LAC 28:LXVII.913. Future Business Leaders of

A. Membership in vocational student organizations is encouraged for individuals enrolled in vocational education programs which engage in activities as an integral part of the instructional program. The vocational student organization for Business Education at the secondary level is the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). In addition to FBLA for high school students (grades 9-12), there are three other divisions: FBLA-Middle Level for junior high and intermediate school students (grades 5-8); PBL (Phi Beta Lambda) for postsecondary students; and a Professional division for business people, educators, and parents who support the goals of the association. B. FBLA contributes significantly to the motivation, education, and total development of students through activities that develop leadership abilities, citizenship skills, social competencies, and a wholesome attitude about living and working. As a unique teaching tool, FBLA enhances, enriches, complements, and supplements the business education program as indicated by the nine national goals of FBLA: 1. develop competent, aggressive business leadership; 2. strengthen the confidence of students in themselves and their work; 3. create more interest in and understanding of American business; 4. encourage members in the development of individual projects which contribute to the improvement of home, business and community; 5. develop character, prepare for useful citizenship and foster patriotism; 6. encourage and practice efficient money management; 7. encourage scholarship and promote school loyalty; 8. assist students in the establishment of occupational goals; 9. facilitate the transition from school to work. C. 's first chapter of FBLA was organized at in 1947. In 1949 the representatives of the three organized chapters in the state met with Richard D. Clanton to form the Louisiana State Chapter. Mr. Clanton, adviser at , was elected State Adviser, and work began on a state constitution. In 1950, the State Chapter, with 13 chapters chartered, adopted the constitution. D. Membership increased and led the nation in the number of local chapters in attendance at the National Leadership Conference. Jeron LaFargue from Sulphur High served as the first national president of FBLA in 1952-53. Since then five other Louisianans have served as FBLA national president. E. Currently, is divided into seven districts, each with an elected vice president. The state chapter is governed by the state executive council composed of student officers: a president, the vice presidents from each district, a secretary, a treasurer, a reporter, and a parliamentarian. Local chapter advisers of the officers serve as ex-officio members of the council with the State Chair. There are over nine thousand members in 252 active chapters of FBLA in . F. Conferences held throughout the year allow students to interact with students from all over the state and nation as well as business and industry representatives. Leadership abilities and group interaction skills are strengthened by participation at these conferences. Students reinforce business skills and knowledge by competing in individual and team events on district, state, and national levels. The competitive FBLA events are: Accounting I | Introduction to Business Communication Accounting II | Introduction to Impromptu Speaking Business Calculations | Introduction to Parliamentary Procedures Business Communication | Job Description Manual (state) Business Law | Job Interview Business Math | Keyboarding Applications Business Procedures | Machine Transcription Community Service Project (state) | Mr. & Ms. Future Business Leader Computer Applications | Parliamentary Procedures (Team of 4, 5) Computer Concepts | Public Speaking Desktop Publishing (Team of 2) | Word Processing Economics | Current Events & General Information (Team of 3) Entrepreneurship (Team of 3) | Richard D. Clanton Memorial Award (state) FBLA Principles and Procedures | Louisiana Who’s Who in FBLA Award (state and national) Impromptu Speaking | Gold Seal Chapter Award of Merit (state) Information Processing Concepts Introduction to Business G. Future Business Leaders of programs are designed to encourage students to set career goals, develop self-confidence, learn about the problems and opportunities inherent in American business, and gain actual business experience during their school years. Through involvement in school and community, members learn the importance of developing their abilities to the fullest and build the confidence necessary to realize their potential. H. Students continuing their education at the university level should consider becoming involved with the postsecondary division, Phi Beta Lambda (PBL). Students who continue their education in the Louisiana Technical College System should consider membership in Phi Beta Lambda (PBL) or Vocational Industrial Clubs of America (VICA).