Business Professionals of America - Wisconsin Association

Business Professionals of America--Wisconsin Chapter

10 Reasons for Becoming a Merit Scholar

Merit Scholar About the test

I. Purpose
	A. Motivate individual members and advisors to learn about the organization
		1. History
		2. Traditions
		3. Programs
		4. Activities

	B. Recognize individual members and advisors of their knowledge of the organization

II. Eligibility
	A. Paid member at level test is administered
		1. Students
		2. Alumni
		3. Advisors

	B. Attend Spring/National Leadership Conference

III. Test
	A. Achieve 85% on test

	B. Types of questions
		1. Multiple Choice
		2. True & False

	C. In the past there were 50 questions with one hour time limit

IV. Resources for Test
	A. Chapter Management Reference
		1. History
		2. Traditions

	B. Special Recognition Awards

	C. Torch Awards Handbook

	D. Current school year's issues of the Communiqué
		1. Activities
		2. Programs
		3. Front Covers
		4. Officers

	E. Yesterday & Today (for state only)



INFORMATION

I. People

	A. National Staff
		1. Executive Director - Kirk Lawson
		2. Director of Member Services and Events - Shawna Gfroerer
		3. Interactive Communications Specialist - Joe Ellis
		4. National Officer Coordinator - Sherrell Wheeler
		5. Director of Finance, CFO - Ric Cowles
		6. Financial Assistant - Virginia Payton
		7. Director of Educational Programs -Jennifer Dunkle
		6. BPA Marketplace / Network Administrator -
		9. Director of Communication Services - Barbara Reardon

	B. Board of Trustees Officers
		1. Chairman - Judith McKinstry
		2. Vice Chairman - Karen Schmohe
		3. Secretary - H. Roger Fulk
		4. Treasurer - Clay Long

	C. National Officers of Post-Secondary Division
		1. President - Dustin Devers
		2. Executive Vice President - (OPEN)
		3. Secretary/Treasurer - Destiny Larson
		4. Parliamentarian - Paul Haarstick

	D. Other National Presidents
		1. Secondary - Michael DeJager
		2. Alumni - Kristin McCarron

	E. State Officers of Post-Secondary Division
		1. President - Rebecca (Becky) Paulson, WITC New Richmond
		2. Vice President - Laura Mulhhem, CVTC Eau Claire
		3. Secretary - (OPEN)
		4. Parliamentarian - (OPEN)
		5. Communications - Heidi Zellmer, WITC Rice Lake
		6. Marketing Officer - Stacy L. Stone, NTC

	F. Other State top Positions
		1. Alumni President - Carol Hartmann
		2. State Manager and SAAC Representative - John Ross
		3. CEAC Representative - Scott Elza

II. National Communication

	A. Communiqué - Official Organization Magazine
		1. Issued four times per Year
		2. An out of the ordinary article written

	B. World Wide Web Address- http://www.bpanet.org

III. State Communication

	A. Magazine
		1. Called - Yesterday & Today
		2. Communications Officer is responsible to Issue

	B. World Wide Web Address- http://www.wibpa.us

IV. Torch Awards - The program has been developed with the Torch Ceremony as it's Foundation.

	A. The Program:
		1.	inspires members to attain the goals and ideals of Business Professionals of America
		2.	promotes active participation by members at the local, regional, state and national levels
		3.	helps develope a better understanding of people through personal development and achievement
		4.	recognizes members who have shown outstanding professional qualities

	B. A point system measured at four levels
		1. Local - Executive - 10pts. Students, 25pts. Alumni
		2. Regional - Diplomat - 30pts. Students, 75pts. Alumni
		3. State - Statesman - 50pts. Students, 150pts. Alumni
		4. National - Ambassador - 70pts. Students, 200pts. Alumni

	C. Division Activities are broken into seven areas
		1. Leadership
		2. Service
		3. Cooperation
		4. Knowledge
		5. Friendship
		6. Love, Hope, Faith
		7. Patriotism

	D. To be coordinated by the vice presidents at their respective level.

V. Councils

	A. State Association Advisory Council (SAAC) - 1985
		1. Liaison between state associations and Board of Trustees
		2. Make recommendation concerning:
			a) Competitive Events
			b) Special Programs
			c) Policies and Procedures
		3. Members are composed of the various state associations.

	B. Classroom Educators Advisory Council (CEAC) - 1973
		1. Liaison between local advisors and the Board of Trustees
		2. Established to fulfill the following:
			a) Promote the objectives of the competitive events program as established by the Board of Trustees
			b) To develop and monitor effective contests by serving as a clearinghouse for suggested improvements and changes pertaining to contests and by ensuring that their state association is informed of currently adopted contest guidelines
			c) Promote enthusiasm and cooperation among local advisors
		3. Made up of local advisors from each affiliated state for the Secondary and Post-secondary Divisions, and appointed to serves as a liaison between local advisors and the Board of Trustees

	C. National Business Advisory Council (NBAC)
		1. Serves as a liaison between business and industry with the Board of Trustees
		2. Areas of contributions to the organization
			a) Identifying and recommending ways in which business can become involved
			b) Participate in activities to obtain financial support
			c) Assist in the promotion and advancement of the organization
		3. Major contributors or sponsor may appoint one representative to serve as a participating member and the Alumni President serves as a voting member. The Board of Trustees chairperson, and President and CEO serve in an Ex-officio capacity.

VI. Special Recognition Awards and their purpose - Program is open to participation by all chapters

	A. Air Force Recruiting Salute – To encourage and recognize outstanding citizenship, compassionate community service, leadership and achievement, and support for American free Enterprise. (For Secondary and Associate Divisions chapters and the winner will be announced by the U.S. Air Force at the National Leadership Conference.)

	B. Community relief Services – Encourage BPA chapters to provide volunteer services, to assist with disaster services, to provide health and safety community education, to participate in blood drives, and/or raise and donate monetary support for the relief Organizations.

	C. BPA Marketing and Public Relations – To promote the image of BPA and its members; to inform the public of the meaning and objectives of BPA; to encourage the creation of media promotions, especially chapter newsletters and Web sites promoting BPA; and to encourage organized local chapter membership recruiting efforts/activities.

	D. Chapter Activities Award of Excellence – Recognize local chapters for their outstanding activities and program of work and to motivate all local chapters to strive for an outstanding program of activities.

	E. Community Action - To encourage local chapters to become involved in community betterment, school improvement, election-year activities and energy-related activities. To encourage local chapters to develop ways of involving their members in these kind of activities. To recognize chapters for their involvement in citizenship-type activities.

	F. Entrepreneurship Explosion - To encourage members to have a better understanding of the American free enterprise system, what it means to their future, and to communicate this understanding to others. To encourage all members to study the role of an entrepreneur and small business management. To serve as a study method in preparation for entering the Business Professionals of America entrepreneurship contest.

	G. Hall of Fame - To recognize those individuals who have made significant contributions to the history of Business Professionals of America, formerly the Office Education Association (OEA), or have benefited greatly through involvement in the organization. (A maximum of three (3) individuals will be recognized each year)

	H. Outstanding Service Award - To recognize those individuals who have dedicated time and efforts to promote the objectives of career/technical student organizations/Business Professionals of America or provided outstanding service to the association at the national level. (A maximum of five (5) individuals will be recognized each year)

	I. Member Recruiter – To encourage current members of the Secondary, Associate, Post-secondary, and Middle Level Divisions to recruit new BPA national members.

	J. Merit Scholar - Recognizes individual members and advisors for their knowledge of the Business Professionals of America and to motivate members and advisors to learn as much as possible about the history, traditions, programs, and activities of the organization.

	K. National Center Capital Improvements Campaign - To conduct a capital improvement campaign for the benefit of the National Center and to provide individual and group recognition to all contributors.

	L. Safety Awareness – To encourage and recognize local chapters for their involvement and development of unique safety programs.
		1. Promoting Office Safety
		2. Traffic Safety
		3. Seat Belt Use
		4. Personal Safety
		5. Drug Awareness
		6. Anti-Violence Awareness

	M. Special Olympics (National Service Project) - To encourage local chapters to be actively involved with Special Olympics. To Encourage local chapters to develop unique ways of involving their members with Special Olympics. To recognize local chapters for their involvement with Special Olympics. To encourage parents of Special Olympics to become involved.

	N. A. Environmental Action/Awareness Award - To promote the image of BPA as an organization that is aware of current environmental issues; to motivate all levels and divisions of BPA to participate in activities that prevent any further damage to our environment; and to encourage current chapters to implement plans of action to embrace the idea of a “Green” business.

	O. The Professional Cup - To Encourage state associations to become actively involved in promoting participation in the Special Recognition Awards Program by the local chapters and to recognize states with active participation.

VII. General

	A. The meaning of Organization's name
		1. Business - the field for which we prepare our students; emphasizes that we educate our members to work efficiently, not only in an office setting, but also in a wide variety of business situations
		2. Professionals - Our students indicate they join Business Professionals of America to take advantage of a wide variety of professional development opportunities
		3. of America - symbolizes pride in our country and its free enterprise business system

	B. Pledge - We are met in a spirit of friendship and goodwill as we prepare for productive lives in business and office careers. We work together to develop professionalism and leadership through Business Professionals of America and pledge our loyalty to our nation.

	C. National Theme – Blazing New Trails

	D. Tagline
		1. Student divisions - Today's students. Tomorrow's business professionals.
		2. Alumni Division - Today's professionals, Yesterday's students.

	E. Emblem
		1. For Ceremonial purposes only
		2. Four Points (Starting from upper right corner in a clockwise direction - PALS)
			a) Poise
			b) Ambition
			c) Leadership
			d) Sociability
		3. Shield itself - honor and dignity and the importance of business in America
		4. Stripes - essential characteristics of every successful worker - education, citizenship, loyalty, patriotism, competency, and dependability
		5. Bar - service provided by employees in business occupations
		6. Quill and inkwell - stability of business occupations through the ages
		7. Torch - worthy goals pursued by the organization and its members
		8. Worn on Left Breast Pocket

	F. Divisions
		1. Middle-Level – For middle level school students enrolled in initial, refresher, or upgrading business, career technical, and career or related education programs.
		2. Secondary – For high school students enrolled in initial, refresher, or upgrading business, career technical, and career or related education programs.
			a. Associate – For students enrolled in initial, refresher, or upgrading business, career technical, and career or related education programs for special populations.
		3. Post-Secondary – For post-secondary/college (one-year, two-year, baccalaureate, or post-baccalaureate) students enrolled in initial, refresher, or upgrading business, career technical, business education and career or related education programs.
		4. Alumni / (Professional) – For former active members of any student division and professionals supportive of Business Professionals of America.

	G. Colors
		1. Navy Blue signifies success achieved through leadership and professionalism
		2. Tan represents the bountiful fields of opportunity in America
		3. Red symbolizes the friendship obtained through teamwork in our organization

	H. Membership Dues
		1. National
			a. Secondary - $12.00
			b. Associate - $9.00
			c. Middle Level - $8.00
			d. Post-Secondary - $12.00
			e. Alumni - $17.00
			f. Professional - $17.00
		2. Wisconsin Post-Secondary - $11.00

	I. Emblematic supplier - Are copyrighted and can be purchased only from Business Professionals of America

	J. BPA Marketplace - This service provides convenient online ordering for a wide variety of BPA merchandise:
		1. Official Attire
		2. BPA wear (casual attire)
		3. Custom Chapter Apparel
		4. Supplies and Accessories
		5. Chapter Resources (including WASP tools)
		6. Leadership developement
		7. Recognition Products
		8. Parliamentary Procedure
		9. Professional Developement
		10. Promote BPA

	K. Business Professionals of America week is the second full week in February (February 8-14, 2009).

	L. Drug Awareness Month is January.

	M. Only the membership pin is worn on the left lapel.

	N. Items found on the right lapel include:
		1. Highest officer pin
		2. Highest earned torch pin
		3. One earned merit scholar pin
		4. Name Badge

	P. National Leadership Conferences (NLC)
		1. 1967 - Green Lake, WI (first one)
		2. 2009 - Dallas, TX – May6-10
		3. 2010 - Anaheim, CA – May5-9
		4. 2011 - Washington, DC – May 3-7
		5. 2012 - Chicago, IL – April 25-29
		6. 2013 - Orlando, FL – May 8-12

	Q. Post-Secondary State Regions
		1. Northeast - Moraine Park, Lakeshore, Fox Valley, and Northeast Wisconsin Technical Colleges
		2. Northwest - Mid-State, Northcentral, Chippewa Valley, Nicolet Area, and Wisconsin Indianhead Technical Colleges, and UW Superior
		3. Southeast -Gateway, Milwaukee Area, and Waukesha County Technical Colleges
		4. Southwest - Blackhawk, Madison area, Southwest Wisconsin, and Western Technical Colleges

	R. Using the acronym (BPA) to identify the organization is acceptable in casual conversation and personal correspondence. Once the name is spelled out in full, the acronym may be used in text. Do not use the acronym for cover titles or headlines.

	S. National Regions are separated by the Mississippi River
		1. Eastern
		2. Western

	T. The membership year is from September 1 through August 31

	U. National Center
		The Organizations national home office and is located at 5454 Cleveland Avenue, Columbus, OH.

	V. Mission Statement
		1. National – The Mission of Business Professionals of America is to contribute to the preparation of a world-class workforce through the advancement of leadership, citizenship, academic, and technological skills
		2. State – To prepare students in business related programs to succeed in a world-class workforce through the development of leadership, academic and technological skills. We achieve this through training seminars, competitive events, and a wide range of workshops. We encourage students to participate in community service by incorporating in into our Torch Award Program.

	W. Vision
		1. National – At Business Professionals of America, we are committed to developing the best possible career and technical education organization for students in the United States. The measure of our success will be the perception that alumni of Business Professionals of America are highly competent and skilled workforce professionals who enable business and industry to maintain the economic vitality and high quality of life associated with our celebrated United States of America.
		2. State – BPA will be a cohesive agent in the worldwide networking of education, business and industry. BPA will be the leading student organization in preparing a world-class workforce. BPA will set a standard of excellence for a career technical student organizations.

	X. Goals of Business Professionals of America - The Secretary's Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS) has been adopted as the strategic direction for a certification program, competitive events, leadership, direction for interaction with business, career/job preparation, and workplace competencies

VIII. Competitive Events Program

	A. Workplace Skills Assessment Program - Is an integral part of Business Professionals of America. The goal of the program is to provide all business students with the opportunity to demonstrate workplace skills learned through business education curriculums.

	B. Divided into four assessment areas
		1. Financial Services
		2. Administrative Support
		3. Information Technology
		4. Management/Marketing/Human Resources

	C. Testing Limits - Post-Secondary on the national level
		1. A student may compete in a total of three (3) three events, only one of which may be a team event.
		2. A student may compete in an unlimited number of open Workplace Skills Assessments within the time constraints of the conference program.

	D. Eligibility - Must have dues postmarked by February 15.

IX. History

	A. Wisconsin, Iowa, and Kansas formed Business Professionals of America (formally called Office Education Association) in 1966. Articles of Incorporation were filled in Wisconsin and have since been filed in Ohio.

	B. The organization was organized to operate at three levels - local, state, and national.

	C. The national office was established in Columbus, Ohio in 1971 with a part-time executive director and a full time executive director in 1973.

	D. The Alumni Division was established in 1971.

	E. The Collegiate division was established in 1975 and has merge with the Post-Secondary division as of 1989.

	F. A building was purchased in Columbus, Ohio in 1982 and is called the "National Center."

	G. The new name, logo, emblem and colors of the organization were implemented in 1988.

	H. The Associate Division was established in 1988.

	I. The Middle Level Division was established in 2003.

X. Board of Trustees - Provides oversight to the creation, direction, and supervision of the activities of Business Professionals of America.

	A. Terms are for three years except for Secondary and Post-Secondary President.

	B. No board member may serve for more than two consecutive three year terms.

	C. Thirteen Board members are elected by classifications

	E. Ex-officio members (non-voting)
		1. the immediate past Board Chairman (if not still on the Board of Trustees)
		2. Business Professionals of America 'Executive Director'.

XI. Corporate Information

	A. Called - Business Professionals of America, Inc.

	B. An incorporated, non-profit association formed for the purpose of creating, directing and supervising the activities of the unincorporated national student and alumni organization.

	C. The primary function is to elect the Board of Trustees.

	D. Members are allocated based on membership in each chartered division (state)
		1. Secondary division has one member plus an additional member for each 5,000 members.
		2. Post-Secondary division has one member plus an additional member for each 1,000 members.
		3. Alumni division has one member plus an additional member for each 1,000 members.
		4. Middle Level division has none currently


Updated: 2/17/09

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