CMU students earn second place in national NGA case competition

A team of Central Michigan University students earned national recognition with a second-place finish at the National Grocers Association (NGA) Case Study Competition.

Undergrad students Lucia Allen, Matthew McLaughlin, Preston Fogel, and Maura Gum—led by MBA students Ishaan Lele, Victor Chimbwanda, and faculty mentor Evelyn Smith—competed against 14 universities from across the country, advancing through multiple rounds to finish among the top teams in the nation. This was the first appearance by CMU at the competition, making the achievement even more significant.

A strong showing in CMU’s first appearance

Hosted by the NGA Foundation, the competition challenges students to solve real-world business problems facing independent grocery retailers. This year’s case focused on how stores can turn online shopping trends into more engaging in-store experiences. Teams were tasked with developing and presenting strategic solutions to industry professionals. CMU’s team delivered their recommendations in a fast-paced format, a 12-minute presentation followed by a live Q&A with judges.

“Participating in the NGA Case Study Competition was an incredibly valuable experience, especially because this was Central Michigan University’s first time competing,” said senior logistics management and marketing major Lucia Allen from Loganville, Georgia.

Preparation that paid off

The team began preparing in December, spending weeks researching, building their strategy, and refining their presentation. With guidance from Smith, students worked collaboratively to strengthen their ideas and adapt their approach through each round of competition.

 “Case competitions require a significant amount of preparation, teamwork, and focus,” Allen said.

Their ability to present multiple times and adjust based on feedback helped set them apart from other competitors as they advanced.

 A team achievement with lasting impact

Beyond the second-place finish, the experience gave students the opportunity to connect with industry professionals and apply classroom knowledge in a real-world setting. The competition, held in Las Vegas during the NGA Show, placed students in front of business leaders and exposed them to current industry challenges.

“It was really exciting to be part of the conference environment and experience the industry firsthand while also competing,” Allen said.

For the team, the result reflects not just individual growth, but the strength of collaboration, preparation, and faculty support.

Representing CMU on a national stage

The team’s performance marks a strong debut for CMU in the NGA competition and highlights the impact of hands-on, applied learning experiences. By combining classroom knowledge with real-world problem-solving, the students demonstrated the skills and confidence needed to compete at a national level.