State Director and SAAC Representative - John Ross
State Association State Officer Coordinator - Joann Gillis
Leadership Specialist - Brooke Shefchek
CEAC Representative - Scott Elza, Finance
- Gordy Rosploch, MIS
Alumni
President - Carol Hartman
President-Elect - Barb Steele
Administrator of Finances - James Zimmer
National Communication
The Source is the BPA online, interactive community dedicated to Advisors, classroom resources and chapter resources.
The Wire is Business Professionals of America’s online web magazine publication
World Wide Web Address - http://www.bpa.org
State Communication
Newsletter
Called – Wisconsin Pages
Communications Officer is responsible to Issue
Website
World Wide Web Address - http://www.wisconsinbpa.com/
Marketing Officer with state webmaster to maintain
Torch Awards – Business Professionals of America’s Torch Awards Program frames and guides a BPA member’s leadership and service to their chapter and community.
Executive – a person having administrative or managerial authority in an organization
Diplomat – one skilled with tact in dealing with people
Statesman – one who is a leader in the promotion of the public good and in national affairs
Ambassador – a diplomatic official of the highest rank appointed and accredited as representative of the organization
Division Activities are broken into seven areas
Leadership
Service
Cooperation
Knowledge
Friendship
Love, Hope, Faith
Patriotism
Responsible individuals for approval or reject.
The local advisor is the supervisor and administrator of his/her students Torch Award quest. The advisor is involved through the beginning, middle and end of a students’ journey through the Torch Awards program, providing access to the online system, walking students through the process, and submitting completed résumés for award consideration. The local advisor is the supervisor and administrator of his/her students’ Torch Award quest. An advisor may choose to delegate his/her Torch Award duties to a responsible student, such as a chapter President or Vice-President at the local level.
State Advisors are responsible for reviewing submitted Statesman and/or Diplomat résumés using the Torch Awards Online System. State advisors are the administrators of the Diplomat and/or Statesman Awards. Statesman Awards must be given at the state level. State advisors decide how and when to give the Diplomat Award. They can leave it up to the local advisor, assign regional helpers to give it at regions, or take care of it at the state level.
National Staff evaluate résumés submitted for the Ambassador Award.
Support Group Councils
Classroom Educators Advisory Council (CEAC) - 1973
Vision Statement - The vision of the Classroom Educators Advisory Council is to ensure the production and administration of world-class co-curricular assessments.
Purposes
Liaison between local advisors and the Board of Trustees
Promote the objectives of the Business Professionals of America programs
Establish and monitor effective Workplace Skills Assessment programs.
Serve as a clearinghouse for suggested improvements and changes pertaining to competitive events.
Ensure that their State Association is informed of currently adopted Workplace Skills Assessment Program guidelines.
Responsibility Area
Update and revise the Competitive Events Guidelines, Style & Reference Manual and the Human Resources Manual of the WSAP
Review and audit individual competitive events.
Develop and update the guidelines for authors, auditors, administrators, proctors and judges
Research emerging business practices and recommend additions and deletions to the Workplace Skills Assessment Program, including alignment with National Standards and workplace validation.
Review input gathered via the recommendation forms to determine the necessary course of action to be taken for each Workplace Skills Assessment related item.
Provide assistance to local chapter advisors and members when preparing for event competition through explanation of new events and the modifications and updates to existing events.
Operate in a partnership-oriented manner with the Director of Education to ensure the successful operation of all aspects of the conferences competitive events.
Provide assistance to the Director of Education during the National Leadership Conference. Areas of assistance may include, but are not limited to:
Must currently be a full or part time educator with at least three (3) years of experience as a Business Professionals of America advisor.
CEAC representatives must be current professional level members of BPA.
The membership of CEAC shall consist of one middle level, one secondary and one post-secondary representative from each affiliated state. The method of selection shall be determined by each State Association. The representative shall be recognized by the Board of Trustees for membership on CEAC.
The Director of Education shall serve on this council in a non-voting ex-officio capacity.
The term of a CEAC member shall be for a period of three (3) years beginning at the conclusion of the NLC. At the end of the three-year term the state may choose to re-appoint/re-elect the member.
If a CEAC member’s qualification status changes during the term, the position is declared vacant.
In the event a member is unable to attend a Council meeting, it shall be the responsibility of that respective member’s state to appoint or elect an alternate who meets the same qualifications as a CEAC member.
Following NLC, but no later than June 1, the State Advisor shall certify in writing the state’s CEAC representative(s). The certification must be sent to the Executive Director.
A member of CEAC may not serve simultaneously on SAAC.
National Business Advisory Council (NBAC)
Purposes -The National Business Advisory Council shall serve as liaison between business and industry and the Board. It shall contribute to the relevancy of Business Professionals of America, identify and recommend ways business may become involved, participate in activities to obtain financial support, and assist in the promotion and advancement of Business Professionals of America.
Membership - The membership of the NBAC shall consist of representatives from various segments of the business community. The Alumni Representative to the Board of Trustees shall serve as a voting member. The Chair of the Board of Trustees and the Executive Director shall serve in an ex-officio capacity. Every major contributor or sponsor may appoint one (1) representative to serve as a participating member of NBAC.
Selection - Members shall be approved by the Board of Trustees based upon recommendations from NBAC.
Term of Office Members shall serve for a three-year appointment with the exception of the Alumni Representative who shall serve only during his/her term as Alumni Representative. Members may be re-appointed.
State Association Advisory Council (SAAC) - 1985
Purposes
Serve as a liaison between State Associations, Board of Trustees and National Staff.
Promote enthusiasm, communication and cooperation among State Associations, and other CTSOs.
Promote the mission, vision, and goals of the national organization.
Provide input to the Board of Trustees and National Staff regarding national programs and activities affecting State Associations.
Provide written evaluations of the National Leadership Conference along with suggestions for improvement to the national staff and a copy to the Board of Trustees.
Support and facilitate the implementation of programs, policies and activities as established by Business Professionals of America Board of Trustees.
Collaborate with CEAC, other support groups and special committees to improve programs.
Membership
The membership of SAAC shall consist of one secondary and one post-secondary representative from each affiliated state and one BPA/Career Education Club of Florida representative. Representation will be determined as follows:
States where an individual is designated as being responsible for daily operations of the State Association, that individual shall serve on the SAAC.
States where an individual is not designated as being responsible for daily operations of the State Association, it shall be the responsibility of the state supervisor to annually determine the representative(s) to the SAAC and notify the Executive Director.
The State Advisor Board position will serve as the SAAC liaison to the Board of Trustees.
There shall be no definite term for membership on the SAAC, as the representatives shall serve as long as they hold the position of responsibility within their State Association.
A member of SAAC may not serve simultaneously on the CEAC Support Group.
General
The meaning of Organization's name
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
Professionals - Our students indicate they join Business Professionals of America to take advantage of a wide variety of professional development opportunities
of America - Symbolizes pride in our country and its free enterprise business system
Pledge - We are met in a spirit of friendship and goodwill as we prepare for careers in a world-class workforce. We work together to develop professionalism and leadership through Business Professionals of America and pledge our loyalty to our nation.
Student divisions - Today's students. Tomorrow's business professionals.
Alumni Division - Yesterday's students, Today's Business Professionals.
Emblem
Will be used for the Emblem Building Ceremony and portions of the Opening Ceremony.
Four Points (Starting from upper right corner in a clockwise direction - PALS)
Poise
Ambition
Leadership
Sociability
Shield itself - honor and dignity and the importance of business in America
Stripes – represent education, citizenship, loyalty, patriotism, competency, and dependability
Bar - service provided by employees in business occupations
Quill and inkwell - stability of business occupations through the ages
Torch - worthy goals
Membership Classifications
Student Members - To qualify for student membership, an individual member shall be a member of one of the following divisions:
College / Post-secondary Division: For post-secondary (one-year, two-year, baccalaureate, or post-baccalaureate) students enrolled or formerly enrolled in initial, refresher, or upgrading business, career technical, business education and career or related education programs. Students whose school does not have a BPA Post-Secondary chapter can participate as a member of a BPA Virtual Chapter
High School / Secondary Division: This Division is made up of two sections.
Regular Members - For high school students enrolled or formerly enrolled in initial, refresher, or upgrading business, career technical, and career or related education programs.
Associate Members. – Associate Member Designation is for high school students enrolled or formerly enrolled in initial, refresher, or upgrading business, career technical, and career or related education programs for special populations.
Middle Level Division: For middle school students enrolled or formerly enrolled in initial, refresher, or upgrading business, career technical, and career or related education programs.
Alumni Members - For former active members of any student division.
Professional Membership: A professional member may be a person associated with BPA. (Such members may include teachers, teacher-coordinators, teacher-educators and supervisors, employers and/or training station sponsors of business education, friends of Business Professionals of America, corporate sponsors, and others appointed by the governing educational body willing to contribute to Business Professionals of America's growth and development). Professional members are stand-alone members, not serving as part of a chartered division.
Virtual Chapter Membership: Open to any Post-Secondary student with an interest in business, information technology, administrative skills and/or finance, enrolled in a Post-Secondary program of learning, not currently chartering a stand-alone Post-Secondary school chapter.
Per the Code of Regulations, Business Professionals of America is an organization of Divisions, each operating in accordance with a charter granted by Business Professionals of America, Inc. There shall be four divisions:
Post-Secondary Division
Secondary Division
Middle-Level Division
Alumni Division
Colors
Navy Blue signifies success achieved through leadership and professionalism
Tan represents the bountiful fields of opportunity in America
Emblematic material – All is copyrighted and can be purchased only from the National Center. The National Center protects emblematic materials by selling only to affiliated groups
Shop BPA
BPA Mall for pins, polos, and more. (http://costore.com/bpamall/welcome.asp)
Go to Twin Hill for uniforms, blazers, and more. (https://twinhill.com/BPA/Home.jsp)
Visit Barefoot BPA to order your official casual and custom T-shirts. (http://www.barefootathletics.com/flexpaper/docs/BPA/))
Contact Shawna Gfroerer directly for information on clearance items. (sgfroerer@bpa.org)
Business Professionals of America week is the second full week in February (February 7-13, 2016).
The official navy blue blazer with the emblem patch on the left breast pocket.
Membership pin worn on the left lapel. There should not be any other accessories on the left lapel.
Items found on the right lapel include:
Highest officer pin
Highest earned torch pin
One earned merit scholar pin
Name Badge
Wisconsin Leadership Conferences
Fall Leadership Conference – October 24, 2015 in NWTC - Green Bay, SWTC - Fennimore & WITC - Rice Lake
Spring Leadership Conference –February 18-20, 2016 in LTC - Cleveland
National Leadership Conferences (NLC)
1967 - Green Lake, WI (first one)
2015 - Anaheim, CA - May 6-10
2016 - Boston, MA - May 5-9
2017 - Orlando, FL - May 10-14
2018 – Dallas, TX - May 9-13
2019 - Anaheim, CA - May 1-5
2020 - Washington, DC - May 6-10
2021 - Orlando, FL - May 5-9
Post-Secondary State College Chapters over the past couple years
Blackhawk Technical College (BTC)- Janesville
Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC) - Eau Claire
Gateway Technical College (GTC) - Elkhorn
Gateway Technical College (GTC) - Kenosha
Gateway Technical College (GTC) - Racine
Lakeshore Technical College (LTC) - Cleveland
Nicolet Area Technical College (NATC)- Rhinelander
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC) - Green Bay
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College (SWTC) - Fennimore
Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College (WITC) - Ashland
Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College (WITC) - New Richmond
Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College (WITC) - Rice Lake
Using an 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.
The membership year is from September 1 through August 31
National Center – The Organizations national home office and is located at 5454 Cleveland Avenue, Columbus, OH 43231-4021.
Mission Statement
National – To contribute to the preparation of a world class workforce through the advancement of leadership, citizenship, academic, and technological skills
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.
Statements
Corporate Vision Statements – Business Professionals of America will be a cohesive agent in the world-wide networking of education, business, and industry. Business Professionals of America will be the leading student organization in preparing a world-class workforce. Business Professionals of America will set a standard of excellence for vocational student organizations.
National Center Vision Statement – At Business Professionals of America, we are committed to developing the best possible career and technical education organization for students in the United States. We must meet the needs of our students who seek our advice on career options, skills, planning, and training. Therefore, in the development of academic, citizenship, leadership, and technological skills, Business Professionals of America must provide students with a highly efficient and organized national office with a professional and competent staff, a highly educated and well-trained cadre of advisors, and up-to-date, cutting-edge educational materials, events, and training.
Business Professionals of America is committed to the development of a sophisticated, world-class workforce, designed to meet the needs of business and industry in an ever-changing, ever expanding global economy. We believe students who complete their educational plans, coupled with the enhancement of skills developed through the programs of Business Professionals of America, will be more successful in attaining their chosen career goals.
Our dream is to turn no student away who needs our assistance with the achievement of their educational and career plans and to see that all members receive training consistent with standards they’ll encounter in the world of business.
Corporate Responsibility Statement - We expect employees and contracted services to meet high ethical standards in all aspects of our business, by conducting our activities with honesty and integrity, adhering to our corporate responsibility, principles, and complying with applicable laws and regulations.
State vision – Business Professionals of America will be a cohesive agent in the worldwide networking of education, business and industry. Business Professionals of America will be the leading student organization in preparing a world-class workforce. Business Professionals of America will set a standard of excellence for a career technical student organizations.
BPA University - The University designed with BPA members in mind. All course offerings and service opportunities administered through Business Professionals of America on local, regional, state and national levels qualify for inclusion in the BPA University. The BPA University is designed to enhance the leadership and life-skill development of our members. Participants have the opportunity to engage in exciting Academies and development sessions.
Membership Deadlines
November 1, 2015: Membership processed by Nov. 1 will allow your chapter to:
Continue to receive all communication from BPA
Ensure membership deadlines for regional and state events
Ensure early processing of registration pins & membership cards
February 15, 2016: Registrations received after this date will not be eligible for competition at the National Leadership Conference.
