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May 17, 2006 - Members of Phi Beta Lambda recently competed at the Georgia State Competition in Atlanta . This small chapter of PBL from North Georgia Technical College Blairsville Campus had a fantastic showing at the competition, especially since they were up against large PBL chapters from both two and four-year colleges.

Robert Howard, a three-year PBL member and the former Georgia State PBL President, won 1 st place in Accounting for Professionals, and 4 th place for Impromptu Speaking. Amanda Parnell, a one-year PBL member, won 1 st place in Financial Analysis and Decision Making. Courtney Bishop Hurd, a two-year PBL member, won 2 nd place in Financial Analysis and Decision Making. Cary Rich, a one-year PBL member, won 2 nd place in International Business. Sam Goldman, a one-year PBL member and current local PBL President, won 5 th place in Financial Concepts. Roger Floyt, a one-year PBL member, won 3 rd place in International Business and 5 th place in Business Law.

The citizens of Union County and everyone at North Georgia Technical College would like to congratulate these students for their excellent performance at the three-day event.

Robert Howard, Courtney Hurd, and Cary Rich will go on to represent the State of Georgia at the National Competition in Nashville, Tennessee later this year.

The local BPL Chapter also won second-place in Cooperate Sponsorship and received the Floyd McGarity Silver Seal Award. Contributing Sponsors included the Bank of Blairsville, United Community Bank, Henry Paseur – Attorney-at-Law, and Sam James, CPA. Many thanks go to these businesses and individuals for their support.

During the three-day event, Robert Howard relinquished his duties after serving as State PBL President for the past year. He passed the gavel to the new State President Phyllis Johnson from West Georgia Technical College. Howard said, “It has been a good year for Phi Beta Lambda and for me. I know Phyllis will work hard to see that 2006 is just as productive.”

Local PBL President Sam Goldman says, “The trip provided a chance to network and make future business contacts. I had a great time.”

Henry Paseur, Accounting and Criminal Justice Instructor at NGTC, is currently the Financial Director of the PBL Foundation and lead advisor of NGTC Blairsville Campus Chapter of PBL. He says, “This organization helps develop leaders and also helps to build a student's confidence. We are very proud of our Blairsville Campus winners.”

Best wishes to Robert Howard, Courtney Hurd, and Cary Rich as they go on to complete in the National Competitions.