FBLA History
The concept for Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) was developed
1937
first high school chapter was chartered in Tennessee
1942
Headquarters office for FBLA is established at the National Education Association Center in Washington, D.C.
1946
The United Business Education Association assumes sponsorship of FBLA.
1946
Iowa becomes the first FBLA state chapter. Indiana and Ohio quickly follow.
1947
The postsecondary division, Phi Beta Lambda (PBL), is created.
1958
first collegiate chapter of Phi Beta Lambda (PBL) was chartered in Iowa
1958
FBLA-PBL is granted independent status as a nonprofit educational student association under Internal Revenue Code 501(c)(3). FBLA-PBL acquires its own board of directors and full-time staff.
1969
Who was the first full time executive director and when was he appointed?
1973- Edward D Miller
The Professional Division, originally the Alumni Division, began
1979
When was the grand opening of the FBLA-PBL National center held?
1991
FBLA-Middle Level division was started
1994
The FBLA-Middle Level division is formed for students in grades 5-9.
1994
how many chapters join 3.5 yrs after 1942?
38
How many state chapters 3 yrs after 1947?
10
How big is the FBLA-PBL national center?
11,600 sq ft
What foundation purchased the land for the future site of FBLA-PBL's national center and when?
Conrad N Hilton Foundation, 1981
Who became the new president and CEO?
Jean Buckley
Where is the FBLA-PBL National Center located?
1.6 acres of land in Center for Educational Associations, Reston, Va
Hamden L. Forkner is the founder of FBLA. Professor Forkner developed the concept while at the Teachers College, Columbia University in New York City, and envisioned a national organization that would unite the thousands of business clubs in the nation's high schools and colleges.
1937
—The National Council for Business Education (now known as the National Business Education Association) sponsors the proposed student organization. Committees are appointed to formulate the organization's general plans. The name "Future Business Leaders of America" is selected for the organization.
1940
The board of directors approves establishment of the FBLA-PBL Alumni Division.
1979
FBLA annual membership tops 200,000 for the first time.
1987
The Alumni Division is renamed as the Professional Division to include alumni and professional businesspersons.
1989
The groundbreaking ceremony is held for the FBLA-PBL National Center.
1990
Edward D. Miller retires as president and chief executive officer of the national association.
1997
FBLA-PBL National Center mortgage is retired.
2001
How many chapters chartered by end 1942?
39
The first collegiate chapter is chartered at the University of Northern Iowa
Feb 10, 1942
An experimental chapter is chartered at Science Hill High School in Johnson City, Tennessee, .
Feb 3, 1942
A second chapter is started later in St. Albans, West Virginia.
Feb 5, 1942
Where is the headquarters of the FBLA office?
National Education Association Center in Washington, D.C.
