pbl business leader (spring 2015)

Step Up to #NLC2015Chicago, Illinois

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]

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 866.500.5610fbla-pbl.org

National StaffNational Board of Directors

Beau CobbPBL National PresidentJohnson & Wales University, [email protected]

Kevin ThorPBL National SecretaryUniversity of Nebraska–Lincoln, [email protected]

Karthik KrishnanPBL National TreasurerVirtual PBL Chapter, [email protected]

Jenna WoitaszewskiPBL National ParliamentarianDoane College, [email protected]

Ariel MookherjiPBL Eastern Region Vice PresidentMontgomery County Community College, [email protected]

Tory ArnbergerPBL Mountain Plains Region Vice PresidentFort Hays State University, [email protected]

Peter ChoiPBL North Central Region Vice PresidentVirtual PBL, [email protected]

Travis LondonPBL Southern Region Vice PresidentCampbellsville University, [email protected]

Ashley AmundsenPBL Western Region Vice PresidentSouthern Utah University, [email protected]

2014–15 PBL National Officer Team

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 FBLA-PBL 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]

PBL Business Leader Spring 2015 Volume 25, Number 3 (ISSN 0279-9685). Published three times a year (fall, winter, and spring) by Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda. Editorial and advertising sales offices at FBLA-PBL, Inc., 1912 Association Drive, Reston, VA 20191-1591 703.860.3334. 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. Managing Editor: Laura Morgan.

Table of CONTENTS Message from the President .................................. 2Step Up with PBL President Beau Cobb

Join the Professional Division ................................ 2Take Your PBL Involvement to the Next Level

Stepping Up to #NLC2015 ...................................... 3Tips on Preparing for the National Leadership Conference

Got App-titude? ....................................................... 4National partner KPMG shares branding tips

March of Dimes ....................................................... 6Meet the March of Dimes 2015 National Ambassador

Sponsors & Partners ............................................... 7Read the latest on national partners and member benefits

#NLC2015 ................................................................ 8Step Up to the Challenge at #NLC2015 in Chicago

National Fundraisers ............................................ 10Explore national fundraisers to help pay your way to #NLC2015

Chapter News ........................................................ 11See projects and activities from chapters across the country

Calendar of Events

APRIL1 Membership Madness and Membership

Mania: Receipt deadline Membership Achievement Award: Receipt

deadline 100 Percent Class Participation: Receipt

deadline Outstanding Chapter: Receipt deadline Distinguished Business Leader Scholarship:

Receipt deadline Membership receipt deadline to count for

Big 10 Awards National Bylaws Amendment: Receipt

deadline15 PBL and Professional Membership

Recognition Awards: deadline 22 Webinar: Step Up to #NLC2015 in ChicagoApril/May March of Dimes March for Babies: Check with your local March of Dimes Office

for specific dates

MAY1 PBL Adviser Wall of Fame: Application

postmark deadline8 NLC: Intern application receipt deadline15 March of Dimes Fundraising Report: Receipt

deadline National officer candidate application:

Receipt deadline22 PBL NLC and IFL: Early bird registration

deadline

JUNE4 PBL Local Voting Delegates: Registration

deadline 11 National Presidents’ Address to the Nation23–24 PBL Institute for Leaders—Chicago, IL24–27 PBL National Leadership Conference—

Chicago, IL

FutureBusinessLeaders

PBL_National

Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda

youtube.com/fblapblinc

fbla_pbl

Cover photo courtesy of Choose Chicago

2 PBL Business Leader

Message from the Presidentby PBL National President Beau Cobb

It’s hard to believe that the 2014-15 year is coming to a close. This year’s national theme is Step Up to the Challenge. I am so proud of the PBL

Congratulations! You’ve made the commitment to become a PBL member and to serve as an example for the high school and middle level divisions. Want to take your involvement to the next level? Make FBLA-PBL your “lifetime association” by joining the Professional Division (PD) after graduation! Through the PD, you can use the skills you’ve developed throughout your PBL career to educate and inspire the other divisions’ members.

PD members are business professionals from a wide variety of backgrounds. They play many roles within the organization, including:

• serving as competitive event judges at local and national conferences

• presenting workshops or guest speaking at conferences and chapter meetings

• being a connection to the business world to assist with job and internship opportunities

• providing their expertise to prepare students for life outside of academia

Join the Professional Division after graduation and make FBLA-PBL your “lifetime association!”

advisers, officers, and members across the country who have taken our theme to heart. It has been an extremely productive year with so many opportunities created!

I thank you for electing me to serve as PBL national president. As the National Leadership Conference (NLC) in Chicago rapidly approaches, it is a bittersweet time for me. I am so excited to meet the 2015–16 candidates for PBL national office, and the competitors for our national awards program.

I wish all of the past and newly-elected officers the best of luck with your future endeavors. I am confident that the 2015–16 local and state officers will truly connect with the members and maintain FBLA-PBL’s status as the world’s premier student business association.

To the seniors of PBL, congratulations class of 2015—we made it! I challenge each of you to continue your journey in our association by joining our Professional Division (PD). I can personally say my time as a PD member was outstanding. The opportunity to judge and work with tomorrow’s business leaders is a unique and exciting opportunity!

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please feel free to reach out to me at [email protected]. I cannot wait to see you all in Chicago this summer for the NLC!

Take Your PBL Involvement to the Next LevelJoin the Professional Division!

For more information, visit the Professional Division page of fbla-pbl.org, check out our Facebook and Twitter accounts, or contact one of the Professional Division national officers via the website.

Spring 2015 3

With the National Leadership Conference (NLC) right around the corner, the energy and excitement is building. But before we Step Up in Chicago, it’s important to prepare. Here are some preparation tips I’ve learned through my conference experiences.

PackingBe sure you pack everything you need for NLC. Make a list of what you need while in Chicago—whether it’s your business attire, casual clothing, your favorite FBLA-PBL shirt, or your business cards. Review the FBLA-PBL dress code at bit.ly/FBLA-PBL_dress_code to make sure you follow the rules. Not following the dress code can lose you points or even keep you from being allowed to compete.

FundraisingConference registration and travel expenses can be pricey, so apply for one of the NLC Scholarships (all PBL members attending NLC are eligible to apply). Check out FBLA-PBL fundraising partners at fbla-pbl.org to help raise money for your expenses. Send a letter to a local business to help sponsor you or your chapter.

Study, Study, Study!Competition at the NLC brings together the best of the best in PBL, so study for your competitive event. Check out the Competitive Event Online Reference Guide at bit.ly/PBL_CEreference.

Day 1 (June 24)The opening day of NLC includes the Opening General Session and Campaign Rally. Hear an inspiring keynote address and meet your national officer candidates.

Day 2 (June 25)Sleep well the night before because day two will be filled with competitions, campaigns, and opportunities to meet students from all over the nation. Check out the campaigns to meet the candidates hoping to lead you next year. Make sure your chapter’s voting delegates decide who will serve as 2015–16 PBL national officers.

Attend your Regional Campaign Rally and Recognition Session to meet your regional vice president and regional vice president candidates. Members and chapters will be recognized for their hard work and dedication.

Don’t miss the inaugural Connection Circuit featuring companies from across the country.

Day 3 (June 26)Day three begins bright and early with the Candidate Q & A Session. State presidents and voting delegates have the opportunity to ask national president, secretary, and treasurer candidates questions. Day three also features the March of Dimes Mini-walk. Bring your $5 and help save babies!

Day 4 (June 27)Day four begins with national voting. It is important that voting delegates attend to vote for the 2015–16 national president, secretary, and treasurer. Regional voting follows where voting delegates elect their next regional vice president. The finale of the NLC is the Awards of Excellence program where you find out who Stepped Up to the Challenge in competitive events.

Although no one will want to leave the Windy City, take all of the ideas from NLC back to your state and local chapters. Use this time to stay in contact with all of your new connections and keep your network strong. After you leave Chicago, continue to CONNECT with everyone throughout 2015–16!

Find more NLC info on

page 8

Stepping Up to #NLC2015by PBL Southern Region Vice President Travis London

PRE-NLC

NLC

POST-NLC

Spring 2015 5


Meet Elijah JacksonMarch of Dimes 2015 National AmbassadorIn 2002, Elise and Todd Jackson were overjoyed to be expecting their first child, and weren’t expecting any complications with the birth of their son, Elijah. Elijah was born 15 weeks early weighing just over a pound and was 11 inches long—the length of a sheet of paper.

Initially only given a 10 percent chance of survival, Elijah spent seven months in a newborn intensive care unit (NICU). He underwent several delicate surgeries in the early weeks of life, and has been through years of physical, speech and occupational therapy for the long-lasting health consequences of his early birth.

Like Elijah, about 450,000 babies are born too soon in the United States each year.

FBLA-PBL and the March of Dimes have been working together for more than 40 years to help give every baby a healthy start. FBLA-PBL members like you have raised more than $15 million to support the March of Dimes and its mission of healthier babies. By raising awareness and funds, you are helping the March of Dimes, the Jackson family, and families just like them. Together, we will reach a day when no baby is born too soon and no family has to experience the serious effects of preterm birth. To learn more about what you and your chapter can do visit marchforbabies.org/students.

March of Dimes Mini-walk at

#NLC2015

FBLA-PBL and the March of Dimes will

sponsor a mini-walk at #NLC2015. All

members and advisers are encouraged

to participate and contribute to the

March of Dimes. Remember to bring

your $5 donation and get ready to have

a great time!

Wednesday, July 1 @ 5:30 p.m.–6:30 p.m.

geico.com/fbla-pbl | 1-800-368-2734

As a member of FBLA-PBL you could save even more on your car insurance with a special discount. Join your

fellow members who are already saving with GEICO.

Birds of a feather save together.

Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states or all GEICO companies. Discount amount varies in some states. Discount is not available in all states or in all GEICO companies. One group discount applicable per policy. Coverage is individual. In New York a premium reduction may be available. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company,

Washington, D.C. 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. © 2014 GEICO

Spring 2015 7

Sponsors & Partners

HP is offering HP and Compaq consumer products at discounts typically up to 15% off starting prices. You can also take advantage of instant rebates as well as coupons, in addition to the discount being offered to us. HP offers a broad line of consumer products, from configure-to-order notebooks and desktops to printers, handhelds, calculators, home servers, and more! When ordering be sure to access the HP site through our Discounts page and enter Company Code EP10687 to receive your discount.

The Princeton Review is a market leader in test preparation and wants to help you prepare for the GMAT, GRE, LSAT, and MCAT. Want a personalized prep experience to fit your learning style, schedule, and budget? Get into your top choice school choosing a test prep company that delivers guaranteed results with expert instruction and extensive resources. PBL members are entitled to 10% off classroom and online courses. To receive your discount, visit princetonreview.com using the promo code FBLAPBLAVE10 at check out or call us at 800-2Review (800.273.8439).

Designed in part by former FBLA National President Joe Riley, Better World Collective has created a brand new and easy-to-use online auction platform for FBLA-PBL—Auction360. We helped student organizations, like FBLA-PBL, double

or even triple their fundraising by enabling chapters to increase their donor base and helping supporters think creatively about noncash ways of contributing. Our advanced technology removes 90% of the work that is traditionally associated with this type of fundraiser—making it now incredibly easy to run a successful and engaging online auction. And, because of our history with FBLA-PBL, we’re offering local chapters our best deals ever, including no upfront cost and personal, seven-days-a-week support.

Visit betterworldcollective.com/fbla for more information and priority access.


at #NLC2015 in Chicago!

Join leaders from around the world as you Step Up to the Challenge at the 2015 National Leadership Conference (NLC) and Institute

for Leaders (IFL) this summer in Chicago. Hear outstanding speakers, enhance your leadership skills, and show your skill in competitive events. Don’t miss this chance to network with other FBLA members and business professionals.

Institute for Leaders (IFL)

This high-energy, intensive, two-day seminar is a

focused leadership experience for state and local

chapter officers and members.

IFL prepares student leaders and members to

assume their elected responsibilities and develop

valuable life skills.

National Officer Elections

An important and exciting part of the NLC is the election of the 2015–16 national officers. Students interested in

running for national office can request the National Officer Candidate Guide from their state adviser, or download it

from fbla-pbl.org.

Candidates display literature at their campaign booths where members can talk with them about their platforms.

Don’t miss the spirited competition and bid for delegate votes by the candidates and their campaign teams.

Ty Bennett (Keynote Speaker)When Ty Bennett was 21 years old, he and his brother Scott started a business in direct sales,

which they built to over $20 million in annual revenue while still in their twenties.The founder of Leadership Inc., Ty is a young, fresh voice providing interactive presentations that

are engaging, dynamic, and inspiring. His clients include some of the most recognizable brands

in the world such as: Coca-Cola, Subway, Wounded Warrior Project, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and

Remax. Ty has shared the stage with celebrities, Olympians, and world-renowned thought leaders such as

President Bush and President Clinton. Ty’s best-selling books, The Power of Influence: Increase Your Income and Personal Impact and The Power

of Storytelling: The Art of Influential Communication, are used in graduate courses at multiple universities

including MIT, as today’s version of How to Win Friends and Influence People.

About ChicagoFor more detailed information about Chicago, visit choosechicago.com for the Chicago Convention and Visitors Bureau or call 877.244.2246.

skyline photo courtesy of Choose Chicago

Spring 2015 9

National Anthem

Do you sing? We are looking for a PBL member

to sing the national anthem in traditional style at

the NLC. If selected, soloist must be a paid NLC

registrant.

Email submissions to [email protected]

or mail to:

Megan Muir, CMPPDC Productions (NLC Anthem)

3217 N Flood AveNorman, OK 73069

Audition receipt deadline is May 12.

NLC Internship Opportunities

Enhance your experience by working as an NLC intern

in Chicago! Conference interns help national staff

with conference logistics and headquarters office

management. Interested applicants must be available

to attend the Chicago NLC during these dates and

times:

June 24–27 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

To participate, you must be available during the

majority of the NLC. Interns must pay the conference

registration fee, accommodations, travel, and meals.

Complete the application at fbla-pbl.org/2015NLC

(including a current résumé and two letters of

recommendation).

Application receipt deadline is Friday, May 8.

NLC Fees Early Bird Regular On-site On or before May 22 May 23–June 12 June 13–on-sitePBL $105 $115 $125Guest $45 $55 $65 IFL Fees Early Bird Regular On-site On or before May 22 May 23–June 12 June 13–on-siteStudent $115 $125 $135Adviser $50 $60 $70Candidates $90 $100 $110

CertificationsAdobe Certified Associate$50 per exam ($65 after June 12)• Adobe Flash CC• Adobe Dreamweaver CC• Adobe Photoshop CC

CompTIA Strata$35 per exam ($50 after June 12)QuickBooks Certified User (QBCU) $50 ($65 after June 12)

IC3 Global Standard 4$20 per exam ($35 after June 12)• Computing Fundamentals• Key Applications• Living Online

Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS)$50 per exam ($65 after June 12)• Word• Excel• PowerPoint• Access

Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA)$45 per exam ($60 after June 12)• Database Fundamentals• Gaming Development Fundamentals (C# and/or VB)• HTML5 Application Development Fundamentals• Microsoft.NET Fundamentals (C# and/or VB)• Networking Fundamentals• Security Fundamentals• Software Development Fundamentals (C# and/or VB)• Web Development Fundamentals (C# and/or VB)• Windows Operating System Fundamentals• Windows Server Administration FundamentalsSpace is limited, so sign up today atfbla-pbl.org/2015NLC.

Find more #NLC2015 info

and register at

fbla-pbl.org/2015NLC


Nat

iona

l Fun

drai

sers Association Motor Club Marketing (AMCM) offers a roadside assistance program that earns profit now and on

renewals. Email [email protected], call 605.254.8876, or visit amcmfbla.com.

Better World Collective provides a brand new and easy-to-use online auction platform called Auction360. Visit betterworldcollective.com/fbla for more information.

Country Meats features fresh smoked snack sticks that everyone loves! Sell for $1.00 and receive 45% profit! For FREE SAMPLES call 800.277.8989 or visit countrymeats.com/samplepack.

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

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 Palace offers 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 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, [email protected] or visit pecantreats.com.

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

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

PROMOTE

YOUR

FUNDRAISER

TRACK

PARTICIPANTS

HOLD

FUNDRAISER

TURN

IN

FUNDS

TIE UP

LOOSE

ENDS

EVALUATE

THE

EVENT

CPA-hood comes with perks. Now pre-CPA-hood does too.

PBL

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tner

ThisWayToCPA.com is the go-to destination for inspiration and information at every step along the journey to CPA-hood. We’ve got tools for everything from finding your fit in the accounting profession to conquering the CPA Exam, all brought to you by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)—*the* professional organization for CPAs. Plus, if you join the AICPA as a Student Affiliate, you’ll gain access to the largest network of accountants (more than 400,000) and benefits to help your CPA-bound self, including eligibility to exclusive scholarships and case competitions, access to industry news and publications, special discounts, and more. Oh, and did we mention it’s free? Apply now at ThisWayToCPA.com/join-aicpa.

Spring 2015 11

Submit your chapter news at bit.ly/fbla-pbl_news

Chapter New

s

ARKANSASSouth Arkansas Community College PBL celebrated FBLA-PBL Week with Mayor Frank Hash declaring FBLA-PBL Week in El Dorado, and Chapter President Michael Lockwood presented him with a Professional Division (PD) membership. The week’s highlight was on Wednesday when PD member Michael Chikeleze spoke at the chapter meeting. Chikeleze has a law degree and MBA from Washington University in St. Louis, served as an account executive at JPMorgan Chase, and worked for Procter & Gamble and the University of Cincinnati before serving as Dean at Cincinnati State. Chikeleze discussed the benefits of being active in PBL and encouraged the members to be winners at school, at home, and in all aspects of their lives.

GEORGIAVirginia College–Savannah PBL members Kristina Thompson and Jenise Hall presented March of Dimes Southeast Georgia Division Event Coordinator Lena Kelly with a donation of $400. The money was raised through several chapter activities that took place on the Virginia College–Savannah campus.

OKLAHOMAOklahoma State University (OSU) set up booths at a student organization fair, with an employer reception the evening before the campus career fair. OSU PBL members discussed with employers what FBLA-PBL has to offer, as well as how they can get involved by joining the professional division. Members also discussed the importance of being involved in a student organization, while employers talked about what they look for when hiring.

NEBRASKAPeru State College PBL joined others across the nation during the second week of February to celebrate national FBLA-PBL Week. The chapter planned several activities including a social media blast for “each one, reach one” day; volunteering at the Peru State College High School Business event; offering career awareness information during a chapter meeting with a résumé workshop. Chapter members also assisted with the Phi Epsilon Kappa “heart drive” in honor of American Heart Month.

pbl business leader (spring 2015)

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