2

Table of Contents

State of the Chapter………………………………………………………………………… 3

Letter to the Membership…………………………………………………............... 3

Number of Members……………………………………………………….............. 4

Size of School and Community……………………………………………………. 4

Chapter History…………………………………………………………….. ……... 4

Productivity………………………………………………………………………....……... 5

Recruitment of Members…………………………………………………………... 5

Leadership Development…....................................................................................... 7

Career Exploration and Preparation………………………………………………... 8

Business Partnerships……………………………………………………………… 8

Public Relation Activities and Chapter Publicity………………………………….. 9

Support of FBLA-PBL National and State Projects……………………….............. 10

Community Service Projects………………………………………………..……... 10

Recognition………………………………………………………………………………… 11

Member Initiation and Celebration………………………………………………… 11

Participation at FBLA-PBL Conferences………………………………………….. 12

Businesslike Procedures…………………………………………………………….............13

Chapter Management………………………………………………………………. 13

Financial Development……………………………………………………………. 14

Statement of Cash Flows…………………………………………………………... 15

3

State of the Chapter

Letter to Chapter Membership

February 20, 2015

Dear Phi Beta Lambda Members,

As we are approaching the end of another year of excellence, I am pleased to share with you the

progress and accomplishments of 2014-2015. First, we have doubled our marketing effort and recruited

8 new members during the first semester of the year. Many of our PBL members have stepped up to the

challenge by speaking in classes about our recruitment activities and representing the organization at

school fairs. Second, our stable finances have enabled us to give back to our members by covering their

conference registration costs and providing gifts for their contributions to the chapter. Our financial

success can be attributed to the increased fundraising effort through apparel sale and fundraising events.

Looking back at my first semester in this organization three years ago, I can safely say that PBL has

come a long way. Three years ago, this organization was still adjusting to the overhaul of constitution

and procedures. Because of this, it was unable to provide the privilege that we have now. Today, we

have the opportunity to meet professional speakers at almost every meeting and host professional

workshops of our own.

Needless to say, I have spent a great deal of my college career in Phi Beta Lambda. I have grown

professionally because of the amazing opportunities this organization has given me. PBL has helped me

communicate more effectively and speak more confidently in public. I never would have thought about

becoming President when I first joined but now, I am a leader for others. Fortunately, the rest of PBL are

also gaining the valuable experience through our opportunities and they, too, are becoming professional

leaders. I am thankful that the members are willing to provide their input in order to take this

organization to new heights.

In a nutshell, PBL would not be where it is today without our supportive adviser, Mrs. Cathy Poyner;

our diligent executive board; and our faithful members. Each of you have shown your support in

different ways that have helped the organization promote the FBLA-PBL mission and pledge. Thank

you for your contributions to the chapter and thank you for always keeping PBL’s best interest in mind

through your leadership and support. I am honored to have served this great group as President and I

wish everyone the best in their future endeavors.

Sincerely,

Joanne Chong

President

Eta Alpha Theta Chapter of Phi Beta Lambda

4

Number of Members

Phi Beta Lambda’s chapter membership has been fluctuating in the last five years. Fortunately, our

strong recruitment effort has helped level out membership over the past few years. Our rise in

membership is due to our increase in publicity and recruitment efforts.

In Fall 2014, eight pledges were successfully initiated as active members. This Spring 2015, we have six

pledges who are on their way to becoming active members.

Size of School and Community

Truman State University is located in Kirksville, MO, a community with over 17,000 residents.

Kirksville is located in Northeast Missouri about 180 miles from Kansas City, MO and 215 miles from

St. Louis, MO. Truman State University has approximately 5,700 undergraduates; 290 graduate

students; and 370 international students representing more than 50 different countries.

Chapter History

Before a chapter of PBL was chartered

at Truman State University, Truman

PBL was known as the Business

Administration Club. In 1999, the Eta

Alpha Theta chapter of Phi Beta

Lambda was chartered and Cathy

Poyner, an accounting professor,

became the adviser. Today, Mrs. Poyner

is still the chapter adviser. Her influence

and experience has helped ensure that

the chapter continues to thrive.

26 25

44 52

39 38

24 30

43 35 32

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Total Number of Members

Spring Fall

5

Productivity

Recruitment of Members

Recruitment season is one of the highlights every semester and

the past two semesters our chapter has notably stepped up to the

challenge of recruiting the best members for PBL. We have

revamped our recruitment process by adding more information,

more events, and more excitement. Marketing our chapter has

allowed us to show prospective members that a PBL

membership is an excellent investment of their time.

Below is a list of events that are typical during the recruitment

season:

Information Nights

Prospective members are encouraged to attend one of

the sessions in which a brief overview of the

organization will be provided. Member applications are handed out at each session.

Meet the Chapter Prospective members are able to socialize with the current members through conversations and

ice breakers.

Chapter Meeting Potential members will sit in on a regular chapter meeting to get a feel of the organizational

procedures. Also, a professional speaker will be invited and refreshments will be provided.

Interviews Potential pledges who turned in their applications before the deadline are interviewed to ensure

their compatibility with PBL.

Invite-Only Dinner Dinner will be provided by the Executive Board members to celebrate the successful applicants.

This is an opportunity for the new members to enjoy their first meal with their new PBL family.

All pledges must fulfill the requirements listed below:

Pay pledge member dues; $45 for one semester or $70 for one academic year.

Attend pledge meetings. (Allowed up to 2 unexcused absences)

Attend chapter meetings. (Allowed up to 2 unexcused absences)

Interview all pledges, active members, and chapter adviser.

Earn a 75% or better on all pledge quizzes. (Allowed 1 retake)

Work with pledge class to plan, promote, and facilitate an activity or event for the Chapter.

Participate in at least 3 service events and 3 social events during the semester.

Participate in all fundraising activities and events during the semester.

Adhere to FBLA-PBL National Dress Code while attending professional chapter meetings,

professional PBL sponsored events, and on campus every first Monday of the month. (If the first

Monday of the month is a holiday or a day of no classes, the following Monday shall be

observed.)

6

Fall 2014 Recruitment and Pledge Season

Recruitment season in Fall 2014 lasted two weeks to ensure that our chapter reached as many potential

individuals interested in joining Truman Phi Beta Lambda. During the two weeks of recruitment, 75

posters were hung throughout campus, current members wore t-shirts promoting Truman PBL, executive

members spoke in classes about the benefits of joining

PBL, and social media was used to promote events. One

of our first few activities involved most of our members

volunteering at publicity tables over a few different days

while handing out information flyers and talking to

interested students. In addition, the executive board

members manned a booth at our campus activity fair to

further reach potential members. During these events,

interested individuals provided their e-mail address so

they could be contacted about upcoming recruitment

events.

At the end of the Fall 2014 semester, the Eta Alpha Theta chapter of Phi Beta Lambda had 8 successful

pledge applicants. The Fall 2014 Pledge Class organized and held a ‘PBL Game Night’ event for the rest

of the chapter. The goal of the Pledge Class Event is to provide an opportunity for the pledge class to

demonstrate their leadership skills. For the PBL Game Night, each pledge participated in the planning,

preparation, and execution of the event.

Spring 2015 Recruitment and Pledge Season

Spring 2015 recruitment efforts were successful in

recruiting 6 new pledge members. Recruitment

strategies included executive members as well as

Membership & Marketing Committee members

speaking in classes; passing out flyers; setting up

recruitment booths; participating in the Spring Activities

Fair; and promoting our recruitment events through e-

mails. Students who signed interest sheets at one of the

recruitment events were given a personalized welcome

via e-mail. The Membership & Marketing Chair also

worked together with staff in the Truman Publication’s

Office to create the recruitment poster as shown above. Seventy recruitment posters, which showcased

important recruitment events, were posted around campus. A Facebook event for Recruitment was

created and the chapter website was updated with the latest membership application, poster image, and

recruitment schedule.

The Spring 2015 Pledge Class will be required to fulfill all pledge requirements. The chapter eagerly

waits to see what the pledge class will plan for this semester’s Pledge Event. The Pledge Event, be it a

social, service, or fundraising event, is planned and executed by all members of the pledge class and is

the final showcase of their leadership ability to the chapter. Pledge meetings will be held weekly and

will be directed by the Membership & Marketing Chair as well as the committee members.

7

Leadership Development

Holding Office

Nominations and elections for the new officer team are conducted toward the end of each academic

year. Active members and pledge members who fulfilled membership requirements are eligible to vote

and run for any of the nine officer positions. These positions are President, Vice President, Membership

and Marketing Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, Finance Chair, Service Chair, Social Chair, and Historian.

Officers are required to provide a brief overview of their role descriptions before nominations. At

elections, candidates are required to provide a two-minute speech and participate in a five-minute

question and answer session with the chapter. Candidates will be asked to leave the room while the rest

of the chapter will hold a five-minute discussion on all the candidates. Subsequently, candidates will be

allowed back in the room to cast their votes along with the rest of the chapter. The Secretary will count

the votes and the President will announce the name of the newly elected officer.

Serving on a Committee

Another way that our members gain leadership experience is by serving on one of five committees

within our organization. The committees correspond to the officer positions, Professional Development,

Membership and Marketing, Fundraising, Service, and Social. Committee members are able to learn

leadership skills by leading events put on by their committees or by taking charge of certain tasks. An

example would be professional development committee members leading a workshop at a chapter

meeting. Another great example is our Membership and Marketing Chair has developed titles for all of

her committee members and they each are responsible for one area of tasks. Giving members

responsibilities allow them to display their abilities to the entire chapter.

Conferences

PBL members have a great opportunity to develop leadership qualities by attending conferences

throughout the year. Every year our chapter sends members to National Fall Leadership Conference,

State Leadership Conference, and National Leadership Conference. These events provide members the

chance to compete in their respective fields and demonstrate their skills. They also get to network with

other PBL members from across the state and country. More so, members attend leadership workshops

that help them gain the tools they need to become successful.

8

Career Exploration and Preparation

Truman PBL takes the opportunity to prepare students for business careers very seriously. Each

semester the executive board plans new events that cater towards developing those skills required in the

business field. Most of the events are held during chapter meetings in the form of workshops or

professional speakers.

At all of our chapter meetings we have a professional development event. Every other meeting a speaker

is brought in to talk about their career, skills they possess, their job market, and what students need to be

learning to be competitive. Examples of speakers include an FBI Agent, the Mayor of Kirksville, a

representative from DOT Foods, and an Edward Jones Adviser among many others. When there is not a

speaker at a meeting, a workshop is held. The goals of these workshops are to put skills into action and

allow members to practice what they have been learning or to teach a new skill. Some of our successful

workshops include networking practice, resume building, elevator speech practice, learning about

personalities, and social media skills.

University Sponsored Events

Every year we encourage members to attend career fairs, graduate school expos, and internship

interviews that are hosted by the University. This allows our members to utilize the networking skills

they learned through PBL.

Industry Exposure

Not only do members have a chance to network with those in the business field through school

sponsored events, but members get exposure to the industry through PBL events. Every semester

speakers from across various business fields attend our chapter meetings to present. Often enough, these

speakers will stay after to network with our members.

Business Partnerships

Our chapter volunteered in Bacon Fest, an annual event held by the Chamber of Commerce in Kirksville

to raise awareness of hunger problem by gathering money and food for the three local food pantries. Our

chapter cooperated with other organizations from Truman and A.T. Still University, as well as The Food

Bank For Central & Northeast Missouri, to collect donations. With the support from sponsors and

volunteers, including our members, a total of $1,644 and about 1,700 pounds of canned food were

collected at Bacon Fest 2014.

Another business partnership that PBL has collaborated with is Enactus, a business organization on

campus. This semester our chapter is working with Enactus to host a trivia night on campus. The trivia

night will help fundraise for both of our organizations. For the event, we will be selling tickets worth $5

that will include refreshments and entertainment.The profit earned from the event will be split between

PBL and Enactus.

Furthermore, Truman PBL has built a rapport with DOT Foods, a food distribution center in Mt.

Sterling, IL. We often have speakers from the company present at our meetings on their internship

programs as well as full time positions. Also, our chapter will be taking an industry trip to tour DOT

Foods’s warehouses this semester.

9

Public Relation Activities and Chapter Publicity

Service

Over the course of the 2014-2015 academic year, our PBL chapter has cooperated with various

institutions within the community. In Fall 2014, the chapter partnered with Helping Hands, a mission

located in downtown Kirksville, and collected over 70 packages of paper products to donate to the

mission’s kitchen. Truman PBL established a connection with Hope’s Kitchen, a local food pantry that

operates on the weekends from August to May. Several of our members volunteered to cook and packed

hundreds of meals for delivery to local townspeople.

Activities Fair

Truman PBL participates in a campus-sponsored activity fair held each

semester as part of our promotional effort. Also, this fair is a crucial

component of a recruitment schedule as it helps promote our

organization to prospective members.

Philanthropy and Fundraising

Our PBL chapter participates in many philanthropic and fundraising

events every semester. As a result of hosting these events, we are able to

shine the spotlight on Phi Beta Lambda and inform the community of

PBL’s philanthropic efforts. These events ensure that PBL is growing its

presence on Truman’s campus.

Professional Dress Mondays

Every first Monday of the month members are adhere to the FBLA-PBL National Dress Code for the

entire day. Additionally, wearing PBL pins are required of active members. This creates a sense of unity

and pride within the members.

Chapter and Recruitment Shirts

Each PBL member is given an official PBL t-shirt when they first become part of the organization.

Furthermore, we aim to provide at least one additional apparel

each semester. In the past, we have ordered sweatshirts and

hoodies. By providing several apparel choices, members are

encouraged to wear their letters around campus more often in an

effort to promote the organization.

At the end of each semester, we would focus our effort into

designing recruitment shirts for the following semester. Then the

members would vote on a design and proceed to place orders. At

the beginning of the following semester, the chapter will

designate two days (within two weeks) for all members to wear

their recruitment shirt. By having members wear the apparel, this creates a

sense of unity within the organization. Also, recruitment shirts attract

prospective members to ask members about the organization.

10

Support of FBLA-PBL National and State Projects

As a chapter, we have shown our support for

the state and national organizations by

actively participating in the recommended

projects. For instance, Truman PBL dedicates

one service event to March of Dimes each

semester. In the past, we have raised funds

through the sale of wristbands, mugs, mug

holders, ribbons, ring pops, and etc. Last

semester, Fall 2014, we sold ring pops and

earned $177 that was donated to March of

Dimes. This semester, we will be collecting

donations in baby bottles and we are aiming

to raise at least $200.

Furthermore, our chapter has been actively

pursuing the Gold Seal Chapter award each

year. First, we are continuously recruiting prospective members by promoting FBLA-PBL within the

local community through our service to the community. We have also organized events that identify

with the nine goals of FBLA-PBL. Second, we aim to provide at least 6 professional speakers that will

speak at our chapter meetings each semester. In addition to that, we encourage our members to host

workshops to help each other learn and enhance crucial transferable skills.

Community Service Projects

MLK Challenge

MLK Day Collegiate Challenge is an annual event on Truman’s campus to

commemorate Martin Luther King Day, which is also a day off for Truman

students. During the past few years, MLK Challenge has become one of Truman

PBL’s most important service events because it contributes greatly to the

community and helps our members build teamwork skills. Members can participate

in many kinds of service opportunities such as collecting canned food for food

pantries or walking the dogs for animal shelters.

Letters to Soldiers

For the past few years, our chapter has been expressing gratitude to the United States’ soldiers and

veterans by writing letters to them, usually during Christmas season. In December 2014, several

members sent their hand-written letters to the soldiers through the Operation Gratitude program. Our

chapter plans on continuing this activity in the upcoming academic year.

11

Recognition

Member Initiation and Celebration

Member Initiation takes place at the end of every

semester where successful pledges are pinned as

active members. At the end of Spring 2014 a banquet

was held to recognize pledges receiving active

membership, members who excelled within the

chapter and the graduates leaving the organization.

The event was held on campus and dinner was

served. Member initiation takes place after the

chapter president says a few words and delivers her

farewell speech. Then graduate recognition is held

and members have a chance to say goodbye to those

leaving. It is a great way to bring the semester to an

end and conclude the academic year.

Our third annual Semi-Formal was held at the end of the Fall 2014. We began the event by

ceremoniously reflecting on all of our

accomplishments in the fall semester. After that,

we inducted our pledge class, who were excited

to put on their very own Phi Beta Lambda pin

and become active members. The ceremony

ended with us giving thanks to our dedicated

advisor and saying goodbye to one of our most

dear members as she graduated that semester.

Lastly, the event was concluded with members

dancing the night away.

The current pledge class will be initiated at the

banquet at the end of this semester in May.

School of Business Recognition Dinner

Truman State University’s School of Business hosts an annual dinner in honor of outstanding scholastic

achievement. Phi Beta Lambda members represent at this dinner because of their outstanding

performances at state and national FBLA-PBL conferences.

12

Participation at FBLA-PBL Conferences

Missouri Phi Beta Lambda’s annual State

Leadership Conference was held on April 12, 2014

at the Holiday Inn Executive Center. Our chapter

adviser and 21 PBL members participated at the

conference. The conference featured competitive

events for individuals and teams; leadership

training; and election of state officers for the next

academic year. Our chapter was awarded the Gold

Seal Chapter Award of Merit. Over the past year we

had five members participate in the 2014 National

Leadership Conference in Nashville, TN and eight

members participate in the 2014 National Fall

Leadership Conference in Minneapolis, MN.

The following students/teams of Truman State

University were recognized at the Awards Program for the 2014 State Leadership Conference in

Columbia, MO:

Accounting Principles 3rd

Victoria Bynum

Business Communication 5th

Mai Pham

Business Presentation Team 3rd

Mai Pham

Hailey Ketchum

Victoria Bynum

Contemporary Sports Issues 1st Daniel Althoff

Entrepreneurship Concepts 1st Ashton Wolter

Impromptu Speaking 4th

Alexandra Stephenson

Job Interview 4th

Hailey Ketchum

Marketing Concepts 2nd

Quan Luong

Microeconomics 4th

Xiaochen Chen

Organization Behavior & Leadership 2nd

Linda Zhang

Personal Finance 2nd

Ashton Wolter

4th

Linda Zhang

Sports Management & Marketing 1st Daniel Althoff

3rd

Josh Gregg

Statistical Analysis 5th

Xiaochen Jin

13

Businesslike Procedures

Chapter Management

Constitution

Truman PBL is conducted under the bylaws as stated in the Constitution for the Truman State University

Eta Alpha Chapter of Phi Beta Lambda. All chapter, pledge, committee, and executive board meetings

are operated according to the guidelines found within. Chapter officers guide members in the

development and implementation of various activities throughout the year. In addition, five unique

committees are utilized to supervise the implementation of the chapter’s largest activities throughout the

year. The Constitution helps ensure that Truman PBL conducts its business in an efficient and

professional manner.

Agendas

In order to keep meetings focused and timely, chapter agendas are created and distributed to members

before meetings. The President creates the chapter meeting agenda based on submitted reports and

business that needs to be discussed. The President also creates the agendas for the executive meetings

every week.

Pledge Meetings

Pledge meetings are held once a week before chapter meeting and led by the Membership and Marketing

Chair. These meetings prepare pledges to become part of the active body by educating them about PBL.

Membership and Marketing committee members are present at the pledge meetings and help with events

planned and evaluating pledges’ knowledge of PBL.

Chapter Meetings

Chapter meetings are held Mondays at 7PM. The President leads the meetings and ensures a smooth

progression. The Vice President invites business professionals to present at these meetings or puts on

workshops that highlight business skills. Officer reports are presented after the speaker or workshop, and

then old and new business is heard. Finally, announcements are made and the meeting is dismissed. In

order to promote socializing among members and speakers, refreshments are provided after the end of

the meeting.

Committee Meetings

Each committee meets regularly to plan events that pertain to their committee. Members get the

opportunity to share ideas and help plan the semester. Chairs distribute responsibilities to members and

the members have the chance to give feedback about events.

Executive Board Meetings

Once a week the executive board meets to discuss and debate chapter business. These meetings last

about an hour depending on the amount of business discussed. The meetings ensure that all executives

are on the same page and are working together to ensure a strong chapter.

14

Financial Development

TruYo’s Fundraiser Truman PBL extended an invitation to collaborate with a local Kirksville frozen yogurt restaurant,

TruYo, to hold a fundraiser. The owner agreed to donate 10 percent of the night’s profits to Truman

PBL. The fundraiser was held on Tuesday, September 23rd, 2014 from 5PM until 9PM. Members were

encouraged to invite their friends to the store and make a purchase in an effort to fundraise for the

organization. As a result, we raised a total of $45.

Student Senate The Grants & Sponsorships Committee of Truman State University has reviewed our request for funding

for the State Leadership Conference 2015. The conference will be held in Springfield, MO, located four

hours away from Kirksville. We are estimating a high expenditure for lodging and travel for the

conference. Fortunately, with the approval of Student Senate, we were granted $1,000.

School of Business Grant Truman State University’s School of Business awarded Truman PBL a $1,000 grant to help subsidize

for travel, lodging, and registration costs for the 2014 National Leadership Conference in Nashville,

Tennessee. This grant was used to cover hotel expenses and the rest of the money was then split among

the attendants.

Krispy Kreme Donuts Fundraiser During November 2014, our chapter collaborated with Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Inc. Each member is

required to sell at least 2 dozens of donuts at $8 per dozen. We spent two weeks from September 29 -

October 13 to collect orders. On October 20, Krispy Kreme donuts were available for pickup on campus.

From this fundraiser, we sold over 70 dozens of donuts and raised a total of $777.

“Blown away by our Krispy Kreme sales!”

15

Truman Phi Beta Lambda

Statement of Cash Flows

For the Eight Months Ended January 2015

5/15/2014 Balance Forward

Cash Inflows $900.52 From Active Members (Dues):

18 Members x $60 $1080.00

3 Members x $35 $105.00 $1185.00

From Pledge Members (Dues + T-Shirts):

2 Members x $70 $140.00

6 Members x $40 $240.00 $380.00

NLC Hotel $458.46

Apparel $285.00

Conference Reimbursement $585.00

Tru-Yo Fundraiser $45.00

Krispy Kreme Fundraiser $777.00

Miscellaneous $45.00

March of Dimes $177.00

Total Cash Inflows $3,937.46

Cash Outflows National Dues:

31 Members x $10 $310.00

State Dues:

31 Members x $10 $310.00 $620.00

NFLC Registration Fees:

8 Members x $60 $480.00

Recruitment (Shirts, Supplies) $802.98

Printing, Speaker Gifts, & Misc $521.48

Ring Pops (March of Dimes Fundraiser) $84.69

March of Dimes $177.00

Formal & Grad/Advisor Gifts $463.44

NLC Reimbursements $273.00

Social Events $75.33

Krispy Kreme Fundraiser $356.25

Total Cash Outflows $3,854.17

Net Increase in Cash $83.29

2/1/2015 Balance Forward $983.81