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.
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
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.
FBLA has been coming to Vail for over 25 years and brings over 2,500 students to our community, during a time of year we would otherwise historically be rather slow (after the closing of Vail Mountain for the season).
These students have qualified for this state conference through their District Leadership Conference, held in February. There are nine FBLA Districts, representing the entire State. Over 5,000 competed at this District Conference. 197 schools will be attending the State Conference. The students receive either certificates or plaques. Those receiving plaques qualify for the national conference. In addition, they help raise money for worthy non-profit organizations such as March of Dimes and the Colorado Relief Fund.
Special recognition to the following lodging properties for helping host this group program: Antlers at Vail, Evergreen Lodge, Vail Marriott Mountain Resort, Manor Vail Lodge, The Sebastian Vail, Vail Cascade Resort & Spa, Lodge at Vail, Arrabelle at Vail Square, The Landmark and the Sitzmark Lodge. And of course recognition to the Town of Vail for their continued support.
Vail Valley Partnership member businesses are encouraged to load special offers to Trippons.com (a free member benefit). Trippons.com will be promoted to Future Business Leaders of America attendees as a resource for local dining and retail promotions – We encourage our members to use this free tool to reach this audience.
What can your business do to help? If you benefit from these efforts, get off the sidelines and join the Partnership. If you are already a member, tell your neighbors to join to help us do more here in the valley. Your membership helps support our destination & group sales efforts.
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 and for non-members to join the Partnership. Call us at (970) 476-1000 or stop by our offices in Avon at Traer Creek Plaza to share your feedback.