Promotional bags make their mark

Otago Girls High School Young Enterprise group pictured with their tourist carry bag they produced as part of a business development course at their school. From left are Brooke Alexander (16), Amber Nash (16), Alana Byrne (16), Kathryn Seque (16), Lana Yee (16) and Rochelle Todd (17). Absent Mikaela Leacock (16). Photo by Jane Dawber.

That is true for a group of Otago Girls High School pupils who have been involved in the Young Enterprise scheme this year.

School principal Jan Anderson returned from an overseas trip with a bag featuring pictures of Hamburg, and the girls thought a similar product could work in Dunedin.

They took the idea to production under the company name Imperial Enterprises.

"Everyone we approached about the bags wanted to be involved," managing director Kathryn Seque said.

Teacher in charge Ann Babbage described the bag they created as "so simple". It features images of well-known tourist destinations. Many local businesses have jumped at the chance to purchase the bags, with 3500 sold so far.

The Dunedin City Council advertised on the bags and purchased 1500 of them.

Council marketing and communications agency manager, Debra Simes, said the bags would be used for promotional activities.

"They are a really nice touch when it comes to promoting the city. We are thrilled with them."

Advertising space on the bags ranged in price from $150 to $750 depending on size and placement. The bags retail for $4.

The experience of running a business was not lost on the girls either, as "it's more than any other subject can teach you", Amber Nash said.

The Young Enterprise scheme, offered as a full-year subject at the school, is overseen by the Otago Chamber of Commerce.

The girls were assessed through the year and their marks will determine their placing at the regional finals next month. The girls are hoping to qualify for the national final in Wellington.