Tomorrow's Business Leader (Fall 2014)

Fall 2014BRINGING BUSINESS AND EDUCATION TOGETHER

Competitive Event Tips Member

RecognitionHigh 5 & BAA

RecruitingTools and MORE!!!

In this issue:

A2

ADMINISTRATIONJean M. BuckleyPresident and CEO [email protected]

Elena R. Daly Executive [email protected]

Becky Grant, CMPPrograms Coordinator [email protected]

Mary AitStaff [email protected]

Colin MurphyCustomer Service/Reception [email protected]

Jim SpenceCustomer Service/Mail [email protected]

MEMBERSHIPTroy D. WhiteDirector, Marketing & [email protected]

Lisa SmothersMembership [email protected]

Tom Payne, CPADirector, PBL College/University [email protected]

Ashley WitherspoonCustomer Service/Database [email protected]

CONFERENCE Richard BowenConference [email protected]

Robert SmothersConference [email protected]

EDUCATIONCarla BoultonEducation [email protected]

Stephen LockEducation [email protected]

COMMUNICATIONSLaura MorganCommunications [email protected]

FBLA-PBL, INC. 1912 Association DriveReston, VA 20191-1591P 703.860.3334F 866.500.5610www.fbla-pbl.org

National StaffNational Board of Directors

Sam KesslerFBLA National PresidentWissahickon High School, [email protected]

Annika MulaneyFBLA National SecretaryBartow High School, [email protected]

Ruben TorresFBLA National TreasurerWarren Township High School, [email protected]

Hiral PatelFBLA National ParliamentarianCastle Rock High School, [email protected]

Sabrena SabetFBLA Eastern Region Vice PresidentLakeland High School, New [email protected]

Sarah NiedereeFBLA Mountain Plains Region Vice PresidentGreat Bend High School, [email protected]

Nick CrawfordFBLA Southern Region Vice PresidentRinggold High School, [email protected]

Ian MullaneFBLA Western Region Vice PresidentCentennial High School, [email protected]

2014–15 FBLA National Officer Team

Tomorrow’s Business Leader Fall 2014 Volume 45, Issue 2 (ISSN 0279-9685). Published quarterly (summer, fall, winter, and spring) by Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda. Periodicals postage paid at Herndon, VA and at additional mailing offices. SUBSCRIPTION: $1.25 of the national dues pays for a one-year subscription. Editorial and advertising sales offices at FBLA-PBL, Inc., 1912 Association Drive, Reston, VA 20191-1591 703.860.3334. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Tomorrow’s Business Leader, 1912 Association Drive, Reston, VA 20191-1591. Materials may be reprinted with prior permission of the editor. Editorial submissions are encouraged and should be addressed to the editor. All FBLA-PBL, Inc. publications use the Chicago Manual of Style. Publisher: Jean M. Buckley. Editor: Laura Morgan

Ted L. Harshbarger, ChairNebraska PBL State AdviserPeru State [email protected] Plains Region

Karen Heslep, Chair-electPBL AdviserArkansas State University Mountain [email protected] Region

Zulema GarciaKPMG [email protected] Business/Industry Representative

Lisa HofstetterFBLA AdviserLinn County Area Career and Technical [email protected] Central Region

Lee C. Marcoux FBLA State DirectorConnecticut State Department of [email protected] Region

Shea PadillaFBLA-PBL State ChairArizona Department of [email protected] Region

Deb ParmanPBL AdviserColorado Mesa [email protected] Plains Region

Chris PendletonFBLA AdviserHidden Valley High School [email protected] Region

Lisa Weeks State Chair/State AdviserAlabama State Department of [email protected] Region

Kelly WilkersonFBLA AdviserWarren Township High [email protected] Central Region

FBLA-PBL Division PresidentsSam KesslerFBLA National [email protected]

Beau CobbPBL National [email protected] Island

David JonesProfessional Division National [email protected]

Ex-Officio MembersMonty C. Rhodes, Past ChairGeorgia FBLA Executive [email protected] Region

Jean M. BuckleyFBLA-PBL, Inc. President and [email protected]

President’s Message ............................................... 2FBLA National President Sam Kessler says Step Up to the Challenge

March of Dimes ....................................................... 3FBLA-PBL chapters celebrate Prematurity Awareness Month

Competitive Events ................................................. 4Microsoft, LifeSmarts, & Virtual Business Challenge winners

PBL Corner ............................................................... 5PBL National President Beau Cobb shares tips for competition preparation

Member Recognition .............................................. 6Learn about High 5 (FBLA-Middle Level) & BAA (FBLA)

Chapter Tools .......................................................... 8Resources and FBLA membership benefits

National Fall Leadership Conference .................. 10Highlights from the NFLCs

Money Matters ...................................................... 11Savings tips and FBLA member discounts

Community Service .............................................. 12Tips for your community service project

Fundraising ........................................................... 13Check out ways for your chapter to raise funds

Sponsors & Partners ............................................. 14Discover FBLA sponsors & partners

Chapter Highlights ............................................... 15See projects and activities from chapters across the country

Table of CONTENTS

Follow FBLA-PBL

Business LeaderTOMORROW’S

DECEMBER15 Dues deadline to receive winter

publications17 Webinar: Preparing for

Competitive Events

JANUARY1 Action Awareness begins5 Spring Stock Market Game begins7 Webinar: Second Semester

Recruitment and Retention15 March of Dimes: Grant application

postmark deadline

FEBRUARY1–28 National Career and Technical

Education Month2 LifeSmarts spring contest Virtual Business Finance Spring

Challenge Virtual Business Management

Spring Challenge8–14 FBLA-PBL Week9 National Presidents’ Forum &

Fight to the Finish10 Each One Reach One Day11 Adviser Appreciation Day Professional Dress Day12 Career Awareness Day13 FBLA-PBL Pride Day14 Community Service Day20 Tomorrow’s Business Leader—

spring issue copy deadline

Calendar of Events

@FBLA_National FutureBusinessLeaders pinterest.com/fblapblinc youtube.com/fblapblinc

2 Tomorrow’s Business Leader

Welcome from the Presidentby FBLA National President Sam Kessler

Last year, more than 200,000 FBLA members put Excellence in Action—gaining valuable networking experience, helping their communities, and competing, all while paving their way toward a successful future. This year, more members than ever before will Step Up to the Challenge and gain unique skills and experiences by taking advantage of all that FBLA has to offer.

When thinking how to maximize our FBLA experiences, it is important to consider the importance of challenging ourselves. FBLA has maintained an unparalleled record of success for more than 70 years because we have never shied away from challenge. We are constantly pushing the envelope, developing and implementing new strategies to increase membership benefits.

The FBLA national officers are excited to announce the return of some of our favorite membership recruitment and chapter recognition programs like Action Awareness and the Seven Up Challenge.

With Action Awareness, your chapter is tasked with completing activities to promote FBLA-PBL Week and CTE Month to grow your membership and earn recognition at the National Leadership Conference (NLC).

Any chapter that successfully increases membership numbers by seven members from last year’s total will be recognized at the NLC in Chicago for completing the Seven Up Challenge.

If you are personally able to recruit five new members, you will receive recognition at the NLC for completing Membership Madness. Recruit ten new members and you will be recognized for Membership Mania. Details on these programs (including the submission forms), and any others in the national program of work, can be found online at fbla-pbl.org.

Challenge yourself to brainstorm new ways to recruit members at your local chapter. Make a personal goal to recruit at least one new member, and always be on the lookout for interested students. Remember to focus on recruiting underclassmen as members—an early membership ignites passion for FBLA that will only grow with time!

When thinking about recruitment strategies, consider how your chapter has been successful in the past, and visit fbla-pbl.org for some excellent ideas. Employ strategies that you think are well suited to your school’s environment, and don’t be afraid to try new things!

Remember that recruitment isn’t everything; local chapter officers should also host activities and events to retain an enthusiastic membership. Existing members are encouraged to seek out FBLA opportunities that interest them beyond the local level.

From valuable workshops to exciting competitions, think about all of the opportunities that FBLA has to offer, and challenge yourself to make the best of your time with this organization by registering for conferences and maintaining an active membership.

The adventure of another year is underway, and it is up to us to make this year one to remember. On behalf of your entire national officer team, I wish you luck this year. I am excited to see what we all achieve when we Step Up to the Challenge!

ACTE Business Education Student Division AwardsFBLA swept the secondary awards, winning all five regions! Congratulations to:

I—Sam Kessler (Pennsylvania) II—Annika Mulaney (Florida)III—Rohan Aggarwal (Iowa) IV—Grant Hutson (Arkansas)

V—Trevor Kroger (Nebraska)

Fall 2014 3

#WorldPrematurityDayNovember 17

November: Prematurity

AwarenessMonth

marchofdimes.org

FBLA National President Sam Kessler and PBL National President Beau Cobb accept the Top National Service Partner Award from the March of Dimes

Puerto Rico FBLA raised $52,660

at their 5th annual March for Babies

Hermitage Middle Level in Missouri colored

their schoool purple for World Prematurity Day

@MarchofDimes#teamyouth

Tualatin FBLA was honored as the FBLA chapter

raising the most money for Oregon March of DimesArlington FBLA in Nebraska hosted

Vollerama, a volleyball fundraiser, to raisemoney for the March of Dimes


Virtual Business Finance challenge

Congratulations to the top winner of the Fall Virtual BusinessFinance Challenge: Trong Duc Bui from Southwest MiamiSenior High School (Florida) who will receive a $500 cash prize.Enter the spring challenge, February 2–27, 2015.A chapter may enter any number of teams.

Virtual Business ManageMent challenge Congratulations to these Management ChallengeRound 1 Qualifiers who are eligible to compete at theNational Leadership Conference in Chicago.

AZ—Prescott HSNakai Lake, Luke Arminio, & Dylan Zawicki

CA—Cupertino HSAndrew Sun, Darren Lee, & Raman Kathuria

FL—Pensacola HSBasel Aljohani

GA—Savannah Arts AcademyAnderson Duong

MO—Thomas W. Kelly HSBryston Beggs

PA—Upper Dublin HSKevin Duan, Jennifer Xiao, & Nina Cheng

TX—Harker Heights HSJacob Nichols, Alexander Fermin, & Adam Duvall

WI—Alma Center Lincoln HSJustin Arzt & Jacob Aguilar

FBLA Finalist Malcolm Byron Places Second inU.S. in Microsoft Excel 2010

Congratulations to Malcolm Byron! Certiport hosted their 2014 Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) U.S. National Championship June 20–22, 2014, event in Atlanta, Georgia, where Malcolm placed second in the Excel 2010 competition. A student of Fuquay-Varina High School in North Carolina, Malcolm was one of more than 300,000 students in the United States who entered the competition to demonstrate their level of proficiency in utilizing the world’s foremost desktop computing applications. At the event, finalists participated in timed exams and interviews to demonstrate their expertise in Microsoft Office Word, Excel, and PowerPoint programs.

Selina Winter, Sr. Operations Program Manager, Microsoft Learning; Malcolm Byron; and Aaron Osmond,

Vice President, Global Certiport Offering

Competitive EVENTS

sponsored by

Congratulations to the LifeSmarts Fall Challenge winners who are eligible to compete at the National Leadership Conference in Chicago.

CA—Homestead HSAdela Yang & Peggy Xu

CO—Challenge SchoolEdwin Bodoni & Evelyn Bodoni

FL—Palm Beach Gardens HSJean Philistin & Christina Brown

IL—West Chicago HSJacob Urban & Cameron Zayia

MI—Cranbrook Kingswood Upper SchoolAllen Luo & Shoya Yoshida

MO—Ft. Zumwalt South HSCameron Leahy & Jean-Claire Perini

NC—West Carteret HSAaron Pennock & Alex Lewis

ND—Divide County HSNoah Knudson & Evan Eriksmoen

OH—Lebanon HSElijah Kelsey & Jacob Folmer

PA—Fox Chapel Area HSYelim Lee & Sophia Lee

VA—George C Marshall HSWill French & Brian Weiss

WA—Cheney HSLeanna Eik & Kendra Kendall

Fall 2014 5

Stepping Up to theCompetitive Challengeby PBL National President Beau Cobb

Spring is right around the corner, and you know what that means . . . competitive event season is almost here! It’s hard to believe that roughly ten years ago, I was in your shoes studying for my FBLA competitive event.

Over 11,000 members will join us this summer in Chicago for the opportunity to compete against the best and brightest in the nation. Make sure that you earn your ticket to this year’s National Leadership Conference!

FBLA’s competitive event system is made to test what you have learned in the classroom. Here are a few of my tips for success:

• Begin studying now!• Check out the Competitive Event Study Guide that is available at the FBLA-PBL MarketPlace. • The night before the competitive event, make sure to get an adequate night’s sleep.• Always go with your gut! In most cases, your first instinct for an answer is correct. Don’t second guess

yourself!• If you are participating in a performance event, make sure to rehearse your presentation as many times as

possible.• Follow the FBLA-PBL dress code (find it online at bit.ly/FBLA-PBL_dress_code). If you don’t follow the

dress code, you may lose points or not even be allowed to compete.• Most importantly, have fun!

Our competitive event program highlights the best of the best, and by putting in some extra study hours you can earn scholarships!

From my family to yours, have a wonderful holiday season, and feel free to reach out to me at [email protected] if you want more advice about our national awards program!

PBL CORNER

ORDER TOLL FREE:1.800.507.7007

ORDER ONLINE:fblamarketplace.com

Apparel, Publications, Jewelry, Supplies, and Much More!

Check Out the MarketPlace The MarketPlace is your national source for emblematics, training, and chapter management merchandise.


Check out the HIGH 5 Leadership Achievement Program exclusively for

FBLA-Middle Level members!

Middle Level RECOGNITION

What is High 5?

The High 5 Leadership Achievement Program takes you on an adventure through

five core Leadership Areas: FBLA Chapter, School, Business, Community, and Career!

Earn instant recognition as you complete five challenging activities in each area.

What do I get?Members who successfully complete all leadership activities will

receive a leadership certificate.

How do I start?

Ask your adviser to log in to the Membership Registration Area, register

your chapter members, and download all the High 5 documents. Once

you have this information, it’s time to get started!

For additional FBLA-Middle Level recognition opportunities, check out the Middle Level Achievement Program (MAP) at bit.ly/fbla-ml_MAP

Fall 2014 7

What do study hall, a snow day, and no school all have in common? The answer: These are all excellent times to be working on your Business Achievement Awards (BAA)!

The BAA prorgam is an aggressive, self-directed, results-based business and leadership program designed to complement academics while accelerating your leadership skills. The awards focus on the words surrounding the FBLA Crest: Service, Education, and Progress. The first two levels of the BAA (Future and Business) are recognized at the local level. Members completing the third (Leader) level, are recognized at their state conferences in the spring. Finally, members earning the America level receive an America level ribbon and pin at the National Leadership Conference (NLC). They also have a group photo session at the NLC and are given a press release to send to their local and school newspapers.

As you step up to the BAA, here are a few helpful tips to help you get started:

Start now! The best time to start any level of the BAA is right now! The deadline for the first three levels is March 1. Whether you’re a new member soaking in the world of FBLA, or you’re a senior looking for a boost on your scholarship résumé, the BAA program provides excellent opportunities to learn more about FBLA on all levels by encouraging conference attendance and expanding your skill set at the same time.

Incorporate your chapter. The BAA program allows members to work on the activities and levels independently. Many chapters use the BAA Bingo game as a chapter meeting icebreaker, sponsor different days for members to wear special shirts, or have a “fight-to-the-finish” competition at the local level to see who can finish their America level first. Incorporating the program with your chapter’s yearly activities will not only boost participant numbers, it will also alleviate some

of the stress of pacing yourself to complete the program individually.

Take advantage of school breaks. With the exception of the downtime between deadlines, the BAA website is open 24/7! This means you can get a jump start on completing a level of the BAA! Setting one hour per day during the break will help you complete the next level. What better way to start the new year than by receiving an FBLA award?

Brag about It! Completing a level of the BAA is a rewarding experience—and you deserve to receive recognition. In addition to receiving a certificate and another bullet point on your résumé, tell your friends and community about your experiences! Local entrepreneurs who find out you’ve completed the BAA marketing project may ask you to help their business with marketing. Don’t forget to encourage your chapter members to complete at least one level of the BAA.

Accept the BAA ChallengeFBLA Member RECOGNITION


FBLA chapters have developed effective programs to excite potential members and recruit them into the largest and oldest business student organization in the world. We must continue to develop innovative programs to excite members about FBLA.

Chapter officers and advisers work together to expose as many students as possible to FBLA. They work diligently, creating and utilizing tools to increase their chapter’s membership.

The FBLA-PBL National Center has developed several tools designed to help chapters recruit and retain members.

Chapter Management Handbook. This redesigned chapter resource is available to all members and advisers on the home page of the website atfbla-pbl.org.

Membership Poster. Each chapter received this poster designed to help recruit members.

Membership Recruitment Video. This video is designed to be played prior to the beginning of an open house meeting or any class and offers a fast-paced introduction to FBLA and its many benefits. A link to the video can be found at fbla-pbl.org in the Join Today box.

Chapter Challenge. All chapter delegates that complete the Chapter Challenge program and attend the NLC will receive a ribbon. The top states with the most chapters achieving Chapter Challenge, based on weighted percentage of total chapters within the state, will receive national recognition.

Webinars and Google Hangouts. These monthly sessions feature national officers and staff members sharing insights on everything from competitive events to connecting with business professionals.

These tools bring awareness to FBLA and excite potential members about the opportunities provided by FBLA.

To enhance your recruitment efforts, chapters should host an upbeat meeting for both returning and potential members. These meetings should utilize the inspiring videos created by the national office, the informational presentations and brochures edited by chapters, and a special twist that motivates our potential business leaders, such as incentives, food, and giveaways.

As you Step Up to the Challenge, you will continue to increase membership and succeed as the most influential student organization in the world. If you discover a new and innovative way to increase or retain membership, please share it by e-mailing [email protected].

PRESS PLAY. STEP UP TO THE CHALLENGE.Want to stay up on the latest FBLA news, learn about new programs, sharpen your competitive edge, and even meet your national officers?

Visit the FBLA-PBL YouTube page, youtube.com/fblapblinc, to watch webinar and Google+ Hangouts recordings. Press play to Step Up to the Challenge!

Tools to Build Your Chapter

CHAPTER CHALLENGEDon’t miss the final stage of the Chapter Challenge!

Action Awareness (January 15–March 1)Chapters will be required to complete one task for each day of FBLA-PBL Week, one task for CTE month, and one for America Saves to promote awareness of FBLA programs. All chapters that complete Action Awareness will receive ribbons at the NLC.

All NLC delegates of FBLA chapters completing all three Chapter Challenge programs (Super Sweeps, Non-Stop November, and Action Awareness) will receive special pins at the NLC.

Membership RECRUITMENT

Fall 2014 9

Membership BENEFITS

1. Competitive EventsAs a member of FBLA, you have the opportunity to showcase your academic excellence in more than over 50 competitive events! Don’t forget to include state and national award placings on your résumé! It’s a great way to prove you’ve got the skills that employers are looking for.

2. TravelIf you like traveling the country, meeting new friends, and building your professional edge, FBLA is the organization for you. With state and national conferences every year, members get the chance to experience new cultures, attend workshops presented by industry professionals, and network with members from across the country!

3. Leadership OpportunitiesEver wished you could help lead your peers and help others find new opportunities? FBLA gives members the chance to showcase their leadership on the local, state, and national levels.

4. ScholarshipsLet’s face it, life can get expensive! Between school tuition and travel to national conferences, the cost of being a college student can take a large chunk out of members’ pockets. There are several scholarships offered at the national level. These include the Distinguished Business Leader Scholarships and many other financial scholarships offered by our organization’s partners!

5. Networking OpportunitiesIt has already been said that FBLA gives members the chance to travel, but let’s really focus on building your network! Creating connections to business professionals, workshop presenters, and other student members will help you establish a huge network base. In today’s competitive market, it’s a lot more who you know and not just what you know!

6. Industry AwarenessHave you ever heard of YEF or AICPA? If these acronyms make you say IDK, then note this benefit of FBLA! Our organization partners with over 50 businesses and organizations that provide industry awareness for members. Without FBLA, you might have never heard of YEF, or the Young Entrepreneur Foundation. These connections to the industry may just help you land a dream job with a company or organization you never even knew existed!

7. Civic ConsciousnessIn a recent report, over 75% of young adults mentioned they wish they had a way of giving back to the community. While doing something for the community you live in may seem daunting, FBLA provides students the connection to civic groups and rewards chapter members who help improve the communities where they live and work.

8. Professional Development & Presentation SkillsWhen seeking a job, the first thing an employer will ask is what professional skills you have. How great would it be if you could respond with concrete examples of professional development and specific skills mastered? FBLA helps define these skills through programs like the BAA, which requires members to create professional portfolios, give presentations to student groups, and enhance their business skills.

9. Internships and Job OpportunitiesDid you know that you can apply to be an IFL or NLC intern? These interns earn valuable experience managing a national conference by getting hands-on experience. Look for more information in the NLC Conference Guide coming soon!

10. FunLet’s face it, there is no better reason to join an organization than because it is FUN! FBLA members have a blast making new friends, seeking the thrill of having their name called on stage at the NLC, and seeing the results of their hard work all year! The best chapter activity is the one in which members are having a blast!

Big 10 Benefits of Membership


National Fall Leadership CONFERENCE

More than 5,600 members, advisers, and guests representing 39 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands attended the 2014 National Fall Leadership Conferences held in Washington, D.C.; Minneapolis, MN; and New Orleans, LA.

Opening keynote speaker Josh Shipp shared how attendees can face and overcome challenges. Business partners and professionals presented workshops ranging from fundraising to networking, helping members continue their leadership journey.

The New Orleans NFLC featured two exclusive workshop tracks: PBL Pathways and the FBLA-Middle Level 360° Leadership Experience. From tours at the FBLA-PBL National Center (D.C.) and KPMG (MN), to the March of Dimes Blue Jeans for Babies Dance at each conference, there was something for everyone in attendance.

“This year’s NFLC is one I won’t soon forget!” said Oklahoma FBLA President Holland Gray. “I can’t wait to see what’s in store for NLC 2015!”

Fall 2014 11

I know that you’ve heard it before—start saving now because $100 a month today will yield a million dollars when you retire. It’s a great goal and when you’re making enough to justify putting that amount away, I completely recommend it. Right now, that might not be affordable and the future can seem far way. At the end of the day though, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t start saving what you can, when you can. Just two quarters a day for the next year will be a great start towards paying for your flight to the 2015 National Leadership Conference in Chicago. Imagine your relief when you are looking for ways to fund your trip and realize you’re almost there. Saving doesn’t always have to be large amounts for the long haul—it can just be small increments that add up over time.So how do you start saving? First, write up a few short-term and long-term goals. Perhaps you want to save for a down payment on your first car or put some money away for college.

Whatever the goal may be, just price it out and put it in writing. Second, figure out a place to put your money away. It should be a place that you have specifically dedicated to that goal. For you that might be a small shoebox at the back of your closet or a “young savers” savings account at your local bank—whatever works for you. Many banks have these types of “custodial” accounts that your parents can open for you so that you can keep your savings in one place.Finally, put a little bit away every chance you get. Get into the habit of putting some money away before you start spending it. I promise that you’ll be impressed with what you can put together with a little discipline and some time. That’s it—that is all it takes to start the lifelong journey of saving. For tips and tricks on how to save, visit FBLA-PBL partner America Saves at americasaves.org.

Money MATTERS

All Aboard the Savings Expressby PBL National Treasurer Karthik Krishnan


What should we do for community service? This is the tough question many FBLA chapters are asking themselves this time of year. With so many meaningful opportunities for service out there, here are a few tips to make the most out of your members’ time.

Do not wait for them to come to you. Volunteering is hard to navigate in today’s market with the plethora of organizations and service projects out there for youth to choose from. Many of your local community organizations will not have time to come and look for you; your chapter needs to go to them.

The first step in contacting organizations is to meet in person. Most professionals just do not have the time to go through dozens of calls to get back to you. Instead, consider taking your local community outreach officer, president, and any other active members to the organization’s office. Stop by, introduce your FBLA chapter, and talk to them about what opportunities are available for your members. This way, organizations can ensure your chapter is committed, professional, and willing to work.

Get the PR on your tail. Fast. One of the major focal points in your volunteering efforts should be the media. After setting up potential dates with the organization, have your community outreach officer, or other officer in charge of media relations, contact a local newspaper or bulletin. Explain what your FBLA chapter is doing, how many members will be involved, and how this will impact your local community. You will often need to submit a press release to newspapers to get them interested, typically chocked full of captivating pictures. Getting press for your volunteering activities can attract a variety of potential business partners and possible sponsorships for your chapter and your service project. Make sure to publicize through Facebook and Twitter as well!

Organize early. Before the actual date of your activity, your chapter needs to make sure all the logistics are in place. Specifically, focus on member sign-up. At a local chapter meeting, inform members about the volunteer project and get interested students to sign up. Create a list, possibly on Google Drive, to keep track of who can help, available times, and their contact information. Assign participants roles in the project early on so they can prepare ahead of time for the service project.

With these tips, you can ensure your volunteering efforts will be time well spent for your community. Not only will your community have benefitted, but your members will also feel a sense of responsibility and pride as well. Make sure to reach out and stay involved to give back, one project at a time.

Josh Seides is a junior at Alpharetta High School in Atlanta, Georgia, and vice president of his FBLA chapter. He is the founder of the nationally-recognized Technocademy, Inc., a nonprofit that teaches technology to senior citizens nationwide (technocademy.org).His work has been published or is forthcoming in Philadelphia Social Innovation Journal, Nonprofit World, and American Careers, among others.

Connecting Your Chapter to the Community through Volunteeringby Josh Seides

Congratulations to Steven Brown of Warren Township High School!Steven placed second in the Men’s Wearhouse Prom Rep program and won $15,000.

Community SERVICE

Fall 2014 13

National FUNDRAISERSAssociation Motor Club Marketing (AMCM)AMCM offers a roadside assistance program that earns profit now and on renewals. E-mail [email protected], call 605.254.8876, or visit amcmfbla.com.

Country MeatsCountry Meats features fresh smoked snack sticks that everyone loves! Sell for $1 and receive 45% profit! For FREE SAMPLES call 800.277.8989 or visit countrymeats.com/samplepack.

DormCo.comProvides FREE $5 DormCo.com gift cards to give to each senior in your high school with your chapter earning 15% of all sales. Call Jeff at 888.925.2899, e-mail [email protected], or visit DormCo.com/FBLA.

Krispy Kreme Fundraising Krispy Kreme Fundraising offers doughnuts, BOGO cards, certifications, and coffee to help your chapter raise some dough! Visit krispykreme.com/fundraising, e-mail [email protected], or call 800.4KRISPY.

Ozark Delight Ozark Delight Lollipops are only available for fundraising. They do not sell to stores or other retail markets. Call 800.334.8991 or visit ozarkdelight.com.

Popcorn PalaceOffers premium popcorn in lots of flavors guaranteed to be fresh and delectable. Keep 50% profit upfront. To get your free information kit, call 800.873.2686 or visit popcornpalace.com/Home/Fundraising.

Pride Distributors Pride Distributors specializes in producing “Your Town”-Opoly, a custom board game. Call Pride Distributors at 800.451.5442 or visit Townopoly.net.

Schermer Pecans Offers a delicious and healthy fundraising product. Call 800.841.3403, e-mail [email protected] or visit pecantreats.com.

School Spirit Coffee School Spirit Coffee provides personalized packaging for their coffee fundraiser. Call 800.570.1443, e-mail [email protected], or visit schoolspiritcoffee.com.

Tom-Wat Fundraising Tom-Wat Fundraising features multiple fundraisers from catalog sales to cookie dough and much more. Call 800.243.9250, e-mail [email protected], or visit tomwat.com.

Zencaus Zencaus offers FBLA gift cards that can be redeemed for a wide selection of products. Call 888.960.6148, e-mail [email protected], or visit fblagiftcards.com.

Zinch.comZinch.com connects you with scholarships and best-fit colleges. Zinch will donate $1 to your chapter for every member who signs up! Visit Zinch.com/FBLA or e-mail [email protected].

PROMOTE

YOUR

FUNDRAISER

TRACK

PARTICIPANTS

HOLD

FUNDRAISER

TURN

IN

FUNDS

TIE UP

LOOSE

ENDS

EVALUATE

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EVENT


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Sponsors & PARTNERS

Fall 2014 15

Chapter HIGHLIGHTS

GEORGIAMalcom Bridge Middle School FBLA members made fall decorations for Lanier Gardens nursing home and delivered them to residents. “It was amazing seeing them light up when we talked to them,” said chapter officer Claire Miller. FBLA plans to do this again soon!

NEBRASKA

Fifteen Crete FBLA members spent an afternoon volunteering for Crete Habitat for Humanity. With just

1 ½ hours of work, a Crete resident’s garage was scraped and received a fresh coat of paint.

The job went quickly with so many volunteers. “It was nice to see how happy the homeowner was when

we were helping her out,” remarked FBLA member Jessilyn C.

KANSASClifton-Clyde FBLA held its first Powder Puff Football Game to raise awareness for breast cancer and to raise money for the American

Cancer Society. The freshmen and sophomore girls played against the junior and senior girls. The guys took on

the roles of coaches, refs, chain gang members, announcers, and yell leaders. Members of the band played the

national anthem and FBLA members were photographers and videographers for the game. The chapter sold

T-shirts to raise money, took donations at the admissions gate, and provided a concession stand for a free-will

donation. Even though it was a bit chilly, a good crowd came out to support this endeavor. A great time was

had by all, and $712.79 was raised for the American Cancer Society.

ALABAMAAuburn High School FBLA held a “Leaf it to Us” fundraiser with yard cleaning services. The cost was $20 per hour for five dedicated workers per hour. All proceeds benefit FBLA and the March of Dimes.

Members and advisers were available to assist with debris removal, raking, planting, placing pine straw, and other tasks that did not require power tools.


Chapter HIGHLIGHTS

FLORIDA

Durant FBLA members operate

Cougar Cave, a student-

run school supplies store.

Cougar Cave is open every

day before school and

during lunch Tuesdays and Thursdays,

and occupies space that was used for storage and

ticket sales to campus events. “The most popular

items at Cougar Cave have included sticky notes,

cards, notebooks and pencils,” said FBLA Chapter

Historian Nicole Garling.

Member responsibilities include opening the store,

scheduling volunteers to staff it, and collecting

money from purchases. “The students really do

everything. I’m so proud of them,” said Chapter

Adviser Ruth Rothe.

Durant Principal Pam Bowden said she gives

Cougar Cave high marks. “The store is a welcome

addition to the campus,” Bowden said. “It’s really

giving the students job skills and real world

experience,” she said. “It’s not about making a

profit, although we hope to make a profit. It’s

about students learning the people skills they’ll

need for life.”

WYOMINGThe Cheyenne South High FBLA Chapter completed a very big community service project! The project was running the Gobble Wobble children’s race on Saturday, November 1st. This race is part of the 5K Turkey Trot. The objective of both races is to raise awareness and funds for the local homeless shelter. The kids who ran the race were between ages five to twelve. The older children ran nearly a mile, while the younger kids ran about 1/3 of a mile. Chapter members collected donations from local businesses for goodie bags that were given to each participant. Additionally a prize bag was awarded to the boy and girl winner of each race. Members also visited with media to promote the Turkey Trot/Gobble Wobble. This is the 3rd year the chapter has worked with the Comea Shelter to make the race successful.

PENNSYLVANIAForbes Road CTC FBLA members hosted their first Veterans Day Breakfast. Veterans from a local senior community, the American Legion, and veterans from the staff were invited to a free breakfast. Students gave a brief presentation about each branch of the military, then invited veterans to speak about their time in the service. The culinary students served breakfast to the

veterans, and each veteran was awarded a Certificate of Thanks from the staff and students of Forbes Road. An awesome time was had by the students and the veterans. A bake sale was held to fund the event, and the extra proceeds will be donated to Twilight Wish, the state service project.

Fall 2014 17

Chapter HIGHLIGHTS

ILLINOISStevenson High School hosted their 4th annual Kickball Fundraiser with Mundelein, Vernon Hills, Warren Township, and Wauconda High Schools. A big crowd turned out to raise money for the March of Dimes, while playing a fun and competitive game of Kickball. It was a chilly Thursday night, but members enjoyed socializing with each other and supporting FBLA’s national charitable organization.

MISSOURIGrand River Technical School FBLA hosted a 5K Color Walk/Run with 65 participants. Children and adults “collected” colors along the course, celebrating the completion of the 5K by receiving the final color by the school’s stadium. Participants enjoyed this fun and healthy family experience. Proceeds from the event helped chapter members attend the National Fall Leadership Conference. The chapter plans to make the Color Walk/Run an annual event.

TEXAS

Cinco Ranch FBLA held its annual

“Scare Away Hunger” Halloween social.

This fun and memorable event mixes

charity and fun together, creating the

perfect combination. Instead of trick-

or-treating, members collected canned

food before the event to be donated

to Katy Christian Ministries, a local

nonprofit organization. On the day of

Scare Away Hunger, members brought

their cans and dressed up in festive

costumes. Prizes were awarded for the

member with the most cans and the

best costume. This year, the chapter

members showed their dedication by

collecting 594 cans!

Submit your

chapter news at

bit.ly/fbla-pbl_news

Fall 2014BRINGING BUSINESS AND EDUCATION TOGETHER

Documents

Tomorrow's Business Leader (Fall 2014)