Preceden

FBLA Historical Timeline

Events

Hamden L. Forkner proposes his idea to business teachers across the country.

1937

Hamdel L. Forkner Founded FBLA in Johnson City, TN

1942

The United Business Education Association assumes sponsorship of FBLA.

1946

First FBLA State Chapter Chartered in Iowa, followed by Indiana, Ohio, Georgia

1947

Phi Beta Lambda (PBL) is created

1958

FBLA-PBL is granted independent status as a noprofit educational student association under Internal Revenue Code 501(c)(3)

1969

Edward D. Miller becomes the first full-time director of FBLA

1973

FBLA-PBL Alumni division (professional) formed

1979

Conrad N. Hilton Foundation purchases 1.6 acres of land in Reston, VA for FBLA-PBL National Center

1981

FBLA annual membership tops 200,000 for the first time

1987

Professional FBLA Division formed (from Alumni division)

1989

Grand Opening of FBLA-PBL National Center

1991

The FBLA–Middle Level division is formed for students in grades 5–9.

1994

FBLA bylaws last amended

1995

Edward D. Miller retires as president and chief executive officer of the national association.

1997