CARBONDALE - Children ranging from the fourth to ninth grades powwowed, devised corporate strategies and created logos for their own businesses Saturday in University Mall.

The children took part in Biz Kids Bash, a program by WSIU partnered with SIU Credit Union and University Mall to teach them about money management and financial responsibility.

The children split into teams and took part in exercises such as naming their fictional business, developing a concept, creating a logo, preparing a budget and presenting their ideas to judges.

"We're trying to create an environment where kids can learn about saving and money-managing skills," said Katrina Stackhouse, graduate assistant with the WSIU promotions department.

A corresponding television show, Biz Kids, on WSIU airs at 2:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays.

The groups included children from the Boys and Girls Club of Carbondale and Attucks Community Service. Ideas included a water park, a used and new bookstore and community service-themed businesses.

Representatives of the credit union and the mall moved from table to table, giving the children advice and offering general guidance. Chris Sievers, marketing director at SIU Credit Union, said the children had a lot of bright ideas and showed real ambition.

"They have wonderful ideas, and they're not letting cost limit their ideas," Sievers said.

Stackhouse said WSIU is thankful for the participation of people such as Sievers for their dedication to give children a better idea of business and what's in store for them when they get older.

"There is a lot of community support for these kids," Stackhouse said.

codell.rodriguez@thesouthern.com

351-5804