FBLA-PBL Celebrates American Enterprise Day on November 15
http://www.fbla-pbl.org/web/module/events/eventid/58/main_interior.asp

It's our American enterprise,” said Jean M. Buckley, FBLA-PBL, Inc. president and CEO. “This is our time to understand, celebrate, and appreciate American enterprise and entrepreneurship and for FBLA-PBL members to take ownership in the rights and responsibilities to protect and promote this freedom.”

A little bit of enterprise can go a long way, especially in the hands of a future business leader. Today's student business leaders are putting leadership in action through their involvement in FBLA-PBL.

“In the past 65 years, FBLA-PBL has trained literally millions of today's leaders in American business,” Buckley said. “Each year, local FBLA-PBL chapters throughout the country are encouraged to sponsor activities that create awareness about the free enterprise system.

This year, students and advisers are preparing projects to promote American enterprise, partnering with local businesses, and celebrating the free enterprise system.

The American Enterprise Project is a national competitive event, sponsored by the McKelvey Foundation, where chapters develop projects and educational programs within the school and community to increase the understanding of and support for the American enterprise system.

FBLA-PBL also celebrates American Enterprise Day on Nov. 15 of each year. Since the 1979 signing of a proclamation by President Jimmy Carter, American Enterprise Day has grown to generate activities that promote American enterprise on Nov. 15 and throughout the school year.

Student leaders also provide opportunities for members of the local business community to become involved in the process of educating tomorrow's business leaders. Through local business projects and appreciation, members have gained an understanding of the rights and obligations in owning a business.

As FBLA-PBL takes leadership and business learning outside the classroom, the co-curricular organization also offers innovative curriculum for business educators.

Through integrated programs and curriculum, FBLA-PBL is on the leading edge of business, career, and technical education. The Stock Market Game, simCEO, and Virtual Business Challenge are computer-based business simulations engaging students in topics like marketing, introduction to business, management, supervision, entrepreneurship, and more.

American Enterprise Day PR Statement/Resolution
American Enterprise Day Ideas

Fall Seminar Series a Big Success!

On October 18, there were 46 FBLA and PBL members and advisers in attendance at the 2008 Fall Seminar Series at McKendree University. The day opened with a Board Meeting hosted by the State Officers, where officers covered a wide variety of topics including: Recruitment, Ambassador Program, State Websites, Fundraisers, and the NFLC. For those interested in attending McKendree, a campus tour was provided as well.

Following the board meeting, members had the opportunity to attend various workshops. Members got the opportunity to polish their resumes in one workshop, while others bolstered their leadership skills through an interactive workshop led by State President Nicki Wilhelm. After a free lunch of Papa John's pizza, the afternoon continued with more workshops. State Adviser Dr. Tina Dierkes provided a key insight into the competitive events, so that members have an advantage when competing at State and/or Nationals. State Vice President Brandon Rahn also energized members with his workshop on overcoming leadership barriers.

The day concluded with a very informative keynote address by Timothy West. He provided his four key items that every college student should know to have a successful college career, and achieve that amazing career. Evaluation results confirmed the conference was a great success, and the State Officer team would like to thank everyone in attendance. They hope to see everyone again (plus more) at the Winter Seminar Series at Eastern Illinois University on January 31!

October 2008 Newsletter
Click here to view the October 2008 Newsletter (PDF format).

Site Welcome
My name is Nicki Wilhelm, and I will be serving as the Illinois Phi Beta Lambda President in 2008-2009. I am currently a student at McKendree University pursuing a degree in Accounting, and I work at the Kilian Corporation as an Accounts Payable Clerk. The FBLA-PBL organization has been a large part of my college experience, and my involvement has been very beneficial to me. This will be my fourth year in the organization, and I have found that FBLA-PBL offers so many opportunities for students to improve their skills as leaders, communicators, networking individuals, and team members, and I would like to encourage all members to take full advantage of these opportunities. The 2008-2009 officer team plans to work hard at achieving our goals, and I look forward to a great year for Illinois Phi Beta Lambda! I hope all members feel the same excitement because FBLA-PBL can be your guide to a successful future!