FBLA Concepts

Introduction

WHAT IS FUTURE BUSINESS LEADERS OF AMERICA?

Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) is a non-profit, local, district, state, regional, and national organization for all middle and high school students participating in business and business-related programs.  In Florida, FBLA functions as an integral part of the instructional program of the business education program in secondary school.

This organization provides students with the opportunity to apply their classroom instruction in business practices and procedures to leadership development activities and competitive event experiences.  The purpose of the organization is to:

"...provide, as an integral part of the instructional program, additional opportunities for secondary students (6-12) in business education to develop vocational and career supportive competencies and to promote civic and personal responsibility."

FBLA PLEDGE

I solemnly promise to uphold the aims and responsibilities of the Future Business Leaders of America; and, as an active member, I shall strive to develop the qualities necessary in becoming a responsible business leader.

FBLA CREED

I believe education is the right of every person.

I believe the future depends on mutual understanding and cooperation among business, industry, labor, religious, family and educational institutions, as well as people around the world.  I agree to do my utmost to bring about understanding and cooperation among all of these groups.

I believe every person should prepare for a useful occupation and carry on that occupation in a manner that brings the greatest good to the greatest number.

I believe every person should actively work toward improving social, political, community, and family life.

I believe every person has the right to earn a living at a useful occupation and that this right should not be denied because of race, color, creed, sex, or handicap.

I believe every person should take responsibility for carrying out assigned tasks in a manner that brings credit to self, associates, school, and community.

I believe I have the responsibility to work efficiently and to think clearly.  I promise to use my abilities to make the world a better place for everyone.

FBLA GOALS

§  Develop competent, aggressive business leadership.

§  Strengthen the confidence of students in themselves and their work.

§  Create more interest in and understanding of American business enterprise.

§  Encourage members in the development of individual projects which contribute to the improve-ment of home, business and community.

§  Develop character, prepare for useful citizenship, and foster patriotism.

§  Encourage and practice efficient money management.

§  Encourage scholarship and promote school loyalty.

§  Assist students in the establishment of occupational goals.

§  Facilitate the transition from school to work.

FLORIDA FBLA HISTORY

1948      Hillsborough High School in Tampa organized the first local chapter of FBLA, and the University of Tampa organized the first local chapter of PBL.

1951      The Florida chapter of Future Business Leaders of America/Phi Beta Lambda received its charter.

1965      The state chapter came under the sponsorship of the Business Education section of the Florida Department of Education.  Joseph R. Barkley was named the FBLA-PBL state chairman.

1966      Edward D. Miller was named the state adviser.

1969      Mr. Miller moved to the national office.  Charles Head was appointed state adviser.

1975      The Florida Department of Education granted a position for a full-time FBLA-PBL state adviser.  Pansy B. Read assumed the position.

1983      Roger H. Stubing became state adviser for Florida FBLA-PBL.

1992      A study committee, consisting of representatives from FBLA, PBL, and business/industry, began investigating the possibility of incorporating the organization.

1993      Florida FBLA-PBL Association and Foundation, Inc. was founded.  Florida FBLA-PBL was no longer sponsored by the Florida Department of Education.  The operation of everyday activities was transferred to the corporation's board of directors.

1994         The board of directors signed a contract with J. Jeffrey Reese making him the FBLA-PBL state adviser.

1998      The board of directors contracted Ronald Belscher, Jody Jones, and Kurt Thomson to serve as the State Adviser Team.

2001      Florida FBLA-PBL Association and Foundation, Inc. was renamed to Florida FBLA-PBL Association, Inc.  A separate foundation was formed and named Florida FBLA-PBL Foundation, Inc.  The purpose of the foundation was to raise funds to assist Florida FBLA-PBL.

2008      The board of directors sign contracts with Jody Jones as state adviser for Florida FBLA-PBL and executive                            director of the Florida FBLA-PBL Foundation.

2020      Florida FBLA-PBL hosts virtual state leadership conference due to a worldwide pandemic (COVID19).