NeSmith Declares National FBLA Week in Lyons

mrandolphadvance@gmail.com

During the January 7 meeting of the Lyons City Council, Mayor Willis Ne-Smith Jr. presented an official proclamation declaring the week as National Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Week in Lyons to members of the Toombs County High School FBLA chapter.

In his proclamation, NeSmith explained that FBLA is a nonprofit educational organization created in Johnson City, Tennessee, in 1942, which has helped to teach middle and high school students basic business and leadership principles and to assist them as they transition from school to the workforce since the organization’s first charter at Toombs County High School in 1988. He highlighted the group’s focus on community service and the understanding of the realities of the modern business world.

Toombs County High School FBLA Chapter President Slade Holland also spoke on the work of the club during the presentation, as he told the Council that the chapter currently has 40 members and is continuing to grow, leading to the group’s improved chapter classification. “Last year, we were projected as a ‘silver chapter’ [based on our members’ participation in activities]. This year, we’re on track to become a ‘gold chapter,’” he added.

Holland said that the chapter had recently attended the FBLA Fall Leadership Conference in Athens, Georgia, in November, where they learned valuable life skills that will translate into their careers. “We all learned the values of being a good leader,” he emphasized. “I was able to enhance my leadership abilities, which I use in my real-world job.”

The Chapter will be attending the state leadership conference on January 28, during which 3 students will compete in various competitions to show off their knowledge and skills. Holland told the Council that last year, a single member of the chapter qualified for the national competition and that the group hoped to continue that success this year.

The FBLA members ended the presentation by thanking the Council for their support of the organization.