FBLA Information Page

FBLA - PBL MISSION STATEMENT

Our mission is to bring business and education together in a positive working relationship through innovative leadership and career development programs.

FBLA - PBL PLEDGE

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

FBLA - PBL 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.

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 - PBL GOALS


    * Develop competent, aggressive business leadership.

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

    * Create more interest in and understanding of the American business enterprise.

    * Encourage members in the development of individual projects that contribute to the improvement 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.

FBLA - PBL HISTORY

1937    Hamden L. Forkner of Teachers College, Columbia  University in New York City, proposes to business teachers across the country that a national organization is needed for the thousands of business clubs in the nation's high schools and colleges.

1940    The National Council for Business Education (now known as the National Business Education Association) sponsors the proposed student organization.  Committees are appointed to formulate the organization's general plans.  The name "Future business Leaders of America" is selected for the organization.

1942    An experimental chapter is chartered in Johnson City, Tennessee, on February 3.  A second chapter is started two days later in St. Albans, West Virginia.  By the end of the year, 39 Chapters are added; and over the next three and one-half years, another 38 chapters join.

1946    The United Business Education Association assumes sponsorship of FBLA is established at the National Education Association Center in Washington, D.C.

1947    Iowa becomes the first FBLA state chapter.  Indiana and Ohio quickly follow.  Within the next three years, FBLA state chapters total ten.

1958    The postsecondary division, Phi Beta Lambda is created.  The University of Northern Iowa is the first PBL chapter.

1969    FBLA - PBL is granted independent status as a nonprofit educational student association under Internal Revenue Code 501c(3).  FBLA - PBL, Inc. acquires its own board of directors and full-time staff.

1973    FBLA - PBL, Inc. appoints Edward D. Miller as the association's first full-time executive director.

1979    The board of directores approves establishment of the FBLA - PBL Alumni Division.

1981    The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation purchases 1.6 acres of land in the Center for Educational Associations, Reston, Virginia, as the site for a future FBLA - PBL Nation Center.

1987    FBLA annual membership tops 200,000 for the first time.

1989    The professional division is formed to include alumni and professional businesspersons.

1990    The grand opening of the FBLA - PBL National Center is held.

1994    The FBLA - Middle Level division is formed for students in grades 5-9.

1997    Edward D. Miller retires as president and chief executive officer of the national association.  Ms. Jean Buckley is appointed president and chief executive officer.

2001    National center mortgage is retired.

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