A team of UNC Kenan-Flagler MBA students won the national 2006 Net Impact Case Competition in Boulder, Colo., in February.

The University of Colorado at Boulder's Leeds School of Business hosted the competition this year. The annual event focuses on the relationship between business decisions and societal impact. Participants compete to argue the best solution to a case in terms of both profitability and sustainability.

The College of William and Mary finished second in the Feb. 24-25 international competition; York University finished third; Bainbridge Graduate Institute, fourth, and UCLA fifth.

This year, students were challenged to identify a successful growth strategy for U.S. carpet manufacturer Tandus that would allow it to remain a leader in sustainability and achieve its financial goals over the next five years. Company representative Dobbins Callahan was one of the final round judges and a keynote speaker at the concluding awards ceremony.

UNC first-year MBA students Christina Benz, Annie Lux, Natacha Warner and Betsy Vos Reeves were on the winning team. UNC has placed in the top three for the third year in a row.

"Back to back champions and top three all three years – that’s sustainability," said UNC Kenan-Flagler Dean Steve Jones. "What a legacy."

Net Impact is a network of emerging business leaders committed to using the power of business to create a better world. Originally founded as Students for Responsible Business in 1993, Net Impact has developed into a mission-driven network of 10,000 new leaders for better business. For more information, visit www.net-impact.org.