Three-man portfolio shines

Emporia State University is making waves in Florida with its nationally recognized professional business organization, Phi Beta Lambda (PBL). Three ESU students received the opportunity to attend workshops and compete at a national level during the National Leadership Conference last month in Orlando.

Students attending the conference were, Corissa Blaha, a 2005 Marketing graduate, Chris McMichael, senior, Computer Information Systems major, and Ashley Smith, senior, accounting major.

In order for these students to compete at the national level they had to first compete at the state level. All three students participated in several events and placed in the top two of those events to qualify for Nationals. Through state-based competition at the spring State Leadership Conferences, students compete in events testing their business knowledge and skills. Top state winners are then eligible to compete for national awards at the National Leadership Conference each summer.

Blaha chose to pursue Future Business Executive at the National level, while McMichael chose Java Programming, and Smith chose Word Processing. There are approximately forty competitive events at the National level, as well as five open events that any participant may compete in. McMichael placed fifth in Java Programming and Smith placed second in Word Processing at the national level.

In addition to the competitive events, all three attended various workshops on leadership; developing and furthering skills already attained. They were also voting delegates, taking part in making decisions for the election of the 2005-2006 Phi Beta Lambda National Officers.

PBL had a strong year with numerous members qualifying at the national level, but only three were able to attend. Brett Bruner, senior, Business Administration major, was unable to attend, but was awarded the National Who's Who in PBL Award.

The mission of PBL is to bring business and education together in a positive working relationship through innovative leadership and career development programs. PBL provides leadership development, networking opportunities, and competition.

Last Updated July 2, 2007>