[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 13 (Monday, February 23, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Pages S855-S856]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   SALUTE TO FUTURE BUSINESS LEADERS OF AMERICA--PHI BETA LAMBDA WEEK

 Mr. BREAUX. Mr. President, I rise today to commend the Future 
Business Leaders of America--Phi Beta Lambda (FBLA-PBL) for fifty-six 
years of service to America's students, teachers, businesses, and 
communities. During the week of February 8-14, educators, students, and 
business professionals across the country recognized National FBLA-PBL 
Week. I think this is a wonderful time for us to look back on the 
accomplishments of this organization, whose legacy leaves a strong 
foundation for education and the future of American enterprise.

[[Page S856]]

  On February 3, 1942, Dr. Hamden L. Forkner spearheaded the effort to 
create the first FBLA chapter in Johnson City, Tennessee. Dr. Forkner 
envisioned a national organization that would train high school 
students in the real-life aspects of the professional business world, 
and also develop their leadership, self-confidence, and patriotism. The 
FBLA concept quickly expanded, and membership grew many times over.
  In 1958, the benefits of FBLA were extended to postsecondary students 
with the creation of Phi Beta Lambda. This professional business 
organization seeks to ease the transition from school to work for 
thousands of students by providing training in business leadership 
skills and connecting students with current industry leaders.
  Over the years, FBLA-PBL has grown to encompass two additional 
divisions: a Professional Division, founded in 1989, for their 
partners, supporters and alumni; and the Middle Level, founded just a 
few years ago, which connects middle school and junior high students 
with basic leadership and business principles.
  The mission of the FBLA-PBL is to bring business and education 
together in a positive working relationship through innovative 
leadership and career development programs. They accomplish this 
through a variety of national programs, including seven national 
leadership conferences, over seventy competitive events, strategic 
business partnerships, career expos, and community service.
  Mr. President, in the past fifty-six years, FBLA-PBL has trained 
literally millions of today's leaders in American business. For fifty 
years now, Louisiana has benefited from the FBLA-PBL and today, there 
are approximately 7,000 members in my home state. I am proud to say 
that the National Phi Beta Lambda President is from Louisiana. This is 
truly an organization that has made a positive impact on my home state 
as well as on our country, proving that our youth are ready, willing, 
and able to take the reins of leadership and help guide us toward a 
brighter tomorrow. With over 240,000 members annually, FBLA-PBL is a 
shining example of what makes America great, and I am pleased to have 
this opportunity to recognize them for their efforts. I would like to 
take this opportunity for all of us to recognize and remember that 
FBLA-PBL has done a tremendous service for this country.

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