The Spotlight

The Official Publication of New Jersey Future Business Leaders of America

Fire Up Your Future

Table of ContentsPresident’s Corner ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! 3

The Bulletin! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! 4

March Of Dimes: A Heartbreaking Story !! ! ! ! ! 6

Chapter Spotlight ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! 8

FBLA Alumni ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! 10

Business Leader Interviews! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! 14

Membership Editorial !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! 16

FBLA Tweets! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! 17

PUBCOMM! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! 18

Editor’s Corner! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! 19

The President’s CornerNew Jersey Future Business Leaders!

First and foremost, congratulations to all who placed at the 2013 Regional Competitive Events. The State Leadership Conference is being held March 14-15, 2013, at the Hilton East Brunswick Hotel and Executive Meeting Center. For those of you who do not know, it is a truly beautiful corporate venue with plenty of space for all of us to have lots of fun. Not to mention, the food is delicious. I wish the best of luck to the top competitors in each competitive event at the 2013 State Leadership Conference. For those of you who didn't place or didn't compete, that's okay! There are plenty of chapter events and performance events that start at the state level. To find a full list of events, check out the State Chapter Awards Manual under "resources" on njfbla.org.

My freshman year, I was awarded in Public Speaking 1. I will never forget the joy of winning an award on the SLC stage. That's why this year's conference is going to be bigger and better than last year’s. We have plenty of new things planned such as the NJ FBLA Internship Program, the March of Dimes Celebrity Dance, and plenty of new awards programs to bring joy to our members.

Feeling famous? This year, our FBLA student dance is themed "celebrity." We're rolling out the red carpet and inviting all our members to dress famous and come out to our dance. Be sure to bring some loose change too. The State Officer with the most change in their jar this year is getting pied in the face. Best of all, the member with the best costume will even get to pie the State Officer in the face (I'm hoping its Sohum though).

Lastly, those preparing to run for State Office should read the newly released State Officer Campaign Policy. This year, we will be implementing several changes. For instance, we will no longer be having skits, campaign manager speeches, or music at campaign booths. You also must remain in business attire at all times. These changes will allow the most fair, professional, and realistic election experience. Best of luck to all of State Officers Candidates and their schools.

Study, campaign, and work hard. I cannot wait to see you at the 2013 FBLA State Leadership Conference!

Firing up our futures together,

Timothy Mansure

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What’s Happening In Your Region: The Bulletin

Hey Northern Region! As we pass the halfway point of the school year, I want to congratulate you on the hard work you’ve put in over the past few months - your dedication to our organization is a sight to behold! You’ve jumped headfirst into NJ FBLA, celebrating FBLA-PBL Week with enthusiasm, impressing us with your generosity through programs like the Pop-A-Top Competition and the Community Service Challenge, and amazing us with your innovative ideas, through your submissions to the inaugural Innovation Incubator! A special congratulation is also in order to the talented members of our region who placed in the Regional Competitive Events - keep up the good work! Looking forward, we’re quickly heading towards our biggest event of the year: the 2013 State Leadership Conference. Two days full of tests and triumphs, it’s going to be a conference to remember, and I encourage all of you to attend and share in the excitement! I wish the best of luck to our region’s competitors, candidates, and conference attendees - I look forward to seeing you all in March! As always, feel free to get in touch with me at northern@njfbla.org if you have any questions. Until next time, keep Firing Up Your Future!

Hello North Central Region! As we are halfway through the 2012-2013 FBLA year, continue and build on your success. Our North Central Region breakfast was a major success. We had more than 80 members attend from 13 schools. With the State Leadership conference around the corner, I hope all of you are working hard and preparing for your competition. If you have any questions regarding an event, please contact me. Make sure you are at your event at least fifteen minutes early. You don’t want to get there late. Also, if you are doing any kind of speaking event, memorize your speech cold! Along with that, get a good conceptual understanding of what your presentation or speech is about. So if you forget a part, you can improvise. If you are one of those members that did not place at regionals, don’t let that stop you from challenging yourself and experiencing SLC. There are many events such as Emerging Business Issues, Community Service Project, Public Speaking, and many more. If you have any questions about competitions or anything else, feel free to contact me via email or Facebook. I cannot wait to see you! All of you better be ready for an extraordinary FBLA experience at SLC 2013!

Continued...

Hello Central Region! The FBLA year is more than half way through, and the Central Region has been very busy. We have been doing an amazing job. Since the very beginning of the year, the entire region has been working diligently to recruit new members and as a result, many chapters have increased their membership by a great deal. It is important that chapters not only enroll new members, but that they keep their experienced members active in the club. If you are interested in having me visit your chapter, please schedule a visit accordingly and we will make it happen. Our region did an outstanding job at the regional conferences and I would like to congratulate all of those that placed in the competitions. Franklin High School’s chapter hosted a regional event on December 21st that allowed people from various chapters in our region to meet. The event was a great success. In addition, the Central Region Breakfast was held on January 18th and 40 students from more than 7 different schools attended and shared ideas for the remainder of the year. Please make sure your schools are all fundraising and getting ready for the State Leadership Conference. I hope that we will have great representation from the Central Region there. All of the chapters in our region have been doing a fantastic job! We need to keep moving forward and show why the Central Region is the best of them all! Remember if you ever need my help feel free to email me or contact me at central@njfbla.org. I can’t wait to see all of you at SLC!

Hello Southern Region! As the State Leadership Conference approaches, I hope all of you are studying for your tests or preparing for your presentations. I am very excited for the State Leadership Conference and cannot wait to see all of the southern region members at the regional session. As I know it might be a very stressful time for local chapter members, especially those who are running for state office, I want to remind members to never hesitate asking me any questions they might have. On a side note to chapter presidents, please keep an eye on your emails because I will be hosting a couple of conference calls for chapters to share events that have been happening in their local chapters and give some reminders before the State Leadership Conference. I want to thank all local chapters in their diligent efforts of recruiting new members and urge you to keep recruiting. Let's make this the very best year NJ FBLA has seen and Fire Up Your Future!

March of Dimes: A Heartbreaking Story

It’s only been two months since I lost my baby. Her name was Olivia. The first time I found out I was pregnant I was so excited that I thought I would have a heart attack. I started the countdown for her arrival in March. Once the excitement subsided I was nervous that something would happen.  Throughout my pregnancy I suffered bad backaches and headaches. My doctor told me it was normal. However deep down inside I don’t think it was... Since I always worry I decided maybe I should relax. When I was 3 months pregnant a friend of mine lost her baby and was afraid to tell me because she didn't want me to worry. I was so sad and stressed for her I became obsessed with thinking I would have the same problem. Her cervix was weak. I was so worried about my cervix being week but it wasn’t. At 4 months I thought something was wrong and went to the emergency room. They said everything was fine. At 5 months and 4 days I went for my routine check up. I was feeling sick that day and remembered telling my students to please be on their best behavior because I wasn't feeling well. Although I was sick I just wanted to get through the day to hear my baby's heartbeat and see her body moving around in me. It was October 27, 2011 and it was a rainy dreary day. I was late to my appointment and apologized for being late. What I didn't know that second was this was going to be my last ultrasound. Looking back at that day the tech was very quiet and not as talkative like other times. My husband was with me and we were just excited and waiting to hear the heartbeat. The tech said she would be right back and then it got fuzzy. It felt like a dream. The doctor proceeded to tell us that Olivia no longer had a heartbeat. I was in shock and began to breakdown. At this time they told me that I would have to deliver my baby and that I should check into labor and delivery. My husband and I left and drove off to labor and delivery. It didn't hit him until he called his mom. I never saw my husband break down but that was the first day I saw raw emotion from him. I was a mess. My parents, mother in law, sister in law and two aunts came to visit me and stayed until it was time for me to deliver.  On October 28, 2011, 8 hours later I delivered our first-born. I saw her and held her like she wasn't dead. I quickly realized she was gone. I sobbed and sobbed and spent 9 hours with her. I was up for over 24 hours but couldn't find myself to sleep because I knew that was going to be the last time I held her. Instead of planning her homecoming we were planning her funeral.

Kindling Kindness- Working together for stronger, healthier babies.

This story was found by: Emily Ramos, North Central Region Communications Director

This is why we fundraise, to make a difference in the lives of others.

The days that followed was surreal. I cried and cried so much that my eyes were swollen like someone punched me. I got angry so angry that I thought if I had someone to blame that it would be better. When I was tired of screaming to god and being angry I was sad and cried. Losing Olivia was the worst thing that ever happened to me. I struggle to breathe and get through my day. They can't tell me what happened to Olivia besides having an infection but didn't know what kind. Everyone keeps telling me I should be happy that nothing is wrong. It doesn't make me feel better or less scared. It actually angers me that these doctors can't figure it out. Then I begin to quickly realize that doctors are only human. I stayed home for six weeks to grieve and also so I wouldn't have to be around my students. You see to make matters worse I work with little kids. I needed the time to grieve and I did not want them to see me this way. I am back to work and the days are ok but there isn't one moment where I don't think of her. I cry every night and talk to my baby girl. I am happy to have a supportive co teacher who is also my friend by my side. All of my hopes and dreams that I had for Olivia is now gone. I won't be able to dress her, watch her grow, or do anything for her. The only things I got to pick put for my precious baby is her tombstone and gravesite. This is unnatural and I wouldn't wish this pain on anyone. I wish I could tell the person reading this that time will heal but I can't. What I can say is handle the grief however you want. You are the only person that knows what you are feeling. Keep loved ones close heck even strangers and talk about your loss in your own terms. Scream, cry, and smile. Be proud of your child who was "still born". Create memories of the little time you had. We got a blanket that says in loving memory of Olivia and also my mother in law created a shadow box with a poem and her tiny footprints. Don't let anyone tell you that you will get over it and most importantly realize that it is a deep and profound lost. Don't be afraid and ashamed of your grief.

I hope one day I can think about my sweet baby without being so sad and empty but today is not that day. Tomorrow will not be that day either. However, today is the day I wrote and I didn't cry. I hope reading my story makes someone realize that this isn't easy or gives someone inspiration or feel better because it just isn't you feeling this way. I will forever cherish my baby and hope one day I have another baby. They will never replace her but maybe just maybe it will ease the pain.

Everyday is still a countdown in my head. I count how many days my baby would still be inside of me and I also count how many days she had passed. Life will never be the same and I am coming to terms with that. I continue to be thankful for my blessings and hope whoever reading this will also.

Keep breathing...

Kristina

Continued....

NJ FBLA would like to thank Kristina and her family.

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Chapter SpotlightArticle by: Irene Patron-Publicity Assistant

Egg Harbor Township FBLA has had an exciting year thus far. From selling glow sticks at high school football games to raising money for the March of Dimes, to assisting their town’s Police Athletic League at various events, there have been many opportunities for EHT FBLA members to get involved in the past few months. With the new year, Egg Harbor Township FBLA is not slowing down in their activities. The month of January was a busy one for their members. Many of their members participated in the Southern Region Competitive Events; others are continuously working on their projects and presentations for the State Leadership Conference. Additionally, from now until mid-February, EHT FBLA officers and members will be preparing for the 7th Annual Ultimate Nerfball Challenge. In this yearly fundraiser, teams consisting of Egg Harbor Township HS students and staff, as well as EHT residents, compete in a dodge ball tournament. 100% of team registration fees will go towards the HERO Campaign, a New Jersey-based organization whose main goal is to promote the use of designated drivers. Last year’s event brought 42 teams and hundreds of spectators, and EHT FBLA officers are hoping for an even better turnout this year. This year’s Ultimate Nerfball Challenge will be held Wednesday, February 13th, at 6 PM in the Egg Harbor Township High School gymnasium. Spectator admission is $3, and there will be refreshments and food on sale as well. EHT FBLA welcomes all local NJ FBLA chapters to attend! Egg Harbor Township FBLA is eager to continue igniting innovation with each other as the year progresses. They are excited to participate in various upcoming events in their local chapter and meet other FBLA members in the state and national conferences!

Chapter SpotlightWhat inspired you to join FBLA?

FBLA is inspiring and you learn practical skills that will help you in the business world. It also gives you a glimpse into the real world that most students our age are not exposed to. In addition, it gives you confidence and inspires you to take risks in life.

How has FBLA impacted your middle school experience?

It has helped us budget our money better when going out with friends. We are more aware of how much money we spend and the importance of money. It also makes us feel proud and important. It makes us feel like a leader at school.

What is the most important thing you learned from FBLA?

We have learned how to manage a business, what it takes to own your own business and how to be successful in the business field. We have also learned about leadership, interviewing, and how to be confident in yourself.

What skills have you perfected in your term as a Middle Level FBLA Leader?

Although we have all learned how to be successful leaders, we all lead each other and respect each other's point of views and ideas.

Responses from: Will Mundy, Arnav Naik,Chenhang ZhangKira Klingebiel, Thomas Wilkins, and Kush Doshi

This interview was conducted by: Chirag Chadha-Publicity Assistant

Bridgewater Raritan Middle Level

NJ FBLA Alumni

Would you recommend joining FBLA?

I would highly recommend joining FBLA. The networking possibilities are immense, as many major companies sponsor events, such as KPMG. Anyone with the slightest interest in working in business in the future should not hesitate to join FBLA. Even those who don’t have any interest in business can still benefit from the educational, developmental, and social experiences offered at conferences and FBLA-sponsored events.

What is one piece of advice you can give to prospective and returning FBLA members? Current and prospective FBLA members, don’t doubt your own ability and talent at any point in your life. If you have an idea or a dream, go after it. Whether it’s taking on the seemingly immense 20-page Business Plan project for competition or applying to your dream college or submitting your resume to a job or opening a company, you won’t ever know if you’re capable of it until you try. The worst that could happen is failure, but even that isn’t the end of everything. Failure should not be a deterrent to your work, but rather an incentive to do greater.

Would you join FBLA again if you had the opportunity? 

If granted the opportunity, I would have joined FBLA earlier. I did not join until my sophomore year in high school and really regret that missing year. Take advantage of FBLA while you can; it truly will help you.

Interviewer: Ellen Guo, Publicity Assistant

Please tell us about your background and previous involvement with NJ FBLA. My name is Thiago Fernandes. I attended Lyndhurst High School, where I served as Chapter President during my senior year. I also served on the Publicity Committee for a year. In my time in FBLA I attended three National Leadership Conferences. My awards include three Top 5 state awards, one Top 15 NLC award in E-Commerce, and in Nashville (2010) I took first place in Introduction to Technology Concepts. I am now attending New York University with a joint major in Computer Science and Economics, and with a minor in Mathematics.

How has FBLA impacted your high school career and your life in general?

FBLA impacted my perspective on the world. In the various conferences that I attended, I became more aware that the world was not the small bubble many of us grow up isolated in. Conferences became about networking with people from different places and different walks of life. Being able to interact with students like myself from various parts of the country made my high school experience much more significant.

What is one FBLA memory you will never forget?

Standing on stage in front of more than 8000 students and advisors at the 2010 NLC will be a memory that I could never forget. I can’t even begin to describe the sensation that came over me as my name was called as the winner of the event.

Thiago Fernandes

NJ FBLA AlumniInterviewer: John Lu, Publicity Assistant

Please tell us about your background and previous involvement with NJ FBLA.I am a freshman at the University of Pennsylvania studying Political Science and Urban Studies. FBLA was a major part of my high school experience and opened so many doors for me. I served as the State Historian my junior year and State President my senior year and both experiences definitely played a major role in my path to college.

How has FBLA impacted your high school career and your life in general?

When I was in high school, FBLA was one of the central focuses in my life. It opened so many doors for me and has definitely made me the person I am today. Never forget that rush you get from competition, the determination you had to run for office, or the sense of family you gained from service outreaches with your local chapter because after high school, FBLA will be over. But as long as you keep the good memories and lessons learned close to your heart, you will always be able to reach far and succeed.

What is one FBLA memory you will never forget?

After my first year as a state officer, at the SLC, I was elected as President. I said good bye to my old team and was able to welcome the new team and I was extremely happy. Looking back, I know that at that moment I was with so many people that would greatly impact my life. A lot of those people are still my best friends!

Would you join FBLA again if you had the opportunity? 

Yes! I was always extremely passionate about FBLA and I was eager to test my ability as a leader to do more our organization. I recognized how much FBLA has impacted my life and I felt ready to do my best to try to give that same experience to others. Also, I loved every minute of being the State Historian and serving as President was even more rewarding!

Laura Sorice

NJ FBLA AlumniInterviewer: Suraj Khasnavees, Publicity Assistant

Please tell us about your background and previous involvement with NJ FBLA.After four years as an FBLA member, I am now a freshman at the University of Richmond! Although I’m not definite about my major, I’m exploring public policy, healthcare, and of course, business! I’m attracted to these three areas, especially public policy, because of my involvement with the state officer team as the State Northern Region VP and the State Membership VP. During my term, I spearheaded a project called the “Bridge” program, which reached out to new/re-activated chapters, and also developed a membership recruitment brochure, prezi, and video with the help of my wonderful Membership Committee (I miss you all!). I’ve also placed 1st in FBLA Principles & Procedures and 2nd in Ms. FBLA at Regionals, and at States, placed 4th in Principles & Procedures, 4th in Ms. FBLA, and 3rd in Public Speaking.

How has FBLA impacted your high school career and your life in general?I think a lot of people both in and out of FBLA think that our organization is just about meetings, the awards, or how it looks on a resume. For me, I loved being a future business leader because I was surrounded by future business leaders. Talking, competing, and doing service with people who were so passionate and talented encouraged me to dream big. That sounds corny, but I’ve met inspiring people that were/are in high school, from freshman to senior, who hosted fundraisers that raised $4,500 in a single night, was a “CEO” of a self-developed music tutoring company, and developed their own iphone app (talk about awesome!).

What is one FBLA memory you will never forget?The memory that comes to mind is playing a game of ninja in the hotel lobby at 2010 NFLC in Washington D.C. Our rooms weren’t ready so my chapter started playing a round of ninja (which is also a great ice breaker!) and other FBLA members asked if they could join us. By the 3rd round, we were playing with people we didn’t even know and even saw other people starting their own game throughout the lobby.

Would you recommend joining FBLA?Yes! Even if you’re not even considering going into business, the skills you learn in the field will help you. I had to do four interviews this past semester when looking for a campus job. I just entered college, was adjusting to classes, meeting new people, and throwing interviews on top of everything was very intimidating. But I felt less nervous knowing what to expect and what to wear because I’ve done interviews when applying for state office and competing for Ms. FBLA. No matter where you go in life, I believe social skills are the most valuable tools to have, and FBLA provides the perfect environment to learn about different types of people out there.

What is one piece of advice you can give to prospective and returning FBLA members? Never be afraid to strike up a conversation. That handshake could help you earn your first job one day and that conversation could spark an idea, passion, or vision. I say this because I’m a strong believer that making mistakes and taking out-of-your-bubble risks now will save you the mistakes you could potentially make later when the opportunity cost is higher.

Would you join FBLA again if you had the opportunity?Definitely! I miss the traveling, dressing up for awards ceremony, long bus ride talks, and so much more!

K-Sun Lee

NJ FBLA AlumniInterviewer: Lola Agabalogun, Southern Region Communications Director

Please tell us about your background and previous involvement with NJ FBLA.I became involved with FBLA my sophomore year. That year, I competed in Business Presentation. I didn’t make it to States, but it was a great experience. The next year, I became treasurer of my chapter and I competed in Future Business Leader. I placed 6th at states. At my high school, I was President of FBLA senior year. That same year, I applied for and was selected to receive an FBLA Scholarship. I am currently a sophomore at Harvard University, concentrating in Human Evolutionary Biology.

How has FBLA impacted your high school career and your life in general? It has made me into a person focused on the connections. I am focused on the connections, between labor markets and capital, betweens businesses, and between people. FBLA was a constant exercise in the interconnectedness of man. Every project that we worked on together was a testament to that. It has been one of the most important insights I have gained from my time with the organization.

What is one FBLA memory you will never forget?

Nationals 2011 was one of most impactful weeks of my life and I am forever grateful for it. As I got to the opportunity to meet amazing FBLA members from all across the nation, I realized that there is so much out there and I was energized to succeed in college.Would you recommend joining FBLA?

In my time in high school, this was one of the most formative activities that I participated in. It is without reservation that I would recommend this organization.

What is one piece of advice you can give to prospective and returning FBLA members? 

Find purpose in what you do. The steering force for businesses, organizations, and people that succeed is to have a guiding principle or philosophy on not only what you want to do and how you want to do it, but also WHY you want to do it. For Apple, it has been to make beautiful products that transcend the competition. For me, it has become this power of interconnection on a pathological and genetic level in the relation to disease pathways and the interactions of people. This has motivated me to concentrate in Human Evolutionary Biology at Harvard. Conceptualize your guiding philosophy and mold it to fit the questions you want to answer and the challenges that you may face.

Would you join FBLA again if you had the opportunity?

If I were blessed with such an opportunity, I would gladly join. The friends I made in FBLA are still my best friends in college.

Tope Agabalogun

Business Leader

What effect does your job have on the business community?My business is pretty unique as we help startups become reality each and everyday. We also help established businesses recreate their marketing presences and product orientations. It is an incredible mix. Due to this, we are constantly helping new businesses and existing businesses reach new and exciting audiences each and everyday, which allows them to find new markets and reach new sources of profits.

What advice would you offer new business leaders?Put your ego aside. Seriously. Automatically question everything you know, everything you read, everything you learn, and do not take criticism to heart. This is business, not personal. Even with the things you learn, go back and ask yourself is this the best that this can be done. Another recommendation, move fast. It is okay to make mistakes. It is bound to happen when moving fast. It is how you handle those mistakes that separate the successful from the weak.

How did you get started in the business world?I was a naively optimistic 16 year old kid. No joke. I had no idea how hard it would be to be an entrepreneur and on your own. It is the most stressful thing I have ever done. It is also the most awarding thing I have ever done. I basically ran with an idea I had and learned the industry as I moved along.

What are the educational requirements of your occupation?I am a design nut. I love user interfaces, branding, aesthetics, marketing communications. Mix that in with learning HTML, CSS, PHP, Java, JavaScript, jQuery. Fortunately once you learn one coding language, the rest is easier to pickup. Things such as leadership and how to run a business however, all learned by experience, not education.

Graphic DesignInterviewer: Irene Patron, Publicity Assistant

Mr. Joshua Davidson has been an entrepreneur since the age of 16, specializing in new media marketing, web design, graphic design, and prints to help benefit businesses and leave impressions.

Business Leader

What effect does your job have on the business community?

It provides a service to physicians that expedites and optimizes their billing and collections.

What advice would you offer new business leaders?

Focus on service and customer satisfaction. Both repeat customers and customer loyalty are essential to the survival of any business. Additionally, in order to be a successful entrepreneur, one must not be afraid of risk.

How did you get started in the business world?

My economics background piqued my interest in entrepreneurship. In dealing with a lot of physicians, I realized that there was a need to provide electronically or digital transcription services for them in the pre electronic medical record (EMR) era.

What are the educational requirements of your occupation?

No specific educational requirements were necessary. However, my economics background and outgoing personality really came in handy during the networking process.

MedicineInterviewer: Navya Jaikumar, Publicity Assistant

Srikanth Jaikumar has been in the medical field for two decades. His work at JFK Medical Hospital as Imaging Director has substantially improved the hospital's imaging services and outpatient care. He was at the forefront of the then budding electronic medical record (EMS) business and has helped thousands of doctors manage their money digitally; saving money for both them and the hospitals they work for.

People often ask me why I choose to involve myself in a club that has the sole purpose

of taking tests. Why do I voluntarily study rather than spending the day doing something fun?

Why do I voluntarily give myself stress when regional testing results are released? Why do I

voluntarily worry about the future rather than focusing on the present? Those are the people

who have yet to discover the true purpose of this organization. Does it involve studying? Of

course it does. Does it involve disciplining yourself to do things you might not feel like doing?

Of course it does. Benefits, however stealthy, that are nonetheless present includes the

development of an individual’s character as he/she prepares for Regional and State testing.

So what exactly did I learn from being a member of NJ FBLA? Thus far, concepts of

entrepreneurship, business communication, and business procedures… along with how to

network, what it means to be dedicated, and what true leadership is. Through FBLA

conferences, I have personally changed from a shy and reserved freshman to a gregarious and

open junior. I have gained a sense of time-management through preparing for competitive

events, as well as committing to a course of action and sticking with the plan. By observing

officers on both the local and state levels, as well as attending workshops at State Leadership

Conferences by inspirational figures for the past two years, I have gained a new definition of a

leader that extends beyond the traditional manager delegating assignments. Through all of

these realizations, however, one stands out from the rest. By deciding to go to an FBLA

meeting one Thursday during my freshman year, I had decided more than to become a

member of NJ FBLA- I had decided to undertake a journey to better myself as a person. That is

why even after attending so many chapter meetings and spending so many hours studying for

my competitive events and meeting so many people through State Leadership Conferences, I

still look forward to the next lesson I can learn by being a member of New Jersey FBLA.

Membership Editorial: Why FBLA By: Suraj Khasnavees, Publicity Assistant

A Community of Leaders

FBLA Tweets! By Mimi Hess-Northern Region Communications Director

The Publicity CommitteeChair – Andrew LopezNorthern Communications Director – Mimi Hess North Central Communications Director – Emily RamosCentral Communications Director – Shrey TanejaSouthern Communications Director – Lola AgabalogunSecretary – Shruti KumarAssistant – Chirag ChadhaAssistant – Irene Patron Assistant – Navya Jaikumar Assistant – Ellen Guo Assistant – Diana Shinnick Assistant – John LuAssistant – Suraj Khasnavees

Whether it be in NJFBLA publications, at conferences, or on social networking sites, there is one elusive, recurring phrase – Pubcomm. Short for Publicity Committee, this is one of the many state

committees open for members to join. This year, Pubcomm is comprised of 13 dedicated members from all over the state, including the Chair, State Historian Andrew Lopez, Communications Directors

for each of the 4 regions, the Secretary, and 7 Assistants. Every committee member plays an essential role in the composition and coordination of NJ FBLA publications. This collaboration takes place in

Google Plus “conference calls” and in regular correspondence on the Facebook page. It is thanks to the hard work of these 13 members that every edition of The Spotlight is able to be entertaining and

informative. With many laughs and inside jokes, the committee has expanded their networking horizons, grown incredibly close and become one big family, while still working tirelessly. Members

with ideas for the future direction of NJ FBLA, and who are interested in writing and being creative are urged to apply for the renowned PubComm in the 2013-2014 school year. It is an excellent way

to get involved on the state level, while having a great time.

Article by: Shruti Kumar, Publicity Committee Secretary

Editor’s Corner

Would you like to contribute to The Spotlight? Email me at historian@njfbla.org! Ideas, photos, and articles are always appreciated!

NJ FBLA Members,

I would like to extend sincerest thanks for all of those who contributed to The Spotlight! I cannot wait to see all of you at the 2013 State Leadership Conference. Keep Firing Up Your Future!

Best,

Andrew Lopez 2012-13 State Historian