BPA News

I was involved with BPA for 4 years, primarily throughout my high school career. I entered high school with the intention to participate in DECA but my advisor, Mr. James Whitfield, presented the equally as great opportunities that BPA had to offer, and I was eager to dive in. I was especially intrigued by the large variety of competitive events that BPA had to offer as it allowed me to showcase my speaking and technical skills.

I think the best advice that I can give to a future professional is to have an open mind and don’t be afraid. Specifically, don’t be afraid to try new events and meet new people! For me, I was a little nervous when I began BPA because of the wide variety of events and the competitors that I was up against. Don’t worry though because everyone can be great and will do great things. Be passionate and success will follow.

Following the reveal of the 2021-2022 Membership Theme Artwork by our National Office Team on social media, the National Center is excited to announce that the artwork is now available for download and use by all chapters and members.

This year's fall leadership conference will be a virtual offering in collaboration with several state associations. This is a great opportunity for current and prospective students to level up their leadership skills and learn more about Florida. Be on the lookout for more details in the coming weeks. 

Business Professionals of America (BPA) is pleased to announce the slate of officers who will serve for a one-year term on the Executive Council for the 2021-2022 membership year. Feel free to connect with these student leaders by visiting www.bpa.org. 

We are proud to announce that Mcfatter Technical High School was selected as the Outstanding Chapter of the Year for the second consecutive year. They have continued to excel in leadership, service, and development. They represent the best of Florida BPA. Major congratulations.

Join us for our very first virtual State Leadership Conference. Students from all across the Sunshine State will come together (virtually) and take part in a once in a lifetime development opportunity. From competitions, State Officer election, and workshops there's something for everyone. The finalist from SLC will earn a bid to represent our State at the National Leadership Conference this May in Orlando, FL. 

We at BPA hold the values of democracy close to our hearts, so close in fact that we celebrate patriotism as one of our pillars and recognize its importance through the Torch Awards. We believe that we all have a responsibility to uphold our democracy and as such we encourage our members to participate in the democratic process in a variety of ways.

Join student leaders from across the nation for this year’s Fall Leadership Conference Series to learn how you can live a life that multiplies. A successful life is achieved through 100% leadership health, but it doesn’t stop there

Business Professionals of America (BPA) is pleased to announce that four students have earned top honors in the organization’s first-ever Students Recruiting Students video contest sponsored by Avidity Creates|MasterMIND Productions.

Technology is transforming the business landscape and as demand for digital skills continues to grow, educators must equip students with digital skills training and credentials to help provide them with a competitive edge. Are your students prepared? 

Florid BPA will host a Virtual Advisor Summit on September 12th from 9-12 pm. This is a great opportunity for advisors to network, learn about the most recent updates across BPA. Check your weekly update email to register. 

2020 has definitely brought upon uncertain times. While things have been tough we stand prepared to offer our students an opportunity second to none. Please double check dates as things may shift depending on how things are developing with COVID-19.

Facebook is excited to share the recent launch of our Certification Voucher Program which offers BPA student members a special opportunity to apply for a certification voucher code which can be used toward earning a Facebook Certified Digital Marketing Associate Certification for free.

We know that this time has brought about huge life changes, with digital classrooms and virtual learning becoming the new norm for us all. As a committed partner of BPA, Facebook would like to share their online e-learning resources which may be helpful at some stage in your online learning experience.

As you know, over the past several weeks we have focused on the ever-evolving situation occurring with COVID-19 in order to assess the feasibility of hosting this year’s National Leadership Conference. Last night, Governor Lawrence Hogan issued an executive order indefinitely prohibiting large gatherings and events within the state of Maryland. Based on this order and all other relevant information gathered, the National Board of Trustees convened an emergency meeting this afternoon to make the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 National Leadership Conference.

Please know that this decision was not made lightly, and we realize the disappointment that this decision will cause for so many who worked hard throughout the membership year to earn the opportunity to attend NLC. However, there is no greater importance than the health and safety of our student and advisor members.

I will say it so you don’t have to. What is going on right now in the world is nothing short of unusual and unprecedented; it’s something straight out of a movie you want to end quickly. Just think, a few months ago COVID-19 wasn’t even a part of normal conversation. Now, schools are closing or going to e-learning environments, conferences are being canceled, social distancing is a common phrase, and a whole lot of uncertainty of what the next few weeks and months will bring are a part of our everyday thinking and conversation.

So let me ask you this. How are you doing? How are you handling it all? How do you feel? How is your family? How are your BPA team members? Take a moment or so and reflect on those questions. Are you feeling a loss of control? Are you feeling disappointed? Are you missing regular interaction with those closest to you?

Below you'll find the finalist from SLC this past week. The top 2 teams and top 5 non-team event finalists have earned themselves an opportunity to represent Florida at the National Leadership Conference this May 6-10, 2020 at National Harbor, Maryland. Any and all questions about replacements (cannot attend NLC) will need to be directed to State Advisor Devin Alexander at dalexander@flbpa.org. 

If you follow this blog, you already know it’s about leadership in action and addresses ways to take actionable steps toward becoming a more effective and impactful leader. So what do puzzles have to do with leadership in action?  During my recent reflections, puzzles have been emerging as a symbol of teamwork, connection, and cooperation. We all serve as a member of a team to some degree, but we may be overlooking the deep importance of teamwork and cooperation. Let’s break it down a little further:  

The way we handle conflict can either stop progress and communication all together, or create deeper and more meaningful collaboration.  Your mindset when entering conflict is what sets you apart.  As you continue to collaborate this year, think of every potential conflict as a space for growth, as well as an opportunity to connect on a deeper level with your teammates.

Florida BPA will be hosting it's 20th Annual State Leadership Conference on February 20-23rd. The leadership experience will be packed with competitions, development workshops, State Officer elections, and several other opportunities. Top placers from Florida BPA's SLC will earn their right to represent Florida at the National Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C.

That's right the Student Certification Series is back and better than ever. Becoming a certified member is a great way to learn more about BPA and expand your leadership/professional development skills. Be sure to secure your spot by registering today. You won't regret this opportunity to be recognized as one of the best across the organization. Click below to Register!

Fundraising is a key component to running any effective chapter. By doing it so it allows your chapter to lower the cost burden that it takes members to attend events such as SLC & NLC. This week we feature Mcfatter Technical High School in Davie, FL. Earlier this fall their BPA Chapter spent the day working at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, FL. This is a really quick and efficient way to raise a lot of money. What are some ways that your chapter raises funds? 

"What does Leadership in Action mean? Leadership in action starts with a leader’s mindset! When we change the way we think & interact with the world in a positive way we can change behavior. When we change our behavior, we can lead and influence others."

National BPA is proud to announce it's newly created Leadership In Action Blog. Through this blog, our members will be exposed to various leadership development opportunities under our Director of Leadership Development Brigette Bethea. Be sure to look out for her live Tweet-Ups. You're not going to want to miss this one. 

September 19-21, 2019

Orlando, Fl

The Florida Board of Directors, Regional Advisors, and State Officer Team will be meeting in Orlando in a couple of weeks to plan for the upcoming year. One of the primary focuses this year for the Board of Directors will be developing our organizational Strategic Plan for the 2020-2024 years. Be on the lookout for more information to come following the meeting.

Business Professionals of America (BPA) is pleased to announce a newly-established partnership with Apprenticeship.gov which will enable the organization’s members to explore how apprenticeship programs can launch high-skilled, family-sustaining careers. “With so many companies nationally and internationally finding success in offering apprenticeship programs, this partnership is a great example of how Business Professionals of America continues to invest in educational opportunities available to the students and advisors that make up our organization’s membership,” said Dr. Ross.

"BPA allowed me to gain an enormous amount of skills like the correct way to act in a professional setting, how to network, speaking confidently in front of a group of people, effective leadership and so much more. Overall, BPA was an opportunity to receive a taste of the professional world at a young age that was fun, competitive and exciting."

Business Professionals of America Inc. (BPA) is proud to announce that Vickie Thomas has received the first-ever Lifetime Dedication Award from the organization's National Center. 

Members and advisors from La Vernia High School BPA had a great day of leadership training for their Summer Leadership Academy

Members were able to learn about new programs and where to find information online. La Vernia BPA is looking forward to participating in the Torch Awards, BPA Cares and the Special Recognition Awards Program this year. Members discussed their program of work and shared ideas for meetings and fundraisers. It was a fun day of leadership activities and team building. Best of luck to La Vernia BPA for a fantastic year in BPA.