Members of the CSUF chapter of PBL celebrate their success at the SBLC in Garden Grove on April 2. Offering internship, leadership development and committee programs, the club seeks to equip the next generation for success in the business world.

The Cal State Fullerton chapter of business student club Phi Beta Lambda (PBL) took first place in two chapter awards and netted 48 individual honors at the organization’s annual State Business Leadership Conference. The recognition builds on the club’s success in recent years.

Cal State Fullerton’s PBL chapter has done it again. After a record-breaking year in 2016 in which they garnered an unprecedented 94 awards, the club was honored with first place finishes in the Sweepstakes and Ms. PBL Competition, second place in Name Tag Design, and third place for Largest Conference Delegation at the 2017 State Business Leadership Conference in Garden Grove earlier this month.

The chapter was also recognized for its Financial Literacy Campaign, which seeks to educate CSUF students on the concepts and application of personal finances.

Out of more than 60 business and career preparation competitions, CSUF PBL took home 48 individual awards, with 70% of these placing in the top three for individual categories. Co-president Kimberly Hong ’18 (accounting and information systems) received state officer designation, and Vice President of Membership and Communication Sam Smith ’18 (finance) received the Who’s Who award, the highest honor bestowed on individuals in the PBL system.

Vice President of Public Relations Patricia Cruz ’18 (marketing) received the Ms. PBL Title, partly for her fundraising on behalf of the March of Dimes Foundation. “To prepare for the pageant, she practiced her talent, which she performed during the conference, which included her interview and public speaking skills,” says Hong.

While popular among business students, PBL is open to students of all majors. The club, the largest U.S. collegiate organization, has chapters at universities throughout the nation, with additional chapters at high schools nationwide through Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA).

In addition to weekly meetings on Wednesdays at 4 p.m. at the Titan Student Union, the chapter hosts regular workshops, competitions, case studies and leadership opportunities. “Through these events, FBLA-PBL members gain the hands-on experience of teamwork and current knowledge of what is in demand in the industry of their interest. Professionally, they are able to network and seek career insight through a one-on-one conversation,” says Co-president Yumi Liang ’18, an international business major focusing on global trade.

Among the coming events is the National Leadership Conference this June in Anaheim, where the club hopes to earn additional honors. More information about the club is available online or on their Facebook page. Or you may reach out by email at [email protected].