Anaheim a Sneak Peek at All Things #NLC2013

Tomorrow’s

Businessbringing business and education together LeaderSpring 2013

The Competitive Edge: Road to know Your ABCs Anaheim A sneak peek at all things #NLC2013

5 Fun Ways to Fund-raise

Judson Laipply “The Evolution of Dance” creator speaks at #nlc2013 National Board of Directors National Staff

Tammy Skinner, Chair FBLA-PBL Division Presidents ADMINISTRATION Nikitas Kanellakopoulos Jean M. Buckley FBLA Adviser President and CEO Palm Beach Gardens Community High School FBLA National President [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Southern Region California Robin Rockwell Executive Assistant Monty Rhodes, Chair-elect Donnie Iorio [email protected] Georgia FBLA Executive Director/State Adviser PBL National President [email protected] [email protected] Becky Grant, CMP Southern Region South Carolina Programs Coordinator [email protected] Lisa Hofstetter Brad Howard Linn County Area Career and Technical Center Professional Division National President Mary Ait [email protected] [email protected] Staff Accountant North Central Region Arkansas [email protected] Ted Harshbarger Ex-Officio Members Holley Kieswetter PBL State Adviser Ryan Hamilton, Past Chair Customer Service/Reception Peru State College Arizonia FBLA Executive Director [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Doug Peterson Mountain Plains Region Western Region Customer Service/Mail Associate Chris Pendleton Jean M. Buckley [email protected] FBLA Adviser FBLA-PBL, Inc. President and CEO MEMBERSHIP Hidden Valley High School [email protected] Troy D. White [email protected] Director, Marketing & Membership Western Region [email protected] Darlene Shannon Lisa Frye Smothers Illinois FBLA-PBL State Chair Membership Director [email protected] [email protected] North Central Region Tom Payne, CPA Director, PBL College/University Relations [email protected]

Ashley Witherspoon Customer Service/Database Associate [email protected]

CONFERENCE 2012–13 FBLA National OfficerT eam Richard Bowen Conference Director Nikitas Kanellakopoulos Bailey Morrison [email protected] FBLA National President FBLA North Central Region Vice President Robert Smothers Monta Vista High School, California Gallatin R-V High School, Missouri Conference Manager [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Rachel Ford Collin Potter EDUCATION FBLA National Secretary FBLA Southern Region Vice President Barbara Small Siloam Springs High School, Arkansas Montgomery County Area Technology Center, Kentucky Education Director [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] CJ Severson Matthew Edgington May Durkovic FBLA National Treasurer FBLA Western Region Vice President Education Support Specialist Hidden Valley High School, Oregon Galena High School, Nevada [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] COMMUNICATIONS Brendan Hopkins Lindsey A. Frederick FBLA National Parliamentarian Communications Manager Wissahickon High School, Pennsylvania [email protected] [email protected] Jash Patel FBLA-PBL, INC. FBLA Eastern Region Vice President 1912 Association Drive Reston, VA 20191-1591 Lakeland High School, New York P 703.860.3334 [email protected] F 866.500.5610 www.fbla-pbl.org Brent Comstock FBLA Mountain Plains Region Vice President Auburn High School, Nebraska [email protected]

Tomorrow’s Business Leader Spring 2013 Volume 43, Issue 4 (ISSN 0279-9685). Published quarterly (summer, fall, winter, and spring) by Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda. Periodicals postage paid at Herndon, VA and at additional mailing offices.U S BSCRIPTION: $1.25 of the national dues pays for a one-year subscription. Editorial and advertising sales offices at FBLA-PBL, Inc., 1912 Association Drive, Reston, VA 20191-1591 703.860.3334. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Tomorrow’s Business Leader, 1912 Association Drive, Reston, VA 20191-1591. 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: Lindsey A. Frederick TOMORROW’S BusinessLeader Table of Contents Calendar of Events April April 15 receipt deadline: Professional President’s Message...... 4 Membership Recognition Awards FBLA President Nikitas Kanellakopoulos discusses how April 16–20 NBEA Convention—Atlanta, Georgia to boost end-of-the-year member involvement. April 19 Spring Stock Market Game ends April 25 receipt deadline: BAA America 3 Steps to Easy Delegating...... 6 awards A billionaire’s secret to success. April/May March of Dimes March for Babies: Check with local MOD for dates may Officer Notes...... 7 May 1 Postmark deadline: FBLA Adviser Wall Tips and insights from your 2012–13 national officers. of Fame application May 7 Receipt deadline: NLC internship NLC Keynote Speaker...... 8 application Preview YouTube sensation and #NLC2013 keynote May 10 receipt deadline: Prejudged NLC speaker Judson Laipply. materials receipt deadline: Businessperson of the Year nomination 5 Fun Ways to Fund-raise...... 9 May 15 receipt deadline: March of Dimes Learn fun and effective fund-raising strategies. Fund-raising Report receipt deadline: FBLA “Eco Chapter” Road to Anaheim...... 10 Go Green Project A sneak peek at all things #2013NLC before you hit the receipt deadline: National officer candidate application road. May 17 receipt deadline: competitive events computer production tests Competitive Events...... 13 May 20 early bird registration deadline: FBLA Tips for competing at the National Leadership NLC and IFL Conference. JUNE June 7 deadline: competitive events changes Member Spotlight...... 20 Registration deadline: FBLA Local Natalie Tran, River Hills High School student, seizes Voting Delegates opportunity with FBLA. June 26–27 FBLA Institute for Leaders—Anaheim, California Chapter News...... 21 June 27–30 FBLA NLC—Anaheim, California ON THE COVER... Disneyland in Anaheim, California.

There’s More Online! Check Us Out...

@FBLA_National facebook.com/ youtube.com/fblapblinc FutureBusinessLeaders pinterest.com/fblapblinc

Spring 2013 3 President’sMessage

Accelerating to the NLC: 3 Tips to Boost Member Involvement By Nikitas Kanellakopoulos, FBLA National President FBLA has had a fantastic year so far! Let’s keep to say I am in love with it. Hype NLC by holding or contact any of your national officers. the momentum going as we prepare for the Disney-themed meetings and fund-raisers. My Your preparation for the NLC will be what National Leadership Conference (NLC). Here chapter went as far as to find a giant stuffed makes the event memorable. Keep up the great are some tips to continue member activity. Mickey Mouse to use as our mascot! work and stay focused. Hold member appreciation events. Promote the Institute for Leaders. Have a great spring, FBLA! Your members have devoted almost a year to Don’t forget about the Institute for Leaders FBLA. Showing your appreciation after your (IFL), which takes place two days before the State Leadership Conference lets them know NLC opening general session. Recruit members they are doing an amazing job. Distribute to enroll in two days of amazing workshops chocolates in class or have a pizza party during and networking. You will meet many state and a meeting! national officers and you can get to know hundreds of the most dedicated members in FBLA. Have NLC-themed events/fund-raisers. For more information about both the NLC and This idea comes from my chapter, and I have IFL, check out the FBLA webpage fbla-pbl.org

Press Play. Ignite Innovation. Want to stay up on the latest FBLA news, learn about new programs, sharpen your competitive edge, and even meet your national officers?

Visit the National Center YouTube page, youtube.com/fblapblinc, to watch webinar and Google+ Hangouts recordings. Press play to Ignite Innovation!

4 Tomorrow’s Business Leader President’sMessage-PBL

PBL Virtual Chapter: FBLA after Graduation By Donnie Iorio, PBL National President

It’s crazy to think we’re approaching the end Carolina didn’t have an active Phi Beta Lambda in touch with the chapter’s leadership team and of the school year already, isn’t it? It’s time to (PBL) chapter, I was pretty discouraged. How ask about becoming a dues-paying member. focus our efforts on preparing for the National could I charter a PBL chapter as the freshmen I can’t wait to see you all in Anaheim at your Leadership Conference (NLC) in Anaheim, CA, on campus? How would I find an adviser when I NLC and at the Institute for Leaders! If you have but many of you may also be looking beyond didn’t know any faculty or staff? any questions about PBL, the collegiate division the NLC to the start of college in the fall. You’re It turns out, it’s not that difficult. The first step of FBLA, please don’t hesitate to contact me. making final decisions about which school you is to join our PBL Virtual Chapter, which is And may success be ever in your future. will attend, working on scholarships, drafting a designed for members who don’t have chapters list of what to buy for your residence hall, and at their schools. PBL Virtual will help you more. Your freshmen year of college will be one through the chartering process. To learn more of the best years of your life, so get excited, but visit virtualpbl.fbla-pbl.org. don’t forget to finish your senior year strong! If you’re attending one of the more than 500 FBLA was a big part of my life in high school. schools with an active PBL chapter, simply get When I found out the University of South

THE Innovation center Help Shape the Future of FBLA-PBL! We’re igniting innovation at the FBLA-PBL National Center and want to hear from you! Have a great idea you want to share? Members and advisers can now submit, vote, and promote their ideas at The Innovation Center, and then check back to monitor the progress of their ideas. www.fbla-pbl.org/ideas

Spring 2013 5 entrepreneur.com

3 Steps to Easy Delegating for Aspiring Professionals

By Lawton Ursrey

the end of the month and deadlines loom. You’ve got . Find the right person reports to complete, follow-up calls to make, a blog 2 It’s crying out for help, and dozens of other little tasks that need your attention. With your delegation list in hand, you can now search for the right person to help. Start with one or two tasks to test out a worker’s skills and then You can’t do it all alone and as an aspiring professional, it is important re-evaluate. Ask yourself “Is this person going to help me achieve the to learn how to delegate early in your career. Richard Branson, one of vision of my business?” the world’s most famous billionaires, knew the importance of delegation and paved the way for Virgin’s long-term success. “Virgin’s ability to grow and diversify successfully was set in the company’s early days, with my . Promote from within learning how to delegate and let go,” he shared in his entrepreneur.com 3 column. Even if you don’t plan to start multiple billion-dollar businesses, you can This was one of Richard Branson’s biggest pieces of advice: promote learn from Branson’s example. from within and reward proactive employees and organization members. People love being part of something great; if you listen to their ideas and make them part of your team, and facilitate these simple delegation 1. Make an annotated list of tasks steps, they’ll help you take your small business from good to great. You may not realize how much you’re trying to do yourself. Use time Lawton Ursrey is the product marketing manager for Sage One, Sage tracking software to develop a list of tasks. Make note of anything you North America. don’t need to personally do. This is your delegation list.

6 Tomorrow’s Business Leader OfficerNotes FBLA Eco Chapter Project By Collin Potter, FBLA Southern Region Vice President

• The health of our planet is Ask for tree donations from dependent upon teaching your local tree nursery or younger generations greenhouse and plant them about going green. Visit a in a local park or school local elementary school garden. National Office and create posters with Gas prices continue to rise, and • Clean up the environment students that promote the debate over global warming by cleaning up your going green, recycling, ELECTIONS is only getting hotter. The community. A roadside etc. Distribute the posters problems facing our environment litter pick-up is one of throughout the school or aren’t going away themselves, the best ways to get your community. and it’s our responsibility as entire chapter involved in future business leaders to solve • Don’t forget about the a community project. Call this pressing issue. impact of your elders. your local transportation Visit your local senior department and schedule FBLA now offers a program that citizens center and a clean-up day for your allows chapters to express their educate residents about chapter. concern for the environment. the importance reducing, It’s that time of year again— The FBLA Eco Chapter Project If you are interested in the Eco reusing, and recycling. FBLA is searching for stellar Chapter Project, download the encourages earth-friendly candidates to serve in all activities to promote a safer, • Money might not grow on interactive form in the adviser healthier environment and trees, but it can help grow area of www.fbla.org. The national office positions. If educate your community on them. One of the best ways deadline is May 15. you are energetic, motivated, the importance of clean, green to give back to the earth is and love to serve and lead, living. to replenish its resources. consider running for national office. This FBLA experience will not only challenge, grow, and reward you, it will also Finish Stronger make a great addition to your By Rachel Ford, FBLA National Secretary college application! This time of year, as we focus on fund-raising and preparing for nationals, Learn more about running it’s easy to lose momentum and forget all of the great activities your whole for office by downloading chapter can still participate in. Keeping your entire chapter involved until the the 2013–14 National very last day of school is important, and here are just a few ways to stay Officer Candidate Guide and involved. application at www.fbla.org. Go green. Whether you want to pick up trash in your community or start Application deadline is May a recycling program, the Eco Chapter Project allows members to receive 15. recognition for their accomplishments on a national level. And who knows? Your innovative ideas might inspire other chapters to follow in your footsteps. May the odds be ever in your Invite guest speakers. Some of my favorite FBLA memories involve community business leaders who spoke to favor. my chapter. This is a great way for members to gain a better idea of what they want to do when they join the workforce. These professionals can also serve as assets to your chapter, helping with internships, fund-raisers, and more. Complete BAAs. The deadline for the first three levels has passed, but you can use this time to continue working on those levels. The portal reopens on August 1. Once you have completed the first three levels, the America level is open for submission until April 25. If you complete that level by the deadline, you will be recognized during your regional meeting at the National Leadership Conference in Anaheim, California. Install officers. Don’t forget about local chapter elections and installations. Elect officers early and get started on officer training and planning your yearly program of work. A great program of work gets everyone excited and ready to start crossing things off their to-do lists. A special installation at a local chapter meeting or banquet shows the importance of office positions. The more importance your chapter places on its officers, the more work they will be inspired to accomplish. You started the year strong, now is the time to finish stronger!

Spring 2013 7 #NLC2013 Keynote Speaker: Judson Laipply Entertains and Educates

You’ve seen him on YouTube entertaining the world with his viral sensation “The Evolution of Dance™” and now you can see him live at the #NLC2013. Key- note speaker Judson Laipply will kick off the NLC’s opening session and is sure to spark your motivation to Ignite Innovation. You won’t want to miss it!

ward-winning speaker and inspirational comedian Judson Laipply prom- Aises to do two things: make you laugh and make you think. And for the last seven years, his passion for both has entertained and educated audiences all over the world. Judson is an award-winning speaker and performer who utilizes a phenomenon labeled “Inspirational Comedy” to blend the realities of life with side-splitting humor. Creator of The Evolution of Dance™ In March of 2001, Judson performed for the first time in public a finale After graduating from Bluffton University with a BA and from Bowling that would one day take the world by storm. After mixing together twelve Green State University with a master’s degree, Judson Laipply burst onto popular dance songs from the last fifty years, Judson debuted “The Evolution the professional speaking scene and has quickly become a breath of fresh air in a sometimes suffocating world. His presentations are down to earth of Dance™” and it instantly became a crowd favorite. Five years and eighteen and highly motivational, creative and appealing, humorous and thought songs later, Laipply placed a video of the thirty-song, six-minute “The provoking, lively and enriching. Evolution of Dance” on the little known site called YouTube. No one could have predicted what followed. In the next few months the video became a viral sensation and was passed from e-mail to e-mail, posted in countless blogs, discussed on endless talk shows and “I love to entertain and make people laugh. I also love podcasts, and the entire world watched as the video amassed over 70 millions to help people grow and develop. I thrive on getting views in under eight months and helped propel people to think about things, shift their perception, YouTube to the status it has today. To date it and hope that I might just be able to give them has been viewed over 150 million times and something to help make their life better. Combining is the third most popular video of all time on those two on stage is just about as good as it gets!” YouTube. —Judson Laipply The popularity of the video has lead to appearances on the Today Show, Ellen, Inside Edition, E!, Oprah, and hundreds of other media outlets around the world. He has also Judson’s artistic and refreshing approach to viewing life and accepting the been in two music videos—one for Bare Naked changes it brings, combined with his energetic demeanor and playful stage Ladies and one for Weezer—performed at presence, never fails to surprise and inspire audiences. Drawing from his halftime of the NBA finals, and continues to vast array of experiences that include working on a cruise ship, at a camp bring laughter into the lives of all those who in Colorado, as a certified aerobics instructor, as a part-time auctioneer, watch it. teaching college courses, being a published poet, and writing a weekly column, he can relate to audiences of all ages from all over the country.

8 Tomorrow’s Business Leader 5 Fun Ways to Fund-raise

By Amanda Zambrano

hether you need support for a should I give to your cause?” The best way to . Crowdfunding—a new online trend Wconference trip or you want to answer this question is to tell what a donation 2allowing you to use social media to will do. A good answer could be, “attending promote your cause. These online tools benefit a charity, fund-raising is an this conference will allow me to learn strong provide a platform for you to ask for support important business skill to develop. job interview skills, appropriate business and will match you with donors who are Many people are embarrassed about etiquette, and some of the issues facing our looking for causes. The more you share your economy.” Avoid logic such as “We need cause, update it, and receive funding, the requesting financial assistance, but it $5,000, so please give us money to help us more these systems help you promote your is important to remember that most raise $5,000.” Focus your request on the cause. cause, not the financial goal. people enjoy helping a good cause. . Solicitation letter—sometimes traditional An important fund-raising key is to show the Express your gratitude 3is best. This requires the least time and good a donation will do—further the education often produces a great return. You’ll need Gratitude is absolutely essential. Write a of an aspiring student, feed the homeless, or a mailing list and a compelling letter that thoughtful note, throw a small party, or help a struggling family. When you are able to describes your cause, why people should make a phone call—your gratitude won’t paint a picture and pass on the vision of how support it, and how they can support it. go unnoticed. When you say “thank you,” you can help someone, you are more likely to the supporter knows his donation has done . Special events—consider organizing have a successful campaign. something good and he is more likely to 4a 5K, car wash, garage sale, or benefit Have a great cause support you again in the future. concert; the possibilities are limitless. This is a great way to reach out to a new group of A great cause demonstrates tangible benefits Once you have all these pieces, consider the people not currently in your network. However, to a person or people in need. Building a new following five ways to ask for your supporters’ be prepared—events are time consuming and park, helping house fire victims, or feeding the help. can be costly. homeless are all great causes. . Corporate Fundraising—check out the . Grants/Scholarships—ask philanthropic Be passionate 1FBLA Web site for a list of corporations 5clubs like Optimists about their grant and with products you can sell to support your scholarship processes or check out the A great cause creates strong emotions, so cause. You’ll find everything from cookies to www.fbla.org membership benefits be passionate about it! I recently saw a video dorm supplies. page where you’ll find a list of scholarship interview of a child in a wheelchair unable to opportunities. If you are working with a local play with her friends because the playground nonprofit, consider grants from a community was not handicap accessible. The strong or corporate foundation. emotions generated by this video are inspiring donations for a handicap-accessible park that With the right team of people, raising money will soon total $500,000. can be really fun. Be creative, be engaged, and be prepared for exciting Set a goal things to happen! Know how much money you need to raise and how that money will be spent. Share your goal with supporters to encourage them to help meet your goal. Amanda Zambrano is the director of advancement for Connect with people who care Grace Village Retirement Community about your cause in Winona Lake, Indiana. She is a graduate Consider family, friends, teachers, or of the Greatbatch School of Music at neighbors. If you are raising money to Houghton College (BMus) and the School of attend a Future Business Leaders of Environmental and Public Affairs at Indiana America conference, consider approaching University–Bloomington (MA), and holds local banks. Local banks want to invest a certificate in fundraising from the in successful businesses and want future Fundraising School at Indiana University– business leaders to have the tools necessary Purdue University Indianapolis. Amanda for success. is a dedicated flutist, an avid reader, and an amateur quilter and gardener. She is Create a compelling fund request married and lives with her husband in The most important part of this request is Warsaw, Indiana. a persuasive answer to the question “Why

Spring 2013 9 Communication is the magic that makes leadership possible!

FBLA-PBL invites you to Anaheim, California, on June 26 and 27 for two days of professional development and leadership training. The 2013 Institute for Leaders (IFL) is designed to empower you with leadership and communication essentials that propel you toward success.

Day one features a series of leadership experiences designed for members interested in building businesses, preparing for college, and developing professionalism and leadership. Day two covers communication experiences designed to specialize IFL Program Schedule and expand your skills in public speaking and teaching, as well as message-building for business, leadership, marketing, and Day One—June 26 digital media. 8:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m. opening session

Don’t miss this exciting opportunity! 9:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m. Communication stations

10:45 a.m.–Noon Leadership experiences (choose IFL REGISTRATION RATES during registration)

Noon–1:00 p.m. Lunch on your own Early Bird Regular Onsite Until May 20 May 21–June 14 June 15–Onsite 1:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m. Leadership experiences

Student $115 $125 $135 Day Two—June 27 Adviser $ 50 $ 60 $ 70 8:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. Communication experience spe- cialty sessions (choose on site) Candidates $ 90 $100 $110 IFL Green Room: Leadership network recording sessions for See “Dates and Deadlines” on page 3 for additional IFL cutoff selected speaking teams dates. 11:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m. Shark Tank—IFL Edition!

11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Leadership forum and graduation session

10 Tomorrow’s Business Leader CompetitiveEvents

The Competitive Edge: Know Your ABCs

Can you feel it? Excitement buzzes as the 2013 National Leadership Conference (NLC) dawns and you realize you are among the best-of-the-best who advanced from the State Leadership Conference to compete in the next stage of competition! So give yourself a quick pat on the back and then get back to work. Prepare for #NLC2013 by reviewing your ABCs. c hange

• E-business and Web site Design are lert your advisers heck the Web site now seven-minute presentations with a Now is the time to reserve your spot Get an edge on the competition by three-minute Q&A. A C s in the competition. Confirm your intent to viewing the Competitive Events Online • A maximum of fifteen finalists, or compete with both your local and state Reference Guide—www.fbla-org, FBLA, an equal number from each group on advisers and submit any materials (reports, Competitive Events—for event guidelines, preliminary day, will advance to the final resumes, programs, URLs, winners, etc.). Your rating sheets, performance indicators, round on June 30. state adviser is responsible for confirming sample questions and case studies, and past • Digital Design and Promotion is a team your spot and submitting your materials to the performance videos. of one to three. national center by Friday, May 10, 2013. raft an itinerary (Some guidelines differ from state to state, so Event times are listed in the NLC Guide check with your state adviser for your state’s D at http://tinyurl.com/guideNLC. Be advised that guidelines). several objective tests are scheduled during the afternoon of the conference’s opening T e aware of boundaries Future Business Leader and Job ip B Eligible FBLA members can compete in day, June 27. Make sure to schedule your Interview—send six copies of your resume, s f flight’s arrival for a day in advance or early the cover letter, and job application to your state

only one event at the NLC, with the exception Suor adviser in six separate, properly labeled manila of one of the three pilot events. In addition, morning of June 27, as there are no makeup tests for delays. folders. National center receipt deadline: a student may present a chapter report— May 10.

American Enterprise Project, Community cc liminate scheduling confusion Statement of Assurance—download this Service Project, or Partnership with Business Additional objective tests will be given form from www.fbla.org, FBLA, Competitive e Project—and then compete in another event. e ss June 28 and 29. Preliminary performance Events and submit it to your state adviser. This All competitive events will be held at the Hilton form must accompany Computer Game and events are scheduled for June 28 and Anaheim. The FBLA-PBL Dress Code is Simulation Programming, Desktop Application many events start at 8:00 a.m. Preliminary strictly enforced; so make sure you Programming, Digital Video Production, performance schedules will be posted dress like a professional. E-business, and Web Site Design. The URL on our Web site before the provided must be accessible through the 2013 conference starts, as well as NLC. National center receipt deadline: by the registration desk. Final May 10 performance time schedules will be Equipment—we provide LCD projectors for posted in the Hilton hotel lobby, on all events allowed to use equipment. However, www.fbla.org, and on Twitter. Sign up students are required to bring their own today to follow FBLA Twitter: computer for all events including E-business and Web Site Design and may also bring their @FBLA_National. own LCD projector. Participants using an Apple computer must bring their own video cable for the LCD projector. Prejudged Events—send two copies of reports or DVDs, to your state adviser, for all prejudged events. A URL must be provided for E-business and Web Site Design. Remember the prejudged events are evaluated by a different judge and the judges in Anaheim haven’t seen your creation, so be prepared to show some aspects when giving your presentation. Interactive Events—check the event guidelines to see which events are interactive. Be prepared for judges to ask questions during the performance, act as an angry customer, and interrupt your presentation.

Continued on Page 17 Spring 2013 11 Road to Anaheim A sneak peek at all things #NLC2013

Don’t miss your chance to Ignite Innovation at this year’s National Leadership Conference (NLC) in sunny Anaheim, California. Our great program line-up is sure to propel you toward professional success. Participate in outstanding workshops, polish your leadership skills, learn how to tighten your budget in an even tighter economy, discover new FBLA programs, and stay ahead of the curve with the latest on information technology, business trends, and today’s hottest careers. Register Today! Early Bird Regular Onsite Until May 20 May 21–June 14 June 15–Onsite $95 $105 $115

See “Dates and Deadlines” on page 3 for additional NLC cutoff dates.

Visit www.fbla-pbl.org/2013NLC to register online and to see which hotel your state is assigned. Questions? Call 800-FBLA-WIN.

Institute for Leaders Make the most of your trip by registering for the Institute for Leaders (IFL), June 26 and 27. It’s the best way to rev up your leadership skills and prepare for the upcoming year. During this two-day event you’ll learn leadership and communication essentials and have a chance to network with media and communication experts.

Tickets and tours You’ve worked hard . . . so have some fun while you’re in Anaheim! Buy your discounted attraction tickets to Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, Knott’s Berry Farm, Six Flags, and Universal Studios. Sign up for tours to the City of Los Angeles, Newport Beach, and Whale Watching. Turn your dinner plans into an evening adventure at Medieval Times and Pirates Dinner Adventure. And for dessert, why not try K-1 go-kart racing or bowling?

Exhibit hall Visit exhibitors, meet the national officer candidates, and buy your NLC souvenirs and logo gear at the MarketPlace.

March of dimes mini walk Join the March of Dimes NLC MiniWalk on June 29. Come early, stay late, and enjoy live music before and after the walk.

new! Fbla texting championship We saved the best for last. Improve your texting skills and win cash prizes in the FBLA National Texting Championship on Monday, July 1, 2013, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.! FBLA students can compete in the following seven modes: Alphabetic, Numbers–123 Pad, Numbers–Numbers Pad, Emoticons [Kaomoji], Words, Texting Abbreviations, and Translations. Cash prizes will be awarded to students for each mode*, and one student and one adviser with the most overall points will win $250 and the title of FBLA National Texting Champion. No preregistration required. Instructions and further details will be provided on site. Students must have an iPhone or Android, game downloadable, mobile phone to participate. Download the Texting Champ App free in the iTunes store: http://tinyurl.com/au4wvqm or through the Android Market: http://tinyurl.com/cmhr8zf.

*Students may win in only one mode, but are also eligible for the overall championship. AlumniSpotlight

Professional Division National President Brad Howard Recognized for Success

You don’t have to look much further than the grocery aisle to be inspired. Professional Division National President Brad Howard was featured in the National Journal (right) for his most recent accomplishment— public-affairs and media manager for the Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy.

Brad is a strong advocate for FBLA-PBL as a “lifetime association.” He says the skills, self-confidence, and networking FBLA-PBL offers can carry members throughout a lifetime of career development experiences—from the Middle Level well into their professions. Check out Brad’s National Journal clip, then learn more about him online, and share his success story!

What is summer without an internship? Enhance your resume at the NLC in Anaheim!

If organizing calms you and logistics planning and office You management excite you, the FBLA NLC Meeting Planner Meeting Planner Intern Internship is for you! [email protected] This internship runs from June 27–30. Interns must be able to work from 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. and pay for conference NLC, Anaheim, California registration and room, travel, and meals. Complete the application at www.fbla-pbl.org/2013NLC and e-mail a current resume and two letters of recommendation to [email protected] by May 7.

14 Tomorrow’s Business Leader aStroke Ahead How teaming up with a mentor can move you into a leading position Professional networking—via social media, at conferences, or through school connections—is certainly good for your career. But if you’re ready for something more impactful, consider a mentor. Unlike most networking contacts, a mentor makes a long-term commitment to you and your future. With a mentor, you have regular, private communication that enables you to ask important questions, examine your goals, and stretch your ideas about who you are and what you want to become. Mentoring (and being mentored) requires mutual respect and trust and the recognition that professional expertise, experience, and savvy (in other words, a successful career) take time and hard work.

Coaching is Key skills, or work-life balance issues? Tailor Your Training • What are the challenges you You can search for a mentor via a face in your typical day/week/ A mentoring relationship can help Focus will make your conversations formal mentoring program such month? you achieve ambitious goals by more personally meaningful and as the one KPMG provides, or providing opportunities to: professionally productive. Think • How do you resolve conflicts simply ask someone you respect about what you want to work on at work? • observe and interact with and admire if he or she would with your mentor: another more experienced consider becoming your mentor. • How have you balanced work professional A mentor’s commitment to you • Are there specific goals you with the rest of your life? think your mentor can help • receive honest feedback and can vary over time and as your • What should I be doing you with? direct encouragement mentoring relationship develops. differently? So you might approach your • What challenges are you • acquire and enhance • What additional education or potential mentor with a flexible hoping your mentor can help knowledge, skills, and training do I need? proposal that is considerate of his you overcome? perspectives or her time and responsibilities. • How should I prioritize my • How can your mentor best • ask questions career goals? After you find a mentor and provide encouragement, • gain access to practical agree to begin, establish some feedback, knowledge, • How do I measure my life resources and tools parameters and a working perspective, networking success? schedule. Find out where/ opportunities, or visibility to when/how often your mentor is leadership? The Starting Line available to talk or meet. During Everyone Wins When you look for a mentor, start your first conversation, share The value of mentoring is well by seeking respected colleagues your background and goals. Get into the Flow recognized by companies that Discuss your strengths and areas within your own field. A mentor Your meetings can revolve around practice comprehensive talent for improvement. Explain what can be a senior professional, but work or personal life (especially development. This commitment you want to accomplish as soon often someone closer to your work/life balance topics). Questions by mentors to give help, and as possible and what you want to own age and experience level that could spark a lively discussion willingness among mentees to develop for the long term. Agree will relate best to your current include: take help, enables employees situation. Also consider what you to action items and next steps. at all levels to benefit from the • What are your long-term goals? want help with—job skills, people Finally, decide how you’ll measure combination of inspiration and progress. • What path did you take to get example that can create career to this career stage? champions. • What do you wish you had known or done five years ago? This article is reprinted with permission from FBLA-PBL sponsor, KPMG LLP. KPMG LLP, the audit, tax, and advisory firm, is the U.S. member firm of KPMG International Cooperative. KPMG International’s member firms have 140,000 professionals, including more than 7,900 partners in 146 countries. For more information on career opportunities with KPMG, please visit www.kpmgcampus.com.

Spring 2013 15 Sponsors & Partners

The Wall Street Experience Drexel University’s Lebow College of Business Are your students interested in a Wall Street career—a career in business There’s still time to sign up for one of the Drexel LeBow summer or finance? The Wall Street Experience provides tours, events, and an programs that provide exceptional high school students with an online community for students studying business and finance. We provide introduction to business education. Join us on campus in Philadelphia, students with an inside look at their future careers so they can prepare PA, to attend one of the following LeBow Summer Institutes in July and accordingly. August: If you’re visiting New York City, check out our guided tours, • Camp Business (residential and commuter options) simulations, and events given by Wall Street professionals at www. • Summer Economics Institute (residential) thewallstreetexperience.com. Join our free online community for career advice, support, and intelligence at www.thewallstreetconnection.com. For more information on Drexel LeBow’s programs, please visit www.lebow.drexel.edu/camplebow or contact our program For more information please e-mail [email protected] coordinator at [email protected] or 215-571-3767. or call 212.608.0130.

Men’s Wearhouse This year Men’s Wearhouse hopes to give back $1 million to schools through our Cash For Schools (CFS) program. When you sign up today, your school will get $5 for every prom tux rented—and that money goes directly to your school. We’re proud to support schools and we’re always looking for ways to help students and teachers. CFS gives you the opportunity to encourage prom participation and collaboration. The more students, parents, and teachers involved, the more your Please congratulate the following school gains! fall session Stock Market $5 FOR EVERY TUX RENTAL CAN REALLY ADD UP—HERE’S THE MATH: Game teams for their excellent 25 tux rentals = $125 cash back; 50 tux rentals = $250; 100 tux performances: rentals = $500! Go beyond that and your school makes even more money. There’s no 1st limit! For more information, contact Mike Sins at specialevents@tmw. Norris High School com or call 1.866.247.4697. Nebraska Mercy College Adviser: Sid Conrad The School of Business Honors 2nd Program at Mercy College teaches Lassen High School business by doing. Challenge California yourself by joining industry leaders and top executives in the business Adviser: Dawn Egan capital of the world, New York City. Mercy’s School of Business uses 3rd active learning to prepare their Mundelein High School students for the corner office. Learn Illinois management through real consulting projects and international business Adviser: Chris Hoster from traveling abroad. Start your own business with venture capitalists; Communicate like a pro! Our faculty, led by former and current executives, will get your foot in the door and make sure you have what it takes when you get inside.

16 Tomorrow’s Business Leader Continued from Page 13 Competitive Event-Winning Tips

Microsoft User Specialist (MOS) and Microsoft 2013 nlc paid certification exams Technology Associate (MTA) Take advantage of the following paid certification exams on June 29 and Once again Certiport is offering MOS and MTA exams free to FBLA students July 1: Adobe Certified Associate Exams (PhotoShop, Flash, Dreamweaver), and Middle Level and FBLA advisers in Anaheim on June 27 and 28. To CompTia Strata exams, IC3 exams, and new this year, Quickbooks. For more reserve your spot, sign up today at www.fbla-pbl.org/conferences/ information, view the conference guide and Web site. Sign up at www.fbla- NLC2013/certify/free. pbl.org/conferences/NLC2013/certify.

Congratulations to the following members, who are eligible to compete at the 2013 NLC in Anaheim: VirtualBusinessManagement-SprinG LifeSmartsPilot This is the one event you are allowed to enter, aside from one of the three LifeSmarts is a pilot event this year, and students are allowed to enter one pilot events and one chapter event. pilot event and one competitive event. Pavin Trinh and Wei Jing—Gabrielino High School, CA Jackson Bollinger and Justin Park—Ft. Zumwalt South High School, MO Ryan Helus, Ethan Malin, Hayden Wolf—Wamego High School, KS Ciara Singleton and Felicia Wieder—Southern Lehigh High School, PA TJ Thudium, Brock Wright, Andrew Crutcher—Brookfield Area Career Andrea Haugland and Jarrett Obenchain—Divide County High School, ND Center, MO Steven Forte and Teddy Ni—Barrington High School, RI Jovannie Rios, Brenda Remigio, Andres Partida—Metro Tech VIP, AZ Daniel Dallen and Luke Dziedzic—George C. Marshall High School, VA Jason Jiang, Eva Wu, Andrew Shang—Whippany High School, NJ Blake Bracht and Trevor Koger—Arlington High School, NE Derek Dukart, Jordan Krieg, Jaden Kudrna—Dickinson High School, ND Kristin Neu and Julie Stafanski—Beecher City High School, IL Ian Cumberland—Mundelein High School, IL Graydon Brewer and Tijona Jones—Ellicott High School, CO Ryan Fleischhacker, Anthony Korish, Tyler Lafler—Portage High School, WI Billie Ferris and Devon Logar—Douglas High School, WY VirtualBusinesspersonalFinance This event is not eligible to compete at the NLC Trong Duc Bui and Marcial Barros—Southwest Miami High School, FL

Four Divisions. One Goal. Your Career Success.

Your Lifelong Association Connect with the Professional Division today to continue Igniting Innovation! Facebook: www.facebook.com/ProfessionalDivision Twitter www.twitter.com/ProfessionalDiv

FBLA-Middle Level FBLA PHI BETA LAMBDA Professional

Spring 2013 17 Seymour FBLA shows some adviser love.

Career and Technical

Education Month at a Mater Academy (Florida) and Shamu wear their FBLA spirit. Glance

BLA chapters across the country celebrated Career and Technical Education (CTE) FMonth in February, which helped members hone business skills and sharpen their professional edge. The month kicked off with FBLA-PBL Week on February 10–16. Chapters planned activities such as visits to legislators, “Professional Attire Day,” and special meetings with business guest speakers to boost membership and gear up for spring activities. Many chapters also honored their local chapter advisers on February 13 for Adviser Appreciation Day.

February Frenzy spanned February 1–28. Members designed flyers and updated Facebook statuses to spread the FBLA word. Other activities included recruiting five new freshmen, planning for FBLA-PBL Week, sponsoring a social event for paid chapter Stewart County, Tennessee FBLA supports the March of Dimes. members, setting up meet-and-greet recruitment booths on campus, and planning community service projects. Several chapters experienced an influx of new members, as well as an increase in current member engagement.

All FBLA chapter members who successfully completed February Frenzy and attend the 2013 National Leadership Conference will receive special conference ribbons. View the February Frenzy leaderboard at www.fbla.org.

While the Frenzy has ended, the hype doesn’t have to: rally your chapter to illustrate how CTE and FBLA bring business and education together and publicize your chapter’s projects and accomplishments by e-mailing your CTE success stories to local or state representatives.

Don’t forget to submit all activity photos to [email protected]. We’ll post them to the National Center Facebook page. And most importantly, have fun!

18 Tomorrow’s Business Leader Mater Academy (Florida) and Shamu wear their FBLA spirit.

Stewart County, Tennessee FBLA supports the March of Dimes.

Spring 2013 19 MemberSpotlight

by Natalie Tran with Lindsey frederick Natalie Tran

Natalie Tran and Miss America Mallory Hytes Hagan at Mentoring and STEM on January 18 in Washington, D.C. “Life opens up “The gratification I get from helping my local America, as well as the new FAA administrator opportunities to you, and chapter and from my own efforts pushes Michael P. Huerta. “I was a bit awestruck,” says you either take them or you stay me to continue challenging myself. Every Natalie of Miss America. experience makes me stronger and more afraid of taking them.”—Jim Carrey Such experiences are great training for Natalie prepared . . . .” f FBLA has taught River Hill High School as she pursues her career direction. While not Istudent Natalie Tran one thing, it’s how to Natalie’s preparation has led her to more yet decided, the door is wide open. FBLA has seize opportunity. Natalie joined FBLA as a opportunities. After regretting not running exposed Natalie to a wealth of career options, freshman and was immediately enamored for Maryland state office, a position providing perspective, homing in on her with the organization. Since then, she has unexpectedly opened and Natalie jumped interests, and giving her a better understanding served in three positions with her local at the chance to be appointed Maryland of her capabilities. “Right now, my dream job chapter, most notably as the first individual State Webmaster for the 2012–13 term. “I would be in . . . political science. From being a junior president in the fourteen years of was absolutely overjoyed to be on the team, lobbyist, political science analyst, or campaign River Hill’s FBLA existence. because I wanted to serve with the rest of manager like Jim Messina or David Axelrod.” the state officers to add on to Maryland But Natalie wasn’t always so self-assured. In keeping with the qualities of a great leader, FBLA’s legacy.” She attributes much of her confidence to Natalie is quick to give credit and express FBLA, as it has not only taught her about To top off her 2012–13 year, Maryland gratitude to those who help her and River Hill business and professionalism, but also FBLA Board of Directors chose Natalie to FBLA succeed. “The River Hill FBLA professional caused her to look inward and learn about represent FBLA at Mentoring and Science, division members and . . . the Professional herself. Before joining, Natalie quavered Technology, Engineering, and Math Division Advisory Board have provided me and at the idea of speaking to crowds and (STEM) at the Federal Aviation Building in countless other River Hill FBLA members a business professionals. “I started out having Washington, D.C. in January. The event wealth of knowledge. . . . Their indispensable to partner up to talk to professionals,” encouraged mentorship and was geared support and guidance contribute to [our] says Natalie. “I [ran] everything by others toward attracting young women to STEM immense accomplishments.” fields. Miss America Mallory Hytes Hagan before I was confident and mature enough She also thanks the staff of National FBLA-PBL supported the event by serving as a panel to communicate with professionals on Inc., the Maryland FBLA Board of Directors, moderator. Natalie had the opportunity to my own.” She says FBLA has challenged “and last but certainly not least, my brilliant meet and have her photo taken with Miss her to move beyond her comfort zone. adviser Ms. Teresa Waters.”

20 Tomorrow’s Business Leader ChapterNews

Arizona Benson High School Adopts Animal Shelter Benson High School’s FBLA chapter adopted the Benson Animal Georgia Shelter project. On January 3, ten members helped paint shelter Congressman Graves Visits Sonoraville High School kennels. “I thought painting would be a fun and beneficial task for the Congressman Tom Graves visited Sonoraville High School and shelter. We all had a great time painting the kennels . . . and each proclaimed FBLA week for the State of Georgia and Sonoraville High other,” stated Katie Bryan, vice president of community service for School February 10–16, and Career Technical Education for the month Benson FBLA. The group painted all the outdoor kennels and helped of February. FBLA officers enjoyed meeting CongressmanG raves and the shelter reorganize dog food bags. sharing some of their 2013 FBLA week celebration plans.

Georgia NEW YOrk Berrien High Schoo (BHS) Pies Officers Clymer Central School Practices Patriotism BHS debuted an unconventional recruitment method: advisers The Ladies Auxiliary of the American Legion asked Clymer FBLA to encouraged students to join FBLA by promising them each one vote collect expired coupons and canceled stamps for active military to choose an officer to pie in the face. The three officers with the families who serve abroad. A total of $27,315.05 worth of expired most votes received a pie in the face at their first club meeting. BHS coupons were clipped and sent to Germany. Clymer also collected, experienced a boost in recruitment, especially freshman. counted, and sorted 5,400 canceled first-class postage stamps. All stamps with the Liberty Bell, Purple Heart, or American Flag were sent to Washington, D.C. to purchase model kits for wounded soldiers undergoing rehabilitation to regain their fine motor skills. The other stamps were used by the resource center to purchase supplies.

Winter 2013 21 ChapterNews

North Carolina MARYLAND Ayden-Grifton High School (AGHS) Meets Susan Martin Maryland State Officer Team Meets Governor O’Malley AGHS FBLA members spoke with legislator Susan Martin about the To help celebrate FBLA-PBL week, the Maryland state officer team met tobacco prevention efforts in North Carolina. AGHS FBLA President with Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley in Annapolis on February 13. Andre Kent Jr. and Secretary Taravia Mclawhorn work with a youth Officers toured the State House and Senate building, and even sat at program called Youth Empowered Solutions (YES!), a nonprofit that the Governor’s desk. After exchanging handshakes with the Governor, partners with adults to empower youth to create community change. each officer spoke about FBLA and their goals and aspirations. Officers also met with Maryland Delegate Susan Aumann, who briefed the team on the current issues and developments in the Maryland legislature and discussed Career Technology Education developments.

Check Out the MarketPlace The MarketPlace is your national source for emblematic, training, and chapter management merchandise. Apparel, Publications, Jewelry, Supplies, and Much More!

Order Toll FREE: 1-800-507-7007

Order ONLINE: fblamarketplace.com

Louisiana Atlanta High School (AHS) AHS oversaw the construction of a community recycle bin. They held a fall recycling drive and collected 17,470 items. With the help of several community sponsors and AHS students, the community of Atlanta constructed the bin on the school’s parking lot. Community members are encouraged to bag all plastic bottles, jugs, and containers and drop off them at the bin.

22 Tomorrow’s Business Leader Check-In with FBLA-PBL Member Benefits

Unlimited mileage and up to 20% off! 800.GO.ALAMO ID# 7000461

Save up to 15% when you shop via the FBLA-PBL Web site. Your shopping supports FBLA-PBL. Look for the link under Member- ship Benefits (Discounts).

One free certification test for FBLA, PBL, and PD members.

Save 50% on in-store purchases when you use the coupon located on the FBLA-PBL national Web site. Look for the link under FBLA-PBL members get 10% Membership Benefits, FBLA-PBL off Princeton Review’s online Discounts and Added Benefits. courses for the SAT, ACT, and GMAT. For more information, call 800.2Review.

Save 10% with your FBLA-PBL card. ID# 5492731

Save hundreds on your car insurance with special FBLA-PBL savings. 800.368.2734

Great Hotel Discount Programs for Members Major hotel chains offer reduced rates—up to 20% off—don’t miss out!

Hyatt Hotels Wyndham Hotel Group Red Lion Hotels 10% off at participating Hyatt properties 15% off their best available rates 15% off for FBLA-PBL 877.393.8034 877.670.7088 800.733.5466 Group Code: CR51684 ID# 8000001640 ID: FBL

Spring 2013 23