The establishment of the North Carolina Phi Beta Lambda (NCPBL) Professional Division has enhanced our NCPBL local chapter activities.   Phi Beta Lambda (PBL) celebrates excellence in business and leadership.  Through local programs, state projects, and the national network, PBL prepares future business leaders and provides career opportunities. 

Over the years, NC Professional Division membership has grown, and since 1993 the NCPBL Professional Division has the largest chapter membership in the nation.  The Professional Division is a means to allow former PBL members to stay involved at another level after graduation.  

This division of NCPBL, the Professional Division, has membership comprised of individuals interested in promoting the NCPBL goals.  Members may include former members of PBL, business persons, PBL member's family, and/or any person supporting the goals, policies, and bylaws of FBLA-PBL, Inc. The Professional Division members assist North Carolina Phi Beta Lambda when needed. Some of the objectives of the Professional Division which support NCPBL are:

• Participate in worthwhile undertakings for the improvement of business and community,
• Form a speaker’s bureau to inform business leaders of activities of Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda throughout the state,
• Strengthen the confidence of young men and women in themselves and their work,
• Provide assistance in planning and conducting leadership conferences, meetings, and other activities (i.e., providing judges, speakers),
• Provide assistance and support FBLA-PBL, Inc., and its national projects and activities.

The offices of the NCPBL Professional Division are President, Vice President, and Secretary/Treasurer and serve a term of two-years. The  Professional Division members pay dues as established by the state and national Professional Divisions, but do not compete in events, serve as chapter voting delegates, or hold offices reserved for the NCPBL student members.

MISSION

Our mission is to bring business and education together in a positive working relationship through innovative leadership and career development programs.  The Professional Division supports and promotes FBLA-PBL, Inc. and its goals.

2011-2012 GOALS

Recruitment/Membership/Local Chapter Involvement To secure interest in membership at the State Leadership Conference with our graduating student recruitment program. To maintain status as the largest state chapter in the nation by having local chapters/members recruit professional division members in conjunction with the following programs: PBL Outstanding Chapter Award Program Recruit one new business/community leader as a Professional Division member The Terry Lowrance Leadership Award Receive a minimum of five (5) Professional Division members from 15 chapters, new or renewed, by the deadline Have two Non-Trivia teams entered per region Have 15 chapters with a minimum of ten (10) Professional Division members affiliated with them, new or renewed, by the deadline Have 10 chapter involve a PD member in a chapter activity Professional Division Membership Recognition Awards Recruit five (5) members for recognition at the NFLC or the NLC.  Dues must be received within 30 days of the NFLC or NLC in order for the state office to process dues for recognition and meet the national April 15 deadline. To encourage local chapters to send emails to their current and past PD members asking them to be involved with their local chapter activities. Conferences To assist with the Fall Leadership Development conference by conducting workshops, sponsoring the Non-Trivia contest, and promoting the Professional Division. To secure involvement by business people and PD members for event judging at the SLC. To assist with general conference activities at the SLC. To have representation at all conferences: 10 members at the 2011 FLDC, 5 members at any 2011 NFLC, 20 members at the 2012 SLC, and 10 members at the 2012 NLC. Miscellaneous To begin maintaining membership online. To increase the utilization of PayPal for dues payments.

CODE OF ETHICS

I will be honest and sincere. I will value fair competition. I will advertise, promote and market our organization fairly and accurately and in a manner that reflects the highest standards of the NCPBL Professional Division. I will be neutral and support all candidates and amendments without bias.  This will include refraining from campaigning for or against state elections and affairs. I will respect and adhere to all rules and regulations of the organization. I will willingly accept responsibilities and duties. I will approach each task with confidence in my ability to perform my work at a high standard. I will exercise initiative and responsibility and will cooperate with my fellow members. I will be forthright and truthful in my dealings with my fellow members. I will uphold my integrity and keep my promises. I will support each member of FBLA, PBL, Professional Division, and Foundation to strengthen the organization and build successful long-term relationships. I will seek to improve my community by contributing my efforts and my resources to worthwhile projects. I will seek to learn from my mistakes and take suggestions and criticisms directed toward the improvement of myself and my work. I will dress and act in a manner that will bring respect to me and to my organization.

 

The Professional Division all started out as a friendship—four people… Jim Miller, Janet Hawkins, Jean Lentz, and Terry Lowrance were all gathered in Charlotte, NC for the 22nd Annual State Leadership Conference.  These four, who did not want to lose what had brought them together, conceived the NCPBL Alumni Association that year.  Without the dreams and inspiration of Terry Lowrance and his friends, we would not have this great association of graduates and supporters. 

On April 9, 1976 the State Executive Council approved the “Birth” of the North Carolina Ph Beta Lambda Alumni Association, the first nationwide.  By 1977, the National organization realizing that graduating members did want to stay involved, founded the National FBLA-PBL Alumni Association.

In 1987, to increase awareness of FBLA-PBL, Inc., “supporters” such as business people, educators, and parents were invited to join as well as PBL alumni.  The name was changed to the Professional Division.

Over the years, membership has grown to today there are nearly 200+ members strong representing local chapters throughout the state.  Since 1993, the NCPBL Professional Division has been number one in the nation for largest chapter membership.  No other state Professional Division chapter can claim that fame!

In 2006, the Professional Division held its first Summit during the Fall Leadership Development Conference to brainstorm ideas and strategies for the coming year and provide professional development workshops for attendees.  Another program developed during that year was the PD Ambassador Program.  Through collaboration at the PD Summit and the combined efforts of PD member Mike Fann and PD President Eric McGarvey, the Professional Division proudly introduced this new area of participation for Professional Division members. 

At every conference, NCPBL counts on the State Executive Council members working hard behind the scenes to prepare and hold the conference.  The PD Ambassadors Program will provide additional assistance to the State Executive Council when needed.  This program targets those members of Phi Beta Lambda who have just graduated from their respective college or university, and are entering into the first stage of their careers. This postgraduate period is the key in recruiting former Phi Beta Lambda members into the Professional Division. This program provides a transitional period for new members that will be the key in understanding what their role will now be as a member of the Professional Division.  The Ambassadors are on hand to help with conference activities, assist NCPBL members, and most importantly provide networking opportunities. 

In 2007, the NCPBL State Chapter recognized the completion of the thirty-year existence of the NCPBL Professional Division chapter by holding a 30th anniversary celebration at the State Leadership Conference in Charlotte, NC.  Special recognition activities held throughout that weekend at the conference recognized long-term and current members of the Professional Division, its 14th year as number one in the nation for chapter membership, and its contribution the North Carolina Phi Beta Lambda chapter over the years.

NORTH CAROLINA PHI BETA LAMBDA
PROFESSIONAL DIVISION BYLAWS

The name of this organization shall be the North Carolina Phi Beta Lambda Professional Division referred to as NCPBL Professional Division or NCPBL PD. (As amended April 4, 1987; April 8, 1989; October 1, 1989; April 4, 2009)

The purpose of NCPBL Professional Division shall be to provide an opportunity for professional division members in the state of North Carolina to continue to further the goals of Phi Beta Lambda within the state.

The specific objectives of NCPBL Professional Division shall be to:

1. Participate in worthwhile undertakings for the improvement of business and community,
2. Form a speaker’s bureau to inform business leaders of activities of Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda throughout the state,
3. Create more interest and understanding in the intelligent choice of business occupations,
4. Strengthen the confidence of young men and women in themselves and their work,
5. Encourage the development of competent, aggressive business leadership and in establishing themselves in business,
6. Improve and establish standards for entrance into business occupations,
7. Help ease the transition from college to the business community,
8. Provide recommendations and referrals for job opportunities,
9. Provide assistance in planning and conducting leadership conferences, meetings, and other activities (i.e., providing judges, speak
10. Sponsor an annual project,
11. Provide assistance in establishing local and state business advisory councils, and
12. Provide assistance and support FBLA-PBL, Inc., and its national projects and activities.

The NCPBL Professional Division shall not have any purpose nor engage in any activity inconsistent with the status of an education and charitable organization as defined in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 or any successor provision thereto, and none of these goals shall at any time be deemed or construed to be other than the public benefit purposes and objectives consistent with such education and charitable status, nor shall the Division adopt goals or engage in any activity inconsistent with the goals and policies of FBLA-PBL, Inc. (Amended March 17, 1979, November 12, 1993).

SECTION 1:  Professional Division membership is open to all individuals interested in promoting the NCPBL goals.  Members may include former members of PBL and/or any person supporting the goals, policies, and bylaws of FBLA-PBL, Inc.  (Amended April 7, 1990; November 12, 1993)

SECTION 2:  Any student enrolled in a school with an active Phi Beta Lambda chapter shall have the option of belonging to the Chapter or the NCPBL Professional Division, but shall not be a Chapter member and a NCPBL Professional Division Member at the same time (Amended April 4, 1987; April 8, 1989).

SECTION 3:  Any member who has paid dues for the current year and follows the Code of Ethics is considered a member in good standing.  Any member in good standing is entitled to one vote at any meeting of the NCPBL Professional Division.  (As amended April 4, 1987; April 8, 1989; October 1, 1989; April 4, 2009)

SECTION 1:The State Office shall have the authority to collect the National Professional Division dues and to report in a timely fashion.  (As amended April 4, 1987; April 8, 1989; October 1, 1989; November 12, 1993; April 4, 2009)

SECTION 2:  The fiscal year shall be July 1 through June 30 (Amended April 4, 1987; November 12, 1993).

SECTION 3:  Dues received from applicants for membership from April 1 through June 30 shall be accepted in payment of dues for the next fiscal year, except when dues have been remitted directly to the National Office (Amended November 12, 1993).

SECTION 4:  Annual dues are payable on July 1, and in order to be a member in good standing, dues must be received by the state office no later than 30 days prior to the State Leadership Conference, including dues rebates from the National Office (Amended November 12, 1993).

SECTION 5:  The Executive Council shall provide for an annual audit.

SECTION 1:  The officers of NCPBL Professional Division shall be a president, a vice-president, and a secretary-treasurer (Amended October 24, 1998).

SECTION 2:  Only NCPBL Professional members in good standing are eligible to hold office.  To be considered a candidate for office, a current Professional member shall have been a member for a minimum of two full membership years (July 1 - June 30) and shall submit a letter of intent to the Nominating Officer at least one week prior to the election at the State Leadership Conference.  The Nominating Officer shall place in nomination the names of all eligible candidates who have submitted letters of intent.  Nominations from the floor will be accepted only for those offices for which the Nominating Officer has received no letters of intent.  (As amended April 4, 1987; April 8. 1989; October 1, 1989; October 24, 1998; April 4, 2009)

SECTION 3:  Each officer shall serve a term of two years and shall be elected by a majority vote (every other year) at a meeting of the NCPBL Professional Division, which shall be held each year at the Phi Beta Lambda State Leadership Conference.  All officers shall assume their duties at the close of the SLC (Amended October 24, 1998).

SECTION 4:  A vacancy in any office other than that of President shall be filled by the recommendation of the State Professional Division Director and the other NCPBL Professional Division officers (Amended April 7, 1990).

SECTION 5:  Duties of Officers.  The officers shall serve on the Executive Council and shall perform the duties prescribed for them by these bylaws and the parliamentary authority.  Each officer is entitled to one vote on the North Carolina State Executive Council of Phi Beta Lambda.

The President shall:

1. preside at meetings of the NCPBL Professional Division and the Executive Council;
2. appoint committees and chairpersons;
3. serve as an ex-officio member of all committees except the Nominating Committee, and appoint a parliamentarian to serve in an advisory capacity.

The Vice-President shall:

1. preside in the absence or upon the request of the President;
2. assist the President;
3. assume the office of President in case of a vacancy, and be the Nominating Officer of the Nominating Committee.

The Secretary-Treasurer shall:

1. keep an accurate record of all meetings of NCPBL Professional Division and the Executive Council, and maintain necessary files.  
2. keep an accurate record of all financials. (As amended April4, 1987; Aril 8, 1989; October 1, 1989; October 24, 1998; April 4, 2009)

SECTION 1:  A regular meeting shall be held at the Phi Beta Lambda State Leadership Conference for the purpose of electing officers, receiving reports, and for any other business which may arise (Amended November 12, 1993).

SECTION 2:  Special meetings can be called by the President or by the Executive Council and shall be called upon the written request of five members of the NCPBL Professional Division.

SECTION 3:  The members present at any meeting of the NCPBL Professional Division shall constitute a quorum.

SECTION 1:  The officers and state director of the NCPBL Professional Division shall constitute the Executive Council (Amended April 7, 1990).

SECTION 2:  The Executive Council shall have the general supervision of the affairs of the NCPBL Professional Division between its business meetings, set the time and place of meetings, make recommendations to the NCPBL Professional Division, and shall perform such other duties as are specified in these Bylaws.  The Council shall be subject to the orders of the NCPBL Professional Division, and none of its acts shall conflict with action taken by the NCPBL Professional Division, Phi Beta Lambda, or the Board of Directors of FBLA-PBL, Inc.

SECTION 3:  Meetings of the Executive Council can be called by the President and shall be called upon the written request of two of its members.

SECTION 4:  The State Director of the NCPBL Professional Division is appointed and approved to a two-year term by the North Carolina Phi Beta Lambda Executive Council in the spring as directed by the bylaws of the State Chapter of North Carolina Phi Beta Lambda.  The director shall oversee all activities of the NCPBL Professional Division with guidance of the NCPBL Professional Division officers (New Amendment April 7, 1990, Amended April 8, 2006).

SECTION 1:  The President or State Director of the Professional Division shall appoint committees and chairpersons as deemed necessary by the Executive Council of the NCPBL Professional Division (Amended April 7, 1990; November 12, 1993).

The NCPBL Professional Division emblems shall be the emblems of Phi Beta Lambda. Only members in good standing may use official emblems and insignia.

The most current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order shall govern the actions of the NCPBL Professional Division members in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with the rules of FBLA-PBL, Inc., these Bylaws or any special rules of order the NCPBL Professional Division may adopt (Amended November 12, 1993).

SECTION 1:  These bylaws can be amended at the State Leadership Conference annual meeting or at any called meeting of the NCPBL Professional Division by a two-thirds vote of the members present, provided that the proposed amendment has been submitted in writing and has been sent to the membership at least 30 days prior to the meeting at which the amendment is to be considered.

SECTION 2:  No amendment shall be in conflict with the ethics or rules of FBLA-PBL, Inc.  The Board of Directors of FBLA-PBL, Inc., may enact, without the consent of the Association or its members, any amendments required to qualify, or to retain qualification, as a charitable and education organization as defined in the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 or any successor thereto, and such amendments shall automatically become a part of these bylaws.

SECTION 3:No amendment shall be in conflict with the bylaws of the State Chapter of North Carolina Phi Beta Lambda. (New Amendment April 8, 2006)

AMENDED:  April 1, 1978; March 17, 1979; April 4, 1987; April 8, 1989; October 1, 1989; April 7, 1990; November 12, 1993; October 24, 1998; April 8, 2006; April 4, 2009