FBLA History

1942

An experimental chapter is chartered in Johnson City, Tennessee, on February 3. A second chapter is started two days later in St. Albans, West Virginia. By the end of the year, 39 chapters are added; and over the next three and one-half years, another 38 chapters join.

1997

Edward D. Miller retires as president and chief executive officer of the national association. Jean Buckley is appointed president and chief executive officer.

1987

FBLA annual membership tops 200,000 for the first time

1969

FBLA-PBL is granted independent status as a nonprofit educational student association under Internal Revenue Code 501 (c)(3). FBLA-PBL, Inc. acquires its own board of directors and full-time staff.

1973

FBLA-PBL, Inc. appoints Edward D. Miller as the association's first full-time executive director.

1937

Hamden L. Forkner of Teachers College, Columbia University in New York City, proposes to business teachers across the country that a national organization is needed for the thousands of business clubs in the nation's high schools and colleges. 2001—National center mortgage is retired.

1947

Iowa becomes the first FBLA state chapter. Indiana and Ohio quickly follows. Within the next three years, FBLA state chapters total ten.

2001

National center mortgage is retired.

1981

The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation purchases 1.6 acres of land in the Center for Educational Associations, Reston, Virginia, as the site for a future FBLA-PBL National Center.

1994

The FBLA-Middle Level division is formed for students in grades 5-9.

1940

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.

1989

The Professional Division is formed to include alumni and professional businesspersons.

1946

The United Business Education Association assumes sponsorship of FBLA. Headquarters office for FBLA is established at the National Education Association Center in Washington, D.C.

1979

The board of directors approves establishment of the FBLA-PBL Alumni Division.

1991

The grand opening of the FBLA-PBL National Center is held.

1990

The groundbreaking ceremony is held for the FBLA-PBL National Center.

1958

The postsecondary division, Phi Beta Lambda is created. The University of Northern Iowa is the first PBL chapter.