~ A MESSAGE FROM YOUR REPORTER ~

Members and Advisers,

On behalf of the entire state office team, I hope that everyone has had a happy holiday season and a great start to the new year! With the second semester starting, we are getting closer and closer to the State Leadership Conference. The New decade has a lot in store for PA FBLA members, including a trip to the new home of PA FBLA Champions. This issue is full of great news, Chapter Updates and RLC winners!

Whether you will be competing at the SLC in April or not, I encourage all members to stay actively involved with FBLA, especially with helping to meet our State Project Goal for the American Heart Association. I hope your chapters stay busy in the coming months, because I can't wait to read about what you all have been up to in your next submission.

Read below to see how our state project is going and for an update from your President! I am looking forward to meeting many of you and hearing about the opportunities you took advantage of this year in April!

Sincerely,

Maxwell Schwabe

2019-2020 PA FBLA State Reporter

A MESSAGE FROM YOUR PRESIDENT

President's Report

Max Ferguson, State President

It’s hard to believe that we are only a little over two months away from the 2020 State Leadership Conference! As my term as State President comes to its final stretch, I’d like to get you all ready and excited for the SLC. Your State Officer Team and I met during the last weekend of January to prepare for this conference, and we are so excited to see you all in Hershey! The State Officers and I would like you to get hyped for the numerous speakers and workshops we have lined up for the conference. At States, you will be provided with tools to help you prepare for a successful future. The stage is set for a great conference, and we can’t wait to hold the general sessions in Hershey’s very own Giant Center! Home of the Hershey Bears and many PA State Champions, get ready to walk the stage where legends have performed.

Over the past year, we have strived to make PA FBLA a better place for its members. By networking with officers from other states through the National Conference and the Eastern Region, we’ve gained valuable ideas that we’ve been trying to apply to our state as well. After a very successful SLW and National Social Media Takeover, the State Officer Team turned their attention towards working with regions for the Region Leadership Conferences. Many of the officers attended multiple RLC’s besides their own to share the State Officer plans of work and goals. The officers have also been focusing on spreading awareness for the State Project: The American Heart Association.

Milton Hershey once said, “The value of our good is not measured by what it does, but by the amount of good it does to the one concerned.” Through the last year, the State Officers have worked hard to leave a positive impact on the members of PA FBLA, and we can’t wait to see all the wonderful state qualifiers in April!

Sincerely,

Max Ferguson

2019-2020 PA FBLA State President

A MESSAGE FROM YOUR TREASURER

State Project Update

Kimberly Speece, State Treasurer

Pennsylvania FBLA is working hard to fulfill the fundraising goal of $67,000 set forth by your 2019-2020 State Officers. Thanks to the dedication of our local chapters, PA FBLA has raised $23,795.69for the American Heart Association as of January 25th, 2020. To continue PA FBLA’s amazing efforts, members should continue to fundraise and support AHA as much as possible.

Members can find ideas and ways to fundraise by visiting https://www.heart.org/en/get-involved.

In order to receive credit for Outstanding Chapter Criteria, be sure to have all checks in by February 15th. All donations should be sent to the state office at PO Box 5085, Jersey Shore, PA 17740. Checks should be made payable to PA FBLA with American Heart Association noted on the memo line. If you have any questions, e-mail your State Treasurer, Kimberly Speece, at treasurer@pafbla.net.

CHAPTER NEWS

That Time of Year

By: Isabella Ruefle, Waynesboro Area Middle School

Its that time of year again, rushing to get things done, and putting the final touches on our middle-level awards. Typing, posters, movies, you name it and we have it here in FBLA. Our members have been working very hard to complete our bronze, silver, and gold awards. But with the clock ticking we have to hurry.Many of our bronze level members are very new to most of these activities, but with the previous experience, we have them on the right track. We have created “passports” filled with all the activities they have to finish which is very helpful to keep them up to date with all the awards. On every page, there is a new activity explaining the requirements and what to do for the specific event. We have improved our work ethic from last year due to the modifications we have made to our way of organizing our activities from the previous years.

With our more experienced members, we have them working really hard to finish all the awards. We use the same passports as the bronze members to also keep our silver members on track. But the most interesting part of all these awards is all the fun and new tasks we have to complete. From making slideshows, movies, and posters, all of our members are enjoying the new skills provided to us from the bronze award. We have more freedom in a way to express what we do and how to succeed.With all of these new skills and activities, we will have lots of experience and resources that most people our age do not have. We learn how to design t-shirts for our occupations and learning how to film correctly to an audience. We even know how to promote things we have interests in. Which is a good skill that will help us later in life from participation in these events.

Resources and Relationships

By: Upper Dublin High School FBLA

On Wednesday, November 6th, 2019, the officers of Upper Dublin FBLA met with Matthew Seabrook of the Fort Washington Business Alliance (FWBA) to reaffirm this strong relationship between the Upper Dublin chapter of FBLA and the local business community. The main topic on the agenda was how each side of the relationship could support the other. One major way that both groups assist each other is by volunteering at the other group’s events (FWBA has reliably provided judges for RLC performance events in the past). Another major topic that was discussed was how students could use the resources of the FWBA to enrich their business education and knowledge, both through guest speakers at FBLA meetings and business classes, and through possible employment or internship opportunities for dedicated students. This relationship was one of the unique aspects of Upper Dublin FBLA, and is a “win-win” for the school, the business alliance, and the Upper Dublin community.

FBLA Explores Career Opportunities

By: Chestnut Ridge FBLA

The Chestnut Ridge Chapter of the Future Business Leaders of America gave members the opportunity to explore various career options this fall.Thirty-seven members and one advisor toured Blackberry Bottom Farm on Tuesday, November 26, 2019. Members learned the history of the business, how to be competitive in a market niche, and how to treat employees.One of the goals of this tour was to show members the various job opportunities that exist for graduates who stay in Bedford County.

Business In The Community

By: Upper Dublin High School FBLA

On Wednesday, December 11th, the Upper Dublin Chapter of FBLA, worked with their business teachers, local business professionals, and community volunteers to host their first annual TruMark Financial Reality Fair. This event, a newly created graduation requirement, had juniors learn about finances and life choices through a realistic budgeting simulation. There were 14 different stations where students learned about various expenses and prepared a budget based on their preassigned income, allowing the students to have a better understanding of how much the expenses really cost. After making many important life choices students spun the wheel of reality where they were faced with an unknown expense or gain in their budget. At the end of the activity, students got to consult with a financial professional to discuss their budgeting skills, any improvements that could be made, and general advice about budgeting in the future. This important educational event was a success with the help of many UD-FBLA Officers not only working to promote the activity to the junior class, but also helping work the booths and guide juniors in completing their budgeting selections throughout the event. Students and volunteers alike were enthusiastic and enjoyed the valuable lessons learned.The success of the TruMark Financial Reality Fair reaffirms the importance of the relationship between UD-FBLA, the Fort Washington Business Alliance and the greater Upper Dublin community.

Ringing In the Holiday Season with Stroudsburg FBLA

By: Stroudsburg FBLA

The holiday season came quickly, and Stroudsburg FBLA was very busy. Many members volunteered with the Salvation Army and rang bells to raise money for the less fortunate. Along with this, our local chapter sold Christmas wreaths to fund raise money. Another fundraiser that our chapter completed was a Gertrude Hawk chocolate holiday catalog sale.

A Very Busy December for Claysburg-Kimmel FBLA

By: Claysburg-Kimmel FBLA

December was also a very busy month for members performing community service throughout Claysburg. On December 15, CK members Jocelyn Shultz, Hayley Jenkins, Dylan Larson, Joslyn Frazier, Maddy Frye, Alyson Jenkins, and Kellee Clark volunteered at the Sheetz Family Christmas. The members painted Christmas images on the faces of children attending the event.On December 16, 12 members of CK FBLA spent the afternoon at NPC, Inc. Members volunteered organizing and sorting Christmas gifts for employees and business partners.On December 18, a few FBLA members volunteered at the Claysburg Food Bank organizing and preparing for the December event.On Thursday, December 19, the CK Middle Level chapter sponsored a blood drive at CKHS. Members donated blood and volunteered to work at the blood drive.

Hometown Ambassador Program

By: Elk County Catholic High School FBLA

Elk County Catholic High Schools FBLA Club has started an ambassador program in their hometown, Saint Marys, for their community service project this year. After meeting on multiple occasions with representatives of the Saint Marys City Hall, our community service committee noticed a lack of resources available to residents and tourists in the area. After looking through what our town highlights, we noticed that many great attractions are overlooked. In just our student body at ECCHS, we often hear the words, “There’s nothing to do in Saint Marys.” Unfortunately, this something that is said quite often from even young adults who live in our town. Therefore, we made it our mission to highlight not only the attractions offered here, but also provide a resource for long-term residents that promotes services. Through this, the representatives of Saint Marys City Hall and ECC FBLA created a group known as E.C.H.O.; which doubles as the theme for our 2019-20 Community Service Project. E.C.H.O stands for Education, Community, Heritage, and Obligation. Together our group created a packet with the best restaurants, yearly events that are held, and even including something as small as the Little League Baseball Coordinator at our city park. We hope to see this program continue to flourish and create an impact on our town. Overall, as a chapter, we have heard the echo that we started, and have seen the ripple effect it is creating.

Blue Out

By: Fleetwood Area High School FBLA

Fleetwood FBLA’s Community Service project held an Autism Awareness Week from November 11th to the 16th. Leading up to the district wide spirit week, members created blue autism puzzle pieces that students were able to buy for 25 cents and hang up in the Fleetwood Area High School cafeteria. The puzzle pieces wrapped around the cafeteria walls to show support for the Superheroes for Autism organization, a local charity that the Fleetwood chapter worked with this year.During the spirit week, project representatives set up an awareness table in which they had pamphlets of autism information, flyers for upcoming events, and trifolds explaining the work of Superheroes for Autism.T-shirts and stickers were also created for the project. The t-shirts were sold to 70 Fleetwood School District staff members and extras were sold to students during lunch periods and at the Holiday Craft Show. On Wednesday November 13th, the district held a Blue Out where students were encouraged to wear their blue shirts and teachers were able to pay $3 to dress down in their t-shirts and jeans. In total, the event raised $125 for Superheroes for Autism.

Reactivated Chapter

By: Governor Mifflin Highschool

Recently, the newly reactivated Governor Mifflin FBLA chapter attended their regional conference. The chapter was reactivated in 2018 by Justin Kaufman, who has been the president for two terms and serves as the Communications Director for the Eastern Region. The chapter was founded with 16 original members, and has nearly doubled in membership size to over 30 members. At regional's the chapter enjoyed the professional like experience at Albright College. Additionally, 15 members qualified for the state competition out of the 19 competing at regional's. The event most certainly fueled FBLA excitement within the chapter and generated new ideas for the future.

PA FBLA Staff Attend National Summit

By: Drew Lojewski, National Officer

In early January, Pennsylvania FBLA Board of Directors Members attended the National FBLA State Leadership Summit (SLS) in Reston, Virginia. Attendees had the opportunity to meet with other state leaders, attend workshops about National FBLA progress, and hear from the new CEO of FBLA-PBL, Inc., Mr. Alex Graham. Board members also went to the FBLA-PBL National Center for an open-house and had a chance to see the historic memorabilia in the building, including the Adviser Wall of Fame. The FBLA Eastern Region Vice President from Pennsylvania, Drew Lojewski (Dallas High School), was in attendance as well with the other national officers of FBLA and PBL to help with summit activities and update their National Program of Work.

Littlestown’s FBLA Basket Auction Remains a Big Hit

By: Maxm Akins, Chapter Reporter

Since the late 1990’s, Littlestown’s FBLA Chapter has been organizing a basket auction each year to raise money for the PA FBLA State Project. Since then, the chapter has raised over $20,000 for various state projects over the years. Traditionally, a committee begins meeting in November and starts planning for the two week-long auction in December which culminates with the drawing the final day of school before Christmas break. This formula, based off of the SLW Basket Auction has been responsible for years of successful auctions at Littlestown High School.This year was another great basket auction raising $1,584 for The American Heart Association. Twenty-two baskets and 18 gift cards were donated by student organizations, teachers, families, and local businesses. This year a new ticket format similar to the SLW basket auction was utilized in an attempt to make it more convenient for everyone purchasing tickets. In addition to the new ticket system, a new basket, The Coal Bucket, was added containing 18 gift cards. Everyone who purchased tickets had the chance of winning a variety of gift cards to local businesses and chains. The annual FBLA Christmas Basket Auction has become a tradition at our school that we plan to continue next year.

Holiday Bash

By: Michael Newton

On December 21, members from Delaware Valley FBLA helped the first annual “Holiday Bash” at Belle Reve Senior Living come to fruition. The event was overseen by senior officers Ashlee Wilson, Cyan Vazquez and Michael Newton.The morning began with members festively decorating the activity room, mirroring the holiday spirit in the air with cheery smiles and attitudes. Other members helped bake allergen-free cookies and wrap presents that were donated by DV FBLA members before the residents arrived for the screening of the “Polar Express.”Members then handed out and punched tickets to “come aboard” our “Polar Express” and watch the movie. Concurrently, other members helped residents to their seats and began to prepare the movie. During the movie, the cookies and refreshments were passed out and served. After the movie, residents opened up their presents which consisted of clothing items, coloring books and puzzle activities. Members and residents then moved to another room to talk and enjoy their new gifts, while other members helped clean up.“It genuinely felt good to spend time with people who are sometimes forgotten in our community and see their appreciation and pure enjoyment when we came to visit them,” senior DV FBLA member Natalia Liszka said.

Marion Center Business Leaders

By: Cherise Schultz

Marion Center Future Business Leaders of America, consistently one of the high school’s most successful clubs. Since 2011, the club has had students place in the top 10 at states, and they have attended nationals 3 times out of those years. With this history of success, it comes as no surprise that the club has sent another motivated group of people to states this year. This April, the club is taking one of its biggest groups to states, with 24 out of the 33 members going, all with high goals in mind.The high school FBLA is advised by business and computer teacher Mr. Tyson Ellenberger and Mrs. Rebecca Usko. Ellenberger and Usko have been the advisors of this club since 2010. With the years of experience, they have been able to build upon a strong system that helps the students get the best out of these opportunities presented to them. Not only has this club turned into one that students strive to succeed in, but FBLA has become a passion to help guide many of the students, and has helped to open their eyes to new possibilities outside of highschool. “It doesn’t matter what they decide to do outside of school,” Ellenberger says,”if you are in FBLA, you will learn the leadership needed to succeed.”Leadership is one of the biggest skills gained through FBLA. Seen year after year, Marion Center high school students look to get the most out of this club and the experiences brought to them. Marion Center students have consistently held officer positions at the region level, and now are even working towards potential state officer positions.

FBLA Region 3 President, and Marion Center Chapter President Kaleb Farmery says “This position has allowed me to work on my leadership and communication skills.” All members, from the officers to the basic club members, get so many opportunities to build their character in ways that will benefit them for years to come.Along with the success among the high school students in FBLA, the growing middle level branch at Marion Center has helped the chapter as a whole. Under the supervision of Mrs. Usko, students in middle level FBLA (an extended branch of FBLA for 7th and 8th grade students) have scored in the top places at states and have helped to grow the high school chapter. Since its start in 2014, younger students have begun to learn the value of the club and the types of experiences it brings. Many of the students who were part of the club during middle level have now moved on to succeed at the high school level. Motivated from their success last year, this year’s new members who were previously in middle level have already claimed their spots at states this year. With few schools offering middle level FBLA, this is an extra benefit that Marion Center offers to their students.As the group from Marion Center continues to prepare for the state conference, the possibilities of moving on to nationals grows more and more. With hard work and high hopes from all of the members, advisors, and community, Marion Center FBLA looks to have one of its best turn-outs at states. The school wishes the students luck on their tests and performances, and hopes to see more success in the coming months.

Supporting The State Project

By: North Penn - Mansfield High School FBLA

Over the course of the past few months, our chapter has sold candy grams, hosted a Secret Santa, and successfully competed at the regional level. Plans are also being made for FBLA week, supporting the state project, and upcoming trips.Several chapter members shared gifts with each other during our first-ever chapter Secret Santa event. Not only did we spread holiday cheer among our members, but also throughout the school by selling candy grams. A candy gram is a handwritten message attached to a candy cane delivered for a dollar. The chapter decided to dedicate the money we raised through the fundraiser to our community service project. We successfully raised $60.00 while also providing a fun activity for students to participate in and help our school get into the holiday spirit. Selling the candy grams also helped spread awareness of our community service project throughout the school.

District - Wide Service Project

By: Mount Union Area High School FBLA

The Mount Union Area High School chapter of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) recently held a food drive amongst all of its members. This annual, district-wide service project has been an FBLA tradition for years. All chapter members are asked to either bring food items to the school or help sort the items to be delivered. Officers and other volunteers spent countless hours organizing, counting, and boxing food items. The volunteers still have several more hours of work ahead of them in order for all of the items to be ready for transport. With the combined effort of the caring community and the students of the district, the chapter was able to collect 3154 items to be donated.When the Mount Union Area High School chapter’s advisor, Vicki Cooper, was interviewed on how committed the students were to giving back to the community, she commented, “I am so proud of our kids and our community. To see the level to which they will reach into their hearts to help other people is so overwhelming.“The president of the chapter, Derek Williams, was also extremely impressed by the effort put forth by the community. “I can’t believe the amount of generosity of this community, which has helped us give back to those less fortunate in our area.”

Chapter Update

By: Easton Area High School FBLA

At the beginning of November, we attended the State Leadership Workshop (SLW). We had 20 members attend the SLW, ten officers and ten members. Sunday morning when we arrived at Kalahari our advisor had checked us in and we got our name tags. Shortly after that the opening ceremony, we split off to attend different workshops on how to become a successful leader. Once the workshops ended we attended and participated in the battle of the chapters and were granted access to our rooms. From there we joined our state officer Vincent at the Heart Walk to raise awareness for our state project, The American Heart Association. After the Heart Walk, we had exclusive access to the water park beginning at 9:30 pm until 11:30 pm. Monday morning had arrived and we again attended more workshops before going to the main hall for a keynote speaker and the closing ceremony. At the conclusion of the closing ceremony, we returned to our rooms to change and gather our belongings. Together, we boarded the bus to begin our ride home.

In December we held our annual gift wrapping fundraiser at the local mall, The Palmer Park Mall. We raised $90 in donations that we then were able to donate to the American Heart Association. Our members spent a few hours on Friday the 13th and all day Saturday the 14th wrapping presents. Then that following Monday, our members attended the Region 28 RLC, where we have 25 members that placed for states. Elections were also an important event as we had two candidates running for regional office. While at the conference they announced the opening of the Vice President position in which one of our members, Bryan Correia, was elected. State Vice President at Large #1, Vincent Caminneci, also gave an incredible speech and was re-elected as Region 28’s President!

Impacting The Community

By: Council Rock South FBLA

Council Rock South FBLA has been very busy lately impacting both its local community and members. CRS FBLA members have been competing in Regional Events, participating in community fundraisers, and preparing to host their first annual Job Fair in March. This year at Regionals, CRS FBLA had 24 people qualify for States, nearly double the amount last year! Council Rock South’s very own Mitchell Gribman was re-elected as President of Region 12, and Parker Homann was also elected to the position of Secretary. They are striving to create lasting progress throughout the region in the coming year. Locally, CRS FBLA has held two fundraisers in the past year for the State Project for the American Heart Association, raising a total of more than $900.

Members requested donations from their community and held vibrant advertisements in crowded civilian plazas in order to raise awareness for heart disease. CRS FBLA is also excited to announce its very first Job Fair in March. Organized by its Officer Team, CRS FBLA is inviting a diverse group of businesses to advertise their internship and employment opportunities for high schoolers. From 4-8 in the evening, all students of the Council Rock Community are invited to speak with local businesses and hand in resumes for potential employment opportunities for the coming year. Their goal is to help local businesses fill their hiring needs by connecting them to a job-hungry market of innovative and motivated students. CRS FBLA will be hosting meetings to teach members interview and resume skills to prepare for the job fair, so students can find jobs that will positively impact their careers. Keep up the good work CRS FBLA!

Pleasant Valley Prepares for FBLA Week

By: Zachary Dooner

With FBLA-PBL Week kicking off on February 2nd, Pleasant Valley (PV) FBLA members gear up for this exciting time of the year. FBLA-PBL Week gives students the opportunity to celebrate their love for the organization and express what FBLA means to them. Pleasant Valley FBLA members will be participating in FBLA-PBL’s most popular activities throughout the week.For example, on Sunday February 2nd, PV students will take to social media to share their “FBLA story.” Members are excited to make online posts about why they joined FBLA and what they love most about the organization. Then on Tuesday the 4th, PV students will travel to Washington, D.C. to meet with Pennsylvania Senator Pat Toomey. Additionally, students will get the opportunity to show their passion for FBLA with what they wear to school. On Wednesday, students will spend the school day in professional business attire normally worn for FBLA functions. Professional attire represents the readiness and achievement of chapter members, along with spreading awareness for the organization. Lastly, for Spirit Day on Friday, members will sport their new Pleasant Valley FBLA t-shirts and share their pride for FBLA.

Lansdale Catholic Polar Plunge

By: Lansdale Catholic FBLA

On Friday, December 6, 2019, a group of students who are in FBLA Lansdale Catholic Chapter 9213 participated in the annual Polar Plunge at Drexel University in Philadelphia. Seniors, Patrick Shelak, Owen Webster (Treasurer), and Chris Walton (Vice-President) raised over $1,900 for the Special Olympics. Students raise money for this cause each and every year and then jump into a freezing pool outside the Recreational Center of Drexel University. It was a great experience.According to Special Olympics website, the mission statement is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.This event shows great leadership because all who participate help lead for change to help those suffering from intellectual disabilities.

weSHOREcare

By: Jersey Shore FBLA

Jersey Shore Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) worked hard to make their dreams a reality for the second year in a row with the weSHOREcare community service project. The main goal for the weSHOREcare project this year was to fill 500 holiday meals boxes to be distributed at the New Love Center in Jersey Shore at their distribution day in December. This goal was quickly reached and passed as the club, school district, and entire community came together to give back during the holiday season.Inside of each meal box was one frozen turkey, two cans of green beans, two cans of corn, two boxes of stuffing, two cans of gravy, one can of cranberry sauce, one can of pumpkin, and one can of evaporated milk. Each of the different schools in the district had a different food item from the box they were asked to donate. Goals were set for the individual schools but every school blew the needed numbers out of the water. Avis Elementary brought in 950 cans of evaporated milk. Salladasburg Elementary had 916 cans of cranberry sauce. Jersey Shore Elementary brought in a whopping 2,305 boxes of stuffing. Jersey Shore Middle School had 1,508 cans of corn. Jersey Shore Senior High School brought in 1,898 cans of turkey gravy. And the faculty and staff across the entire district donated 1,912 cans of green beans. A total of 9,489 food items were donated in three short weeks, surpassing the goal of 5,000 items. Due to the generosity of the community, the excess food items that were donated will be able to be utilized in filling meal boxes for an Easter meal box to be distributed in the spring.

Along with the food donations, monetary funds were raised for the project. These funds went to different uses in the community. $190 went to cover the Advanced Placement (AP) testing fees for high school students who receive free and reduced lunch. $12,000 went to the YWCA Northcentral PA, a local women's shelter, for two different projects. The first are birthday boxes for clients living at the YWCA with small presents, a cake mix, candles, and other things needed to make their birthdays extra special. The funds will also cover the implementation of an outdoor playground for the children so they have a place to play and exercise outside. Finally, $15,945.47 was given to the New Love Center to cover the host of the Holiday Meal Boxes distributed in December, the Easter Meal Boxes distributed in April, and the Backpack Program for JSASD that sends backpacks full of food home with students on the weekend who do not have stable access to food at home. The funds for all of these projects were raised both throughout the year by students and community members, from generous business donations, and the Day of Caring project.The Day of Caring was a community wide dress down day where students, teachers, and businesses could sponsor a turkey for ten dollars. They then got a free Day of Caring shirt, generously donated by Jersey Shore State Bank (JSSB), to wear Friday, November 22nd as part of a community wide dress down day. Businesses such as Weis, Susquehanna Bus Company, and JSSB participated. In total, all 500 turkeys were sponsored and extra money that was donated went towards other aspects of the project. On the November 22nd Day of Caring, the FBLA officer team visited some of the businesses that sponsored turkeys to thank them for their support and chat with them about what it is like working in their profession. Members of JSSB joined the team on the bus between businesses and talked about the paths that they took to their careers. The success of the weSHOREcare project is a great pride for JS FBLA members and it was wonderful to share more about the project with everyone. The trip was fun and educational for both the students and community business leaders.

After the Day of Caring wrapped up November, December was a busy month for JS FBLA in regards to the weSHOREcare project. On December 3rd the FBLA officer team and other members from the club traveled to each school in the district to collect donated food items to drop off at the New Love Center. They were helped by administrators at each of the schools and the school district office who dressed up as elves for the entire day. On December 4th 40 students volunteered their time at the New Love Center, packing the holiday meal boxes with the food items that were collected the day before. On the 13th the officer team spent the day distributing the boxes and turkeys to those who went to the New Love Center that day. The food boxes ensured those who might not have otherwise been able to could have a holiday meal with their families. The FBLA members got to give back and see that their hard worked paid off when people were so grateful for all that the Jersey Shore community had done for them.The weSHOREcare project is a community service project focused on giving back to the community and helping support those who are food insecure, meaning they do not always know where their next meal will come from. This cause is very near and dear to the hearts of those in JS FBLA. Through this project, however, the club has found that this cause is important to many others in the community as well, as evidenced by the generosity and support from so many people. Jersey Shore Future Business Leaders of America strive to better the school and community, and the weSHOREcare project is one of the biggest and best ways that this goal is accomplished.

MUNCY'S BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP

By: Muncy High School FBLA

In August 2017, Muncy High School FBLA was approached by local State Farm agent, Janessa Mitterling, asking if our chapter would be willing to assist with a community clean-up. From that point on the partnership that has grown to today as Muncy FBLA’s Partnership with Business Project. While developing that project, Muncy’s FBLA chapter had strengthened a bond with State Farm Agent, Ms. Janessa Mitterling. Muncy’s FBLA chapter has planned many community wide clean up events with State Farm that became known as the “Doing Good in the Neighborhood Community Cleanups.” They were inspired by the State Farm slogan, “Like a Good Neighbor, State Farm is There.”Ms. Mitterling continues her “doing good” by being a frequent guest speaker in our school. She has come into a Muncy High School’s Personal Finance classes on numerous occasions to discuss entrepreneurship, small business management, insurance and risk management. And has also been a guest speaker in our school’s driver’s education class. Not only has she educated Muncy High School FBLA about business related topics but she has taught many Muncy High School students about important aspects of business.

Shortly after the development of the community clean-ups and guest speaking in classes, Muncy FBLA and Ms. Mitterling had decided to create an internship program for Muncy High School students and FBLA members. Junior Spencer Ort volunteered at State Farm over the summer and land a position as the first intern in the program starting at the beginning of this school year.In addition to classroom presentations, internship program, and community clean-ups, Ms. Mitterling and the State Farm Corporation have opened their wallets to help Muncy FBLA. We have received three grants from State Farm since the partnership began. We have received two from State Farm Corporate office, both valued at $500, and one $500 grant from Ms. Mitterling’s local office. Through Mrs. Mitterling’s support, Muncy FBLA has been able to help financially support more members to go to the PA FBLA State Conference.Muncy High School FBLA cannot wait to continue to develop their partnership with Mrs. Mitterling and see the exciting direction she will help guide their members in. Just like the State Farm slogan,“Like a Good Neighbor, State Farm is There.” Ms. Mitterling has “been there” for Muncy FBLA since 2017, and we couldn’t be happier!

Building Leaders Through Community Service

By: Stroudsburg High School FBLA

Our local FBLA chapter at Stroudsburg High School has been busy enriching members on what it means to help around the community. Volunteering helps members be a better person, while helping them form networks with businesses and community leaders that help them gain experience. There has been much encouragement throughout the year for members to volunteer for organizations and events to help around the community. Some of these volunteering opportunities include helping with the Salvation Army and ringing bells, wrapping gifts, working at sports concessions, assisting at the local nursing homes, and babysitting children while their parents are busy at meetings.Earlier in the year, our local chapter attended heart walks benefiting our state charity, the American Heart Association. We raised money for the walk at the State Leadership Workshop at Kalahari Resort. Along with this, many members volunteered by assisting at the heart walk in Easton, PA. They helped decorate, put up signs to direct people, and worked with the kids in the craft tent while their parents were busy. Through the encouragement of volunteering, some students have even gone to Haiti to help the relief there, as they wanted to be able to help above their own communities. Our FBLA chapter has been building leaders through showing them leadership through community service and the fulfillment that comes with helping the community.

REGIONAL LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE NEWS

Stroudsburg Attends Region 21 RLC

By: Stroudsburg Area High School FBLA

On December 4, members competing in performance events traveled to Pleasant Valley High School to compete in their respective events against other members of Region 21. The regional event placements were very anticipated as members attended their Regional Leadership Conference at East Stroudsburg University on December 16. Stroudsburg FBLA qualified 68 members for the State Leadership Conference in Hershey!

Claysburg-Kimmel Attends Region 5 RLC

By: Claysburg-Kimmel FBLA

Claysburg-Kimmel FBLA made the most of a shortened month before the holidays. It began with the Region 5 Leadership Conference held at Saint Francis University on December 6. CK had 15 members qualify and punch their ticket to the PA FBLA State Leadership Conference in Hershey.

North Penn - Mansfield High School Attends Region 7 RLC

By: North Penn - Mansfield High School FBLA

On January 7th our chapter traveled to the Pennsylvania College of Technology to compete in the 2019-2020 Regional Leadership Conference. Out of the 25 students who participated in a competitive event, 13 students qualified to go to the State Leadership Conference, and we are waiting to hear about the state only event results. In addition to competing, we attended many workshops around campus that were very enjoyable and informative. Members left RLC excited about the upcoming SLC, but we also know that there is a lot of work and preparation still to come before our competitors attend states this April.The officers have been planning for the next few months. In February FBLA week will be in full swing with theme days and FBLA trivia. The chapter is also hosting a “heart week” in honor of the state project. Heart week will take place on February 10-14, which will include dress-up days, guest speakers, and fundraising events to earn money for the American Heart Association. Furthermore, the details and itinerary are being laid out for an upcoming New York City trip that is scheduled to take place in March. The North Penn-Mansfield FBLA chapter has big things planned, and we can not wait to see the outcome.

Muncy Jr/Sr High School Regional Leadership Conference Wrap-Up

By: Muncy Area High School FBLA

This year Muncy FBLA’s chapter attended the Region 7 Regional Leadership Conference at the Pennsylvania College of Technology on January 7th. Out of 54 members, the Muncy chapter had 25 members qualify for the state conference, which is about 20% more qualifiers than last year. In addition to competing at RLC, members listened to the keynote speaker was the CMO of Function of Beauty, which is a popular customizable shampoo brand. Her presentation included information about how to present a brand and the importance of knowing the mindset of a customer. The conference also held workshops for the attendees: one about entrepreneurship, one about branding for a business, another about stress relief, and one by Bloomsburg University about the Husky Dog Pound . A total of 650 students from 18 schools in Region 7 made the conference a success! Two PA FBLA State Officers were also in attendance, Vice President at Large Breanna King and President Max Ferguson. Both also serve as Region 7 Officers and they helped to run the meeting with the other Region 7 officers. Elections were held for Region 7 Officers for the following year, and Breanna King was reelected as a region officer to the position of Vice President after serving as Region 7 Secretary the previous year. Muncy FBLA and Region 7 FBLA look forward to seeing the state qualifiers excel in Hershey come March!