The FBLA concept was developed in 1937 by Dr.
Hamden L. Forkner of Columbia University. The first high school
chapter was chartered in Johnson City, Tennessee on February 3,
1942.
Important dates in FBLA History:
1937—Hamden L. Forkner of Teachers College, Columbia University
in New York City, proposes to business teachers across the country
that a national organization is needed for the thousands of business
clubs in the nation’s high schools and colleges.
1940—The National Council for Business Education (now known
as the National Business Education Association) sponsors the proposed
student organization. Committees are appointed to formulate the
organization’s general plans. The name “Future Business
Leaders of America” is selected for the organization.
1942—An experimental chapter is chartered in Johnson City,
Tennessee, on February 3. A second chapter is started two days
later in St. Albans, West Virginia. By the end of the year, 39
chapters are added; and over the next three and one-half years,
another 38 chapters join.
1946—The United Business Education Association assumes sponsorship
of FBLA. Headquarters office for FBLA is established at the National
Education Association Center in Washington, D.C.
1947—Iowa becomes the first FBLA state chapter. Indiana
and Ohio quickly follows. Within the next three years, FBLA state
chapters total ten.
1958—The postsecondary division, Phi Beta Lambda is created.
The University of Northern Iowa is the first PBL chapter.
1969—FBLA-PBL is granted independent status as a nonprofit
educational student association under Internal Revenue Code 501
(c)(3). FBLA-PBL, Inc. acquires its own board of directors and
full-time staff.
1973—FBLA-PBL, Inc. appoints Edward D. Miller as the association’s
first full-time executive director.
1979—The board of directors approves establishment of the
FBLA-PBL Alumni Division.
1981—The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation purchases 1.6 acres
of land in the Center for Educational Associations, Reston, Virginia,
as the site for a future FBLA-PBL National Center.
1987—FBLA annual membership tops 200,000 for the first time.
1989—The Professional Division is formed to include alumni
and professional businesspersons.
1990—The groundbreaking ceremony is held for the FBLA-PBL
National Center.
1991—The grand opening of the FBLA-PBL National Center is
held.
1994—The FBLA–Middle Level division is formed for
students in grades 5–9.
1997—Edward D. Miller retires as president and chief executive
officer of the national association. Jean Buckley is appointed
president and chief executive officer.
2001—National center mortgage is retired.
