Wisconsin BPA Newsletter
Inside This Issue
December-2014
Pin contest winners
Ashland Business Professionals
Habitat for Humanity
Facts about BPA Cares
Recruiting
Torch Award Points
Reflection From a State
Officer
SLC Registration
Merit Scholar Study Guide
Word Find
State Officers
President:
Tonya Schumacher
Vice President:
Holly Anderson
Secretary:
Brianna Sprague
Parliamentarian/
Marketing Director:
Greg Pitner
Communication Director:
Cathy Mianecki
Congratulation to the winners!!!
Thank you everyone for your submissions!
Ashland Business Professionals
Ashland Business Professionals have been very busy this semester.
September started out the semester with organizing recruitment for new
members, which we acquired 5 new faces. Two of the new members
along with one of the old members make 3 generations in our local BPA
Chapter.
Pictured: National Secretary/Treasurer Brooke Shefchek, Cindy Zakovec,
Marcia Otto, and Isaac Zakovec.
Whistle-Stop Festival, October 11: We served food to the runners and bystanders in the heated tent, a great treat for us; usually we are outside guiding
runners and vehicles in the cold weather.
Pictured are Marcia Otto, Char Groeneveld, Sheila Wilcox, in the back hidden is
Jen Miller.
Cram the Van, October 17: We helped the Wisconsin Indianhead Technical
College Alumni with cramming a van full of food outside the grocery store, for
the local food shelf called The Brick. Alongside of this we had a bake sale to
earn money for State and Nationals.
Pictured are: Sheila Wilcox, Marcia Otto, Jen Miller, and Cindy Zakovec
We also volunteered to help serve food at ABC Raceway during the Red Clay Classics the end of
September. This was a first for our group and it was a great experience. We had so much fun, we
forgot to take pictures. We went to Rice Lake on October 25 for Fall Leadership Conference, our
new recruits learned a lot, while the rest of us caught up with old friends . Also, on October 15,
we helped out our local Special Olympics with their radio auction. WOW, we sure have been busy
here. What are your chapters doing?
Respectfully submitted,
Cindy Zakovec
Member Ashland Chapter
Habitat for Humanity
The NWTC – Green Bay Chapter is going to be volunteering for their local Habitat for
Humanity on the first two Saturdays of February, and I’m challenging the other
chapters to do the same. This would be a great way to end BPA week, which is the
second full week of February. Plus you will earn Torch Points and be able to submit
articles for the BPA Cares Environmental Award. You don’t even have to know
anything about building houses or tools. Habitat for Humanity also has many Restores
located throughout the state. At the Restore, you can be a cashier, help with
merchandise prep, or help in the office. The pictures below are of me, your State
President, helping in the office and cashiering. The Restore is a mix between a
Menards/Lowes/Home Depot and Goodwill. The majority of the items sold are
donated. For more information on Habitat for Humanity or to find a local Restore in
your area, click on the link below.
http://hfh-wi-sso.huterra.com/
Fast Facts about BPA Cares
Written by: Brianna Sprague, BPA Wisconsin Secretary
The school year is almost half over, and hopefully you and your chapter have
already participated in some form of community service. Involvement in your
community or at your campus can count towards BPA Cares, and may even get you or
your chapter national recognition for all of your hard work and caring efforts. Below
are some “fast facts” to help you learn what BPA Cares is all about.
 Wisconsin currently holds the Professional Cup, which means that our state had
the most active participation in BPA Cares last year. Keep it up, keep the cup!
 Most of the awards are based
on chapter participation, but
there are a few awards that
recognize an individual, such
as BPA Merit Scholar, Service
Learning, and Member
Recruiter.
 Most submissions require a
photo and a quote from
someone involved in the
activity, so make sure you are
documenting your activities well.
 Nominate your advisor for the Advisor of the Year Award through BPA Cares
(there is also one for advisors with five or less years of service called the
Emerging Advisor Award).
 This is the first year that BPA is offering the Social Media Award.
 Other chapter awards are Community Service, Environmental
Action/Awareness, Safety Awareness, Special Olympics, and BPA Marketing and
Public Relations.
 The deadline for all submissions is March 25, 2015. Follow the guidelines
closely, some awards are submitted through the Custom Web Site system while
others are submitted on the bpa.org website.
 You can download the entire BPA Cares booklet at www.bpa.org or find it on
the “Download” tab on our state website www.wisconsinbpa.com
 As always, we want to see your chapter succeed! If you have any questions
involving BPA Cares (or anything else BPA related), please feel free to contact
any of your state officer team. Thank you!
By Cathy Mianecki
Recruiting
Recruiting new members is one thing we all need to do. It’s not always easy talking people into joining your
organization. At our chapter, I am excited to report, we have more than doubled our membership from last
year. Here are a few tips on what we did to recruit new members.

Be excited: If you are excited about what your organization is doing and where it’s going, it makes it
easy to talk about. Find one thing you love about your organization and tell everyone you see about
it.

Do a little home work: Learn the basics about the organization. You don’t have to know everything
right away, but you should know enough about your organization so that you can tell people about
it.

These first two bring us to the third one: you have to talk to people. Some of us have a hard time
opening up and talking to strangers, but going outside your comfort zone and expanding your
horizons is part of what BPA is about. This is also part of what makes us future leaders and the
strangers become friends.

Make a recruiting video: We made a Powerpoint of
what our organization did last year and what we are
planning to do this year. On club recruitment day we
set up the Powerpoint on a loop and had some of our
members standing there talking to people as they
walked by. You don’t have to wait for a certain day to
do this. You can arrange it with your student life to set
up a table in the hallway or commons to talk to
students any day of the year.

If your club can afford it, offer a discount for the
membership: At the beginning of the year if members signed up and paid their dues by a certain
date, our club paid for $8.00 of their membership fee. You don’t need to offer a big discount, just
by taking a little off the fee gets the members to commit and pay their fees early.

Dress appropriately: I am not saying you have to wear a suit, but if you are planning a recruitment
day, dress nicely. People are more willing to listen to someone who looks clean and professional.
Think about the people you respect, the people you listen to, how do they look?

Tell people what being involved can do for them: Tell them how it can be the differentiator on their
resume. Let them know about the scholarships they can apply for and the awards they can win. And
tell them they will have the opportunity to test their skills, and see where they stand, without it
affecting their grades.
I hope that these tips help you out!!! Have fun with it and don’t forget to smile!!! Happy
Recruiting
Torch Award Points
Looking to build on your Torch Point resume? Winter break is a great opportunity to earn Torch
Points. Below are just a handful of ways you can earn Torch Points over the next two months.
Service:
202 – Organize a blood drive
204 – Organize a pledge drive against distracted driving
206 – Organize a bone marrow registry drive
208 – Organize a donor registry drive
213 – Participate in a community or school-sponsored service project
215 – Participate in an activity that promotes the concept of “going green”
218 – Participate in a local chapter in-school service project which benefits the school
220 – Participate in a service project sponsored by the Business Professionals of America state or
national organization
221 – Register hours in the President’s Volunteer Service Award
225 – Participate in a Special Olympics event
Cooperation:
312 – Participate in a local, regional, state, or national safety project
320 – Serve as a committee member
321 – Organize a fundraiser for chapter or other organization
335 – Click the “Like” button on BPA’s official Facebook page:
www.facebook.com/businessprofessionalsofamerica
336 – Click the “Follow” button on BPA’s official Twitter Page: @national_bpa
Knowledge:
416 – Read the Business Professionals of America local, state, and national constitutions
428 – Write an article for the Business Professionals of America state newsletter
Friendship:
516 – Volunteer a friendship service on a one-to-one basis for a shut-in, homebound, disabled, or
similar person
Love, Hope, Faith:
620 – Attend a professional play or musical, classical music concert or recital, pops concert, dinner
theater, ballet or other dance performance, poetry, etc.
Patriotism:
701 – Lead the Pledge of Allegiance at a Business Professionals of America local chapter function
707 – Attend a city council meeting
708 – Attend a school board meeting
718 – Visit an art museum, natural history museum, or similar facility
720 – Take a virtual tour of a historical building or area
721 – Tour a historical building or area
REFLECTIONS FROM A
STATE OFFICER
By: Brianna Sprague, BPA Wisconsin Secretary
The Spring Leadership Conference will be here before you know
it. You may be already thinking about what competitions you are going
to sign up for, or what you have to do to acquire enough torch points to
be recognized at the Statesman level. Have you also thought about
running for a state officer position? No? Well, let me tell you some
things about
being a state
officer that
you might
not have
been aware
of.
YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Being a part of the Business Professionals of America - Wisconsin Association
executive board means that you are involved in many aspects of the organization.
Your input and ideas are welcome as you work with a team to plan the FLC and SLC.
As a team, you also engage in parliamentary procedure, oversee the Torch Awards,
run and take minutes of the executive board meetings, and put together the
newsletters (like the one you are reading right now). The winners of the state pin
design contest and scholarships are also determined
by your state officer team.
THERE ARE PERKS!
Did you know that by being a state officer,
your registration is paid to attend FLC (including
lodging), SLC (including lodging), and NLC? This
means that even if you do not qualify from
competitions to go to Nationals next year, you still get to go as a state officer. Next
year is BPA’s 50th Anniversary, which means you definitely won’t want to miss the
celebration that they will be holding in Boston, Massachusetts. The experiences you
will have as a state officer can also be used in future interview questions, and the
title you earn will look great on your résumé.
YOU CAN DO IT!
A year ago, I was thinking about becoming a state officer, but I was unsure
whether I could handle the responsibilities and obligations while still attending school
full-time. All those fears quickly went away when I attended our first training session
over the summer. We learned how to become good leaders and speak publicly. I also
learned that our meetings were once or twice a week via Skype, and usually only
lasted an hour. There will be things that you will need to do on your own time (such
as write articles for the newsletter, or post on our Facebook page), but you usually
have enough advanced notice to complete them when you have spare time.
HOW DO I RUN?
First of all, let your advisor know that you are interested in running for a state
officer position. They should be able to help you prepare for the steps ahead. Next,
watch our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/wisconsinbpa) and our website
(www.wisconsinbpa.com) to let you know when state officer candidate forms are
being accepted. Don’t wait until the last minute to do this. You will need to answer
some questions, have your advisor’s approval, and a copy of your transcripts to send
in with your form.
If you have any questions about running for an office, please feel free
to contact one of your officers. They will gladly answer any questions
you have.
Deadlines for SLC
Registration for SLC is now open:
Registration is $130 per person (student and advisor) $145 late registration fee
Registration deadline is February 2, 2015
Registration closes February 13, 2015
Hotel
Register at Holiday Inn Manitowoc by January 21, 2015 (920) 686-6000
Single = $70 per night
Double/ Triple / Quad will be $80 per night
The block on the hotel is February 18-21, Wednesday-Saturday
Current Schedule:
Thursday, February 19, 2015
3:30-4:00 pm
3:30-7:30 pm
4:00-8:00 pm
8:15 pm
8:30-10:00 pm
Officer Interviews
Registration
Open Events (DLG)
Parade of Presidents Line-up
Opening Session
Friday, February 20, 2015
7:00 am-6:00 pm
7:15-7:50 am
11:30 am-1:00 pm
5:30-6:00 pm
6:00-7:00 pm
7:30-11:00 pm
10:30 pm
Testing
Orientation/Breakfast (Judges)
Lunch
Torch Practice
Dinner at LTC
Casino Night (fundraiser)/ Social Event at Hotel
Start Raffle from Casino Night
Saturday, February 21, 2015
9:00-10:00 am
10:00-11:00 am
TBD
TBD
Voting/Torch Awards
Breakouts
Saturday Snack
Awards Ceremony at LTC
BUSINESS PROFESSIONALS OF AMERICA, WISCONSIN
ASSOCIATION
MERIT SCHOLAR 2014-2015
About the Test
Updated November 21, 2014
I. Purpose
A. Recognize individual members and advisors of their knowledge of the organization
B. Motivate individual members and advisors to learn about the organization
1. History
2. Traditions
3. Programs
4. Activities
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. BPA Cares Handbook
C. Torch Awards Handbook
D. The BPA Web Site (some items include)
1. Special Recognition Awards
2. Staff, Officers, Board of Trustees
E. Wisconsin Pages (for state only)
BUSINESS PROFESSIONALS OF AMERICA, WISCONSIN
ASSOCIATION
MERIT SCHOLAR 2014-2015
INFORMATION
Updated November 2013
I. People
A. National Staff
1. Executive Director - Kirk Lawson
2. Director of Education - Vickie Thomas
3. Director of Finance, CFO - Ric Cowles
4. Director of Member Services & Events - Shawna A. Gfroerer
5. Director of Strategic Advancement - Heather L. Bunning
6. Executive Staff Assistant - Michelle Gordon
7. Interactive Marketing Communications Mgr. - Joel Stieg
8. National Officer Coordinator - Sherrell Wheeler
9. PROGRAM LIAISON - Amy Hollingsworth
B. Board of Trustees Officers
1. Chairman - Judith McKinstry
2. Vice Chairman - Nancy McAfee
3. Secretary - Eric Swenson
4. Treasurer - Jerry Sue Burks
5. Past Chair - Kim Simpson
C. National Officers of Post-Secondary Division
1. President - Serina Pack
2. Vice President - Spencer Christensen
3. Secretary/Treasurer - Brooke Shefchek
4. Parliamentarian - Devin Alexander
D. National Officers of Secondary Division
1. President - Rachel Wagner
2. Vice President - Mason Russell
3. Secretary - Andrea Leal
4. Treasurer - Arijan Alagic
5. Historian - Paige Loew
6. Parliamentarian - Joshua Harris
E. National Officers of Alumni Division
1. President - Clay Long
2. President-Elect - Lyndsay Robinson
3. Secretary - Keith Bex
F. State Officers of Post-Secondary Division
1. October 26, 2014
a. President - Tonya Schumacher,- NWTC – Green Bay
b. Vice President – Holly Anderson,- GTC Elkhorn
c. Secretary - Brianna Sprague,LTC - Cleveland
d. Parliamentarian - Greg Pitner, GTC Elkhorn
e. Communications Officer - Cathy Mianecki, WITC NewRichmond
f. Marketing Officer - Greg Pitner, GTC Elkhorn
2. Updates - November 19, 2014
a. President - Tonya Schumacher,- NWTC – Green Bay
b. Vice President - Holly Anderson, GTC Elkhorn
G. Other State top Positions
1. State Director and SAAC Representative - John Ross
BPA, Wisconsin Association -Merit Scholar Information 2014-2015 – 11/14 Page 2
2. State Association State Officer Coordinator - Joann Gillis
3. CEAC Representative - Scott Elza, Finance
- Gordy Rosploch, IT
4. Alumni
a. President - Carol Hartman
b. President-Elect - See Long
c. Administrator of Finances - James Zimmer
II. National Communication
A. The Source is the BPA online, interactive community dedicated to Advisors, classroom
resources and
chapter resources.
B. The Wire is Business Professionals of America’s online web magazine publication
C. World Wide Web Address - http://www.bpa.org
III. State Communication
A. Newslettere
1. Called – Wisconsin Pages
2. Communications Officer is responsible to Issue
B. Website
1. World Wide Web Address - http://www.wisconsinbpa.com/
2. Marketing Officer with state webmaster to maintain
IV. 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.
A. A point system measured at four levels
1. Local Executive 10 Students, 25 Alumni
2. Regional Diplomat 30 Students, 75 Alumni
3. State Statesman 50 Students, 150 Alumni
4. National Ambassador 70 Students, 200 Alumni
B. Level recognition definitions
1. Executive – a person having administrative or managerial authority in an organization
2. Diplomat – one skilled with tact in dealing with people
3. Statesman – one who is a leader in the promotion of the public good and in national affairs
4. Ambassador – a diplomatic official of the highest rank appointed and accredited as
representative of the
organization
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. Responsible individuals for approval or reject.
1. 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.
2. State Advisors are responsible for evaluating submitted résumés using the Torch Awards
Online System.
State advisors are the administrators of the Diplomat and Statesman Award. State Advisors have
the
option of delegating Torch Award duties to State Advisor Helpers.
BPA, Wisconsin Association -Merit Scholar Information 2014-2015 – 11/14 Page 3
3. National Staff evaluate résumés submitted for the Ambassador Award.
V. Support Group Councils
A. Classroom Educators Advisory Council (CEAC) - 1973
1. Vision Statement - The vision of the Classroom Educators Advisory Council is to ensure the
production
and administration of world-class co-curricular assessments.
2. Purposes
a. Liaison between local advisors and the Board of Trustees
b. Promote the objectives of the Business Professionals of America programs
c. Establish and monitor effective Workplace Skills Assessment programs.
i. Serve as a clearinghouse for suggested improvements and changes pertaining to competitive
events.
ii. Ensure that their State Association is informed of currently adopted Workplace Skills
Assessment
Program guidelines.
d. Responsibility Area
i. Update and revise the Competitive Events Guidelines, Style & Reference Manual and the
Human
Resources Manual of the WSAP
ii. Review and audit individual competitive events.
iii. Develop and update the guidelines for authors, auditors, administrators, proctors and judges
iv. Research emerging business practices and recommend additions and deletions to the
Workplace
Skills Assessment Program, including alignment with National Standards and workplace
validation.
v. Review input gathered via the recommendation forms to determine the necessary course of
action to
be taken for each Workplace Skills Assessment related item.
vi. 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.
vii. Operate in a partnership-oriented manner with the Director of Education to ensure the
successful
operation of all aspects of the conferences competitive events.
viii. Provide assistance to the Director of Education during the National Leadership Conference.
Areas
of assistance may include, but are not limited to:
(A)APG Orientation
(B) Judges Orientation
(C) On-call Administration
(D) Headquarter Assistance
3. Membership
a. Must currently be a full or part time educator with at least three (3) years of experience as a
Business
Professionals of America advisor.
b. Made up of professional level member of BPA from each affiliated state, one for each Middle
Level,
Secondary and Post-secondary Divisions.
c. Term is for three (3) years and must be a current professional level member.
B. National Business Advisory Council (NBAC)
1. 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.
2. 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 exofficio
capacity. Every major contributor or sponsor may appoint one (1) representative to serve as a
participating member of NBAC.
3. Selection - Members shall be approved by the Board of Trustees based upon recommendations
from
NBAC.
BPA, Wisconsin Association -Merit Scholar Information 2014-2015 – 11/14 Page 4
4. 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 reappointed.
C. State Association Advisory Council (SAAC) - 1985
1. Purposes
a. Serve as a liaison between State Associations, Board of Trustees and National Staff.
b. Promote enthusiasm, communication and cooperation among State Associations, and other
CTSOs.
c. Promote the mission, vision, and goals of the national organization.
d. Provide input to the Board of Trustees and National Staff regarding national programs and
activities
affecting State Associations.
e. 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.
f. Support and facilitate the implementation of programs, policies and activities as established by
Business Professionals of America Board of Trustees.
g. Collaborate with CEAC, other support groups and special committees to improve programs.
2. Membership
a. 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:
i. States where an individual is designated as being responsible for daily operations of the State
Association, that individual shall serve on the SAAC.
ii. 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.
b. The State Advisor Board position will serve as the SAAC liaison to the Board of Trustees.
c. 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.
d. A member of SAAC may not serve simultaneously on the CEAC Support Group.
e.
VI. BPA Cares Program - Participation in this program means that members are engaging
in worthwhile
projects while having the opportunity to receive recognition from the national organization. It is
also a way to
receive positive public relations for the chapter and school in the community.
A. Service Learning Awards Program - The purpose of the Service Learning Program is to
encourage
individuals and chapters to be involved in their community through service learning.
1. Community Service Award. - To encourage local chapters to become actively involved in
community
betterment, school improvement, and election-year activities. To encourage local chapters to
develop
ways of involving their members in these kinds of activities. To recognize chapters for their
involvement
in engaged citizenry.
2. Environmental Action/Awareness Award - To promote the image of Business Professionals of
America
(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”
society.
3. Safety Awareness Award - To encourage and recognize local chapters for their involvement
and
development of safety programs.
4. Service Learning Award Individual - To recognize local members involved with Service
Learning.
5. Special Olympics Award - To recognize local chapters involved with Special Olympics.
6. Social Media Award - To encourage local chapters to become actively involved in the
National Officer
Team Social Media Challenges. To encourage local chapters to publicize their local activities
and events.
B. Special Recognition Awards Program - The purpose of the Special Recognition Program is to
encourage
individuals and chapters to support and promote their organizations.
BPA, Wisconsin Association -Merit Scholar Information 2014-2015 – 11/14 Page 5
1. BPA Marketing and Public Relations Award - To promote the image of Business
Professionals of
America 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 Websites promoting BPA; and
to
encourage organized local chapter membership recruiting efforts/activities.
2. BPA Merit Scholar Award - To recognize individual members and advisors for their
knowledge of
Business Professionals of America and to motivate all members and advisors to learn as much as
possible
about the history, traditions, programs, and activities of the organization.
3. Chapter Activities Award of Excellence - To 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.
4. Member Recruiter Award - To encourage current members of the Secondary, Post-Secondary,
and Middle
Level Divisions to recruit new BPA national members.
C. Professional Awards Program - The purpose of the Professional Awards program is to
acknowledge the
dedication and service of our supporters.
1. Advisor of the Year Award - To recognize an individual who have made significant
contributions to
Business Professionals of America as a local chapter advisor.
2. Emerging Advisor Award - To recognize an individual who have made significant
contributions to
Business Professionals of America as a local chapter advisor in their first five years of service.
3. Emerging Professional Award - To recognize alumni who made their mark as professionals
and
contributed to Business Professionals of America within their first five years of service to the
Association .
4. Hall of Fame Award - To recognize those individuals who have made significant contributions
at the
national level to Business Professionals of America, formerly the Office Education Association
(OEA).
5. Outstanding Service Award - To recognize those individuals who have dedicated time and
effort to
promote the objectives of career/technical student organizations/Business Professionals of
America or
provided outstanding service to the BPA at the National level.
6. The Professional Cup Award - To encourage state associations to become actively involved in
promoting
participation in the BPA Cares 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 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.
C. Themes 2014-2015
1. National – Imagine, Believe, Become
2. State
a. FLC – Dare to Believe
b. SLC – Dare to Achieve
D. Tagline
1. Student divisions - Today's students. Tomorrow's business professionals.
2. Alumni Division - Yesterday's students, Today's Business Professionals.
E. Emblem
1. Will be used for the Emblem Building Ceremony and portions of the Opening Ceremony.
2. Four Points (Starting from upper right corner in a clockwise direction - PALS)
a. Poise
b. Ambition
BPA, Wisconsin Association -Merit Scholar Information 2014-2015 – 11/14 Page 6
c. Leadership
d. Sociability
3. Shield itself - honor and dignity and the importance of business in America
4. Stripes – represent 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
F. Membership Classifications
1. Student Members - To qualify for student membership, an individual member shall be a
member of one
of the following divisions:
a. College / Post-secondary Division: For post-secondary (one-year, two-year, baccalaureate, or
postbaccalaureate)
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
b. High School / Secondary Division: This Division is made up of two sections .
i. Regular Members - For high school students enrolled or formerly enrolled in initial, refresher,
or
upgrading business, career technical, and career or related education programs.
ii. 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.
c. 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.
2. Alumni Members - For former active members of any student division.
3. 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.
G. 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:
1. Post-Secondary Division
2. Secondary Division
3. Middle-Level Division
4. Alumni Division
H. 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
I. Membership Dues
1. National 2014-2015
a. Middle Level – $8.00
b. Secondary - $12.00
c. Associate - $9.00
d. Post-Secondary – 12.00
e. Alumni - $17.00
f. Professional – 17.00
2. Wisconsin Post-Secondary – $16.00
BPA, Wisconsin Association -Merit Scholar Information 2014-2015 – 11/14 Page 7
J. 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
K. Shop BPA
1. Go to Twin Hill for uniforms, blazers, and more. (https://twinhill.com/BPA/Home.jsp)
2. Visit Barefoot BPA to order your official casual and custom T‐shirts.
(http://www.barefootathletics.com/flexpaper/docs/BPA_Catalog_2014/index.html )
3. You can contact BPA direct ([email protected]) to order officer pins and all other non‐uniform supplies.
4. Contact Shawna Gfroerer directly for information on clearance items. ([email protected])
L. Business Professionals of America week is the second full week in February (February 8-14,
2015).
M. The official gray blazer with the emblem patch on the left breast pocket.
N. Membership pin worn on the left lapel. There should not be any other accessories on the left
lapel.
O. 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. Wisconsin Leadership Conferences
1. Fall Leadership Conference – October 25, 2014 in NWTC - Green Bay & WITC - Rice Lake
2. Spring Leadership Conference –February 19-21 in LTC - Cleveland
Q. National Leadership Conferences (NLC)
1. 1967 - Green Lake, WI (first one)
2. 2015 - Anaheim, CA - May 6-10
3. 2016 - Boston, MA - May 5-9
4. 2017 - Orlando, FL - May 10-14
5. 2018 – Dallas, TX - May 9-13
6. 2019 - Anaheim, CA - May 1-5
7. 2020 - Washington, DC - May 6-10
R. Post-Secondary State College Chapters
1. Blackhawk Technical College (BTC)- Janesville
2. Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC) - Eau Claire
3. Gateway Technical College (GTC) - Elkhorn
4. Gateway Technical College (GTC) - Kenosha
5. Gateway Technical College (GTC) - Racine
6. Lakeshore Technical College (LTC) - Cleveland
7. Nicolet Area Technical College (NATC)- Rhinelander
8. Northcentral Technical College (NTC) - Wausau
9. Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC) - Green Bay
10. Southwest Wisconsin Technical College (SWTC) - Fennimore
11. Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College (WITC) - Ashland
12. Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College (WITC) - New Richmond
13. Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College (WITC) - Rice Lake
S. 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.
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.
BPA, Wisconsin Association -Merit Scholar Information 2014-2015 – 11/14 Page 8
V. Mission Statement
1. National – 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. Statements
1. Corporate Vision Statements – 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 vocational student organizations.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
VIII. Competitive Events Program
A. Workplace Skills Assessment Program (WSAP) - 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 curricula.
B. Divided into five assessment areas and Virtual Competitive events (Test are for both S Secondary and PS –
Post-Secondary if not listed)
1. Virtual Competitive Events
a. (V01) Virtual Multimedia & Promotion – Individual
b. (V02) Virtual Multimedia & Promotion – Team
c. (V03) Software Engineering Team
d. (V04) Web Application Team
e. (V05) Mobile Applications
2. Finance (100’s)
a. (100) Fundamental Accounting (S)
b. (105) College Accounting (PS)
BPA, Wisconsin Association -Merit Scholar Information 2014-2015 – 11/14 Page 9
c. (110) Advanced Accounting (S)
d. (115) Advanced College Accounting (PS)
e. (125) Payroll Accounting (S)
f. (130) College Payroll Accounting (PS)
g. (135) Managerial Accounting (PS)
h. (140) Federal Income Tax Accounting (PS)
i. (145) Banking & Finance
j. (150) Financial Analyst Team
k. (155) Economic Research Individual (S)
l. (160) Economic Research Team (S)
m. (190) Financial Math & Analysis Concepts – Open
n. (192) Personal Financial Management Concepts – Open
3. Business Administration (200’s)
a. (200) Keyboarding Production
b. (205) Fundamental Word Processing
c. (210) Advanced Word Processing
d. (215) Integrated Office Applications
e. (220) Basic Office Systems & Procedures
f. (225) Advanced Office Systems & Procedures
g. (230) Fundamental Spreadsheet Applications
h. (235) Advanced Spreadsheet Applications
i. (240) Database Applications
j. (245) Legal Office Procedures
k. (250) Medical Office Procedures
l. (255) Administrative Support Team
m. (260) Administrative Support Research Individual (S)
n. (290) Administrative Support Concepts – Open
4. Management Information Systems (300’s)
a. (300) Computer Network Technology
b. (305) PC Servicing & Troubleshooting
c. (310) Network Administration Using Microsoft®
d. (315) Systems Administration Using Cisco ®
e. (320) Computer Security
f. (325) Network Design Team
g. (330) Visual Basic Programming
h. (335) C++ Programming
i. (340) Java Programming
j. (345) SQL Database Fundamentals-Pilot
k. (390) Computer Programming Concepts – Open
l. (391) Information Technology Concepts – Open
5. Digital Communication & Design (400’s)
a. (400) Fundamental Desktop Publishing
b. (405) Fundamentals of Web Design
c. (410) Graphic Design Promotion
d. (415) Digital Publishing – Pilot
e. (420) Digital Media Production
f. (425) Computer Modeling
g. (430) Video Production Team
h. (435) Web Site Design Team
i. (440) Computer Animation Team
j. (445) Broadcast News Production Team (S)
6. Management, Marketing & Communication (500’s)
a. (500) Global Marketing Team (S)
BPA, Wisconsin Association -Merit Scholar Information 2014-2015 – 11/14 Page 10
b. (505) Entrepreneurship
c. (510) Small Business Management Team
d. (515) Interview Skills
e. (520) Advanced Interview Skills
f. (525) Extemporaneous Speech (S)
g. (530) Contemporary Issues (PS)
h. (535) Human Resource Management
i. (540) Ethics & Professionalism (PS)
j. (545) Prepared Speech
k. (550) Parliamentary Procedure Team (S)
l. (555) Presentation Management Individual
m. (560) Presentation Management Team
n. (590) Business Meeting Management Concepts – Open
o. (591) Management, Marketing and Human Resources Concepts – Open
p. (592) Parliamentary Procedure Concepts – Open
q. (593) Project Management Concepts – Open
C. Number of Contests (on the national level)
1. Secondary
a. A student may compete in a total of two (2) events, only one of which may be a team event.
b. A student may compete in an unlimited number of open or Virtual Events within the time
constraints
of the conference program.
2. Post-Secondary
a. A student may compete in a total of three (3) events, only one of which may be a team event.
b. A student may compete in an unlimited number of open or Virtual Events within the time
constraints
of the conference program.
D. Eligibility - Must have dues postmarked by March 15.
E. Manuals / references used
1. Style & Reference Manual
2. Human Resource Manual
3. Ethics & Professionalism Resources Manual
4. Graphic Standards
5. NLC Calculator Guidelines
6. Copyright and Fair Use Guidelines
IX. History
A. 1963 - Vocational Education Act was passed. The need for a student organization for students
enrolled in
career/technical office/business programs was recognized.
B. 1964 - American Vocational Association conducted a study of 43 states indicating that 67% of
the state
vocational education supervisors wanted a career/technical youth group for students in
office/business
programs.
C. 1965 - Another study confirms the ’64 study findings; State supervisors meet to develop
guidelines.
D. 1966 - In July, the Vocational Office Education Clubs of America (VOECA) was formed by
the states of
Iowa, Kansas, and Wisconsin. In August, VOECA convened a meeting of youth group
representatives to
decide the most effective means to implement the office occupations youth group. After
intensive effort,
articles of incorporation were filed for the Office Education Association (OEA). The first three
states to
affiliate were Iowa, Kansas, and Wisconsin.
E. The organization was organized to operate at three levels - local, state, and national. (page
13*)
BPA, Wisconsin Association -Merit Scholar Information 2014-2015 – 11/14 Page 11
F. 1971 - A national office was established for the Office Education Association in Columbus,
Ohio
G. 1971 - With opening the national office a part time Executive Director was employed. (page
13*)
H. 1971 - The Board of Trustees approved the Alumni Division.
I. 1973 - The first full-time Executive Director of OEA was employed.
J. 1975 –The Collegiate division was established (Page A-2** and has merged with the PostSecondary
division with 1989-1990year listing the last set of officers in “It’s a New Year”.)
K. 1982 - The present National Center at 5454 Cleveland Avenue, Columbus, Ohio was
purchased
L. 1983 - Dedication ceremonies for the new National Center were conducted in July.
M. 1984 - Board of Trustees commissioned the Market One firm of Columbus, Ohio to do a
marketing study of
the OEA. The resulting long-range marketing plan recommended reform of the national image of
the OEA.
N. 1988 - Image reform recommendations of the marketing study were implemented—the OEA
became
Business Professionals of America.
O. 1988 - The Associate Division was established which is made up of Secondary Division
member for special
population. (Not currently listed)
P. 1992 - The National Center is paid off and the mortgage is burned in a ceremony at the
National Leadership
Conference in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Q. 1998-2002 - Delaware, Florida, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas pilot a New BPA Middle
Level
program.
R. 2002 - The Middle Level Program was approved by the Board of Trustees.
S. 2003 - The Middle Level Program was approved by BPA Corporate. The BPA Middle Level
Division is
born.
T. 2004 - Middle Level Division members participate in the National Leadership Conference.
U. 2006 - BPA celebrates its 40th birthday.
V. 2009 - The first rescheduling of a National Leadership Conference was in Dallas, Texas. This
rescheduling
was due to the H1N1 Influenza.
W. 2010 - The BPA pledge is changed from “We are met in a spirit of friendship and goodwill as
we prepare for
productive lives in business and office careers...” to "We are met in a spirit of friendship and
goodwill as we
prepare for careers in a world-class workforce...”
* History information from “Chapter Management Reference” 1993 Edition of Business
Professionals of America.
** History information from “The World of OEA, A Reference for Chapter Management” 1986
Edition of Office
Education Association.
X. National Professional Awards - past and present
A. Distinguished Service Award
B. Distinguished Citation Award
C. Distinguished Service Citation
D. Honorary Life Membership
E. Hall of Fame
F. Outstanding Service Award
G. Founders Award
H. Special Recognition
BPA, Wisconsin Association -Merit Scholar Information 2014-2015 – 11/14 Page 12
I. Emerging Professional of the Year
J. Emerging Advisor of the Year
K. Advisor of the Year
XI. Board of Trustees - Provides oversight to the creation, direction, and
supervision of the
activities of Business Professionals of America.
A. Term of Office
1. Post-secondary and Secondary Members. The presidents of the Post-secondary and Secondary
divisions
shall serve as ex-officio voting members while serving as president of their respective division.
2. All other members of the Board of Trustees shall serve a three-year term.
3. All Trustees shall assume office at the beginning of the first Board meeting immediately
following their
election.
4. Members may serve for no more than two consecutive terms and may serve again after being
out of office
for at least one year.
B. Composition
1. Voting Members - The Board of Trustees shall be comprised of thirteen (13) voting members
as follows:
a. One state supervisor;
b. Two state advisors;
c. Two members at large;
d. One post-secondary local advisor;
e. One secondary local advisor;
f. One middle level local advisor
g. One alumni representative;
h. One business representative;
i. One National Business Advisory Council representative;
j. The president of the post-secondary; and
k. The president of the secondary division
2. Ex-officio Members
a. The Executive Director of Business Professionals of America, Inc. shall serve as a non-voting
ex-officio member.
b. The Immediate Past Chair shall serve as a non-voting ex-officio member for a maximum of
one year if
term limits prohibit continuing regular membership on the Board.
XII. Corporate Information
A. Called - Business Professionals of America, Inc.
B. Business Professionals of America, Inc. is an incorporated, non-profit association formed for
the purpose of
creating, directing and supervising the activities of the unincorporated national student and
alumni
organization called Business Professionals of America.
C. Corporate Vote Allocation - Each chartered State Association with paid membership shall be
granted a
Corporate vote during its charter year. In succeeding years, Corporate votes shall be allocated as
follows:
1. Post-secondary Division
a. After the charter year, a Post-secondary State Association must have 100 members to qualify
for a
Corporate vote. If a Post-secondary Association has fewer than 100 members, it has no
Corporate
vote.
b. Additional Corporate votes shall be granted in any year in which the Association's
membership meets
the following criteria:
i. One additional vote if membership exceeds 1,000 by February 15 of that year.
ii. One more additional vote for each additional 1,000 members or portion thereof.
2. Secondary Division
BPA, Wisconsin Association -Merit Scholar Information 2014-2015 – 11/14 Page 13
a. After the charter year, a State Association of a Secondary Division must have 100 members to
qualify
for a Corporate vote. If a State Association section has fewer than 100 members it has no
Corporate
vote.
b. Additional Corporate votes shall be granted in any year in which a section's membership
meets the
following criteria:
i. One additional vote if membership exceeds 5,000 by February 15 of that year.
ii. One more additional vote for each additional 5,000 members or portion thereof.
3. Middle Level Division - The Middle Level Division shall have no representatives or voting
rights.
4. Alumni Division
a. The Alumni Division shall have one Corporate vote.
b. Additional Corporate votes shall be granted in any year in which the division’s membership
meets the
following criteria:
i. One additional vote if membership exceeds 1,000 by February 15 of that year.
ii. One more additional vote for each additional 1,000 members or portion thereof.
XIII. Sponsors
A. National (Listed in the order as found on the web site on October 01, 2014)
1. HowTheMarketWorks.com
2. American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
3. CIW
4. Certiport
5. Knowledge Matters
6. Johnson & Wales University
7. Microsoft
8. NAP
9. National Technical Honor Society (NTHS)
10. Northwood University
11. Sage Group, plc
12. South-Western - Cengage Learning
13. Shell group
B. State (Listed in the as found on the web site on November 04, 2013)
1. Country Inn & Suites
2. Hampton Inn
3. Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
Fundraiser Form Letter
Donation Request
Business Name
Address xxxx
Date
To whom it may concern:
What was your favorite memory about college? Was it throwing the winning touchdown or joining a
club? Or perhaps it was just hanging out with your friends studying and enjoying all that there is.
With whatever you enjoyed memories like these don’t just happen; they are made. The choices you make
and the people you surround yourself with make them happen. But some of these events are not just
random. Some are created by people who plan them so that they can be remembered forever.
At WITC there is an outstanding club that helps to build memories as well as prepare students for the
business world. BPA (Business Professionals of America) is that superb club and we thank everyone who
has supported it thus far. Without the help of funding the students of BPA wouldn’t have been able to
participate in state and national competitions. Here they are creating great memories of their own as well
as absorbing knowledge to take with them in their future endeavors.
This is why we are now asking you to consider a gift to the BPA 2014-2015 auction. Your gift, no matter
its size, will help fulfill a variety of goals. Your support may help to send a student to a state competitiongiving them the knowledge and excitement to advance. Or it may help to pay for the cost of transportation
to an event- which will fulfill the interest and excitement of many. Whatever the ultimate purpose, your
gift to the BPA fund will help us keep the club alive for many generations to experience and enjoy.
We ask you to consider a gift to the BPA auction this year. Any amount or item that you could spare is
vital to the continued excellence that is practiced while in BPA. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Your Name
Business Professionals of American President
2014 Business Professionals of America Fund
Send to:
School Name and Tax #
Advisor Name
BPA Advisor
School Address
Phone #
This is a fundraiser letter that has worked well for us in the past.
Word Find
MEETING
BUSINESS
PROFESSIONALS
AMERICA
AGENDA
BPACARES
TORCH
WOOD
STUDENTS
BELIEVE
IMAGINE
BECOME
LEADERSHIP
RECRUITMENT
CONFERENCE
COMPETITION
NETWORKING
LEARNING
MEMBERSHIP
TEAM