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General Information

Meaning of the Organization’s Name
Business:
The field for which we prepare our students; emphasizes that we educate our members to work efficiently, not only in an office setting, but also in a wide variety of business situations.
Professionals:
Our students indicate they join BPA to take advantage of a wide variety of professional development opportunities.
of America:
Symbolizes pride in our country and its free enterprise business system.


Pledge
We are met in a spirit of friendship and goodwill as we prepare for productive lives in business and office careers. We work together to develop professionalism and leadership through Business Professionals of America and pledge our loyalty to our nation.

Official Colors
Navy blue signifies the success achieved through leadership and professionalism. Tan represents the bountiful fields of opportunity in America. Red symbolizes the friendship obtained through teamwork in our organization.

Use of the Acronym
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.

Annual Theme
This year’s theme is “Mark Your Mark.” You can download color or black and white art files from the Web site art page.


Programs

Workplace Skills Assessment Program
This program is conducted on regional, state, and national levels and tests competency in various areas of business/office occupations. Guidelines contains the necessary information for preparing contestants for each assessment on the national level. Guidelines is available for download on this Web site. See the menu under Competitive Events. Hard copies may be purchased through the BPA Mall.

National Intern Program
Updated 2006 information will be available soon.

Special Recognition Awards
The Special Recognition Awards Program is open to participation by all chapters. Each Special Recognition Award is outlined in the Special Recognition/Torch Awards Handbook, available for download (coming soon) or hardcopy purchase from the BPA Mall.

Special Olympics
Special Olympics is our national service project. All chapters of Business Professionals of America are encouraged to get involved with Special Olympics on the local and state level. To find out more about how your chapter can get involved in your area go to the Special Olympics Web Site.

Torch Awards Program
The Torch Awards Program recognizes outstanding actively involved members on the local, regional, state, and national levels. The complete guidelines for the Torch Awards Program are in the Special Recognition/Torch Awards Handbook, available for download (coming soon) or hardcopy purchase from the BPA Mall.


Conferences

National Leadership Conference (NLC)
The National Leadership Conference is an annual meeting of the association membership and advisors to participate in the Workplace Skills Assessment Program, develop leadership skills, test for software certification, elect national officers, and share in fellowship. Click on National Leadership Conference on the menu for more information. The NLC has been approved by the National Committee of Contests and Activities of the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) and has been placed on the NASSP National Advisory List of Contests and Activities for 2005-2006. The letter of approval from NASSP is available for download.

National Leadership Academy
The National Leadership Academy is a central offering of the National Leadership Conference promoting personal leadership development and self-motivation among the student members of Business Professionals of America. For more information, look on this Web site menu under National Leadership Conference.


Publications

COMMUNIQUE Magazine
The official magazine of the organization covers local chapter and state association news, activities, and programs; professional development; and current trends in business. Paid members receive four issues during each school year. Click for submission guidelines for COMMUNIQUE articles and photographs.

Local Advisor’s Bulletin
The organization’s newsletter/update for local advisors contains articles and information concerning current events and association news, recognition of local advisors, best practices information, as well as trends and resources in business and education. The Local Advisor’s Bulletin is posted online in four annual issues: September, November, February, and April. Click Advisor’s Area on the menu, then click Local Advisor’s Bulletin.

NLC Invitation Video
The National Leadership Conference Invitation Video is available on loan from the National Center. It is used to promote attendance for the NLC. Each state association is provided with one copy; please contact your state advisor for your state’s copy before contacting the National Center.


Services

BPA Mall

This service provides online ordering for Business & Casual Attire and Accessories
  • BPA Recognition Products
  • Workplace Skills Assessment Program Tools
  • Chapter/Leadership Development Tools
  • BPA Promotion/Member Recruiting Tools
  • Parliamentary Procedure Instructional Resources
  • Professional Development Products
National Officers
National Officers are elected annually at the National Leadership Conference. They provide numerous services to the members they represent through field services, leadership training, workshops, and liaisons between the members and the Board of Trustees. Click here for this year’s National Officers. If you have a student interested in becoming a National Officer see the Future Officer page, and contact your state advisor.

Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees provides oversight to the creation, direction, and supervision of the activities of Business Professionals of America. Click for a complete list of Board members.

State Association Advisory Council
Comprised of the State Association Advisors, the council advises the Board of Trustees on all State Association matters. Click for complete list of council members and contact.

Classroom Educators Advisory Council (CEAC)
This advisory council consists of local advisors from each state appointed to serve as a liaison between the chapter advisors and the Board of Trustees. The council recommends changes and/or additions to the Workplace Skills Assessment Program and other programs. Click for a complete list of council members and contact.

BPA Constitution, Secondary Division: Constitution and bylaws for the Secondary Division.