Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION “STATE OF THE CHAPTER” LETTER ............................................................................ 2 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................... 3 NUMBER OF MEMBERS .......................................................................................... 3 SIZE OF SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY ........................................................................... 4

ACTIVITIES TO BENEFIT CHAPTER AND ITS MEMBERS PROGRAM OF WORK ............................................................................................. 4 RECRUITMENT ACTIVITIES ....................................................................................... 5 LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT .................................................................................... 6 CAREER EXPLORATION AND PREPARATION ................................................................. 7 BUSINESS PARTNERSHIPS ........................................................................................ 8 CHAPTER FUNDRAISING ......................................................................................... 9 PUBLIC RELATIONS ACTIVITIES AND CHAPTER PUBLICITY ............................................. 10

ACTIVITIES TO BENEFIT OTHER INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANIZATIONS STATE AND NATIONAL PROJECTS ............................................................................ 11 OTHER COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS .................................................................. 12

CONFERENCES AND RECOGNITION PARTICIPATION IN FBLA CONFERENCES .................................................................. 13 OTHER CHAPTER AND INDIVIDUAL RECOGNITIONS EARNED ......................................... 14 COMPETITIVE EVENT WINNERS AND PARTICIPANTS ................................................... 15 CONCLUSION ..................................................................................................... 15

Chapter Profile

April 26, 2019

Dear Cotter FBLA Chapter Members, Our local chapter truly has embraced this year’s national theme of “Create, Lead, Inspire” thru learning and leadership. It has been a phenomenal year for the Cotter Future Business Leaders of America, and I am happy to say that I served as the President of our local chapter. As we look back on the achievements of our chapter, let us continue to be the strong, proud leaders of the Future Business Leaders of America! We have conducted many outstanding projects in our organization. Our current Chapter membership is 47. Many of the members have attended leadership conferences, placed in competitions, and represented our school with great dignity in everything we did. Several of our projects this year contributed to home, business, and community life. Not only did the members hold fundraising activities for the Chapter, but they also raised money that went to significant groups such as the Arkansas FBLA-PBL Foundation and the Arkansas Children’s Hospital. Through these projects, the Chapter has had a great opportunity to practice money management and was encouraged to give back our local community that has always support them! Our Chapter’s involvement in completing the goals of FBLA as set forth by our organization has made our chapter a true success. Every one of you as members should feel honored to have been a part of our continued success. To recap our year, the Cotter FBLA has once again demonstrated outstanding leadership in every area and developed vocational skills that will help them in the future. With that said, I am certain that the essence of Cotter FBLA will live on in the lives of all of our membership—both current and future members. I encourage each of you to strive to make Cotter FBLA as strong and successful in the continuing years. Remember, you all have been challenged to “Lead, Achieve, and Inspire” others through FBLA! Sincerely,

Averee Hutson Cotter FBLA President

“STATE OF THE CHAPTER” LETTER

COTTER FBLA

CHAPTER OFFICERS

Averee Hutson President

Courtney Benedict Vice President

Alyssa Martinez Secretary

Jasmine Underwood Treasurer

Emily Montgomery Reporter

Jarod Dewey Parliamentarian

Paige Clawson Adviser’s Assistant

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Introduction

Cotter School District Mascot

INTRODUCTION

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The young people of this generation appear to be some of the brightest, resourceful and the most creative ever. In this Local Chapter Annual Business Report, this statement will be proven by the reports on the activities of the students of Cotter High School through the Future Business Leaders of America Chapter #5081. The report features activities beginning in June 2018 to the present date. The report will describe recruitment of peers, personal and chapter leadership training, service to school and community, and participation in projects such as Arkansas Children’s Hospital, March of Dimes, and Arkansas FBLA-PBL Foundation. FBLA-PBL chose the theme “Create, Lead, Inspire” for the 2018-2019 year. During the past year, FBLA members have been able to truly see the impact each member has on the organization. Many of the members realized that FBLA is more than just an organization to join as they gain knowledge to prepare for the business world of tomorrow. Taking part of a legacy that is 77 years strong, the Cotter Future Business Leaders of America are elevating their future!

NUMBER OF MEMBERS

Cotter FBLA has 47 members for the 2018-2019 school year and is a member of District VI of Arkansas. Out of the entire District VI, Cotter FBLA holds the 3rd place title for Largest Chapter Membership as well as the 4th place title in Largest Chapter Membership-Market share. Cotter FBLA is one of the largest and most active organizations on the Cotter school campus. The following is a listing of current membership:

2018-2019 Cotter FBLA Chapter Members

Amiee Tardiff Kyle Burton Tucker Coots Kristen Wilcoxson Anna Haynes Jeffry Haynes Cameron Plumlee Mackenzi Garofalo Averee Hutson Cole Adams Hayden Hutson Jasmine Underwood Kate Cheek Afton Massey Mai Tathong Jayden Hutchison Pearl Whitsel Gabby Balmer Mattie Beavers Zach Altenbaumer Kally Benedict Jade Sherill Paige Clawson Courtney Benedict Tylar Coots Abby Derden Emily Montgomery Alyssa Martinez Jarod Dewey Dylan Dwyer Abby Ewing Hailey Cunningham Justin Few Ashley Garay Colton Jones Candace Lambert Claire Manns Justin Martin Justin Few Christianne Crunkelton Gwen Poynter Trevor Reece Charles Rowe Kaylee Middleton Briar Rose Rogers Candy Sanchez Cole Stevenson

2018-2019 Chapter Membership

R.M. Ruthven Rainbow Arch Bridge

SIZE OF SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY

Introduction

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Nestled on majestic White River, Cotter is known as “Trout Capital, USA” and boasts the greatest access to trophy Rainbow Trout in the world. With the most scenic site on the White River, three miles of river frontage for fantastic fishing and an historic downtown, Cotter is a wonderful place to visit or live! Located in Baxter County, the city of Cotter is mainly residential and is made up of approximately 1,000 citizens. The school district includes the following area communities: Cotter, Gassville, Whiteville, and Monkey Run, and the School District population is approximately 3,500 people.

Cotter Public Schools is small school system with an enrollment of over 700 students pre-kindergarten through 12th and is governed by a school board of 5 members. The current board consists of Allan Franks, Donald Marler, Jimmy Morgan, Reneta Dewey, and Luke Walker. Our administration, faculty and staff are very proud of our schools, and the education they provide for our students. The District strives to offer their students the best curriculum available, an up-to-date technology program, a competitive athletic program and as many extracurricular opportunities as possible. The Cotter School District is the second largest in Baxter County and is home to the Warriors and Lady Warriors. The official school colors are royal blue and white, and the school district offers basketball, softball, baseball, track, and volleyball. This year’s graduation class consists of 46 seniors and will be graduating on May 11, 2019.

Cotter FBLA Program of Work

Project Committee Project Committee

September: Membership Recruitment T-shirt Fundraiser

Membership Fundraising

October: BINGO Night District VI Fall Conference

Community All

November: Fruit Fundraiser Competition Sign Ups Holiday Baking Event

Fundraising All Community

December: Fruit Delivery King/Queen of the Casserole

Fundraising All

January: District VI Competitions EverFi Partnership

All Partnership

February: FBLA Activities Week Teachers are “Soup”er Day

All Community

March: Competition Practice March Madness Event

All All

April: FBLA State Competitions Dinner Theater

All All

May: Senior Reception Senior DVD Sales

Community Fundraising

June: District VI Officer Training Officer Training-Local

District Officer Officers

COTTER FBLA PROGRAM OF WORK

Program of Work Planning

RECRUITMENT ACTIVITIES

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Because it is one of the most active organizations at Cotter High School, recruitment is one of the most important parts of the year. Prospective members are influenced to join by several FBLA activities including putting up posters to encourage membership, requiring newly elected officers to recruit new members to be eligible to hold office, and being recognized nationally for obtaining Membership Madness.

Membership Recruitment Posters Officers created several recruitment posters to encourage Cotter students to join FBLA. The posters were displayed around campus, including the entry and exit to the student parking lot, Counselor’s Office and the High School Office.

Classroom Presentations Officers utilized and applied their public speaking skills by giving presentations to all the business classes at Cotter High School. Some of the presentations included the “Fun Facts of FBLA” and other gave presentations over the history and success of FBLA. Chapter Officers informed students of the chapter’s community service projects and social activities, conference, and upcoming events.

Macho Nacho Madness As a recruitment tool, our chapter hosted an informational meeting held after lunch with the promise Macho Nachos after the presentation. Chapter Officers passed out invitations to all students in business classes and advisory periods. A presentation was shown to prospective members of actual pictures of where the Chapter has traveled, what the Chapter has accomplished, and all the new connections that members have met in the past years. Each officer was tasked with signing up at least 5 new members to successfully complete the Membership Madness challenge for National FBLA. District VI Chapter Recruitment The Cotter FBLA Chapter actively encouraged inactive chapters to reactivate this school year. Our chapter has offered assistance to several local chapters and has sent e-mails out to new advisers with helpful tips to help other chapters to become more involved. Local Chapter President, Averee Hutson, has worked closely with the District VI Coordinator to encourage schools to take part in the conferences and competitions.

New Member Induction Ceremony Approximately 20 members, administration, and guests attended the Cotter FBLA New Member Induction Ceremony. Officers started off the ceremony by lighting a white candle to symbolize the chapter. New members were then asked to repeat the FBLA Pledge and recite the FBLA Creed. Officers lit the first candle of each row, and members passed the light down until all new members’ candles were lit.

and its Members

Membership Recruitment Posters

Macho Nacho Membership Meeting

Activities to Benefit the Chapter

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

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Activities to Benefit Chapter and its Members

The development of competent, aggressive business leadership is one of the founding goals of FBLA. Officers and members were encouraged to seize the opportunities presented by FBLA to enhance their leadership abilities.

Local Chapter Officer Applications Potential officers submitted their applications for local chapter office at the beginning of the school year. The applications consisted of a resume and qualification sheet. Members had to obtain support not only from other chapter members, but also from the local chapter adviser, from school administration, and from their parents.

Local Chapter Leadership Training The Cotter FBLA Local Chapter officers attended a local training session during the month of June. The training was held in the High School Library, and the officers created a program of work, planned a calendar of upcoming events, practiced speeches for classroom presentations, worked with the local chapter adviser to get registered for the Business Achievements Awards, and reviewed state and national projects. The local chapter officers had fun through various ice breaking and team-building activities. Chapter Adviser, Miss Kray, and former chapter officers led the current officers in this session.

National Vocational Week The Cotter FBLA members participated in National Vocational Week, February 4-8, 2019, by holding various activities to recognize the week. We started on Monday with members sharing their “FBLA Story” on various social media accounts with the hash tag #FBLAPBLWeek. Tuesday members completed a FBLA Scavenger Hunt finding out characteristics of members. Wednesday was Adviser and Member Appreciation Day. Students were given either a bag of Goldfish with the saying “You’re O-FISH-ALLY an amazing member!” or a bag of muffins with the saying “Muffin to do but appreciate you! Thursday was FBLA Trivia Day. Students answered questions from the Future Level Business Achievement Awards Knowledge Quiz. Friday members displayed their FBLA pride by wearing their official FBLA District t-shirt.

Career Exploration Camps Members of the Cotter FBLA Chapter were able to take part in a Career Exploration camp hosted by through a partnership with our Career Coach from Arkansas State University Mountain Home. Former members were on hand as presenters to promote various careers.

National Business Achievement Awards The National Business Achievement Awards program allows members to earn four leadership distinctions as he or she progresses through each level of Future, Business, Leader and America. Twelve members have completed various levels of the BAA program this year.

You’re o-FISH-ally an amazing member!”

Career Exploration Camps

CAREER EXPLORATION AND PREPARATION

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The Future Business Leaders of America entitles its members to obtain the greatest of opportunities to learn about business, yourself, and others. The business students in the Cotter FBLA Chapter have developed and learned many important and valuable responsibilities by being part of FBLA activities. Members develop important traits that will be used in the business world.

Employment Portfolios Ten FBLA members created a professional portfolio in their Entrepreneurship class. Their portfolios included a letter of application, resume, driver’s license or ID card, high school transcripts, attendance records, and work samples. Students store these portfolios in the business classroom and add more samples of created documents and publications when they continue to take business courses throughout their high school education.

Business Tours Members of the Cotter FBLA Chapter are given several opportunities to take part in Business Tours. Members were able to tour local businesses and learn about individual opportunities for future employment.

Business Classroom Presentations As a part of the requirements of holding local office, FBLA officers give presentations over topics such as Fun Facts about FBLA, History of FBLA, Benefits of FBLA and the FBLA Emblem Ceremony to the business classes offered at Cotter High School. Chapter President and Reporter made presentations this year about the Benefits of FBLA given in Social Media class.

Virtual Business Management and Finance Challenges In preparing student to become successful future managers, FBLA members in Entrepreneurship class participated in the Virtual Business Management and Finance Challenges sponsored by FBLA and Knowledge Matters. Cotter’s teams used highly visual simulation software to manage their own business and plan their future careers. Members participated online and competed for the highest score against schools across the United States. This year, the Accounting I class spent two and a half weeks on the first round of the challenge, and chapter Member Alyssa Martinez was ranked twelfth in the nation, and was the ninth state to qualify.

Career Interest Surveys FBLA members in Computer Business Applications classes are required to complete the Career Interest Surveys. Once the results are finalized, students are then required to research their top three areas of interest finding possible career opportunities and studies. Students are also asked to obtain information on possible jobs in that field of study that is available in the surrounding areas.

Activities to Benefit Chapter and its Members

Tours of Local Business

Business Presentations by Chapter Members

BUSINESS PARTNERSHIPS

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Activities to Benefit Chapter and its Members

Through active cooperation with businesses in the community, Cotter FBLA members discovered how they impact the world in which they live. In the process of developing sustained relationships with a variety of organizations, members become excited about their community and working with the professionals in it.

Re-Light the Bridge Committee Website Cotter FBLA members in Social Media class designed, created, and established a social media presence for the Re-Light the Bridge committee. Students worked with individual chapter members in developing the website for their organization. Students worked via text, e-mail, and telephone conversations during the planning and launch of the websites. Students communicated weekly with board members to help make their idea a reality.

Cotter Alumni Reunion Programs and Dinner Tickets Cotter FBLA members in Social Media class designed, created, and distributed Cotter Alumni Reunion programs and dinner tickets during the annual Cotter Alumni Reunion during Labor Day weekend. Members worked with the Alumni Association board members to gather information for the program and feedback for the design.

Cotter Senior Graduation Reception Cotter FBLA members and Adviser, Andrea Kray, worked with members of the Cotter Alumni Association in assisting with preparation, setup, and hosting a Cotter Senior Graduation Reception. This a unique event that provided graduates and their immediate family a central location to gather, take pictures, and enjoy each other’s company one last time before graduating high school.

EverFi Financial Literacy Course Cotter FBLA members worked with the Financial Literacy teacher to organize and implement a financial literacy course to all members of the Senior Class. Members worked with EverFi Representative Rogena Smith to complete 9 financial literacy modules educating students in subjects ranging from saving and investing money to completing 1040EZ tax forms. Students also learned how to fill out FASFA forms which was extremely beneficial to those applying for financial aid to attend college.

Happy Hearts Cotter FBLA members Afton Massey, Abby Derden, and Mai Tathong partnered with Shabby 2 Chic Salon and Boutique, and Petkovich family dentistry to collect stuffed animals for the children at St. Jude’s Hospital. After three weeks of collecting donations, 102 stuffed animals were delivered to the St. Jude’s representative in the hospital wing. They were distributed on Valentine’s day.

Website for the Re-Light the Bridge

EverFi Financial Literacy Graduate

Members double checking orders during

the FBLA Fruit Sales

CHAPTER FUNDRAISING

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Cotter FBLA conducted several fund-raising activities throughout the year. Chapter revenue was mainly produced through our annual Fruit Sales. The responsibility of the chapter finances is entrusted to the treasurer with the guidance of the adviser and the school district’s central bookkeeper.

Game Day T-shirts and Hoodies During the last week of September and the first week of October, chapter members sold Game Day T-shirts and Hoodies. FBLA members designed a t-shirt, a long-sleeve t-shirt, and a hoody. The members did very well and earned $900.00 in profit.

FBLA BINGO Night FBLA Chapter members along with our school's FCCLA chapter came together and hosted our 2nd annual BINGO night. By collecting donations from local businesses, we were able to purchase the bingo cards, colorful daubers, and concession stand items. Our chapter earned $278.00 from the event.

Fruit Sales For the past thirty-eight years, Cotter FBLA has held their annual Fruit Sales. This fundraiser was an absolute success, and it raised the remaining amount of money the chapter needs to attend conferences, plan social activities, and donate to service organizations. One of the reasons this fundraiser is so successful is due to the incentives. This year’s top seller was Jarod Dewey. He sold $506.00 worth of fruit. This year over 30 members participated and sold over $3,000 in product. The chapter made a profit of over $700.00

Business Sponsorships To help with the costs associated with traveling to the National Leadership Conference, Cotter FBLA members wrote contribution letters and sent them to area businesses explaining the great opportunity to sponsor a possible future business leader for their company. The Cotter Booster Club gave $500, as well as the Cotter Booster club gave $500. Bobby Sue’s restaurant was a very generous donor this year and donated over $1,600.

Integrity 1st Bank Holiday Bake Sale During the holiday season, FBLA chapter members worked with Integrity 1st Bank to assist them with their annual Holiday Bake Sale. FBLA members worked together to bake 4 pumpkin pies, 3 cherry pies, and 4 pecan pies. The bake sale profited over $500 for Christmas Gifts for local families. For their efforts, the chapter received $100.00 donation.

Senior DVD Sales After graduation each year, FBLA members create and distribute the Senior Slideshow DVD to raise funds to finance competitor’s conference expense fees to attend the National Leadership Conference. This past year, members sold 7 copies of the DVD earning $70.00 to help with conference fees.

Activities to Benefit Chapter and its Members

FBLA BINGO Night Community Fundraiser

Appreciation Facebook Posts

PUBLIC RELATIONS ACTIVITIES AND CHAPTER PUBLICITY

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Activities to Benefit Chapter and its Members

The Cotter FBLA Chapter believes that communication leads to stronger community relationships and regularly sends reports of the chapter’s activities to area newspapers and bulletins. A variety of media was used to leave a positive and lasting impression on the community.

Facebook Posts The Cotter FBLA Chapter received publicity through Facebook posts in our community. Members Abbi Derden, Mai Tathong, and Afton Massey received recognition for their donations they received for their community service project for St. Jude’s Hospital.

Electronic Update The Electronic Update is a school published newsletter hosted on the homepage of the school district’s website. FBLA submitted numerous articles information the community of chapter activities and events.

KTLO Radio Station Local Chapter Adviser, Miss Andrea Kray, submitted articles to our local radio station covering the success of our members in competitions. The press release was announced over the airways and posted to the station’s website.

FBLA Promotional Booth FBLA members created a FBLA Promotional Booth. This booth was displayed in Miss Kray’s classroom and was used to welcome parents during one of the parent/teacher conferences.

Arkansas Business Leader An article submitted to the state reporter to be published in the spring edition of the state newsletter. The state newsletter can be viewed at the Arkansas FBLA state website at www.arfbla.org.

Chapter Website News and chapters our posted on our local Chapter Website and maintained each year by the local chapter Reporter.

Yearbook Picture Cotter FBLA members gathered in the Cotter gymnasium and had their picture taken during group picture day. FBLA is the largest group on the Cotter campus and is proud to be featured yearly in the yearbook.

Bulletin and E-mail Announcements FBLA publicized its activities throughout the year in the daily school bulletin and the High School Faculty e-mail distribution list. The announcements are read daily over a central intercom system and is a great way to publicize FBLA events.

Chapter Twitter and Instagram Local Chapter Officers are in charge of updating the Chapter’s local Twitter and Instagram social media pages with Chapter activities.

Cotter FBLA Chapter Instagram Page

STATE AND NATIONAL PROJECTS

Alyssa wearing her gold ribbon for Gold Seal

Chapter SLC recognition

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Activities to Benefit Other Individuals and Organizations

Nationals and State provides a variety of projects for chapter participation. Active participation in National and State projects and programs allowed Cotter FBLA members to be well-rounded contributing individuals.

NATIONAL PROJECTS

Outstanding Chapter Award The Cotter FBLA chapter has participated in this project for several years. Documentation was gathered and sent to the Outstanding Chapter Award committee online.

Gold Seal Chapter Award The Hollis and Kitty Guy Gold Seal Chapter Award of Merit recognizes outstanding local chapters that have actively participated in projects and programs identified with the goals of FBLA-PBL. Each chapter member received a gold ribbon to wear on their name badge at the state conference.

March of Dimes Cotter FBLA members organized a March of Dimes Prematurity Awareness Day. Members wore purple ribbons and passed out information pertaining to prematurity awareness and the March of Dimes Organization.

Super Sweeps, Non Stop November and Action Awareness Members of the Cotter FBLA Chapter actively participated in Super Sweeps, Non Stop November and Action Awareness. The Chapter received certificates of completion and members that attend NLC will receive name badge ribbons to wear at the conference.

100% Class Participation Students enrolled in Miss Kray’s Accounting I class are all members of FBLA earning the Chapter the 100% Class Participation Award.

STATE PROJECTS

Arkansas Social Media Challenge Chapter members submitted pictures to be used in helping District VI State Vice President Gisselle Hernandez meet state officer goals in using social media to promote our organization.

Arkansas Children’s Hospital FBLA members organized a Business Class wide “Send a Valentine” activity. Students in Miss Kray’s Business classes sent electronic Valentine’s to patients at Arkansas Children’s Hospital.

Arkansas FBLA Foundation The Cotter FBLA Chapter concentrated the most fundraising efforts for the Arkansas FBLA Foundation. The Cotter FBLA Chapter obtained a donation of $125.00 this year.

Member Pearl Whitsel in purple to promote

March of Dimes

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OTHER COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS

FBLA BINGO Night FBLA Chapter members along with our school's FCCLA chapter came together and hosted our 3rd annual BINGO night. By collecting donations from local businesses, we were able to purchase the bingo cards, colorful daubers, and concession stand items. Over 50 members were in attendance at the Bingo night and helped make it very successful for our first time doing it. Our chapter made $278.00 from the event to go towards our community services activities.

Thanksgiving Holiday Baking Cotter FBLA Adviser Andrea Kray and Chapter members stayed after school the week of Thanksgiving baking holiday pies that were donated to a local bank for their Annual Bake Sale. All proceeds went to support the community Angel Tree program where over 25 children received gifts and food for the Christmas holidays.

Prom Tickets FBLA members in Social Media and Communications had expressed an interest in becoming graphic designers were asked to create and publish this year’s Prom Tickets. Students gained design experience and were able to add this project to their portfolio.

Teachers are “Soup”er Day In celebration of such an outstanding job teachers do in the classroom, members helped organize our annual “Teachers are ‘Soup”er Day. The officers also assist with the luncheon by greeting teachers as they entered the Family and Consumer Science room, serving soups and drinks.

Welcome Gift Baskets for New Teachers FBLA members filled gift baskets with candy, highlighters, paper clips, thumb tacks, white board markers, white board cleaner, white board erasers, and sticky notes welcoming each new teacher and wishing them a successful new start to the school year.

King or Queen of the Casserole FBLA members hosted a King or Queen of the Casserole competition to show cases their cooking talents. Members of the community were invited to sample the casseroles and Chapter President Averee Hutson was crowned Queen of the Casserole for her Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole.

Alzheimer’s Fidget Mats As children are often calmed by their favorite toy or blanket, a person with Alzheimer’s, dementia or other memory loss will also be soothed by our Fidget Mats. Often, during later stages of dementia, their hands fidget as though agitated or searching for something to hold. If the Fidget Mats the members of the Cotter FBLA provided to the residents of our local nursing home help at least one patient combat the “thief” of their disease, we will consider our project a success!

Queen of the Casserole Competition Winner

Activities to Benefit Other Individuals and Organizations

High school teachers playing Bingo at FBLA

Bingo Night

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PARTICIPATION IN FBLA CONFERENCES

Conferences and Recognition

District Officers with Fall Conference Speaker Vincent Hunter, Jr.

Cotter FBLA proudly participated in state and national conferences. Conference participation strengthened member’s business and leadership skills while fostering friendships between people across the nation.

National Leadership Conference Fifteen chapter members attended the National Leadership Conference in Baltimore, MD. Chapter Vice President Marie Reed, along with Chapter Treasurer Kaycie Beard received their America Level BAA awards and also placed in the top 15 finalists in Hospitality Management. Our Public Service Announcement team consisting of Candy Sanchez, Christianne Crunkleton, and Paige Clawson placed 5th in the nation with their campaign on Cyber Bullying. Chapter members Averee Hutson, Jarod Dewey, and Marie Reed also placed 9th in the nation in the Local Chapter Annual Business Report. Members visited the Baltimore Aquarium, took an inner harbor tour, and watched a baseball game.

District VI Fall Leadership Conference The District VI Fall Leadership Conference was held on October 3, 2019, at the Arkansas State University in Mountain Home, Arkansas. Forty-five members of the Cotter FBLA Chapter were in attendance. Members took part in a New Member and Local Chapter Officers Induction Ceremony as well as participating in a Parade of Presidents while collecting funds for the Arkansas Children’s Hospital. The keynote speaker for the day was Vincent Hunter, Jr., former Arkansas Razorback and over-seas international basketball player. Chapter members, Averee Hutson and Jarod Dewey, served as District VI Treasurer and Parliamentarian, respectfully.

District VI Spring Leadership Conference Thirty-five members of the Cotter FBLA Chapter registered for the District VI Spring Leadership Conference on January 18, 2019, on the campus of Arkansas State University Mountain Home. 33 of 35 chapter members were qualified for events. Chapter member Paige Clawson was inducted into the office of District VI Reporter. The Cotter FBLA Chapter was named the 3rd largest chapter in District VI, and the 4th largest chapter based on market share. Our very own Averee Hutson took 1st place in Who’s Who in FBLA advancing to compete at the State Leadership Conference in April.

Arkansas State Leadership Conference Forty members of the Cotter FBLA Chapter completed at the Arkansas State Leadership Conference in Little Rock on April 1-2, 2019. Sixteen of those forty members placed in their respective events qualifying them for the NLC in San Antonio, TX. Cotter FBLA was awarded 1st place for largest contribution to the Arkansas FBLA Foundation. Cotter was also honored as 1 of 10 chapters receiving the Gold Seal Award of Merit. Cotter had 5 members receive their Leader Level of the Business Achievement Awards on stage, and two members place in the Top 5 of Who’s Who in FBLA.

Newly elected District VI Reporter and her campaign manager

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OTHER CHAPTER AND INDIVIDUAL RECOGNITIONS EARNED

TOP 15 in Virtual Business Finance

Challenge!

Receiving special recognition and awards that focus on skills useful in leadership and career development and overall achievement and performance in chapter management and growth has always provided an extra incentive for Cotter FBLA members to excel in a variety of areas.

National Business Achievement Awards The National Business Achievement Award program allows members to earn four leadership distinctions. Four local members have completed their Future level, three members have completed their Business level, three members have completed their Leader level, and two members have completed their America level of the Business Achievement Awards.

Knowledge Matters Virtual Business Finance Challenge FBLA members competed online in the Knowledge Matters and FBLA Virtual Finance Challenge Competitive Event for a chance to advance to the 2019 National Leadership Conference in San Antonio, TX. Chapter members in Accounting I competed in this event. Chapter members Alyssa Martinez, Averee Hutson, and Justin Few all had teams that placed in the Top 15 in the nation during the first round of competition.

FBLA Super Sweeps Cotter FBLA members took part in activities during the month of February to earn Super Sweeps recognition. Winners will be listed on FBLA-PBL social media and the national website and wear special ribbons at nationals.

FBLA District VI Conference Program Cover Design Chapter member Anna Haynes, entered the District VI Cover Design Competition.

LC Fundraising Fruit Selling Prize Program Chapter member Abby Ewing is the newest top salesperson for our annual Fruit Fundraiser. This year LC Fundraising, Inc. awarded all members that sold over 30 items with free cookie dough of choice.

District VI Officer Installation Ceremony The purpose of the installation ceremony was to recognize and install the outstanding members who have stepped up into a leadership position and has promised to uphold and carry out the duties of FBLA.

Thank-You Notes The Cotter FBLA Chapter received numerous thank-you letters and e-mails throughout the year for its participation in school and community activities.

Certificates All Cotter FBLA members who placed in competitive events at the District VI Spring Leadership Conference were given Certificates of Achievement Awards. Who’s Who in FBLA recognition certificates were also presented at the State Leadership Conference.

Conferences and Recognition

District VI Officer Installation Ceremony

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COMPETITIVE EVENT WINNERS AND PARTICIPANTS

1st place in Business Ethics at Arkansas State

Leadership Conference!

The FBLA-PBL National Awards Program recognizes and rewards excellence in a broad range of business and career-related areas. Students compete in events testing their business knowledge and skills. Below is a listing of the National and District VI winners of the Cotter FBLA Chapter.

Conferences and Recognition

CONCLUSION

Reading through our local chapter annual business report, the Cotter Future Business Leaders of America members were most definitely leading the way to our futures this year. There is ample evidence in this report that the students of Cotter FBLA highly value these opportunities and will use them well in the years to come. At Cotter, we have tried to encourage this commitment to “Create Lead and Inspire” in all of our member’s endeavors!

1st place in Hospitality Management at Arkansas

State Leadership Conference!