For close to 90 years, the Girl Scout Cookie Program has helped girls develop skills they will use throughout their entire lives. Through this annual activity, girls ages 6-17 learn how to work together as a team, set goals, and develop plans for reaching those goals.

Additionally, they cultivate a sense of business ethics, public speaking and interpersonal communication skills and acquire knowledge in marketing, money management, and customer service. The Girl Scout Cookie Program has truly evolved into the nation's premier financial literacy and entrepreneurship program.

"Each and every year I know we are training girls to fill all sorts of roles in the future. They may become the managers of local bank branches, owners of local businesses, or the CEOs of major corporations," states Fran Fach, Girl Scouts of Kentuckiana CEO. "How many tasty products can you buy that have character building, teamwork and leadership baked right inside?"

Kentuckiana girls will start selling Girl Scout cookies on Jan. 14 and continue through March 20. All proceeds, after paying the baker, stay in Kentuckiana.

"Our annual Girl Scout Cookie Program activity helps us make the Girl Scouting experience available to any girl who wants to participate, says Fach. "Last year's revenues were used for leadership training, outreach efforts, financial assistance to girls and adults, camp maintenance and by Girl Scout troops/groups for trips and service projects."

Girl Scouts of Kentuckiana serves more than 23,000 girl members and 7,000 adult members across 57 counties in central and western Kentucky, southern Indiana and Tennessee.

For information about becoming a Girl Scout volunteer, contact Girl Scouts of Kentuckiana at 1-888-771-5170. Volunteer today to make a difference tomorrow.