Welcome Future Business Leaders of America
I’ve never been one to look at the next generation and say “back in the day….” or “kids these days….” as I shake my head. In fact, just the opposite – I tend to look at the next generation with a sense of amazement and respect.
What brings this to mind? Starting on April 17th the Colorado Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) will once again host their 48th Annual Colorado FBLA State Leadership Conference in the Vail Valley. This Conference is designed to bring all the Colorado High School FBLA members (who are enrolled in an approved business program in their school) together to compete in business related events and attend leadership activities. This is a step to qualify for National FBLA Leadership Conference to be held in Orlando in June.
The Future Business Leaders of America is returning to Vail from April 17-19. This group has been coming to Vail for over 25 years and is bringing over 2,500 of the next generation of business leaders to Vail.
What exactly is the Future Business Leaders of America? FBLA’s mission is to bring business and education together in a positive working relationship through innovative leadership and career development programs. FBLA facilitates the transition from school to work. The goals include building character and confidence, creating an interest in and understanding of business, developing business leadership skills and practicing and encouraging money management. FBLA goals related to the personal development needs include public speaking, decision-making, team building, community service, job search skills, and business partnership.
And a trip to Vail? Sounds good – but just what do the kids need to do to qualify? Students have qualified for this state conference through their District Leadership Conference, held in February. There are nine FBLA Districts, representing the entire State of Colorado. Over 5,000 competed at this District Conference and 197 schools will be attending the State Conference. Sounds an awful lot like work to me.
And case in point, this isn’t just fun – it’s work for these kids. Hard work. Students will be participating in leadership workshops, general sessions, and competitive events such as Accounting, Public Speaking, Community Service projects, Web Site Design, Computer Related projects, Job Interview, team events, etc. They will also have the opportunity to attend leadership workshops.
Upon conclusion of the program, the students receive either certificates or plaques. Those receiving plaques qualify for the national conference.
What can you do as a business? Please welcome these future business leaders if you see them in town. Thank them for coming to Vail over any other destination – show them the respect they’ve earned through their hard work and make them feel welcome here. Interested in doing more? Businesses interested in supporting and sponsoring FBLA can donate $100 business level and $75 future level at www.fbla-pbl.cccs.edu
The Partnership is proud to assist FBLA with their lodging coordination and their community coordination to keep this valuable group coming to Vail year-after-year amongst competition from destinations around the state. Special kudos to the Town of Vail and the Vail lodging community for being equally accommodating to FBLA over the years.
As always, I encourage all member businesses to get engaged with the Partnership and to contact us with any suggestions you may have to help us better serve you. Call us at (970) 476-1000 or stop by our offices in Avon at Traer Creek Plaza to share your feedback.