FBLA TO SPONSOR BUSINESS APPRECIATION WEEK

The Jackson High School chapter of the Future Business Leaders of American have designated the week of March 6-10 as "Promote Local Businesses Week" and are sponsoring a number of events alongside the Jackson Chamber of Commerce.

According to FBLA co-sponsor Becky Riney, the week provides the chapter with an opportunity to thank local businesses for their support and allows individual members a chance to see what business-oriented jobs exist in their hometown.

One of the events being planned is a "shadow day" which allows FBLA members to follow a local business person and find out what an average business day is like.

"We think this lets our students see some of the opportunities a small town has to offer in the business area," said Riney, who co-sponsors the group with high school business instructor Kathy Hecht. "I think a lot of our FBLA members are looking at business careers and this allows them to see things from the other side, rather than seeing business from the classroom.

"It also shows the local business people that there are a lot of young people out there who are top-notch students."

The event is the first for the 144-member FBLA, the largest organization at Jackson High School. It is being organized by seniors John Pope and Tara Allen.

The chapter has planned an event for each day of the week.

On Monday, March 6, the FBLA will host the chamber's monthly social at the high school from 5:30 to 7 p.m. In addition to the regular social events, students will take chapter members on a guided tour of the school.

Tuesday will see the FBLA present local businesses with certificates of support. The certificates are to be displayed in shop windows.

The chapter will publish an advertisement on Wednesday showing support for Jackson businesses.

"Shadow Day" will be held Thursday, allowing FBLA members to follow a local business person throughout the day in order to get some "real-life" experience in the business world.

Students will deliver a surprise to Jackson businesses on Friday.

"We've tried to come up with a way to let businesses know that we appreciate them and also let these students know what's available to them in business in Jackson," explained Riney. "You'd be surprised how many of these of these students will stay right here in Jackson."