The Official Publication of New Jersey Future Business Leaders of America

The Spot l igh tFire Up Your Future

Table of Contents President’s Corner

Bulletin

Road to PBL

Featured Members

Chapter Spotlights

A Guide to NLC

Business Leader Interview

Alumni Interview

The President’s CornerDear New Jersey FBLA Members and Advisers:

Well done New Jersey FBLA, you have Fired Up Your Future by participating in one of the most energetic and remarking State Leadership Conferences to date. Not only did over 1,900 students and advisers attend, it was the largest SLC in New Jersey’s history. Many new programs were implemented to make the SLC superior than last year. The NJ FBLA Internship Program was added to facilitate the registration process. QR Codes were exhibited around the hotel area for easy access to hotel diagrams and schedules. Vista Travel’s brochures were also welcomed with a smile from many of our advisers. Baskets for Babies and the March of Dimes Celebrity Dance were also a huge success. We raised so much for the March of Dimes! I extend a special thank you to the staff members of the Hilton East Brunswick, PDC Productions, and Mercer County Community College for making this conference such a success.

Now its time for us to Ignite Innovation at the 2013 National Leadership Conference in Anaheim, California.

Congratulations to all SLC winners and good luck to those competing and representing New Jersey during this year’s NLC. Please be advised of the following dates:

Institute for Leaders: June 26 – June 27National Leadership Conference: June 27 – June 30

New Jersey FBLA will, once again, have admirable leaders as its State Executive Board. Congratulations to the 2013-14 State Executive Board:

President – Sohum Pawar, Hanover Park High School

Northern Region Vice President – John Lu, Hanover Park High School

North-Central Region Vice President – Andy Le, East Brunswick High School

Central Region Vice President – Jay Parekh, Franklin High School

Southern Region Vice President – Andrew Lopez, Northern Burlington High School

Membership Vice President – Emily Ramos, Belleville High School

Community Service Vice President – Chirag Chadha, Northern Burlington High School

Secretary – Shruti Kumar, Whippany Park High School

Historian – Mimi Hess, Parsipanny Hills High School

Parliamentarian – Shannon Sun, Montville Township High School

Webmaster- John Shammas, Old Bridge High School

Best wishes, Timothy Mansure 2012-13 State President

The Bulletin: News In Your Region

Northern

! Hey Northern Region! As the school year draws to a close, it’s time to look back on all that we’ve achieved! In 2013-2013, our region excelled time and time again in nearly every area imaginable, and it’s all thanks to you. Whether it was in your individual chapters, throughout our region or across the state, each one of you contributed - whether in time, donations, or effort - to making this year the success that it has been. How do I measure that success, you ask? Well, I could sit here listing each and every one of our region’s accomplishments this year - every award, every event, every idea and act of service - but I’d run clear out of room: the Spotlight can only be so long! But let me say this - the greatest successes we’ve achieved this year aren’t the awards that we display on a shelf, or deposit in our bank accounts. No, our real successes lie in our freshmen, who’ve begun to explore their interests and ideas. They lie in our sophomores, who’ve continued to develop their talents. They’re present in our juniors, who’ve started to flesh out their dreams, and continue to wow us with their achievements. And, of course, they’re embodied by our seniors, our friends and leaders for whom the future is just beginning. The real successes that we’ll take away from this year are the lessons we’ve learned and the memories we’ve made.

! Northern Region, it’s been a pleasure serving you this year - I’m looking forward to seeing many of you in Anaheim this June, and I’m honored and excited to continue serving you next year as your State President. Until then, keep Firing Up Your Future!

North Central Throughout the entire 2012-2013 FBLA year, all of you have done a great job firing up your future. Since the beginning, all of you have been working very hard to expand FBLA and increase our membership. Many small chapters have made big increases in their membership. We have held many community service events to raise awareness for numerous charities. As we progressed further into the year, each of you strived for higher success. At the North Central Region breakfast, we had a recording breaking attendance of 81 members from 12 different schools. All your hard work and dedication was evident when many of you placed at the State Leadership Conference in March. I would like to congratulate all of the members that placed in their events. Keep the momentum up! Many of you will represent your chapter and NJ FBLA at Anaheim, California for the National Leadership Conference. At NLC, you will have numerous opportunities to build upon your success and network with members from across the nation. This year has been a wonderful experience serving all of you. If you have any questions or ever need help, feel free to email me at northcentral@fbla.org.

!! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Continued...

Central Hello Central Region! Throughout the past year, you have all done a fantastic job and each and every one of you has represented FBLA and our region brilliantly. Since the very beginning of the year, the entire region has worked hard to increase our membership. We have held many events and had many networking opportunities for our chapters. Early on in the year, schools from our region networked at the FBLA Talent Show hosted by Franklin High School. The Central Region Breakfast this year was a huge success with 40 students from more than 7 different schools participating. We kept up our momentum going into the Regional Competitive events and I can’t convey how proud I am of the performance our region had. At the State Leadership Conference, our region did a fantastic job, and I would like to congratulate all of the students that placed in their competitions this year. You all represented our region well and I hope that this conference allowed you to fire up your future. This year has certainly been one to remember, but it is not over yet! Members from our region will go on to represent our state at NLC this year in Anaheim, California! Overall, I want to thank you for reelecting me to the position of Central Region Vice President. I will continue to open up as many opportunities as possible for our region and I am looking forward to our continued progress next year. We will continue to move forward, not as individual chapters, but as a cohesive region. Remember if you ever need my help feel free to email me or contact me at central@njfbla.org.

Southern

Southern region FBLA ,members, What an amazing year it has been! It's certainly bittersweet to say goodbye to some of the most amazing people I have ever met, but thank you for making my experience as Southern Region Vice President an unforgettable one. I achieved so many of my goals that I set out to accomplish just one year ago and it is because of your diligent efforts as members that these goals and ideas were able to come to fruition. As this is the last bulletin I will be writing, I wanted to take this time to say  to all of the freshman, sophomore, and junior members in the southern region to take advantage of every opportunity FBLA has to offer because the experiences you gain will be truly transforming. To all of the senior members, you have undoubtedly left your legacy in FBLA and although it is sad to say goodbye, we will reach greater heights in whatever we pursue in the future. To those who will be competing in Anaheim, California this summer, I wish you the best of luck. I have no doubts that NJ FBLA will rock the house at the 2013 National Leadership Conference. And finally, although the state theme of "Fire Up Your Future" will soon be changing, every NJ FBLA member will continue to "Ignite Innovation" in  their lives and make an impact in others' lives from this day forward. 

Road to PBLby Colleen Grosse and Ellen Guo

What is PBL? Well, as I’m sure many of you know, PBL is the college-level division of FBLA. There are over 11,000 college students around the country that are involved in the organization. Like in FBLA, students in PBL can get involved with committees, community service events, academic enhancement tools, an annual NJ PBL State Leadership Conference, and national events, such as NFLC and NLC. One distinct difference between the two organizations is that PBL is much more student-run. In FBLA, many times the chapter adviser is the one making the final call on events and projects, while in PBL the students, especially the President, typically hold the role of adviser, so events can be executed more directly by student leaders.

PBL allows students to develop necessary skills required for higher visibility for their careers after college. It’s not just about providing people with jobs; it’s about students connecting with employers, gaining exposure to different fields of study, developing life-changing friendships, and learning through action outside of a textbook-based classroom. Furthermore, it's an excellent opportunity for students to travel across the country and meet thousands of people from diverse backgrounds and majors. Students can also give back to causes that are close to their heart, not just the March of Dimes, but other local organizations like Elijah's Promise, the American Cancer Society, and more.

When asked about advice she would like to give to FBLA students who will soon be college-bound, Colleen Grosse, NJ PBL President, told students “to be open minded and open to new experiences.

College will be a time of great opportunity, and there are so many ways to get involved on campus and within local communities that really do make a difference in a person's life. Be confident in your abilities and always seek new forms or methods of learning. I believe that every student has a unique opportunity to set high standards for their peers. Through PBL or any organization, one should seek to be a lifetime learner and appreciate each experience or opportunity they are presented with in any stage of their college or real-world careers.”

Featured Member: Nicole Ramos

What have you done for FBLA?

As an officer for my local chapter, I have planned out numerous and various community service activities such as a food drive for sandy victims, a toy drive for misfortune children during Christmas time, making ornaments for the pediatric unit during the holiday season,etc. In addition for the community service committee, I have served as a liaison between committee members of the north central region and our state community serve vp. I have also participated in the dodgeball tournament, competed at regionals and states for three years and raised money for the march of dimes.

How has FBLA shaped our high school experience?

FBLA  has shaped my high school experience because  it turned me from a shy and quiet member hiding in the back of the room to an officer conducting meetings.  because of fbla i had the opportunity to learn new skills, such as networking and public speaking, and to meet awesome and amazing leaders across the state. FBLA allowed me to compete in various competition and learn what my skills are. My three years in FBLA have been the best years of my high school experience.

What is FBLA's biggest impact on you?

The biggest impact that FBLA had on me was that it taught me how to be a leader. Through the various workshops at states and the numerous community service activities I learned the essential skills that one needs to be a effective leader. Because FBLA taught me how to be I leader, I have been able to lead my peers in numerous clubs. Learning that value skill will help me succeed in my endeavors in life.

After three years in FBLA, do you have any advice for starting members?

I guess by biggest piece of advice is to get involved. Don't be intimidated by upperclassmen or refuse to partake in an activity because you may not know anyone. By getting involved, you will be able to participate in numerous FBLA perks such as states. In addition you might discover a secret talent or something that you are interested in.

Nicole Ramos is currently a senior attending Belleville High School. As her third year in fbla, she is her local chapter Community Service VP and the North Central Region Director for the NJ FBLA state Community Service Committee. She plan to major in dietetics with a minor in business.  Aside from FBLA, she has leadership positions in other clubs such as drama club, Tri-M Honor Society, National Honor Society, and Principal Advisory's Committee. Over the past three years, she has developed a true passion for FBLA and it has been shown through her achievements

Featured Member: Emily Portuguese! Can you introduce yourself to NJ FBLA?

Hi, NJ FBLA! My name is Emily Portuguese. I'm a junior at Hanover Park High School.

! What is your involvement with NJ FBLA?

Starting sophomore year, I became pretty active in FBLA and competed at regional, state, and national conferences. Currently, I'm the secretary of my local chapter and serve on the Community Service Committee.

! What is your favorite part about FBLA?

My favorite part of FBLA is without a doubt attending the conferences. I've made so many amazing friends through networking, won trophies- even though I broke my trophy sophomore year- for demonstrating my business knowledge, and learned helpful skills in the many workshops this organization has to offer. The 2012 National Leadership Conference was especially incredible, and I will definitely remember my experiences there for a very long time.

! What are your plans to fire up your future?

Hopefully, I will fire up my future by going to college and law school. I would love to become a trial attorney or a judge.

! What do you like to do outside of FBLA?

Outside of FBLA, I can be spotted in my natural habitat, the local Chipotle, hanging out with my friends. If I'm not enjoying a lovely burrito bowl, I'm probably involved in my other activities which include debate, mock trial, and tennis.

! As a rising senior, do you have a message for people who want to get more involved with FBLA?

My advice to any FBLA member who wants to get more involved is try everything and meet everyone. If you don't qualify for a conference, do an open event. If there's a chance to apply for a committee, send in the form. If you see anyone who looks involved at a conference, become his or her friend. I enjoy FBLA so much because of the times I've spent at conferences with great friends, so I believe that's the key to making the most of FBLA.

Chapter Spotlight: Hanover ParkWith nine national qualifiers, sixteen state winners, twenty three regional reward recipients, and not to mention two newly elected state officers, Hanover Park FBLA truly has fired up its future this past year!

The secret to our success? Incentives. Here at HP FBLA, we have focused solely on member improvement and involvement. As a result, we have implemented a club-wide points system in which students accrue points by participating in FBLA related activities and are rewarded based on the number of earned points. Just a few short weeks ago, we hosted our annual rewards trip to Six Flags for our FBLA members – complete with subsidized tickets and meals. Long gone are the days of long member logs but short achievement records. Essentially, we have inaugurated an era of high-flying, highly ambitious overachievers, which shows with our yearly double-digit increases in SLC and NLC participation.

This past year, HP FBLA also had the honor of hosting the Northern Region Vice President’s Breakfast. Held in the weeks following Superstorm Sandy, the breakfast was a success nonetheless with over 70 participants representing over 15 schools. At the breakfast, local chapter officers had the opportunity of meeting their counterparts throughout the northern region, making the event a truly great networking opportunity.

As the year rolls to a close, HP FBLA has no intention of slowing down. This past month, we finished our Otis Spunkmeyer and Maredy fundraisers to replenish our local chapter’s coffer, which is necessary given that HP FBLA is entirely self-sustaining. Also, in the coming weeks, we will be holding our annual elections to cement our next year’s officer team. To sum it up nicely, our Co-President Liana Illutzi notes, “Hanover Park FBLA will end this year with a bang!”

We plan to do just that at the National Leadership Conference in Anaheim this coming June. Three short years ago, we had zero NLC participants. In the years since then, we have had four national Top Five award winners, who have put HP FBLA onto the national FBLA map. This year, we look to continue our success by igniting innovation with the nine HP FBLA members that will be representing HP at the NLC.

Looking forward, HP FBLA looks to play an active role in the FBLA community this coming year with our two newly-elected state officers: President Sohum Pawar and Northern Region VP John Lu. As expected, HP FBLA is excited to ignite innovation and fire up our futures not only for the remainder of this short year, but also the new one in September!

Middle Level Spotlight: Aditi Vijayvergia

FBLA became an important part of my life. It gave me the opportunity to develop my way of thinking, my business skills, as well as my leadership qualities. In the two years I have been in FBLA, it gave me tremendous opportunities and to succeed.

FBLA gave me the opportunity to work with people in a group, and let me use my creativity in the projects like the “Product Design Project”. Also, I was able to present my own ideas, as well as listen to others. I developed my listening and writing skills too. Implementing the project helps me to learn to take turns and achieve our mile stones.

In FBLA I learned how to present myself professionally, like in “Dress for Success” days. This increased my confidence and let me stand out in my classes. People started to recognize that I wanted to be a business leader and was able to be a role model.

I was honored to become the secretary of this club where I learned how to take notes on the meetings and publish them. It helped me to sharpen my listening and writing skills. I had the responsibility to take attendance. It gave me a time to take on responsibilities.

Every other week, I look forward to the meeting for FBLA. This club taught me how to think one step ahead while making decisions. I am able to think in a business leader’s point-of-view. By joining this club, my middle school experience has been enjoyable and has guided me in the right path. This would help me to shape and sharpen my future as well as to contribute in society. My approach to people has become more positive and productive. Joining FBLA is one of the best choices I have ever made.

Aditi is currently a Middle Level Member at Northern Burlington

National Leadership Conference Guide! This year’s NLC will be held in Anaheim, California from June 27 to 30. Located in sunny Southern California, Anaheim is just a short drive away from the beach and is home to many theme parks and shopping centers. When your chapter is not busy studying or practicing for competitive events, be sure to take advantage of your free time and explore the city and its surrounding areas—the places you can go to are endless! Listed below are a few places you can visit that are a short drive from our hotel, the Sheraton Park Hotel at the Anaheim Resort.

Theme Parks• Disneyland Resort (1313 S Disneyland Dr., Anaheim; 2.5 miles – approximately 4 minute drive): Disneyland is

one of Anaheim’s most famous tourist attractions. Home to two parks (Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park), the Disneyland Resort is the perfect place to reunite with your favorite Disney characters and re-live your childhood. The Downtown Disney District, a bustling shopping and dining center, is also located here.

• Knott’s Berry Farm (8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park; 8.3 miles – approximately 13 minute drive): Known as “America’s 1st Theme Park,” Knott’s Berry Farm is located in nearby Buena Park. From roller coasters to water rides, Knott’s Theme Park has an amusement ride for everyone. There are also shops and restaurants at the Knott’s California MarketPlace, located just outside of the theme park.

• Willing to take a longer drive? Try going to Sea World in San Diego (90 miles, approximately 1 hour and 24 minutes away), Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia (62.2 miles, approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes away), or Universal Studios Hollywood in Universal City (36.2 miles, approximately 42 minutes away).

Shopping Centers• Anaheim GardenWalk (321 W. Katella Avenue, Anaheim; 0.4 miles – approximately 5 minute drive): The

GardenWalk is an outdoor center of shopping, dining, and entertainment. Stores include Sunglass Hut and O’Neill. The Cheesecake Factory, California Pizza Kitchen, and P.F. Chang’s are just a few of the restaurants located in this shopping center. There is also a bowling alley and a movie theater.

• The Outlets at Orange (20 City Blvd West, Orange; 2.7 miles – approximately 9 minute drive): The Outlets at Orange is Orange County’s only outlet shopping mall. Currently, there are about 120 outlet stores, including H&M and Banana Republic. Restaurants located here include Dave & Buster’s and Corner Bakery Café. For quick refreshments, you can go to Jamba Juice or Starbucks. There is also a bowling alley and a movie theater.

• Westfield MainPlace Shopping Mall (2800 North Main St, Santa Ana; 4.8 miles – approximately 10 minute drive): The Westfield MainPlace Shopping Mall is an indoor mall consisting of over 100 stores. Stores located here include Forever 21, Express, and Nordstrom. There are over 30 eateries and restaurants, including Baja Fresh and Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.

• South Coast Plaza (3333 Bristol St, Costa Mesa; 12.2 miles – approximately 15 minute drive): This upscale shopping center is home to numerous designer boutiques. Department stores include Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s. There are about 40 restaurants that range from quick eats (McDonald’s, Haagen-Dazs) to fine dining (Morton’s Steakhouse, Marche Moderne).

This list consists of just a few places you can visit while in Anaheim. Check out anaheimoc.org for more ideas on where to go!

! ! ! ! ! ! ! Continued...Restaurants/Eateries

• Tony Roma’s (1640 S Harbor Blvd, Anaheim; 1.2 miles – approximately 5 minute drive): Tony Roma’s is located right across from the Disneyland Resort and specializes in baby back ribs. They are also known for their seafood and steaks.

• In-N-Out Burger (600 S Brookhurst St., Anaheim; 4.9 miles – approximately 11 minute drive): This fast food chain, which had its beginnings in Southern California, is exclusively housed in the West Coast. They even have a “secret menu,” which can be found on their website.

• Anaheim White House (887 S Anaheim Blvd, Anaheim; 2.7 miles – approximately 9 minute drive): If you’re looking for a more upscale restaurant, the Anaheim White House is the place to be. This restaurant is known for their northern Italian cuisine, steak, and seafood. The Anaheim White House has been featured on CNN and CBS for their assistance to Anaheim’s Boys & Girls Club.

Other Leisure Activities• Go to the beach! Southern California is renowned for their beaches. In Orange County, there are six beach cities-

Seal Beach (16.8 miles), Huntington Beach (14.9 miles), Newport Beach (17.4 miles), Laguna Beach (23.7 miles), Dana Point (32.1 miles), and San Clemente (34.9 miles).

This list consists of just a few places you can visit while in Anaheim. Check out anaheimoc.org for more ideas on where to go!

This guide was written by Irene Patron- Executive Assistant

What effect does your job have on the business community? I own a small local business, which has been established for the past fifteen years. My business helps satisfy the needs of an average consumer and  to establish a positive relationship, which is beneficial to both a store owner and customer. 

What advice would you offer to new business leaders? If you are interested in becoming a future business leader, you must be dedicated, responsible, and enthused at all times. Once you enter the business world, you need to take responsibility into your own hands. Don't depend on someone do complete your tasks, instead go out and tackle each and every task. Also be decisive. There will be times in your career when you have to make good decisions fast. Sure you are bound to make mistakes, but everyone learns from their mistakes. 

How did you get started in the business world? Since a child, I have always been interested in the business world.  I have worked for several companies before realizing that I wanted to sit down and establish my own business. I spoke to many business leaders before establishing my business.  I realized the potential risks and responsibilities in owning a business, but that did not stop me from pursuing my dream. 

What are the educational requirements of your occupation? There are no stated educational requirements for this type of business, however education is the key to success. Due to my comprehensive studies as a college student, I had a jump start to my career goals. Education can help guide any individual achieve their goals and to become a successful business leader. Keeping in mind that a successful business leader must be able to cope  with the day to day business world. The business world is unpredictable, therefore a business leader must be prepared to handle any situation. 

Mr. Praveen Chadha is an entrepreneur who owns a small local business. Mr. Chadha has been a successful business owner for the past fifteen years. He has helped many businesses grow and prosper throughout his business career. Mr. Chadha has encouraged many young entrepreneurs to open and establish a successful. With his knowledge and experience, Mr. Chadha has fulfilled his dream of becoming an entrepreneur. 

Business Leader Interview: ! ! ! ! ! Entrepreneurship

2. How has FBLA impacted your high school career and life in general?FBLA is the single greatest activity that I took part in throughout my high school career. When I first joined my freshman year, it was little more than a club to me. I did not make it past regionals and I did not think much of it. However, by my senior year, I was a state officer and attended every conference FBLA had to offer. Aside from the rush of competing, FBLA allows you meet new people who share common interests with you in a fun and interactive way. It also gives you a method to get involved in the community through service activities. FBLA truly is a well-rounded organization that made the time and effort I put into it meaningful.

3. What is one FBLA memory you will never forget?At the 2012 SLC dance, each state officer had a bucket with their face on it. Then, as everyone walked into the dance room, members could donate by putting money into one of the buckets – the person whose bucket got the most money would get pied. At the end of the night, a whipped cream pie was in my face. Since I really wanted to get pied, it was a good time.

4. Would you recommend joining FBLA?I would, and I would recommend it to everyone. What really makes people hesitant about FBLA is that they seem to think FBLA is completely business orientated and that business will not be important to them in the future. However, everyone uses business knowledge in their lives regardless of their career pursuits. Also, FBLA is truly a multi-faceted organization that partakes in networking, community service, leadership, personal development, and much more. Joining FBLA and actively participating the organization can be an incredibly rewarding experience.

5. What is one piece of advice you would like to give to prospective and returning FBLA members?Do not be afraid to meet new people. As you can learn through FBLA, you can really find a common interest with almost anyone if you give it a try. Taking the effort to try this if often difficult, but you can find that it is worth it once you start having a meaningful conversation someone who was a complete stranger minutes ago.

6. Would you join FBLA again if you had the opportunity?Of course. Aside from providing a series of experiences that I have learned from, FBLA was just a lot of fun and I would go back any day.

1. Please tell us about your background and previous involvement in FBLA.

My name is Yash Patel. I attended Parsippany Hills High School. During my junior year I served as chapter treasurer and a member of the Publicity Committee. During my senior year, I served as chapter president and on the state executive board as State Parliamentarian. Throughout my time in FBLA, I attended 2 NLC's, 3 SLC's, 1 NFLC, and 2 SFLC. I placed twice in the top five at SLC, my junior and senior year. In my junior year, I was also awarded Member of the Year. Currently I am studying Computer Science at Carnegie Mellon University, and am planning on minoring in Business Administration.

Alumni Interview: Yash Patel