Nevada High School  1999-2000 Future Business Leaders of America Rosston, AR

1940    The National Council for Business Education (now known as the National Business Education Association) sponsors the proposed student organization.  Committees are appointed to formulate the organization's general plans.  The name "Future Business Leaders of America" is selected for the organization.

1942    An experimental chapter is chartered in Johnson City, Tennessee, on February 3.  Second  chapter is started two days  later in St. Albans, West Virginia.  By the end of year, 39 chapters are added; and for the next three and one-half years, another 38 chapters join.

1946    The United Business Education Association assumes sponsorship of FBLA.  Headquarters office for FBLA is established at the National Education Association Center in Washington, D.C.

1947    Iowa becomes the first FBLA state chapter.  Indiana and Ohio quickly follow.  Within the next three years, FBLA state chapters total ten.

1958    The postsecondary division, Phi Beta Lambda, is created.  The University of Northern Iowa is the first PBL chapter.

1969    FBLA-PBL is granted independent status as a nonprofit educational student associate under Internal Revenue Code 501c(3).  FBLA-PBL, Inc. acquires its own board of directors and full-time staff.

1973    FBLA-PBL, Inc. appoints Edward D. Miller as the association's first full-time executive director.

1979    The Board of Directors approves establishment of the FBLA-PBL alumni division.

1981    The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation purchases 1.6 acres of land in the Center for Educational Associations, Reston, Virginia, as the site for a future national FBLA-FBL headquarter.

1987    FBLA annual membership tops 200,000 for the first time.

1989    The professional division is formed to include alumni and professional businesspersons.

1990    The ground breaking ceremony is held for the FBLA-PBL national headquarters.

1991     The grand opening of the FBLA-PBL  national headquarters is held.

1994    The FBLA-Middle Level division is formed for students in grades 5-9.

1997    Edward D. Miller retires as president and chief executive officer of the National Association.  Ms. Jean Buckley is appointed president and chief executive officer.