Vol. 41 No. 2 Winter 2015
this issue: FBLA-PBL Week 1 Highlights 3 Membership FAQs 4 Recruitment 5 Sponsors & Par tners 6 Chapter Programs 8 Fundraisers 9 Member Benefits 10
Celebrate FBLA-PBL Week Is your chapter ready for FBLA-PBL Week? Use this time to publicize chapter activities and successes, boost membership, and gear up for spring activities. Each day has a special focus to help you get your members excited during FBLA-PBL Week! Share the below ideas with your members and get ready to celebrate FBLA-PBL! Monday, February 9—National Presidents’ Forum & Fight to the Finish Kick off FBLA-PBL Week with the National Presidents’ Forum! All three division national presidents (FBLA, PBL, and Professional Division) will host a live Internet broadcast on Monday, February 9, at 7:00 p.m. EST. Have you completed the four levels of the Business Achievement Awards (BAA)? ”Fight to the Finish” recognizes the top 10 states with the most BAAs completed (based on a weighted average of total number of chapters).
Tuesday, February 10—Each One Reach One Day Are you ready to double your membership? Discover fun and easy recruitment ideas you can use for “Each One Reach One” day. Host a membership sign-up booth, utilize school announcements and bulletin boards, write articles for the school newspaper, host a party or a meeting with food for prospective members, or make presentations to business classes.
Wednesday, February 11—Professional Attire Day/Adviser Appreciation Day Show off your professionalism by dressing for success and share your appreciation for those that teach, lead, and mentor your chapter.
Thursday, February 12—Career Awareness Day Get involved with your Professional Division and start connecting with community leaders. It’s the ideal way to celebrate Career Awareness Day!
Friday, February 13—FBLA-PBL Pride Day Show your true colors by posting a group photo to our Facebook page. While you’re at it, schedule a Google Hangout and celebrate with your national officers—FBLA or PBL! Your national officer teams are waiting to share successful FBLA-PBL Week tips on how to show your FBLA-PBL pride and engage your members in the experience.
Saturday, February 14—Community Service Day Serve your community by planning a service project for your chapter. Volunteering at a homeless shelter, organizing a blood drive, and partnering with a local charity improves your community—and FBLA-PBL member team spirit!
NATIONAL FBLA-PBL BOARD OF DIRECTORS Ted L. Harshbarger, Chair
Chris Pendleton
Nebraska PBL State Adviser Peru State College tharshbarger@peru.edu Mountain Plains Region
FBLA Adviser Hidden Valley High School chris.pendleton@threerivers.k12.or.us Western Region
Karen Heslep, Chair-elect
Lisa Weeks
PBL Adviser Arkansas State University Mountain Home kheslep@asumh.edu Southern Region
FBLA-PBL State Adviser Alabama State Department of Education lweeks@alsde.edu Southern Region
Zulema Garcia
Kelly Wilkerson
KPMG LLP zgarcia@kpmg.com Business/Industry Representative
Lisa Hofstetter
FBLA Adviser Linn County Area Career and Technical Center lhofstetter@brookfield.k12.mo.us North Central Region
Lee C. Marcoux
FBLA Adviser Warren Township High School kwilkerson@wths.net North Central Region FBLA-PBL Division Presidents
Sam Kessler
FBLA National President fblapres@fbla.org Pennsylvania
DATES & DEADLINES FEBRUARY 1–28
National Career and Technical Education Month
2
LifeSmarts Spring Competition begins
Virtual Business Finance Spring Challenge begins
Virtual Business Management Spring Challenge begins
8–14
FBLA-PBL Week
9
National Presidents’ Forum
20
Tomorrow’s Business Leader— spring issue copy deadline
MARCH 1
FBLA national dues deadline eligibility date for FBLA voting delegates and competitive events
FBLA State Director Connecticut State Department of Education lee.marcoux@ct.gov Eastern Region
Beau Cobb
PBL National President pblpres@fbla.org Rhode Island
National dues deadline to receive spring publications
Shea Padilla
National Awards Program Committee: Application receipt deadline
David Jones
FBLA Business Achievement Awards: Receipt deadline (Future, Business, and Leader Awards)
Receipt Deadline: FBLA CSA Awards (CSA Community, CSA Service)
4
Webinar: Who wants to be an officer?
31–April 4
NBEA Convention—Chicago, IL
FBLA-PBL State Chair Arizona Department of Education shea.padilla@azed.gov Western Region
Deb Parman
PBL Adviser Colorado Mesa University dparman@coloradomesa.edu Mountain Plains Region
Professional Division National President pdpres@fbla.org Maryland Ex-Officio Members
Monty C. Rhodes, Past Chair Georgia FBLA Executive Director monty@georgiafbla.org Southern Region
Jean M. Buckley
FBLA-PBL, Inc. President and CEO ceo@fbla.org
NATIONAL STAFF ADMINISTRATION Jean M. Buckley President and CEO ceo@fbla.org
MEMBERSHIP Troy D. White Director, Marketing & Membership marketing@fbla.org
Elena R. Daly Executive Assistant eassistant@fbla.org
Lisa Smothers Membership Director membershipdir@fbla.org
Becky Grant, CMP Programs Coordinator programscoordinator@fbla.org
Tom Payne, CPA Director, PBL College/University Relations phibetalambda@fbla.org
Mary Ait Staff Accountant finance@fbla.org
Ashley Witherspoon Customer Service/Database Associate custserv@fbla.org
Colin Murphy Customer Service/Reception Associate general@fbla.org
EDUCATION Carla Boulton Education Director education@fbla.org
Jim Spence Customer Service/Mail Associate custsvc@fbla.org CONFERENCE Richard Bowen Conference Director conferencedir@fbla.org Robert Smothers Conference Manager conferencemgr@fbla.org
2 | FBLA Advisers’ Hotline
Stephen Lock Education Associate education2@fbla.org COMMUNICATIONS Laura Morgan Communications Manager communications@fbla.org
APRIL 1
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
Chapter/State Membership Recognition Awards: Receipt deadline
Membership receipt deadline to count for Big 10 Awards
National Bylaws Amendment: Receipt deadline
FBLA Advisers’ Hotline is published three times a year in the fall, winter, and spring by Future Business Leaders of AmericaPhi Beta Lambda. Editorial and advertising sales offices at: FBLA-PBL, Inc. • 1912 Association Drive, Reston, VA 201911591 Phone: 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 Editor: Laura Morgan
HIGHLIGHTS Otterville FBLA: Meeting School Needs & Engaging the Community Rural Otterville, Missouri has a new business in town, and its location may surprise you! Otterville High School received an enhancement grant, which is a type of Career Education Grant available through the Missouri Department of Education. The grant purchased VariQuest Visual Learning Tools to support their FBLA chapter including the PerfectaTM 2400, Cutout Maker, Design Center 2300, and Cold Laminator 2510. Chapter adviser Cindy Birdwell said, “The VariQuest Tools have made a difference in my classroom. They have opened up new technology for my students in a small rural community.”
world of
Otterville FBLA has used the VariQuest tools to promote school activities and engage the community with personal and business requests. “We have made posters, banners, large blank checks, flyers, vinyl clings, and magnets. The members have been able to participate in marketing, sales, and accounting,” Birdwell said. Students create customized flyers and order forms and advertise their services at sporting events and to local merchants. They receive orders from neighboring schools for full-color posters and banners printed with the Perfecta as well as vinyl lettering cutouts. They consistently receive orders from local organizations, including the Lamine River Hunt Club. They recently made 30 signs with vinyl lettering from the Cutout Maker for the local truck and tractor pull. In addition to educating students and advancing the Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs within the district, Birdwell and the Otterville School District have assisted other schools in grant writing, explaining the benefits of VariQuest tools in the CTE classroom. Information and image reprinted with permission from original article published by VariQuest Visual Learning Tools variquest.com.
Stock Market Game (SMG) Winners Please help us congratulate the following 2014 fall winners of the SMG:
Do you have a dedicated member who is interested in serving FBLA at the national level? The national officer candidate guide and application are now available online at fbla-pbl.org Application Deadline: May 15
FBLA WINNERS 1st Place Elmwood-Murdock High School, NE (Adviser: Kurk Shrader) 2nd Place Mira Loma High School, CA (Adviser: Bihyuan Yang) 3rd Place Gilmer High School, GA (Adviser: Dianne Davenport) The 2015 spring game dates are January 5–April 17. This year, advisers can compete. Advisers should register as a separate class and name it “Adviser.” The cost for students and advisers is $10.95 for an individual or a team of up to 5 members. Registrations must be completed by the adviser through the Advisers Area of fbla-pbl.org. WINTER 2015 | 3
MEMBERSHIP FAQs The FBLA-PBL National Center receives many questions regarding membership registration and national awards, so we have compiled the most frequently asked questions and their answers for your reference. If you have additional questions, please email membership@fbla.org or call 703.860.3334. What is the membership deadline? Membership deadlines vary by state for regional/district/state competition, so check with your state adviser. The national FBLA membership deadline for national competition eligibility is March 1. Remember—the sooner you get your dues in, the sooner students receive membership cards and magazines. How do I register members? On fbla-pbl.org, click Membership on the left side of the screen. Click Add or Renew Members and log in. On the Chapter Membership Registration box on the far right, log in with your chapter number and the password “service”. Select Membership Registration from the menu. I have entered members already. How do I add additional members to my roster? Register members the same way. Log in with the chapter number and password. Click through step one. At the top of the screen, click the Members tab. Once there, you have the option of picking returning members from the list or clicking the plus key and adding new members. I made an error when I entered my members. How can I correct this? Once you have saved your membership information, corrections must be emailed to membership@fbla.org. Does a purchase order count as a payment? For members to appear as paid, FBLA-PBL must receive a check, a money order, or a credit card payment. How do I receive an invoice? After entering members online, you may log back in at any time. Click through step one, and then either click on invoice or statement. Right click to print. What is the dues deadline to meet the requirements for the Gold Seal Chapter Award of Merit? Although the Chapter Management Handbook offers suggested criteria for deadlines and other items that may serve as a guide for determining this award, each state determines dates and requirements. Active local chapters must be nominated by the state chair and be on record at the FBLA-PBL National Center as having paid dues by March 1 of the current school year. Some states do require that dues meet earlier deadlines. Each state may select two chapters or up to 15 percent of its total number of active chapters—whichever is greater. Contact your state chair or state adviser for the requirements for your state. When must dues be paid in order to be eligible for the membership recognition awards that are presented at the National Fall Leadership Conferences and the National Leadership Conference? Awards are based on paid members on record at the FBLA-PBL National Center at the close of business on October 20 (NFLC recognition) and April 1 (NLC recognition). Where do I find Membership Madness and Membership Mania forms? These interactive forms are located in the Adviser Area of fbla-pbl.org. If students are working on the Business Achievement Awards (BAA), the Leader level requires Membership Madness and the America level requires Membership Mania. Students complete the interactive forms through the BAA system. No hard copy certificates are mailed. Once interactive forms are submitted, advisers may print a system-generated certificate for each recipient. 4 | FBLA Advisers’ Hotline
MEMBERSHIP It’s Not Too Late to Recruit It is the second half of the school year and your officers are getting ready to recruit more new members. Their focus is recruiting underclassmen before the March 1 national deadline for students to be eligible to compete and/or vote at the National Leadership Conference (NLC). How do you prepare them? What selling points should they highlight when talking to students in classes or at a recruitment booth? Members of FBLA receive the priceless and rewarding opportunity to increase their understanding of the American business community by participating in business tours, networking with business professionals, and listening to guest speakers at local chapter meetings. In addition, members volunteer in the community and participate in fundraisers and social activities. FBLA helps student leaders prepare for their futures by helping them hone leadership skills in a positive and engaging environment. One of the best aspects of FBLA is that it offers countless activities for members with varied interests and strengths.
Members can write letters to government officials, make their community more environmentally friendly, and raise money for FBLA’s service partner, the March of Dimes. Perhaps the greatest selling point of FBLA is the exciting conferences that students attend at the state and national levels. Members can participate in skill and career-oriented leadership workshops, participate in business and skills competitions, represent their state, and cheer for their state’s president and outstanding local chapter adviser as they walk across the NLC stage. Not only is FBLA-PBL oriented toward business, it also allows students to experience networking and many aspects of the political world. Students are able to campaign and run for local, state, and national FBLA office, which gives them a feel of what the real world may hold. The knowledge, skills, and networks obtained in FBLA remain valuable well beyond high school. FBLA guides these aspiring business leaders who ensure a bright future for our nation.
Need help getting current and new members involved in chapter meetings? Try these interactive meeting icebreakers Letter Activity: Assign all individuals with a different letter of the alphabet on an index card. Have them run around and try to make words together. One point is awarded for each word made, and the person with the most words wins at the end. Marketing Objects: Call members up and have them market random objects to the audience in one minute, utilizing all the strategies they can. Have the audience vote on their favorite object. Balloon Activity: Have participants write their name, favorite movie, favorite song, and most memorable FBLA moment on a balloon. Then they walk around and introduce themselves to someone using the balloon. After doing so, they switch balloons with the other person and then introduce that person with that person’s balloon. At the end, the participants must find their balloon and sit down. Jelly Bean Jam: In each envelope, insert nine jelly beans of different colors. Give an envelope of jelly beans to each person. Tell the group that the object of the game is to get nine jelly beans all of the same color. Students ask others for the color of the jelly bean they want and then trade one of theirs. They may only trade one jelly bean at a time. The first person to get nine same-color jelly beans is the winner. WINTER 2015 | 5
SPONSORS & PARTNERS Busy giving your students an extra nudge towards a career in accounting? American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) is right behind you. We’re here to help you show them what an exciting, rewarding career accounting can be by providing a wealth of fun, education resources to steer them towards their CPA future. Register at startheregoplaces.com to ensure you have access to a treasure trove of interactive resources including our newly enhanced game, Bank On It®. Developed by students for students—it could be the extra zing your lesson plans need. Over 16,000 games have already been played, and you and your class will want to get in on this. So, put down the textbooks and get your students hooked on accounting with resources from Start Here, Go Places.® Since 1993, College Works Painting has been in the business of providing extraordinary training in leadership and management to college students by way of a real-world entrepreneurial experience. Interns learn to create a marketing plan, conduct sales, hire employees, work directly with clients, and manage a team of employees. Each intern is paired with a mentor that teaches our proven business system. The average intern earns over $9,000 over the course of the program. Rated by Princeton Review as one of the most selective and well-compensating internships, College Works is available in over 25 states for outstanding college students. Check us out at youtube.com/ CollegeWorksInc to see us featured in the news and testimonials from alumni. For more information or for students to apply, visit us at collegeworks.com. Dardis Academy is one of the best professional training opportunities for high school and college students— period. Our students gain skills in oral and written communication, professional image, business etiquette, and persuasive communication skills. They are able to prove their work ethic, character and mental toughness through our unique program. Dardis Academy lays the foundation for a solid future in business. The program provides executive training from world‑class instructors, hands-on experience for a powerful résumé, and an opportunity to earn college credit. Students participate in an interactive training class and internship. They learn best-in-class leadership skills and techniques, and have an opportunity to apply what they’ve learned in the real-world. Following this experience students are invited to an exclusive networking event with companies looking to hire Dardis graduates. For more information email info@dardisinc.com, call 800.720.6329 or visit dardisacademy.com. WorldStrides programs offer students the opportunity to earn college credit through unique, educational, lifechanging experiences. Summer Start-Up at UCLA enables highly motivated and intellectually curious students to explore strategies for becoming a young entrepreneur. Immerse into college life by engaging in business classes taught by UCLA Anderson School of Management faculty, explore the surrounding areas, and reside on campus in this keystone program. Additionally, WorldStrides offers a diverse array of travel programs focusing on adventure and service, language immersion, and cultural pursuits. WorldStrides challenges students to gain new perspectives and expand their knowledge by joining us for inquiry and adventure on our memorable programs. Visit worldstridessummer.com or call 855.812.8219 for more information regarding any of the WorldStrides Summer program opportunities. NFIB Young Entrepreneurship Foundation announces the $1,000 Entrepreneurship Educator Award available to any educator (grades 1–12) who teaches entrepreneurship in a creative and successful manner. To learn more about the award and the application process, visit nfib.com/educator. Application deadline: March 31, 2015. 6 | FBLA Advisers’ Hotline
SPONSORS & PARTNERS Economics for Leaders (EFL) is a selective summer program held on college campuses across the country. The weeklong residential program is open to high school students and teaches young leaders how to (1) develop the leadership skills necessary to succeed in the 21st century economy, (2) be conversant with the economic concepts shaping the global economy, (3) foster a commitment to continued learning about economics and leadership, and (4) become a more effective leader. EFL is a program of the Foundation for Teaching Economics, whose mission is to introduce young individuals, selected for their leadership potential, to an economic way of thinking about national and international issues. College credit is available. Visit fte.org/student-programs/ economics-for-leaders-program/ to learn more.
The Howe School at Stevens Institute of Technology. It’s one thing to compete in a trading competition, and another to do so using the same tools and technology the pros use each day. That’s what’s special at Trading Day at Stevens, a technology-focused university overlooking Manhattan on the banks of the Hudson River. The competition makes use of high-tech Bloomberg terminals and software that are integral to the technology-focused business education that Stevens emphasizes, and students also meet industry leaders at New York companies. The financial lab becomes a frenzied trading floor as high school teams compete for a chance to win scholarships. Teams consist of four or five sophomores and juniors plus a faculty adviser. This year’s event is scheduled for April 24. Visit stevens.edu/ tradingday to learn more and apply.
How about a degree that prepares students for success in the business world and beyond? Northwood University embraces both the dreamers and the doers and also believes in doing things the right way, which is why business ethics is an essential part of the curriculum. Northwood University students not only face real challenges, they also have an opportunity to collaborate with others to find the best solution. Their professors bring more than business principles into the classroom—as entrepreneurs, they also bring a wealth of perspective. If you know a student who is ready to make a difference in the world of business, Northwood is ready to get them started the moment they step on campus. Visit Northwood.edu to Own Your Future.
Are you Crazy? (About cookies, that is!). Crazy about Cookies is a fun, easy, and absolutely delicious way to raise supplemental income for your organization. This is anything but just “another cookie dough fundraiser.” A successful fundraiser is all about innovative quality products and services. With 16 years of experience, rest assured Pine Valley Foods has got your back. We’re passionate about facing each day as an opportunity—of can-do’s, decisive moments, and being aware that sometimes it’s the little things that matter most of all. Let us help you maximize your fundraising efforts with Crazy about Cookies cookie dough—six top-selling flavors to choose from! Our dough is certified Kosher, with zero trans fat and no preservatives. Visit us online at pinevalleyfoods.com/site/FBLA-fundraising. National fundraiser DormCo.com offers a simple and high‑reward fundraising opportunity. There is no direct selling required. Simply distribute FREE $5 DormCo.com gift cards to all seniors in your school and earn 15% of all purchases. You distribute the gift card, students buy the college stuff they need, and your FBLA chapter earns cash. It’s that easy! To learn more and sign up, visit DormCo.com/FBLA. WINTER 2015 | 7
CHAPTER PROGRAMS FBLA Go Green “Eco Chapter” Project Looking for an exciting activity to start your chapter off to a great second semester? If so, the FBLA Go Green “Eco Chapter” Project is perfect for your chapter. The project helps members learn about the growing field of “green business” and challenges them to do their part in protecting our earth. The project is divided into three categories, with chapters completing a total of nine projects. Chapters designate one main project to develop in great detail and design it in a way that is unique to their school and community. This project can be from the list or an entirely original project. The Go Green form is completely interactive and in the Adviser Area of fbla-pbl.org. Go Green is a great way to generate publicity for your chapter, recruit new members, serve your community, and expose your members to the growing concern for our environment and natural resources. Some activities that chapters may choose from include: preparing posters, donating energy efficient light bulbs to senior citizens, organizing school and community clean-ups, planting trees, bringing in environmental or “green” speakers to local chapter meetings, or sponsoring a school-wide green assembly. Need some ideas for the main project? Try one of these: • Host a “Go Green” chapter pool party and invite a guest speaker to give a short presentation about the importance of conserving water. • Take a hiking trip through a local forest and clear trash from the trail and campsites. • Host a chapter cookout or dinner where you serve locally-grown foods. • Approach energy companies and local utility boards about creating a partnership or acquiring a Sponsorship for your chapter’s Go Green efforts. • Ask your school to pay your chapter to clean up after sporting or other school events (basketball games, dances, etc.) • Sell energy-efficient appliances/items for a fundraiser (fluorescent light bulbs, etc.) These are just a few suggestions, so feel free to use these ideas, modify them, or create entirely new and innovative projects. To get started, advisers go online, select the Go Green interactive registration, and choose an officer or FBLA member from the drop down list to complete the form. The login information will be emailed to the adviser and students will complete the interactive report form. After reviewing the entry and electronic documentation, advisers submit the form. The entry form is due by May 15. Five national winners will be selected (one from each of the five regions).
Share your success! Submit your chapter’s activities and success stories to keep the FBLA-PBL National Center up‑to‑date with what your chapter is doing. Remember, photos are always a great addition to any news item. Story ideas include: • Community service projects (with numbers and milestones reached) • Chapter news (number of new members, new recruitment activities, etc.) • Individual member stories (honors and awards your members have received)
Submit today at bit.ly/fbla-pbl_news. 8 | FBLA Advisers’ Hotline
2014–15 FUNDRAISERS FBLA-PBL partners with a number of national sponsors to provide fun and hassle-free fundraising options. Choose from one of the following, then visit go.fbla.org/FBLAfundraising. Association Motor Club Marketing (AMCM) AMCM offers a roadside assistance program that earns profit now and on renewals. Email fbla@amcm-online.com, call 605.254.8876, or visit amcmfbla.com. Country Meats Country Meats features fresh, smoked snack sticks that everyone loves! Sell for $1 and receive 45% profit! For FREE SAMPLES call 800.277.8989 or visit countrymeats.com/samplepack. Crazy about Cookies Crazy about Cookies provides FBLA-themed tubs of cookie dough in six top-selling flavors. Visit pinevalleyfoods.com/site/FBLA-fundraising. DormCo.com Provides FREE $5 DormCo.com gift cards to give to each senior in your high school with your chapter earning 15% of all sales. Call Jeff at 888.925.2899, email FBLA@DormCo.com, or visit DormCo.com/FBLA. Krispy Kreme Fundraising Krispy Kreme Fundraising offers doughnuts, BOGO cards, certificates, and coffee to help your chapter raise some dough! Visit krispykreme.com/fundraising, email fundraising@krispykreme.com, or call 800.4KRISPY. Ozark Delight 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 up front. To get your free information kit, call 800.873.2686 or visit popcornpalace.com/Home/Fundraising. Pride Distributors 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 schermerpecans@yahoo.com, or visit pecantreats.com. School Spirit Coffee School Spirit Coffee provides personalized packaging for their coffee fundraiser. Call 800.570.1443, email Debbie@schoolspiritcoffee.com, or visit schoolspiritcoffee.com. Tom-Wat Fundraising Tom-Wat Fundraising features multiple fundraisers from catalog sales to cookie dough and much more. Call 800.243.9250, email sales@tomwat.com, or visit tomwat.com. Zencaus Zencaus offers FBLA gift cards that can be redeemed for a wide selection of products. Call 888.960.6148, email customerservice@zencaus.com, or visit fblagiftcards.com.
PROMOTE YOUR FUNDRAISER
TRACK PARTICIPANTS
HOLD FUNDRAISER
TURN
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EVALUATE
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