(AP) – Members of the Wolford High School Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter attended the ND FBLA State Leadership Conference in Minot, March 24-26, 2013. Over fifty FBLA chapters from across the state participated in this conference, where approximately 1,200 students had the opportunity to test their business skills against other students from around the state.

The most exciting aspect of the conference is the competitive events program. Students have the opportunity to test the business skills they’ve learned in the classroom in a variety of individual, team, and chapter events. Students can enter events such as accounting, computer applications, public speaking, job interview, website development, or networking concepts. The culmination of the competitive events program is the awards ceremony where winners are recognized for their accomplishments. In addition to the competitive events program, students had the opportunity to attend workshops, business tours, and college tours. A new team of state officers were also elected at the conference.

The Wolford Chapter received the following awards: Market Share Award for 91% FBLA membership in the Wolford school; Tonya Slaubaugh-1st place in Accounting 1; Alyssa Graber and Tonya Slaubaugh-2nd place in Desktop Publishing; Madison Marchus and Hannah Walsh-3rd place.

First and second place finishes qualify for advancement to national competition at the National Leadership Conference held in Anaheim, CA this summer.

FBLA is a professional organization for students interested in pursuing business careers. This year’s theme of “Igniting Innovation,” reflects the goals of FBLA members, some of the best and brightest of today’s young people. Its mission is to bring business and education together in a positive working relationship through innovative leadership and career develo pment programs. To learn more, visit FBLA’s website at www.nd-fbla.org.