A team of Tippie College of Business economics students captured first place in the University of Nebraska’s Tenaska Business Challenge case competition the weekend of Feb. 25 in Lincoln.

The students on the team were seniors Izzie Wilcox and Caleb Cook and sophomore Lucas Manley. The team’s advisor is Julia Garlick, assistant professor of economics.

For their case study, the students analyzed data from a technology sales and repair company that plans to convert their fleet vehicles from gas to electric fuel to capitalize on the financial and social benefits while supporting their expansion into new markets. The students were asked to develop recommendations for an optimal timeline to transition the current fleet of 120 vehicles, how to re-distribute the new 150 electric vehicles to accommodate current and future clients, and a marketing plan to highlight the company’s commitment to sustainability.

The teams had 24 hours to prepare their presentations once the case was released, and 10 minutes to present their recommendations followed by a Q&A period with the judges.

The Tippie students defeated seven other teams and won the $2,000 prize for first place. The competition was sponsored by Tenaska energy.