The Kansas state leadership conference for Future Business Leaders of America – Phi Beta Lambda met on Saturday, Sept. 27, at Sterling College to learn from local business leaders and professors. Approximately 50 students and their chapter advisers attended the one-day conference.

“We had students from all over the state come to hear professionals speak about various aspects of being a business leader. It is a great opportunity for our students to converse with business professionals and students from other PBL chapters,” said Tim Thorpe, assistant professor of business.

The morning included speakers Spencer Childs and Steve Rivas. Childs graduated from Sterling College in May 2014 and began working fulltime for First Bank of Sterling this summer. He spoke about how to transition from a college student to an employee and the changes in mindset and lifestyle that must be made in order to succeed. Rivas, former Sterling mayor and SuperCorrX team leader for Jacam Chemicals, spoke about lessons he has learned from being in leadership, politics and business for several years.

The afternoon consisted of hands-on activities in economics and accounting. The workshops were conducted by Sterling College business professors Irene Barkman, Dr. T.H. Kwa and Dr. Dale Levering.

Sterling College is a Christ-centered, four-year college located in Sterling, Kansas, with a mission to develop creative and thoughtful leaders who understand a maturing Christian faith. For more information, visit www.sterling.edu.