VGCC Phi Beta Lambda members attend state conference

Members of the Vance-Granville Community College “Chi Beta Chi” chapter of the Phi Beta Lambda business student organization attended the state PBL Fall Leadership Development Conference in Raleigh, on November 2-3. The VGCC chapter brought home several recognitions and awards.

 

Chapter advisor LaTonya Steele and co-advisor Delton Farmer, both VGCC Business Administration instructors, accompanied the student members in attendance: chapter president Theresa Chiplis of Norlina, vice president Diane Power of Oxford, reporter/historian David Henry of Macon, Ruthie Davis of Warrenton, Jessica Nava of Oxford, Mozelle Jones of Henderson, John Pendergrass of Henderson and Jody Hastings of Townsville, along with Professional Division members Trudy Hargrove and Gabrielle Norfleet, both VGCC staff members.

 

The chapter was recognized for having the most Professional Division membership of any chapter in the state. Professional Division members are established business professionals and educators. Chi Beta Chi was named a “Gold Star” chapter of NC PBL for meeting initial reporting and participation goals. The conference included a variety of workshops and speakers on subjects related to financial responsibility, entrepreneurship, career development and communication skills.

 

VGCC also won the second-place trophy for the “Best Recruitment Display.” Inspired by the PBL theme, “Igniting Innovation,” PBL members collaborated on the project with other departments at the college. The display featured a mannequin hand with fingernails painted by VGCC Cosmetology student Ashley Hatchel, a series of blinking lights installed and programmed by Electronics Engineering Technology student David Parrish and metal plates fashioned by Welding students. Retired VGCC Carpentry instructor Reuben Palmer also contributed to the board’s construction.

 

Also during the conference, Diane Power was awarded a $650 scholarship from the NC PBL Professional Division Foundation.

 

Phi Beta Lambda is the national organization for college students who are preparing for a variety of careers in business. The Greek letters stand for the English words “Future Business Leaders,” and PBL is affiliated with the Future Business Leaders of America, an organization for high school students. The largest business career student organization in the world, FBLA/PBL seeks to bring business and education together in a positive working relationship through innovative leadership and career development programs. For more information, call LaTonya Steele at (252) 738-3447.

 

Above, top picture: VGCC Phi Beta Lambda members attending the Fall Leadership Development Conference included, from left, chapter advisor LaTonya Steele, Mozelle Jones, professional division member (and VGCC staff member) Trudy Hargrove, John Pendergrass, Ruthie Davis, chapter president Theresa Chiplis, Jessica Nava, chapter reporter/historian David Henry, professional division member (and VGCC staff member) Gabrielle Norfleet and Jody Hastings.

 

Above, bottom picture: VGCC Phi Beta Lambda vice president Diane Power received a scholarship during the recent conference.