ABOUT FBLA

Students become FBLA members while enrolled in a business education or business-related course.  FBLA is an integral part of the business education curriculum.  

SC FBLA STATE BACKGROUND

The South Carolina State Chapter of Future Business Leaders of America received its charter on February 20, 1949, and became State Chapter Number 5.  Since that time, it has grown both actively and numerically while continuing to serve its primary function--producing quality business leaders.  

Mrs. Rita P. Heape organized the first local chapter at Greenville High School in 1947 and was instrumental in establishing the state chapter.  The first state conference was held in 1948.  Mrs. Heape served as State Chairman until 1951.  Mrs. Jewelle Hollis from Olympia High School in Columbia served as State Chairman from 1952 to 1957, and then Mrs. Swannanoa Gardner of James F. Byrnes High School in Spartanburg served as State Chairman for the year 1957-1958.  At that time, Miss Nelle Boatwright, a business education instructor at North Greenville College was appointed State Chairman.  Miss Boatwright resigned shortly thereafter, and Mrs. Virginia Atkinson of Parker High School in Greenville was appointed to serve.  She served for the year 1959-1960.  At the conclusion of that year, Miss Maria Culp was appointed to serve in this capacity because it was thought that her college affiliation would benefit the organization.  Miss Culp, a business education instructor at Winthrop College in Rock Hill, served until her retirement in 1977.  Mrs. Virginia Atkinson was then appointed to serve as Acting State Chairman. 

The Business Education Section of the State Department of Education assumed the leadership role in October 1977, and Dr. Anne L. Matthews was named State Chairman.  Miss Andrea Kelly was appointed State Executive Secretary.  Ms. Emily Richardson was named State Chairman in 1986.  Ms. Jean Parker was appointed State Executive Secretary in 1987 and served for one year.  When Ms. Richardson resigned in 1992, Ms. Jean Parker and Ms. Linda Albert were appointed as State Co-Chairmen.  In 1993 Ms. Jean Parker and Ms. Katherine Cliatt became State Co-Chairmen, with Ms. Linda Albert assuming the role of State Adviser.

In October 1996 a change in policy at the State Department of Education regarding sponsorship of student service organizations returned governance of the Chapter to the Board of Directors and State Executive Council.  Ms. Pat Itter was appointed State Adviser/Chairman.  

FBLA PURPOSE

To encourage and promote local chapters in recognized schools teaching Business Education in the state of South Carolina.

FBLA CREED

I believe education is the right of every person.

I believe the future depends on mutual understanding and cooperation among business, industry, labor, religious, family, and educational institutions, as well as people around the world. I agree to do my utmost to bring about understanding and cooperation among all of these groups.

I believe every person should prepare for a useful occupation and carry on that occupation in a manner that brings the greatest good to the greatest number.

I believe every person should actively work toward improving social, political, community, and family life.

I believe every person has the right to earn a living at a useful occupation.

I believe every person should take responsibility for carrying out assigned tasks in a manner that brings credit to self, associates, school, and community.

I believe I have the responsibility to work efficiently and to think clearly. I promise to use my abilities to make the world a better place for everyone.

FBLA PLEDGE

I solemnly promise to uphold the aims and responsibilities of Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda and, as an active member, I shall strive to develop the qualities necessary in becoming a responsible business leader.

FBLA GOALS

I will approach each task with confidence in my ability to perform my work at high standard.

I will willingly accept responsibilities and duties.

I will seek to profit from my mistakes and take suggestions and criticisms directed toward the improvement of myself and my work.

I will abide by the rules and regulations of my school.

I will exercise initiative and responsibility and will cooperate with my employer and fellow workers.

I will dress and act in a manner that will bring respect to me and to my school.

I will seek to improve my community by contributing my efforts and my resources to worthwhile projects.