EAST CENTRAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE Future Business Leaders of America- Phi Beta Lambda Chapter 88 Decatur, Mississippi Local Chapter Annual Business Report 2015-2016 [This report includes complete information about East Central Community College Phi Beta Lambda. The material in this report provides thorough information about the 2015-2016 Phi Beta Lambda events and accomplishments at East Central Community College.] Reported by: Whitney Billings and Alisha Savell i
Table of Contents Introduction State of the Chapter Letter...1 Number of Members.....2 Size of School and Community...2 Activities to Benefit Chapter and Its Members Program of Work...3 Recruitment Activities...4 Leadership Development...5 Career Exploration and Preparation...6 Business Partnerships...6 Chapter Fundraising...7 Public Relations Activities and Chapter Publicity...7 Activities to Benefit Other Individuals and Organizations State and National Projects...8 Other Community Service Projects...9 Conferences and Recognition Participation in FBLA-PBL Conferences...11 Other Chapter and Individual Recognitions Earned...13 Competitive Event Winners and Participants...14 i
Introduction Introduction STATE OF THE CHAPTER April 1, 2016 Dear Members of the Theta Chi Chapter: The 2015-2016 school year has been an exciting year of growth and activity for the Theta Chi Chapter of Phi Beta Lambda as we embrace this year s theme of CONNECT. With members and officers hard work and determination, Theta Chi was able to meet its goals. Giving back to the community is a major aspect of the organization because PBL influences students in many positive ways. Our service projects ranged from raising funds for the March of Dimes to organizing our community service project. Other activities have provided members with opportunities to make valuable contacts in the business community along with essential communication and leadership skills. Some highlights of the 2015-2016 include: Raising $3,066 for March of Dimes Attending National Leadership Conference Hosting State Leadership Conference Participating in Partnership with Business Contributing resources for Breast Cancer Awareness Participating in the March of Dimes Signature Chef Series and Walkathon This great year will soon come to a close. As the National Leadership Conference approaches, Theta Chi looks to the future with assurance and confidence that another wonderful year lies ahead. In closing, I extend a personal thanks to all of you for your hard work and dedication to PBL. Over the past year, each of you has worked hard to become better leaders in our school and community. Sincerely, CrisAnn Bryan 2015-2016 Chapter President Theta Chi Chapter Theta Chi Chapter 1
Introduction Number of Members The Theta Chi Chapter of Phi Beta Lambda has connected with the college and community by having another productive year and promoting membership. Phi Beta Lambda is one of the largest student organizations on the East Central Community College campus; the club consists of 120 active chapter members and 2 professional members. The chapter actively works to recruit members from different academic areas. With this inclusion, the chapter benefits and learns from diversity. Size of School and Community East Central Community College is a state-supported college with an enrollment of approximately 3,223 students. ECCC seeks to fulfill the educational needs of its students from the five-county district which it serves. Phi Beta Lambda at ECCC draws members from computer, business, and academic areas. Most of our PBL members also study Healthcare Data Technology, Office Systems Technology, Networking Technology, Computer Technology, Computer Science, Accounting, and Business Administration. East Central Community College is located in Decatur, Mississippi, which has a population of approximately 2,000. The city is situated in the central part of Mississippi. Decatur is a growing, progressive town in the heart of an agri-business, industrial, and timber area. ECCC and PBL continue to receive support from citizens and industries in Decatur and surrounding counties. Theta Chi Chapter 2
Activities To Benefit Chapter/Members ACTIVITIES TO BENEFIT CHAPTER AND ITS MEMBERS Program of Work EVENT ACTION DATE State Leadership Conference Attend workshops and compete. 3/25/15-3/24/15 March for Babies Assist with setup/cleanup, plus work 4/24/2015 booths Awards Day PBL members recognized by college 4/30/15 End of Year Party Celebrate State Leadership Conference 5/5/2015 Winners National Leadership Conference Practice Team events practiced presentations 5/2015 and 6/2015 National Leadership Conference Attend, participate in workshops, sessions, awards ceremony 6/23/2015-6/28/2015 Chapter Meeting- Recruit new members/maintain Old 9/15/15 Kickoff Meeting Members Membership Drive Set up in cafeteria to recruit new members 9/21/16-9/25/16 Chapter Meeting Officer Election/Committees Formed 10/13/2015 State Fall Host the Mississippi FBLA-PBL State 10/20/15 Leadership Conference Fall Leadership Conference March of Dimes Participate in Signature Chef Series 10/29/2015 Chapter Meeting Report on Community Service Project, March of Dimes, and Conference activities. 11/10/2016 National Fall Leadership Conference Attend workshops. Visit vendors. 11/13/2015-11/14/2015 March of Dimes Prematurity Week 11/16/15-11/20/15 Chapter Meeting Christmas Party 12/1/2015 Submit Conference rough drafts. Chapter Meeting Guest Speaker: March of Dimes Director 1/19/16 Chapter Meeting Guest Speaker: Yates Director 2/4/16 FBLA-PBL Week 2/8/16-2/12/16 FBLA District Host the FBLA Central District 2/11/16 Conference Conference Competitive Events Week Week set aside for practice for all presentation events. 2/22/16-2/26/16 Chapter Meeting Update on reports/conference. 3/1/16 State Leadership Conference Attend workshops and compete 3/2/16-3/4/16 Theta Chi Chapter 3
Activities To Benefit Chapter/Members Recruitment Activities The Theta Chi Chapter works to recruit new active PBL members each year. During the 2015-2016 year, chapter members and officers took advantage of many opportunities to recruit. Some of these opportunities included: Senior Day, Clubs Unite, Fall Membership Party, Recruitment Week and Social Media. The chapter coordinated its efforts to maintain a high level of recruiting. The work Theta Chi members did paid off as the chapter is currently recognized as 6 th nationally in membership. Senior Day Senior Day was held on the East Central Community College Campus during the spring semester. Over 500 high school juniors and seniors from all over the state of Mississippi were invited to tour the campus, listen to the speakers, and find out about ECCC. Students were treated to a hamburger lunch and were entertained by the Collegians. PBL members set up a booth to recruit high school FBLA members and those interested in student organizations. Clubs Unite PBL members participated in Clubs Unite in order to recruit new members. Students informed others of Phi Beta Lambda and even included a name drawing for a free membership. This is an annual event and PBL members gladly participate. Fall Membership Party The fall semester on the EC campus began with the Theta Chi Chapter aggressively conducting its annual membership drive. During the first week of classes, chapter members and officers posted flyers on campus that contained information about FBLA- PBL including: pictures of recent projects, conferences, and a display of the national and state awards won by chapter members. The flyers invited students to attend the kickoff party hosted by the advisors. East Central s Recruitment Week Recruitment week was held August 17-22, 2015. During the week PBL members set up two booths in high traffic areas on campus. Members were able to hand out brochures, highlight previous awards, and tell about their experiences within the organization. This recruitment process yielded an increase in chapter membership and participation. Theta Chi Chapter 4
Activities To Benefit Chapter/Members Social Media Campaign During the 2015-2016 school year, Theta Chi members continued posting to Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook accounts in order to recruit more members. Shown to the right is the chapter s campaign slogan. By implementing three different types of social media, the chapter felt that its social media campaign was successful. Theta Chi now ranks 6 th in the Nation in membership. Leadership Development The Theta Chi Chapter is committed to offering opportunities for officers and members to CONNECT with PBL members, the school, and the community. These opportunities develop members into skilled and assertive professionals. The following activities encouraged professional growth and leadership development: Officer Workshop The newly elected 2015-2016 officer team met for an officer training workshop on September 15, 2015, led by Theta Chi advisors. Chapter goals were set for the upcoming year. Chapter activities, meeting dates, and committees were established. Chapter Committee Systems The Theta Chi Chapter uses a committee structure to organize and implement chapter programs and projects. Each committee chair is responsible for the delegation of duties to committee members. PBL members volunteered to help coordinate the activities. This division of responsibility provides members the opportunity to develop their own leadership skills and to gain valuable experience. Finance Committee...Tyler Sistrunk March of Dimes Committee... Anna Claire Housley Community Service Committee... Alely Cruz Chapter Officers Meetings The officers of the Theta Chi Chapter participated in planning meetings during the year. Phi Beta Lambda officers met periodically to design and plan the chapter s program of work for the year. Chapter officers developed and presented multi-media presentations throughout the year to business classes and the community. Pictured to the right. Seated (L-R) CrisAnn Bryan, President; and Kimberly Watkins, Vice President; Standing (L-R) Lane Wooten, Secretary; Caleb Brown, Social Media Coordinator; and Katie Hillman, Reporter Theta Chi Chapter 5
Leadership Workshops at PBL Conferences Members of the Theta Chi Chapter of Phi Beta Lambda attended leadership conferences to not only enhance their knowledge of the organization but also to develop students knowledge of the business world. Participation in our State Fall Leadership Conference allowed students to network with various individuals from businesses as well as other colleges. Career Exploration and Preparation The Theta Chi Chapter of Phi Beta Lambda is committed to offering opportunities for members to prepare for successful careers. During the 2015-2016 school year, the chapter offered excellent programs to support FBLA-PBL s theme CONNECT. Work-Based Learning Local area business and industry work together with PBL members and allow students to work in jobs that relate to their field of study. Theta Chi thanks those businesses who are willing to work with its members so that they can be better equipped for the job market. The chapter has seven members participating in the Work-Based Learning program. Business Expo Theta Chi members of Phi Beta Lambda contacted business and industry to attend the Business Expo which is set up in the college s gym. Twenty-six businesses and industries participated in the expo. All students on East Central s campus were given the opportunity to attend. Two hundred and forty-three students attended and received valuable information and material from the businesses that participated. Phi Beta Lambda members registered attendees and conducted an evaluation. Those attending gave very high marks in all categories. Business Partnerships In cooperation with local area businesses, Phi Beta Lambda members became business partners with Yates Construction. During the February monthly meeting, PBL officers invited Mike Farrar, Director of Corporate Training at Yates Construction, to speak about job opportunities in the business field. Mr. Farrar shared with the group about the diverse job opportunities available through his organization. Members were able to meet with Mr. Farrar after the meeting and share their resumes with him. Theta Chi Chapter 6
Activities To Benefit Chapter/Members Members also became business partners with AirComm, LLC. Members visited the business and were educated on its accounting system and the day to day operations. The chapter was excited when the company became a bronze member of the Mississippi Foundation, therefore showing a great partnership. Chapter Fundraising The chapter has two primary sources of expendable revenues: local chapter dues and profits from fundraising activities. Throughout the year, our chapter also received various donations that went toward the promotion of our chapter. This year provided a $11,175 profit. Theta Chi Chapter 2015-2016 Fundraising Report Revenue: Sales from Football and Basketball Programs $ 543 Income from FBLA-PBL State Leadership Conference 6,750 Income from FBLA Central District Conference 4,500 Income from membership dues 1,482 Donations from local businessess. 5,000 Total: 18,275 Expenses: FBLA-PBL State Leadership Conference Cooks BBQ 2,700 Philadelphia Printing 150 Guest Speaker 150 FBLA Central District Sales Morrison Foods 1,500 City Donuts 50 Philadelphia Printing 100 Tech Fluency 2,450 Total: 7,100 Fundraising Total January 21, 2016 $ 11,175 Public Relations Activities and Chapter Publicity The Theta Chi Chapter is dedicated to promoting FBLA-PBL. Throughout the 2015-2016 school year, the chapter worked diligently to accomplish this task. The following endeavors increased the chapter s visibility and informed the public about Phi Beta Lambda. Campus Newsletter The campus newsletter, TOM-TOM, is published once a month. Theta Chi officers submit articles each week updating students on chapter activities and issuing invitations to attend each chapter meeting. Theta Chi Chapter 7
Activities To Benefit Chapter/Members Social Media The Theta Chi Chapter made an e-mail distribution list for PBL members. Chapter officers and advisors contacted members through this innovative medium. Upcoming events, activities, and announcements were conveyed to members through e-mail plus the chapter s Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook accounts. Press Release The college newspaper published many articles featuring the activities of the Theta Chi Chapter at East Central Community College. The Public Relations Office submitted articles, announcements, and photographs to the surrounding five-county district newspapers. T-shirt Theta Chi members gladly wear their PBL shirts on campus in support of their local chapter. Pictured to the right are members showing this year s shirt, Huddle Up in support of the March of Dimes. Activities to Benefit Other Individuals and Organizations State and National Projects The Theta Chi Chapter participated in numerous state and national Phi Beta Lambda projects. The chapter has support of their local community and incorporated several projects to benefit its local community. Over one-half of the chapter members actively participated in one or more of the following projects. Advisor Appreciation Day On February 10, 2016, the members of Theta Chi Chapter honored their advisors during the February meeting. Advisors received a $25 gift certificate. March of Dimes Each year PBL members raised funds to help save babies. Bar-B-Q plates, March of Dimes bracelets, and purple March of Dimes cutouts were sold and donations taken. Members displayed all the cutouts in several key areas on campus. Theta Chi members raised $3,066 for the March of Dimes. 2012, $317 2014, $1,203 2013, $1,278 2016, $3,066 2015, $4,498 MARCH OF DIMES DONATIONS $0 $500 $1,000 $1,500 $2,000 $2,500 $3,000 $3,500 $4,000 $4,500 $5,000 Theta Chi Chapter 8
Activities To Benefit Individuals/Organizations National FBLA-PBL Week The Theta Chi Chapter celebrated National FBLA-PBL Week February 8 through 12, 2016. The chapter organized many activities designed to increase PBL s visibility and to increase chapter membership. The bulletin board on the second floor of the Tucker Applied Technology Building featured a calendar of events and activities for the week. The events included Monday Media Day, Tuesday Each One Reach One (former PBL member, Leslie Nash was a guest speaker), Wednesday Advisor Appreciation (Advisors received $25 gift certificate),thursday Professional Day (Hosted FBLA Central District Conference), Friday PBL Spirit Day (members wore PBL t-shirts). Membership Recognition The Theta Chi Chapter received Super Sweeps recognition at the National Fall Leadership Conference. CrisAnn Bryan, Caleb Brown and Kimberly Watkins received Membership Mania recognition. The chapter also received the 100% Class Participation recognition for two Business and Office Technology classes. Mississippi Phi Beta Lambda Foundation The Theta Chi chapter contributed $1,000 to the MS PBL Foundation, therefore becoming a Life-time Member. They received a bronze donation for the foundation from AirComm, LLC. American Enterprise Day The Theta Chi Chapter strongly believes in the Free Enterprise System. In celebration of the American Enterprise Day, on November 16, 2015, chapter members arranged for flyers to be displayed at several local businesses advertising the celebration for the day. The bulletin board on the second floor of the Tucker Applied Technology Building was also decorated to announce American Enterprise Day. Other Community Service Projects Think-Pink Day Theta Chi members hosted a THINK PINK! day October 9, 2016, to raise awareness of breast cancer. Members gave pink ribbons to EC s faculty and staff. They also provided students and staff with an informational flyer about breast cancer. Members also asked that EC students, faculty, and staff participate by wearing pink in observance of breast cancer. Prematurity Week In order to spread awareness of the March of Dimes Foundation the chapter incorporated Prematurity Week to share the great things that the foundation is doing to save millions of babies. This year s March of Dimes Week was scheduled for November 16-20, 2015. Activities included: Monday Mustache Monday, Tuesday Social Media Tuesday, Wednesday Wild Wednesday, Thursday Tattoo Thursday, and Friday Fact Friday. Some of the members that participated in the weeks activity are pictured on the next page. Theta Chi Chapter 9
Activities To Benefit Individuals/Organizations Healthy Lifestyle The 2015-2016 Community Service Project, Healthy Lifestyles Across East Central Mississippi, was a hands-on experience for Phi Beta Lambda members who not only love teaching children but also love teaching children how to have healthy lifestyles that can better their lives. Phi Beta Lambda members created a presentation to present to students in our local middle schools throughout our region. This program reached over 600 students throughout our five county district. March of Dimes Mississippi March of Dimes hosts three major fundraisers each year. The Theta Chi chapter participated in two of these events. On April 24, 2015, members participated in the MOD March For Babies walkathon. Job assignments included setting up for the event, assisting at various booths, and cleaning up. On October 29 members assisted as servers, clean-up crew, and hostesses at the March of Dimes Signature Chef Series. Theta Chi Chapter 10
Conferences & Recognition Conferences and Recognition Participation in FBLA-PBL Conferences Theta Chi members enjoy the opportunity to network with other FBLA-PBL members. Members attended State Leadership Conference, National Leadership Conference, State Fall Leadership Conference, and the National Fall Leadership Conference. Members host the Mississippi-FBLA Central District Conference each year during the National FBLA-PBL Week. This opportunity allows members to showcase the expertise they have gained and truly show their leadership, business skills, and organizational skills. 2015 Mississippi State Leadership Conference Sixteen members and four chapter advisors of the Theta Chi chapter attended the Mississippi State Leadership Conference in Columbus, Mississippi. The Theta Chi Chapter received 16 awards. Caleb Brown was elected as Mississippi State President. Virginia Easley, Leah Ferguson, Mark Hale, and Austin Jordan received Who s Who in PBL. The chapter was recognized as the largest chapter in Mississippi. The chapter also received Gold Seal and Foundation recognition. Theta Chi Chapter 11
Conferences & Recognition 2015 National Leadership Conference Fourteen members and three advisors attended the National Leadership Conference held in Chicago, Illinois on June 24-27, 2016. Members represented the state of Mississippi in one or more competitive events at the National Leadership Conference. Members attended workshops, competed in competitive events, and visited with guest speakers. 2015 Mississippi Fall State Leadership Conference The annual Fall State Leadership Conference was held in Decatur, Mississippi, on October 20, 2015, at East Central Community College s Campus. Theta Chi members were excited to host the event. PBL members attended many workshops that helped improve their leadership skills and interacted with other PBL members throughout the state. On the evening prior to the conference Theta Chi officers met at a local restaurant with officers from Mississippi Delta Community College. The meeting gave members the opportunity to start connecting with other PBL members in Mississippi. Theta Chi members had one state officer, four chapter officers, twelve chapter members, and four advisors in attendance at the Fall State Leadership Conference. 2015 National Fall Leadership Conference Phi Beta Lambda had four members and one advisor in attendance at the National Fall Leadership Conference in Charleston, South Carolina, on November 13-14, 2015. The chapter received Super Sweeps recognition. Theta Chi Chapter 12
Conferences & Recognition Other Chapter and Individual Recognitions Earned Awards Day Several PBL members were recognized at EC s awards day. Students were recognized for achievements in PBL and some were presented additional awards as well. Charles E. Pennington Business Technology Award Virginia Easley, Hall of Fame in PBL- Leah Ferguson, Caleb Stallings, Zach Allen, and Allison Johnson, Networking Award- Mark Hale. Members receiving PBL Hall of Fame included Leah Ferguson, Virginia Easley, and Austin Jordan. MBEA Award of Merit During East Central Community College s 2015 Awards Day ceremony, one PBL member received MBEA recognition. The MBEA Award of Merit is given to outstanding students who excel in the classroom, community, and college activities. Virginia Easley was the PBL award recipient. Who s Who Among American College Students Each year a select group of students is called forward to accept one of the most prestigious awards the academic community can bestow-- selection to Who's Who among American College Students. Students are nominated by the faculty based on a minimum 3.0 GPA, as well as their involvement in extracurricular activities and community service organizations. Theta Chi had twelve members that received Who s Who Recognition. Certification Members are encouraged to receive certification in a variety of areas, so that they can compete with other business leaders. Listed below are certifications received by members. IC3 Certification (two members) OPAC Certification (two members) Comp TIA-A+, Network +, and Security + Certification (four members) 2014 Graduation Members gladly wore their Phi Beta Lambda stoles and first place medals to the 2015 graduation ceremonies. Theta Chi Chapter 13
Conferences & Recognition Competitive Event Winners and Participants 2015 Mississippi State Leadership Conference Award Winners EC s Phi Beta Lambda Chapter had a successful trip to the annual state conference. Sixteen members attended and received first place recognition at the conference. First Place Community Service... Zach Allen and Madelon Taylor Cyber Security... Mark Hale Integrated Marketing Campaign... Virginia Easley, Layne Lepard, and Ben Pace Local Chapter Annual Business Report... Virginia Easley and Leah Ferguson Small Business Mgt. Plan... Bryan Burton, Leah Ferguson, and Kimberly Watkins Second Place Desktop Publishing... Alisha Dunn Social Media Campaign... Caleb Brown, CrisAnn Bryan, and Katie Hillman Third Place Business Communication... Katie Hillman Entrepreneurship Concepts... Kimberly Watkins Information Management... Austin Savell Network Design... Michael Elizondo, Mark Hale, and Austin Savell Organizational Behavior and Leadership...Ben Pace Sales Presentation... Alisha Dunn Fourth Place Networking Concepts... Michael Elizondo Personal Finance... Bryan Burton Other Recognition Rufus T. Jones Scholarship Recipient... Bryan Burton 2015 National Leadership Conference Award Winners Seventh Place Community Service... Zach Allen and Madelon Taylor Social Media Campaign... Caleb Brown, CrisAnn Bryan, and Katie Hillman Eighth Place Cyber Security... Mark Hale Integrated Marketing Campaign... Virginia Easley, Layne Lepard, and Ben Pace Individual Recognition Who s Who In Mississippi... Virginia Easley 3 rd in the nation- Membership, 2 nd in the nation- Raising funds for March of Dimes Theta Chi Chapter 14