Category Archives: National Officers

Introducing FBLA February Frenzy

Posted on by • Posted in Advisers, Chapter News, Contests, FBLA, National Officers •

There is a membership frenzy building across over 5,600 FBLA chapters… a February Frenzy, that is.  This NEW national program, sponsored by your FBLA National Officer team, is designed to help chapters recruit new members and engage existing members in new and creative ways.

What Do I Need to Do?

Ask your adviser to sign up your chapter today so that you can ignite chapter membership numbers with activities that include:

  • having members create displays and posters promoting FBLA
  • recruiting five NEW freshman
  • celebrating FBLA-PBL Week
  • sponsoring a fun social event for paid chapter members
  • setting up a meet-and-greet recruitment booth in a high traffic area
  • watching the second semester recruitment webinar and adapting one of the ideas for your local chapter
  • planning and sponsoring a chapter community service project
  • and many more activities

How Will February Frenzy Help My Chapter Recruit More Members?

February Frenzy will help you focus your chapter members – and your entire state – on recruitment by teaching your members how to market FBLA using the tools provided by the National Center as well as their own creativity.  You’ll see an influx of new members, and your existing members will be more engaged.

What Recognition Will My Chapter Receive?

When your chapter successfully completes the February Frenzy program and has members attend the 2013 National Leadership Conference in Anaheim, California, all conference delegates will receive special ribbons that designate their chapter as a February Frenzy award recipient.  Plus, your chapter’s designated chapter project manager will receive a special recruitment pin.

 Your chapter can also help your state earn national honors by finishing in the top 10 on the February Frenzy Leaderboard. The Leaderboard will be promoted on the National Web site and will highlight the top 10 February Frenzy chapters.  As an added state incentive, the top 10 states creating and implementing a state marketing plan that encourage chapters to participate in this program will receive recognition at the National Leadership Conference in Anaheim, California.

How Do I Get Started?

It’s easy, just visit our Web site and sign up today.

Remember, as you use February Frenzy to ignite your recruitment for 2012-2013, remind prospective members of the countless opportunities FBLA-PBL has to offer:

  • challenging competitive events
  • scholarships, awards and other recognition opportunities
  • exciting conferences at destinations all over the country
  • and networking opportunities with 250,000 other young leaders

Plus, FBLA-PBL members participate in community service, fundraising, social events, and other career-boosting leadership activities.

May Recruitment Success Be Ever In Your Future!

PBL President Address to the Nation – September 2012

Posted on by • Posted in National Officers, PBL •

Donnie Iorio, PBL National President

Join PBL President Donnie Iorio on September 11 as he details the goals for the 2012-13 membership year, shares helpful recruitment tips, and answers your questions – LIVE via Google Hangouts On Air!

*Bookmark this page and join Donnie on September 11 at 6:30pm EDT for a live feed of his presentation.*

In the meantime, learn more about your PBL National Officer Team:

View: Program of Work

Questions? Comments? Post them on Twitter at @PBL_National or on Facebook at FutureBusinessLeaders during the presentation and your PBL National Officer Team will answer them in real-time.

LIVE Event: Recruitment Brainstorming with PBL National Officers

Posted on by • Posted in National Officers, PBL •

Join your 2012-2013 PBL National Officers LIVE via Google Hangouts On Air at 3:30 pm EST this Thursday, July 26 for a recruitment brainstorming session.

Organized by David Short, a PBL member from Tulsa Community College Metro in Oklahoma, you’ll have a chance to interact with your PBL National Officer Team and other PBL members and start your year with a strong recruitment push.

Submit your questions and comments on Twitter at @PBL_National and on Facebook at FutureBusinessLeaders, both before and during the event.

[STREAMING VIDEO TO BE POSTED HERE ON THURSDAY AT 3:30PM EST - PLEASE BOOKMARK THIS PAGE]

Please spread the word!

Career Awareness Day [FBLA-PBL Week]

Posted on by • Posted in Advisers, FBLA, FBLA-Middle Level, FBLA-PBL Week, National Officers, PBL, Professional • Leave a comment

THURSDAY

Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda is one of the few associations that can truly call itself a lifetime association.  You can join FBLA-PBL in middle school and continue your involvement throughout your professional career.

By now, most of you are familiar with our three student divisions: FBLA-Middle Level for junior high/middle school students, FBLA for high school students, and PBL for postsecondary students.  Our fourth division is the FBLA-PBL Professional Division, designed for working professionals.

The Professional Division offers established business people the opportunity to teach and mentor the next generation of business leaders. Professional Division members include alumni, educators, administrators, counselors, business professionals, parents, and government officials. These people are ready and willing to work with you and your members at the local level.

Many Professional Division members mentor FBLA-PBL members through career counseling, job shadowing opportunities, workshops presentations and speeches on current business trends such as business ethics, how to obtain summer internships, and how to dress and prepare for job interviews.

Here are some tips on how you can get involved with your Professional Division and begin working with your professional members and community leaders – which is the purpose of Career Awareness Day.

1. Reach out to local businesses. Contact your local professional members to arrange business tours or ask them for suggestions on businesses to visit.  Don’t forget to publicize your visit by posing for a photo, preparing a news release, and posting it to your social networks.

Seminole State College PBL Chapter members visiting a local fire station to present a donation.

2. Recruit speakers and workshop presenters.  Whether it’s your state conference or a regular chapter meeting, make sure you invite professional members and other business and community leaders to speak at a local chapter meeting about hot-button business topics.

3. Get career coaching.  Have your members work on resumes and ask your professional members or business leaders to critique them.  Take it a step further by arranging mock interview sessions between FBLA-PBL members and professional members.  Another career-boosting activity is to arrange a job shadow day.  These could even turn into summer internships or part-time jobs — you never know!

Ben Bogert Sutter Union High School in CA Job Shadow

Sutter Union High School FBLA Chatper — Job Shadow

4. Prepare for Competitive Events.  Ask business leaders and professional members to mentor members as they prepare for competitive events. Whether it is a speaking event, an interview event, a written event, or a chapter project/report event, professional division members have “been there, done that.”

5. Watch the “Involving the Pros” webinar. Professional Division National President Brad Howard explains how local chapters benefit by getting involved with business and community leaders.

Bonus idea: Western Wayne High School in Pennsylvania came up with a unique project: They researched Fortune 500 companies, made paper t-shirts with company logos and hung them in the classroom on a mock clothesline.  A great project to learn about leading businesses!

Wayne High School FBLA Chapter with a business clothesline

 

FBLA President Taylor Sarman Addresses ACTE Business Education Division [Video]

Posted on by • Posted in FBLA, FBLA National President, Taylor Sarman, Leadership, National Officers • Leave a comment

Taylor Sarman, FBLA National President, delivers his prepared remarks to approximately 75 teachers during the Business Education Division meeting at the 2011 ACTE Conference.

[Due to poor audio quality, Taylor Sarman's speech is included below the video]

“The future is dependent on you.” I’ll forever remember these words that my 5th Grade teacher said to us one day before class started. The future is dependent on you. His words served as the inspiration I needed, to realize that if change was to be made in the world, it was to happen in the very place I was sitting—a classroom.

My 5th grade teacher inspired me to believe that the world could be changed. Lives could be made better and the future could be brighter, but that responsibility lied within each of us. I reflect back on that moment as the time I knew that Public Service lied deep in my heart, and it was the career path for me.

You see, I share this story as a reminder of the role that an educator plays in the classroom. As educators, you provide the solid direction and focus that students need to lead our generation into a brighter future. People do not vary greatly in their abilities to achieve success. Instead they vary in their desires to achieve that success. But just like my 5th grade teacher did for me, every day you all inspire students to achieve the desire that will move them to the next level. For many of you, you are the igniters of change in student’s lives. You provide the hope that the world can be changed and that their lives and futures can be better. And you do it every day through Career and Technical Education.

Through Career and Technical Education, you equip students with valuable real-life skills and show them exactly where they can apply these skills in the workforce post-graduation. As a student, that’s inspiring. It’s a reminder that in our careers, we can change the world, make lives better, and create a brighter future.

It is often said that education opens the door to the future, but what isn’t frequently mentioned is that Career and Technical Education is the framework that supports that door. For some, Career and Technical Education courses are the driving force for students to be successful. Career and Technical Education serves as the reminder that what we’re doing in the classroom applies to what is happening in the real world.

For me, my personal commitment to Career and Technical Education and Career and Technical Student Organizations is derived from my involvement in the Future Business Leaders of America. For over 70 years FBLA has been committed to the same idea that my 5th grade teacher lectured about—“The future is dependent on you.” In FBLA we have been committed to providing our over 250,000 members with the skills they need to have successful occupations and impact the world through our over 60 competitive events. 13,000 communities across the United States have Local FBLA Chapters—that’s 13,000 communities that are being positively impacted by community service, youth leadership, and career-driven students. The only thing greater than these breath-taking statistics are the countless personal stories I have heard as the National President of FBLA. It the story of the students from all across this nation who’s lives have been impacted that truly make being National President so rewarding.

As I leave you, I want to thank you for your continual commitment to your classrooms, students, and career and technical education. Thank you for taking the spark of student organizations and lighting up your curriculum and providing your students with invaluable tools that will ensure their preparation for the future.  Thank you for always reminding your students that the future is dependent on them and always giving insight to a brighter future.

Lost on “The Hill” and the Government Awareness Project

Posted on by • Posted in FBLA National Parliamentarian, Nadine Goldberg, National Officers • 1 Comment

Nadine Goldberg, FBLA National Parliamentarian

Hasher Nissar isn’t the only one who can get lost on Capitol Hill (read Hasher’s blog post here)!  After a wonderful meeting in Senator Marco Rubio’s office, Whitni Redman and I were practically walking on air as we journeyed back toward our “home base” in the Rayburn Building. We got into the elevator and reached out to press the button for the fourth floor…but there wasn’t one!

Something was clearly wrong, so we backed out of the elevator and went in search for help. We must have spoken to ten different employees before we got directions that would take us back to our meeting place.  By the time we arrived, we were tired and boiling hot (As much as I love my FBLA blazer, it was certainly not made for running in!), but no amount of heat could wipe the smiles off of our faces.  Speaking to my senator about the organization I love was an incredible experience, and I would highly recommend it to anyone!

Whitni and I finally make it back to the Rayburn building!

Rewind half an hour, and Whitni and I are sitting at a beautiful conference table with Senator Rubio’s Director of Outreach, Mr. Sanchez. We’re speaking passionately about the Perkins Act, but Mr. Sanchez is starting to look just as lost as we would soon be in that elevator. Sensing his confusion, we slow down, and indeed, he has a question: “Exactly how much money was cut from Perkins for the 2011 fiscal year?” Whitni and I answer his question and quickly move on with our discussion. But short as it was, that moment has stuck with me since the day of our visit in July.

It’s easy to believe that our individual voices don’t mean much to senators who often serve millions of citizens. But the reality is that our representatives in Congress can’t help us if we don’t let them know what we need. If we had not spoken to Mr. Sanchez about the importance of restoring funding to the Perkins Act, it might have slipped by unnoticed under Senator Rubio’s radar.  That is why I’m so excited about the Government Awareness Project this year. As Whitni and I learned, civic involvement is essential…and what better cause is there to advocate for than FBLA?

From Chapter Member to National Officer-The Journey That Any Member Can Take!

Posted on by • Posted in FBLA Western Region Vice President, Aaron Wodka, National Officers • 1 Comment

Aaron Wodka, FBLA Western Region Vice President

Looking back four years ago and picturing my little freshman self sitting at my first FBLA meeting, I never thought I would one day be on the FBLA-PBL National Officer team. In all honesty, the concept has not truly sunk in yet. Though the reality of the situation is that I am extremely fortunate to be here and serve my fellow members!

 

The journey I took from my freshman year was one full of cherished memories and character-shaping moments. Running and getting elected to Arizona state office myfreshman year was an awesome and rewarding experience. It was in this year that I picked up some of the greatest professional lessons of my life. Learning the value of true work ethic and seeing goals put into action made a huge impression on me. It’s not to say that I didn’t have my stressful and frustrating moments. Overall though I feel that it was my biggest tool in practicing my leadership skills to run for re-election.

 

My first NLC and just completed State Officer Training. The journey begins!

The following spring at the state conference, I ran my re-election campaign and once again successfully won a position on the state officer team. My goal, this time around, was to become the state president and refine my leadership skills so that I could be part of the driving force for FBLA Arizona. The year that followed was full of history making achievements for my state and (to this day) one of the most challenging positions of my professional career. As the year closed I took a moment to reflect on the person I was just three years ago and compare it to the person I was at that point. Those that know me best still say to this day that the comparison will show two completely different people.

 

With this comparison in mind and the opportunity of another year in FBLA, I knew that I had a choice to make. Was I going to retire my leadership service for FBLA or was I going to make the attempt to take it to the next level and serve a larger audience of my FBLA peers. I’ll be honest with you. There was no clear-cut decision. Though I remembered one of the greatest lessons I picked up in FBLA—that everyone is a leader. All that matters is how and when you chose to practice and refine the skills you have as a leader. I realized at that point that I wanted to use everything I learned and all the experiences I gained and project them onto a national arena so that all FBLA members could have the same growth and memorable, inspirational experience I had. My mind was made up and I had decided to run for national office.

 

Now, in retrospect, to a kid who just three years ago was a small freshman and doubted the opportunities that were made available to him because of where he came from, this idea was daunting. To follow, the entire campaign process and nationals process was also daunting to me. But the passion that resonated inside of me was so strong that it overcame any doubt I had and ultimately got me through the experience. There reached a point about five minutes before they announced the election results of the national campaign, that I literally had a moment of disbelief! Was I really sitting here waiting to possibly here my name? Yet again at that moment my little freshman self image came to mind. I had a flashback of the last three years and sat there astonished at the fact of where I started and where I was now. I had seriously disconnected from the world, but what broke my concentration was the announcer calling my name as the winner!

 

Taking the stage as a national officer in Orlando!

You know those moments in life where your body goes numb and you think to yourself “did that just happen?” Well, let me tell you, I definitely experienced one of those moments and the next thing I knew my state was on their feet cheering and my campaign manager pulling me off my seat to get me on stage. The events that followed after were humbling as I took my oath of office on stage. There are no words that can express how grateful I am to my region and for the opportunity they gave me.

 

The moral of the story is that it doesn’t matter where you come from, who you are, or how different you may be at the beginning of the journey. If you want to reach your goals you have the capacity to do so. The only question you need to ask yourself is this, “Am I ready to let the journey change and shape me?” If so, then you have already taken the first step. What follows after is entirely up to you, but never forget that with whatever might happen, your goal is always waiting for you. Go out there and catch it!

Adventure in Washington, DC

Posted on by • Posted in FBLA Eastern Region VP, Hasher Nisar, National Officers • 1 Comment

Hasher Nisar, FBLA Eastern Region Vice President

It was July 21st. The temperature was 110 degrees outside. It was 2:15 PM. I’m running down Independence Avenue looking for Cannon Building. Cannon Building is where I had to meet with Congressman Murphy and his aide at 2:30 PM. I was supposed to take the underground shuttle but the security guard, from whom I was getting directions, said I could not take the shuttle as I was not a member of the staff. Wonderful. He told me that I had to exit the building, go straight down Constitution Avenue, take the first left, then take a right on Independence Avenue, and I would see Cannon Building. Well, I was on Independence Avenue and I didn’t see Cannon Building. I wish he had told me whether it was on my right or left. I sat down on a bench to catch my breath. It was hot.  I look up right across the street and I saw a sign. In small letters it said, “Cannon Building.” Yes! I found it. I crossed the street and entered the building. After going through security, I asked the lady how I would get to Room 412. She told me to take the elevator to the fourth floor. I was amazed by how nice the elevator was, but then I saw a sign, “MEMBERS OF CONGRESS ONLY.” I pretended as I had seen no sign.

Once I found Congressman Murphy’s office, I asked for Linda Forman. They told me to take a seat and she would be right with me. I was exhausted, but happy that I was in an air-conditioned room. Ms. Forman approached me after five minutes and told me that in order for me to meet Congressman Murphy, we would have to go to the House Chamber because he was voting. Once again, I was taking elevators, going through security, and all along I was telling Ms. Forman about FBLA. We were in the outside hall when she told me, “This is something people don’t get to see in person. Right now, no one except Congressmen and their aides, if needed, can be here.” I said, “Wow.” And just as I said that Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi walked right by me. My jaw dropped open. I asked Ms. Forman, “Did I…did I just…just see Congresswoman Pelosi?” Ms. Forman replied, “Yes, you did.”

Hasher Nisar with Congressman Chris Murphy (5th District-CT)

I was surrounded by Congressmen and Congresswomen. Some were entering the chamber while others were talking in the hall. Ms. Forman and I sat down in the Rayburn Room waiting for Congressman Murphy to finish voting. After he was done, he came and sat down with us. I had met Congressman Murphy on several other occasions and he remembered me as I had also volunteered for his campaign. He said, “I want to take you with me to a Foreign Affairs Committee Hearing. I have to introduce an amendment. Do you have time?” I said, “Yes, I do.” As we were walking to the hearing, we talked about Perkins Funding. I told him about FBLA, why it was important to me, and why Perkins Funding was important to FBLA. He completely understood where I was coming from and he also doesn’t want to see Perkins Funding get cut, but he said that these times were difficult and some difficult decisions would have to be made. He said, “We are literally fighting for our lives right now.”

I sat in on the Foreign Affairs Committee Hearing for about 30 minutes. I had to leave because the National Officer Team was scheduled to go to the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing. I thanked Ms. Forman for giving me the opportunity to meet with Congressman Murphy and I gave her a folder with FBLA literature, if Congressman Murphy wanted to look over it.

As I left, I realized something. As an FBLA National Officer, I want to see Congressman Murphy show full support for Perkins Funding. There might be someone else who wants to see him show support for another legislative bill. He has to listen to all the people in his district because that is his job. He has to listen to the issues people are facing in his district because they elected him. He has to take their voice to Congress and lead them. He has to make them believe and hope in a brighter future for the United States. I thought about it for a moment. That is why I was elected. 39,693 members of the Eastern Region believed in me. They entrusted in me their support. They believed that I could lead the Eastern Region. I have left National Officer Training with a renewed sense of leadership. I hope that I live up to the expectations of the Eastern Region members.