Back row (L to R):  Tyler Schmaltz (Rugby) and Dillon Slaubaugh (Wolford)Front row ( L to R): Sara Bourne (Rugby), Kaleb Larson (Sawyer) and Lindsey Slauabaugh (Wolford). Not pictured is Daniel Kearns (Rugby)

Members of the Rugby High School and Sawyer High School Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter attended the FBLA National Leadership Conference in Atlanta, GA, June 29-July 2. FBLA chapters from the United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands participated in this conference, where over 12,000 students had the opportunity to test their business skills against other students.

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 problem solving, introduction to financial math, business calculations, securities and investments, public speaking, job interview, website development, business plan 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, regional meetings, visit exhibitors booths, donate to the silent auction, peruse the market place, listen to perspective national officer candidates, trade pints and elect a new national officer team. At the opening general session students were enlightened, inspired and motivated by a presentation by Mr. David Novak the CEO of Yum Yum brands. Mr. Novak is currently being featured in this week’s edition of People magazine.

While in Atlanta, students took time to visit the CNN Center which is the world headquarters of CNN and took the “Inside CNN Studio Tour” which offers a guided behind-the-scenes tour of the studios, presenting an exciting glimpse of news and broadcasting in action. Other activities were the MLB game Braves vs. Indians, The World of Coke, Six Flags & Hurricane Harbor, dinners at the Hard Rock Caf Atlanta and the famous Varsity Restaurant.

FBLA is a professional organization for students interested in pursuing business careers. This year’s theme of “CONNECT,” 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 development programs. To learn more, visit FBLA’s website at www.nd-fbla.org or www.fbla-pbl.org.