"Before everything else, getting ready is the secret of success." -Henry Ford, Founder of Ford Motor Company

"Never tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do and they will surprise you with their ingenuity." -George S. Patton, American military leader

"I am grateful for all my problems. I became stronger and more able to meet those that were still to come." -J.C. Penny, Founder of national retail department store

"I learned that the only way you are going to get anywhere in life is to work hard at it. Whether you're a musician, a writer, an athlete or a businessman, there is no getting around it. If you do, you'll win—if you don't, you won't."   -Bruce Jenner, Olympic Gold Medalist

"Capital isn't scarce; vision is." -Sam Walton, Founder of Wal-Mart

Welcome to the Future Business Leaders of America
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor Chapter
 

Imagine building a portfolio of documented accomplishment as a complement to your academic experience. During a job interview, you can demonstrate how you served in a leadership position for the largest business based student organization in the world.

At the same time, you will have entered one or more professional competitive events where you have finished as the very best in the nation.

FBLA-PBL is the premier and largest business-oriented students organization in the world.

Regardless of your major or career goals, FBLA-PBL offers you a myriad of opportunities to develop and enhance various important skills ranging from public speaking and computer programming to business plan formulation and accounting. FBLA-PBL also provides important resources, such as scholarships, competitions, conferences, forums, and seminars.

FBLA-PBL is not a business fraternity, therefore FBLA-PBL does not require intense time or money commitment. However, FBLA-PBL does foster networking with professionals and long lasting relationships with peers on campus and around the world.

If you are interested in developing leadership, communications, and team skills or simply looking for an organization to meet and network with others at the local, state, or national levels; FBLA is the organization for you.

The Organization

Dr. Hamden L. Forkner, head of the Commercial Education Department of the Teachers College of Columbia University developed the FBLA concept in 1937. In the fall of 1940, the National Council for Business Education accepted official sponsorship of FBLA; on February 3, 1942, the first high school chapter was chartered in Johnson City, Tennessee. In 1958, the first Phi Beta Lambda chapter was chartered in Iowa. The Professional Division (originally the Alumni Division) began in 1979; the latest group to join FBLA (in 1994) was the FBLA Middle Level, for students in grades 5-9.

The Board of Directors is comprised of local and state educators, business leaders, and the membership division presidents. The Board sets policy and employs a President/CEO, who directs a national staff and Association programs.

The Association's National Center is an 11,600 square foot building, which was completed in 1991. The 1.6-acre site it occupies was purchased through a grant from the Conrad Hilton Foundation. The building mortgage was retired in 2001 following a successful
capital campaign.

Goals

• 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 community

• 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