What’s the profile of a budding entrepreneur in Oregon? If you pictured an eight-year-old girl, dressed in a brown vest and armed with iron clad determination and knocking on your door, then you’re on the right trail. It’s participation in the Girl Scout Cookie Sale that helps girls learn skills that prepare them for the future in the business world.

"As local Girl Scouts gear up for the annual cookie activities, Girl Scouts of Santiam Council is encouraging Girl Scout troops to be actively involved in every stage of the entrepreneurial process, from setting the goals to designing business plans to achieving those goals and finally deciding how the proceeds will be spent. Every year during the Girl Scout Cookie Program activities, our girls practice what it takes to be successful in business," said Kelly Ronning, Director of Program Services. "You see the wheels turning as they figure out new and innovative ways to reach the goals they set and take pride and ownership in their plans. This is their chance to test themselves in the world of commerce."

Girls selling Girl Scout Cookies have been part of American life for more than 85 years. In fact, many of today’s top businesswomen credit the Girl Scout Cookie Program as their first entrepreneurial experience. Through this yearly ritual, Girl Scouts learn to set goals and develop a plan for reaching those goals. Under the watchful and experienced eye of Girl Scout volunteers, they gain first-hand experience in handling money, taking orders, tallying sales and arranging for deliveries. From beginning to end, the Girl Scout Cookie Program are a tested and proven training ground for future business owners, corporate executives and entrepreneurs.

Ronning says Girl Scouts will begin taking cookie orders on January 4. Cookies will be delivered beginning February 13 and will be sold at various booth locations throughout the six counties served by Girl Scouts of Santiam Council until March 7. Cookies are $3.50 per box upon delivery and are both preservative-free and kosher. All cookie sale proceeds remain within the Girl Scout Council, a portion of which goes to Girl Scout troops to fund troop activities and to the Girl Scout Council to fund recruitment and training of adult volunteers, maintain camp property and support Council-wide initiatives.

In addition to favorites like Thin Mints, Samoas and Trefoils, the Girl Scouts are offering two new cookies, reduced fat Lemon Coolers described as refreshing and light, with real lemon chips and cool powdered sugar, and for the chocolate lover, Double Dutch, a chocolate-chocolate chip treat.

So if you are concerned about the capabilities of our youth or if you want to continue the proud American heritage of successful business and corporate role models, buy a box of Girl Scout Cookies and help develop the female business leaders of tomorrow. To be put in touch with a Girl Scout near you, call Girl Scouts of Santiam Council at 503-581-2451 or 1-800-875-2451.