Future Business Leaders of America

One of the ways in which you can participate in our Chapter’s Workforce Readiness initiatives is to serve as a judge in New York State Future Business Leaders of America competitions.

Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) is a national organization for all high school students participating in business. It functions as an integral part of the instructional program of the business curriculum or related courses in secondary schools. The purpose of the organization is to “…provide, as an integral part of the instructional program, additional opportunities for middle and secondary school students in business to develop vocational and career supportive competencies and to promote civic and personal responsibility.”

The Goals of the FBLA are to:

Develop competent, aggressive business leadership
Strengthen the confidence of students in themselves and their work
Create more interest in and understanding of American business enterprise
Encourage members in the development of individual projects which contribute to the improvement of home, business, and industry
Develop character, prepare for useful citizenship, and poster patriotism
Encourage and practice efficient money management
Encourage scholarship and promote school loyalty
Assist students in the establishment of occupational goals
Facilitate the transition from school to work

Each year in February, students from our local district of Orange, Ulster, Dutchess, Putnam and Sullivan counties meet to compete in various work-related skills such as interviewing, public speaking, and decision-making. This year represents the third year that MHV SHRM members have volunteered to participate as judges for these local student competitions. Students who win in the district competitions go on to represent their district in the annual New York State FBLA Conference.

Last year the NYS FBLA Conference was held in Sullivan County, this Spring it will be held in Ulster County. We are anticipating that MHV SHRM members will participate for the second year in judging at the state conference. Helping young people develop workforce readiness skills provides a new generation of talented employees and future business leaders.

If you are interested in being a judge at the NYS FBLA Conference being held in early April at the Nevele Grande Hotel in Ellenville, NY, please contact Workforce Readiness Chairperson, Andrea Pfleger at 845-782-8337; pfleger1@frontiernet.net.