The Galena High School Future Business Leaders of America Organization hosted a craft and vendor fair on February 24 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Galena Elementary and Middle School. This was the first big fundraiser for the club since Mr. Leavitt took the lead this year. FBLA’s first big fundraiser. 

There were 36 local crafters, vendors, and even bakers who came to the events. “I think the craft and vendor fair was amazing!” said Emma Blaum ‘24 – FBLA vice president. “It was great to see local businesses and what they had to offer. There were so many unique products available and it felt like everyone who came left with some kind of treasure.”

FBLA is one of the largest student organizations in the United States, with more than 250,000 members, and is the largest career student organization in the world. 

According to Leavitt, “At the Area, State, and National Leadership Conferences, students compete in events testing their knowledge and skills. At the State Leadership Conference, competitors that meet a minimum score and place in the top four are then eligible to compete for national awards at the National Leadership Conference each summer. At both the SLC and NLC, events are sponsored giving competitors a chance to earn monetary rewards for all of their hard work in preparation.  At the National Conference, monetary awards can be over $1,000 for some events.”

What this means for Galena High School students is that while FBLA Illinois is a very large organization, we are very remote. Schools are supposed to be able to compete at area conferences to prepare, and typically, area conferences would be an easy drive and a one-day field trip, but the three closest area conferences straight east 2 1/2 hours in the northern Chicago suburbs, or 3 hours southeast, or 3 1/2 hours (near the Quad Cities). “So our primary need for fundraising is for travel costs so that we can start associating with other FBLA clubs,” said Leavitt. “Also, to compete with other FBLA Clubs, there are a lot of dues and registration fees involved.”

The FBLA hopes that this can become an annual event. “I see FBLA having the craft and vendor fair for years to come,” said Mr. Leavitt. “Having more local vendors each year will add to the event and continue to showcase our school.”