Students Unlock Potential at FBLA Regional Conference

More than 800 regional high school students and chapter advisers from 13 area middle and senior high schools converged Jan. 4 on the Pennsylvania College of Technology campus to compete in the Region 7 Future Business Leaders of America Conference.

Penn College's School of Business and Computer Technologies again hosted the annual event in cooperation with the college's Outreach for K-12 Office. More than 20 members of the school faculty proctored nearly 35 competitive events, ranging from Accounting and Economics to Network Design and Business Law. Eight faculty also judged the four major competitive events for the day: Emerging Business Issues, Impromptu Speaking, Job Interview and Ms. Future Business Leader.

Regional winners advance to compete at the 2006 State Leadership Conference hosted at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center from April 19-21, with aspirations toward competing at the 2006 National Leadership Conference at the Convention and Visitors Bureau in Nashville, Tenn., from June 22-28.

"Given the wonderful facilities and your cordial and professional faculty and staff, we are definitely planning on holding our Region 7 Leadership Conference each year at Penn College," said Mary Thomas, regional FBLA director.

Edward A. Henninger, dean of business and computer technologies, again found the support from the college, faculty, students and staff inspiring.

"As we continue to host this event, we strengthen important relationships with the K-12 Outreach office, surrounding school districts, their students and our community all while showcasing the Penn College experience," Henninger commented.

"The sincerity and focus of these students is endearing," added Jeannette L. Fraser, director of Outreach for K-12. "Participating in FBLA provides the students with some of the early practice for preparing for college and for the world of work. The performance of these students in their competitions is amazing."

Penn College student organizations involved in the daylong event included Phi Beta Lambda, the collegiate division of FBLA; and the campus chapter of the Alpha Chi national honor society.

The Future Business Leaders of America/Phi Beta Lambda is a national association of intermediate, high school, vocational, junior college, college and university students interested in business and a widening variety of allied careers. Its purpose, in addition to promoting the development of vocational competencies for business and office careers, is to promote a sense of civic and personal responsibility.