particular local artist. Come and support Team TRU in their Race To a Million while they help Carly get her career off to a great start. You might even find that you’ll want to add to the individuality of your home with one of these beautiful and original paintings.
Thompson Rivers University and the Thompson Rivers University Foundation (Team TRU’s charity of choice) should be proud of the great work, drive, dedication and enthusiasm that has consistently been shown by this amazing team of students, alumni, and faculty. Great work Team TRU you TRUly are a “Fresh Approach To Business!”
Here is the Race To A Million Teams Update… what’s going on in the third investment cycle? Where are the teams at with the totals on the leaderboard? What are the teams planning next? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this video update.
Team TRU Video Spolight - We caught up with Matthew Muzzillio (AKA The Muzz) on the TRU campus in Kamloops to find out what’s happening with the team and what might be coming up next.
Matt told us about how well the team is being received and supported by the community as well as the level of excitement they’re generating not only within their own team but also on campus with all of the students.
Matt says they’re “still waiting for one of the other teams to blow by them and leave them in their dust” but until that happens TRU seems to be doing very well maintaining their current lead. And, that’s without mentioning that they are having a whole lot of fun while they exercise their entrepreneurial skills and create great opportunities for other students who otherwise couldn’t attend TRU were it not for the assistance of TRU Foundation which Team TRU is supporting.
Here’s this weeks Team Spotlight covering Team TRU!
Team TRU is widening the lead they have over the other Race To A Million teams this week as they add another $1000 to their total and break the $3000 mark. This weeks gains are a direct result of adding two more sponsors through team TRU’s Truly Fresh Marketing strategy which provides advertising services to local businesses on Team TRU’s website located at www.teamtru.ca. This week The Commodore Grand Cafe & Lounge located at 369 Victoria Street in Kamoops and Wholesale Furniture Brokers located at #103 – 1366 Hugh Allan Drive in Kamloops, BC have stepped forward to support Team TRU as website sponsors.
Here is a video update from the second investment cycle for the Race To A Million. What strategies are the teams using to turn their $500 into $1,000,000 by July 2011? Watch the video to find out!
Dean: Welcome to the new and improved Race to a Million video updates. I’m Dean Pierson
Peter: And I’m Peter Cameron-Inglis…….Like Dean says ….. we’re happy to unveil our new format for your viewing pleasure! Faster pace…..more diverse content and information that you can use…..
Dean: Every week we’ll be giving you 5 to 6 minute segments that will have themes like business tips, feet on the street, celebrity interviews and of course…..our Race to a Million updates……which is where we begin this week……with an update on where the team’s sit this week! Oh…..and remember……if you miss the video updates…..can follow along by hitting the Leaderboard tab at www.racetoamillion.ca……
Peter: From last to first…..here’s where the teams stand…….
Dean: Team Nexus is currently in 5th place with a total bank account of $401.01. They have used some of their original $500 investment to set up their on line electronics store. Deals Von Mastermind will be open for business on Nov 5th…..just in time for this year’s Christmas shopping. Check them out at www.dealsvm.com. Oh…..by the way,…..If you haven’t seen the first video from Team Nexus….. click this link to check out the update from Professor Investor…….it’s good for a laugh!
Peter: In 4th place this week…..is Team Matrix.
Their first money making strategy was to spend a day at a local flea market……and they accomplished their goal of getting a positive influx of cash. They currently sit at $755 and are continuing to gain sponsors for their website and are in negotiations with many local businesses to get some sponsors……and they have been doing a lot of work on their website……check them out at www.mastermindmatrix.ca
As a sponsor at www.mastermindmatrix.ca,you’ll Have your logos included on the web site on the static sidebar……You’ll be featured as a corporate sponsor…..you’ll also secure video banner ads on a rotating basis for the duration of the contest…..Will have business logos, name mentions featured in all traditional media ….Will have top of page banner ad on a rotating basis for the duration of the contest
Team Matrix has some exciting offerings coming to their website which will include not only sponsorship opportunities but will also include some great deals on some exciting heath care devices and we’ll be able to tell you all about those very very soon.
Dean: In third place smack dab in tn the middle of the pack……it’s Team Genie!
As a result of their first strategy of using the time and talents of computer specialist Michael Koehn…..Team Genie also moved in a positive direction for the first investment cycle and currently sit at $850.
Team Genie is also conjuring up some new ideas that they are not yet ready to unveil……but by our next video we’ll be able to tell you how you can help Team Genie and their great charity the Make a Wish Foundation. Check out the latest from Team Matrix at www.openthebottle.ca
Peter: In second place after the first investment cycle is Team Alpha……Team Alpha put their back’s into it with some good old manual labor in Prince George last weekend. After the job and after deducting their expenses, Team Alpha sits at $1187.98.
Alpha is looking to add to their total by a couple of grand this week by brokering a deal to sell a car on line. The car is a 1996 Mazda Millenia S. It’s supercharged with a 2.3 liter engine, full leather interior in great shape, sunroof, air conditioning and everything that you’d expect in a $45 000 MSRP luxury sport sedan. It’s also been cleaned by our crack team of car cleaning RTAM racers and looks like a million bucks.
Buyers can drive it as is, or put a few bucks into it to fix some of the expected quirks a car of this age acquires. The price of the car is $2000 The car can be viewed at www.thealphateam.ca
Dean: Alpha team member Mike Harrison from Royal LePage real estate is lending some of his expertise to the cause as well.
If you are looking for real estate in the Kamloops area……call Mike and tell him that you want to support Team Alpha……just say the word Alpha and you can help the team and the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation too!! Here’s how it works….On the completion of transactions below 300,000 will result in Harrison contribution of 500.00. 250.00 to charity and 250.00 to our team account.
Completion of transactions over 300,000 will result in Harrison contribution of 1,000.00.
500.00 to our charity and 500.00 to our team account.
Peter: Team Alpha has allowed us to tell you about some of their other upcoming strategies as well. They will be unveiling their new software development company……..a go to place for your company’s specific software needs. This team of “geeks” are some of the best in the world at what they do and very soon you’ll be able to take advantage of their skill set. Also…..without giving away too much……if you are a fan of Star Wars and Star Wars collectibles…….you will soon have a chance to bid on a one of a kind Star Wars collectible on E-Bay ……more details on that coming soon at www.thealphateam.ca
Dean: And the leaders after the first investment cycle are Team TRU. This group of students is doing exactly what we expected them to do. That is to enthusiastically come up with creative ideas and to put them into action fast!
Team TRU has not only launched sponsorship opportunities with their marketing arm of www.teamtru.ca they are also unveiling a new employment service as well! It is called Truly Fresh Personnel and they are acting as agents to help TRU students put some jingle in their jeans. They already have buy in from many local employers and invite you to post a job at www.teamtru.ca . Whatever the job is…..the TRU students can “git’er done” and Truly Fresh Personnel can get you the help you need.
Also…..Team TRU is continuing to raise awareness by starting their radio interviews on 98.3 CIFM……you can catch them in the Kamloops market this Tuesday the 22nd at 11:40 am and for fans outside of the market……you can listen on line at www.98.3cifm.com
Team TRU has become the first team to break the $2 Thousand dollar mark and currently sit at $2382.42
Peter: Also…..keep watching these videos and our website www.racetoamillion.ca for details about how Team TRU is generating ideas and enthusiasm with some creative new ideas as………I tell you…..there are some great things coming up from TRU and all of our teams!
Team TRU is picking up the pace with this announcement of their latest strategy – TRUly Fresh Personnel. Do you need to hire some casual labour for odd jobs or a specific project? Look no further than TRUly Fresh Personnel from Team TRU. Team TRU can provide you with casual labour student employees for daytime, evening, weekend, or longer term requirements. Matthew Muzzillo from Team TRU says, “Bring us your job and we’ll satisfy your needs!” Team TRU also says that this offering is not just for people who are looking for casual manual labour. They intend to service a broad range of specific needs.
Graphic Designers from the Digital Arts and Design program at TRU
Website work from the CSOM and Computer Science programs
Culinary assistance from the Culinary Arts students
Sales & Marketing assistance from the business students
and the list goes on…
“Anything you need…” Matthew says, “We have you covered”. For more information you can contact:
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Peter Cameron-Inglis | Posted in In The News, TRU, Teams | Posted on 14-09-2010
Team TRU will be having a full team interview on 98.3 CIFM.
Don’t forget to tune in and listen on Tuesday, September 21st at 11:40 AM. The Team will be talking about a lot of the strategies that they’ll be employing over the next few months …
TRU is riding high on the tail of a successful showing of support and creating awareness at the 40th anniversary TRU Student Bar-B-Que where they had the opportunity to speak to thousands of TRU students, faculty, and alumni.
Team TRU leaps ahead today to a grand total of $2,382.42 after the addition of another advertising client, B&B Board Shop. All this has been the result of implementing only their first strategy which is to offer marketing opportunities to local companies through their website at www.teamtru.ca as well as other marketing endeavors which have yet to be announced.
We caught up with Matthew Muzzillo from Team TRU and asked him about what their next big strategy might be. “Team TRU has some very exciting things planned. We’ve already attracted a couple of potential clients to Team TRU’s Truly Fresh Marketing Services where we will be working on their advertising and branding campaigns and their sales.” says Matt. “In fact, if any business out there is looking for a TRU-ly Fresh Approach… what better place to look than Truly Fresh Marketing from Team TRU? We have students with boundless energy and lots of great fresh ideas!”. If a fresh approach to marketing or business challenges is something you’re looking for Team TRU can be reached through their website at www.TeamTRU.ca or you can call Matthew Muzzillo directly at 250-319-6513.
Talk about what a little bit of hustle can do! Team TRU received payment from two more sponsors for their marketing company strategy today. Team TRU is now describing themselves as a group of young entrepreneurs seeking to win the Race To A Million by taking “a truly fresh approach to business” … it seems that just may be a strategy that is working for them! By adding these two new marketing clients/sponsors at $500 plus HST each… TRU deposits another $1000 in net profit today bringing them to a total of $1,936.00. So far Team TRU’s three marketing clients/sponsors are:
We caught up with four of the teams over the weekend to find out what they are up to. Hear about Team TRU’s new starategy of starting a Marketing Company and how much they’ve made. Team Matrix went to the Flea Market over the weekend to sell some wares. Team Genie is offering computer repair while Team Alpha is getting ready to do some hard labour. Don’t forget, you can subscribe on You Tube directly by going to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcnzH8zbd2k for part 1 and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDsycACM8w4 for part 2.
Okay, so now you’ve met all of the teams… Have you formed an idea of who you like and why? We’d love to hear about it. Watch this video to find out what you can do next and what you’ll see next! Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel… click on the “thumbs up” like button for each video… and, you can also watch it directly on YouTube by going here. We’re looking forward to hearing your thoughts … don’t be reserved… don’t be afraid… don’t be shy … post your comments, suggestions, predictions, favourite moments so far, and of course … your money-making ideas for the teams!
Race To A Million is the 1st ever "Social Reality" TV show - where Social Media meets Reality TV. Our goal is to prove that business can be fun, socially conscious, environmentally responsible, and sustainable while still profitable. We say "Nice People CAN Finish First!"
This a 1 of a kind money making contest highlights innovative and strategic business ideas. It's a contest with 5 creative teams of business people, entrepreneurs and students competing to see who can parlay $500 into $1 Million by July 1st 2011. Fans can also win prizes (up to $10,000) by submitting their creative money-making ideas.
Peter Cameron-Inglis | Posted in Charities, Non-Profits, & Community, TRU, TRU Foundation, Teams, Video Episodes, YouTube | Posted on 07-11-2010 
Usman Vahidy tells us about the TRU Foundation and all of the good work that this charity does to help support students who otherwise wouldn’t have been able to afford to obtain their post secondary education.
