1937 Hamden L. Forkner of Teachers College, Columbia University in New York City, proposes to business teachers across the country that a national organization is needed for the thousands of business clubs in the nation's high schools and colleges. 1940 The National Council for Business Education (now known as the National Business Education Association) sponsors the proposed student organization. Committees are appointed to formulate the organization's general plans. The name "Future Business Leaders of America" is selected for the organization. 1942 An experimental chapter is chartered in Johnson City, Tennessee, on February 3. Second chapter is started two days later in St. Albans, West Virginia. By the end of the year, 39 chapters are added; and for the next three and one-half years, another 38 chapters join. 1946 The United Business Education Association assumes sponsorship of FBLA. The national center for FBLA is established at the National Education Association Center in Washington, D.C. 1947 Iowa becomes the first FBLA state chapter. Indiana and Ohio quickly follow. Within the next three years, FBLA state chapters total ten. 1958 The postsecondary division, Phi Beta Lambda, is created. The University of Northern Iowa is the first PBL chapter. 1969 FBLA-PBL is granted independent status as a nonprofit educational student association under Internal Revenue Code 501c(3). FBLA-PBL, Inc. acquires its own board of directors and full-time staff. 1973 FBLA-PBL, Inc. appoints Edward D. Miller as the association's first full-time executive director. 1979 The Board of Directors approves establishment of the FBLA-PBL alumni division. 1981 The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation purchases 1.6 acres of land in the Center for Educational Associations, Reston, Virginia, as the site for a future FBLA-PBL National Center. 1987 FBLA annual membership tops 200,000 for the first time. 1989 The professional division is formed to include alumni and professional businesspersons. 1990 The ground breaking ceremony is held for the FBLA-PBL National Center. 1991 The grand opening of the FBLA-PBL National Center is held. 1994 The FBLA-Middle Level division is formed for students in grades 5-9. 1997 Edward D. Miller retires as president and chief executive officer of the national association. Ms. Jean Buckley is appointed president and chief executive officer. 2001 National Center Mortgage is retired.