NJ FBLA History

The first NJ FBLA chapter was chartered on October 16, 1947, at Pennington (now Hopewell Valley Central) High School; it is chapter #112. The first significant stride toward the formation of the state chapter was taken on November 11, 1960, in Atlantic City, when a group of local chapter advisers met with Mr. Hollis Guy, Executive Director of FBLA and the United Business Education Association. A full-scale organizational meeting followed on December 1, 1960. Dr. Louis C. Nanassy, Professor of Business at Montclair State College (known today as Montclair State University), served as the first state chairman. Application was made for the state charter, and it was granted by the national office on May 1, 1961, as State Chapter #27. The first NJ FBLA Collegiate chapter was chartered at Montclair State College (now University) on December 10, 1967.

The first FBLA state convention was held at Montclair State College on May 13, 1961. It was attended by 180 students and advisers from 13 of the 23 active chapters. Dr. Hamden L. Forkner, Professor Emeritus of Teachers College of Columbia University and founder of FBLA, delivered the main address. Mr. Hollis Guy also attended. Competitive events were conducted, state officers were elected for 1961-62, the constitution was ratified, and awards were presented.

The FBLA state office was located at Montclair State College until 1967. From 1967 to 1994, the organizational structure for New Jersey Future Business Leaders of America was managed by the New Jersey Department of Education as an in-house operation or through funded projects at Rider College. The state association was located in the New Jersey Department of Education, with Ms. Mary Lynn Fracaroli, an education program development specialist, serving as FBLA State Chairman. Due to the Department of Education divesting all student vocational organizations, a grant was awarded to Mercer County Community College to manage New Jersey FBLA from July 1, 1995, to June 30, 1996. Ms. Ellen A. Benowitz was appointed State Chairman, with Mrs. Phyllis Halperin as Education Specialist. The New Jersey Department of Education has supported the management of New Jersey FBLA under a grant award since then.

Currently, New Jersey FBLA is housed at Kean University's College of Business and Public Management, with Mrs. Kimberly F. Clark serving as State Adviser and Dr. Jeffrey R. Victor serving as State Chairman.

NJ FBLA national presidents:

Jeffrey Malloy, Collegiate National President, 1982-83
Joseph McDougall, Collegiate National President, 1992-93, Rider University
Michael Yaroshefsky, FBLA National President, 2007-08, Wayne Valley High School
Jaya Singh, FBLA National President, 2021-22, Old Bridge High School
Andrew Stone, FBLA National President, 2024-25, Newton High School

FBLA inspires and prepares students to become community-minded business leaders in a global society through relevant career preparation and leadership experiences.

FBLA's programs focus on:

Leadership Development: members develop essential soft skills by holding chapter officer positions at the local, state, and national levels; by networking with accomplished business professionals; and by participating in business-focused workshops, seminars, and academic competitions.
Academic Competitions: members demonstrate their business expertise at high-profile regional, state, and national competitive events. The top students are recognized with trophies and cash awards.
Educational Programs: members create career portfolios, enhance their knowledge with world-recognized skills certifications, and have access to select college scholarships. Learn more about educational programs for FBLA High School, Collegiate, and Middle School levels.
Membership Benefits: members receive exclusive discounts and enhanced benefits for travel, education, and more. Learn about the benefits available to FBLA High School, Collegiate, and Middle School levels.
Community Service: members work with the Alzheimer’s Association to help support those with Alzheimer's. Discover how FBLA High School, Collegiate, and Middle School members support the Alzheimer's Association.
Scholarships & Recognition: members build a portfolio of accomplishments with a wide range of awards programs.

FBLA's Goals include the following:

Develop competent, aggressive business leadership
Strengthen the confidence of students in themselves and their work
Create more interest in and understanding of American business enterprise
Encourage members in the development of individual projects that contribute to the improvement of home, business, and community
Develop character, prepare for useful citizenship, and foster patriotism
Encourage and practice efficient money management
Encourage scholarship and promote school loyalty
Assist students in the establishment of occupational goals
Facilitate the transition from school to work

I will...

be honest and sincere.
approach each task with confidence in my ability to perform my work at a high standard.
willingly accept responsibilities and duties.
seek to profit from my mistakes and take suggestions and criticisms directed toward the improvement of myself and my work.
abide by the rules and regulations of my school.
exercise initiative and responsibility and will cooperate with my employer and fellow workers.
dress and act in a manner that will bring respect to me and to my school.
seek to improve my community by contributing my efforts and my resources to worthwhile projects.

I believe...

education is the right of every person.
the future depends on mutual understanding and cooperation among business, industry, labor, religious, family, and educational institutions, as well as people around the world. I agree to do my utmost to bring about understanding and cooperation among all of these groups.
every person should prepare for a useful occupation and carry on that occupation in a manner that brings the greatest good to the greatest number.
every person should actively work toward improving social, political, community, and family life.
every person has the right to earn a living at a useful occupation.
every person should take responsibility for carrying out assigned tasks in a manner that brings credit to self, associates, school, and community.
I have the responsibility to work efficiently and to think clearly. I promise to use my abilities to make the world a better place for everyone.

Pledge

I solemnly promise to support the mission of Future Business Leaders of America, abide by its Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct, and develop the qualities necessary to become a community-minded business leader.