Phi Beta Lambda, the college division of Future Business Leaders of America is one of the premier student business organizations in the world.  Phi Beta Lambda offers a Virtual Phi Beta Lambda Chapter to give students who are not able to participate in a traditional local chapter the opportunity to benefit from the program and services of FBLA-PBL. 

Some of the benefits and activities you could be involved with include:

• You will be given access to the Virtual Chapter Web Site and can “meet” the other members in the virtual chapter.
• You can participate in the PBL Chat Room meetings, speaker presentations and occasional conference call speaker presentations.
• You will automatically be a member of the state chapter in the state where you live or where your school is depending on your choice.
• You can hold leadership positions, including officer positions for the Virtual Chapter.  We will elect officers to lead online discussions.  You could also hold a state officer position.
• You will be invited to attend the State Leadership Conference where you live or go to school and participate in competitive events.
• You will have access to the FBLA-PBL Web Page
• You will receive regular e-mails from the National officers
• You are invited to attend all National Leadership Conferences and compete in competitive events.
• You can participate in the Career and Memberhip Achievement Program (CMAP) sponsored by Virtual Phi Beta Lambda
• You will be a member of a nationally recognized business organization!
• It looks great on the resume!

Virtual Chapter membership is open to individuals who are enrolled in accredited post-secondary institutions and who meet the other membership eligibility requirements defined in the PBL National and/or State chapter bylaws.   Additionally, these individuals will need to demonstrate that they are unable to participate actively in a traditional local chapter due to one or more of the following circumstances: 

• The student is enrolled in a distance- or fully electronic-learning program and does not regularly attend courses or programs on-campus;
• The student is enrolled in a school which does not have a currently active local chapter.

In the Fall most states hold a State Leadership Conference which focuses on workshops and other activities that teach or develop leadership skills.. 
Each Spring, the states hold Spring State Leadership Conferences.  At these conferences the focus is on electing State Officers and participation in competitive events.  Workshops and speakers may also be included.  The National Competitive Event List can be found HERE.   Check out information on state conferences by going to the Web Pages for your state affiliation (see State Chapter Link)   Winners are invited to compete at the National Leadership Conference in June/July. 

Locations for upcoming conferences include:

• 2008 – Atlanta, George
• 2009 – Anaheim, California
• 2010 – Nashville, Tennessee

All members are invited to attend, and if we have openings in any events at that time, we will appropriately place members in them to compete.

The cost for membership in Phi Beta Lambda varies according to the state with which you are affiliated.  Dues for the National PBL are $10. State Chapter dues vary by state.  This is a small price to pay to become involved in a professional business organization such as this one.  Dues can be paid online or you can send your dues to VPBL Membership c/oFBLA-PBL, Inc., 1912 Association Drive, Reston, VA 20191.  Make sure you mark on your membership check that this is for the PBL National Virtual Chapter.

Pat Thieben, from the Iowa Department of Education and a member of the National Board of Directors serves as the Virtual Chapter Contact.  Pat can be reached at 515-371-6564 or at pat.thieben@iowa.gov.  If you would like to become a member or have any questions regarding this organization, please contact Pat.