PBL Business Leader (Spring 2015) by FBLA-PBL, Inc.

Step Up t o #N LC20 15 C h i c a g o,

I l l i n o is

National Staff

National Board of Directors Ted L. Harshbarger, Chair

Chris Pendleton

Karen Heslep, Chair-elect

Lisa Weeks

Nebraska PBL State Adviser Peru State College tharshbarger@peru.edu Mountain Plains Region

PBL Adviser Arkansas State University Mountain Home kheslep@asumh.edu Southern Region

Zulema Garcia

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 Hidden Valley High School chris.pendleton@threerivers.k12.or.us Western Region FBLA-PBL State Adviser Alabama State Department of Education lweeks@alsde.edu Southern Region

Kelly Wilkerson

FBLA Adviser Warren Township High School kwilkerson@wths.net North Central Region FBLA-PBL Division Presidents FBLA National President fblapres@fbla.org Pennsylvania

Beau Cobb

Shea Padilla

David Jones

Deb Parman

PBL Adviser Colorado Mesa University dparman@coloradomesa.edu Mountain Plains Region

Elena R. Daly Executive Assistant eassistant@fbla.org Becky Grant, CMP Programs Coordinator programscoordinator@fbla.org Mary Ait Staff Accountant finance@fbla.org Colin Murphy Customer Service/Reception Associate general@fbla.org

Sam Kessler

FBLA State Director Connecticut State Department of Education lee.marcoux@ct.gov Eastern Region FBLA-PBL State Chair Arizona Department of Education shea.padilla@azed.gov Western Region

ADMINISTRATION Jean M. Buckley President and CEO ceo@fbla.org

PBL National President pblpres@fbla.org Rhode Island 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

2014–15 PBL National Officer Team

MEMBERSHIP Troy D. White Director, Marketing & Membership marketing@fbla.org Lisa Smothers Membership Director membershipdir@fbla.org Tom Payne, CPA Director, PBL College/University Relations phibetalambda@fbla.org Ashley Witherspoon Customer Service/Database Associate custserv@fbla.org CONFERENCE Richard Bowen Conference Director conferencedir@fbla.org Robert Smothers Conference Manager conferencemgr@fbla.org

Beau Cobb

Peter Choi

Kevin Thor

Travis London

Stephen Lock Education Associate education2@fbla.org

Karthik Krishnan

Ashley Amundsen

COMMUNICATIONS Laura Morgan Communications Manager communications@fbla.org

PBL National President Johnson & Wales University, RI pblpres@fbla.org PBL National Secretary University of Nebraska–Lincoln, NE pblsec@fbla.org PBL National Treasurer Virtual PBL Chapter, MD pbltres@fbla.org

PBL North Central Region Vice President Virtual PBL, OH pblncvp@fbla.org PBL Southern Region Vice President Campbellsville University, KY pblsrvp@fbla.org PBL Western Region Vice President Southern Utah University, UT pblwrvp@fbla.org

EDUCATION Carla Boulton Education Director education@fbla.org

Jenna Woitaszewski

PBL National Parliamentarian Doane College, NE pblparl@fbla.org

Ariel Mookherji

PBL Eastern Region Vice President Montgomery County Community College, PA pblervp@fbla.org

FBLA-PBL, INC. 1912 Association Drive Reston, VA 20191-1591 P 703.860.3334 F 866.500.5610 fbla-pbl.org

Tory Arnberger

PBL Mountain Plains Region Vice President Fort Hays State University, KS pblmpvp@fbla.org

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 ................................... 2 Step Up with PBL President Beau Cobb

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

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

Got App-titude? �� 4

Calendar of Events

National partner KPMG shares branding tips

APRIL 1

March of Dimes ........................................................ 6

Meet the March of Dimes 2015 National Ambassador

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

#NLC2015 ................................................................. 8

Step Up to the Challenge at #NLC2015 in Chicago

National Fundraisers ............................................. 10

Explore national fundraisers to help pay your way to #NLC2015

Chapter News ......................................................... 11

22 April/May

See projects and activities from chapters across the country Cover photo courtesy of Choose Chicago

FutureBusinessLeaders

MAY 1 8 15

PBL_National

Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda

JUNE 4

youtube.com/fblapblinc

fbla_pbl

11 23–24 24–27

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 deadline PBL and Professional Membership Recognition Awards: deadline Webinar: Step Up to #NLC2015 in Chicago March of Dimes March for Babies: Check with your local March of Dimes Office for specific dates

PBL Adviser Wall of Fame: Application postmark deadline NLC: Intern application receipt deadline March of Dimes Fundraising Report: Receipt deadline National officer candidate application: Receipt deadline PBL NLC and IFL: Early bird registration deadline

PBL Local Voting Delegates: Registration deadline National Presidents’ Address to the Nation PBL Institute for Leaders—Chicago, IL PBL National Leadership Conference— Chicago, IL

Message from the President by 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 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 pblpres@fbla.org. I cannot wait to see you all in Chicago this summer for the NLC!

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

PBL Business Leader

Stepping Up to #NLC2015 by PBL Southern Region Vice President Travis London 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.

PRE-NLC Packing Be 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. Fundraising Conference 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.

NLC 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.

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.

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

POST-NLC 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 Spring 2015

PBL Business Leader

Spring 2015

Meet Elijah Jackson

March of Dimes 2015 National Ambassador

In 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.

Birds of a feather save together. alk at March of Dimes Mini-w #NLC2015

of Dimes will FBLA-PBL and the March #NLC2015. All sponsor a mini-walk at are encouraged members and advisers ute to the to participate and contrib er to bring March of Dimes. Rememb t ready to have your $5 donation and ge a great time! 0 p.m.–6:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 1 @ 5:3

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.

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

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

PBL Business Leader

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-toorder 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. Spring 2015

! o g a c i h C n i 5 1 0 2 C L N at #

oin 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. Ty Bennett (Key n

ote Speaker)

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National Officer Elections

of the 2015–16 national officers. Students interested in An important and exciting part of the NLC is the election r Candidate Guide from their state adviser, or download it running for national office can request the National Office from fbla-pbl.org. e members can talk with them about their platforms. Candidates display literature at their campaign booths wher votes by the candidates and their campaign teams. Don’t miss the spirited competition and bid for delegate skyline photo courtesy of Choose Chicago

PBL Business Leader

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elp nationa our experie Enhance y onference interns h quarters office d !C in Chicago nce logistics and hea must be available re nts nd with confe t. Interested applica ese dates a th n e g n m ri e u g d a NLC man e Chicago to attend th times: 5:00 p.m. 8:00 a.m.– the 7 2 – 4 able during ference il June 2 a v a e b t s n u pay the co ate, you m To particip e NLC. Interns must travel, and meals. th s, majority of fee, accommodation bl.org/2015NLC n o la ti a t fb -p registr plication a nd two letters of p a e th te Comple sumé a a current ré (including ation). y 8. d Friday, Ma recommen is e n li d a e n receipt d Applicatio

National Anthem

a PBL member Do you sing? We are looking for traditional style at to sing the national anthem in be a paid NLC the NLC. If selected, soloist must registrant. dcproductions.com Email submissions to mmuir@p or mail to: Megan Muir, CMP PDC Productions (NLC Anthem) 3217 N Flood Ave Norman, OK 73069 y 12. Audition receipt deadline is Ma

Certifications Adobe 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 (MT A) $45 per exam ($60 after June 12) • Database Fundamentals • Gaming Development Fundamentals (C# and/or VB) • HTML5 Application Develop t Fundamentals • Microsoft.NET Fundamentalsmen • Networking Fundamentals (C# and/or VB) • Security Fundamentals • Software Development Fundamentals (C# and/or VB) • Web Development Fundam ls (C# and/or VB) • Windows Operating Systementa Fundamentals • Windows Server Administratio n Fundamentals Space is limited, so sign up today at fbla‑pbl.org/2015NLC.

NLC Fees

Early Bird

On or before May 22

Regular

May 23–June 12

PBL $105 Guest $45

On-site

June 13–on-site

$115 $125 $55 $65

IFL Fees

Early Bird

On or before May 22

Student $115 Adviser $50 Candidates $90

Regular

May 23–June 12

On-site

June 13–on-site

$125 $135 $60 $70 $100 $110

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Spring 2015

National Fundraisers

Association Motor Club Marketing (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. 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 fundraising@krispykreme.com, 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 schermerpecans@yahoo.com or visit pecantreats.com. 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 features multiple fundraisers from catalog sales to cookie dough and much more. Call 800.243.9250, email sales@tomwat.com, or visit tomwat.com.

PROMOTE YOUR FUNDRAISER

TRACK

HOLD

PARTICIPANTS

FUNDRAISER

TURN

TIE UP

EVALUATE

LOOSE

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EVENT

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Chapter News

NEBRASKA Peru 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.

ARKANSAS South 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.

GEORGIA Virginia 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.

OKLAHOMA Oklahoma 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.

Submit your chapter news at bit.ly/fbla-pbl_news Spring 2015