An in-school initiative to develop the business leaders of tomorrow is beginning to reap benefits, a school teacher reported this week.

And members of the Berkeley Institute Chapter of the Future Business Leaders of Bermuda (FBLB) programme were treated to a luncheon recently where they were told to aim high by local business people.

FBLB advisor at Berkeley, Joann Adams, told The Royal Gazette that the programme's mission was to "bring business and education together in a positive working relationship through innovative leadership and career development programmes''.

Specific goals of the organisation, she continued, were to develop competent, aggressive business leadership; strengthen the confidence of students in themselves and their work; and create more interest in and understanding of Bermudian business enterprise.

It also endeavoured to encourage members in the development of individual projects which contributed to the improvement of home, business and community; develop character, prepare for useful citizenship, and foster patriotism; encourage and practise efficient money management; encourage scholarship and promote school loyalty; and to assist students in the establishment of occupational goals.

Mrs. Adams said: "Under the guidance of business teachers/advisors and advisory councils, students engage in professional activities -- seminars, work experience, etcetera -- service/civic activities and fund-raising activities.

"Through these activities, students can develop positive business-related skills, strong leadership skills and civic responsibility.'' The Berkeley Institute Chapter of the FBLB had identified five goals for the 1999-2000 school year, continued Mrs. Adams.

These were: to increase membership to 30 members; to introduce members to various career opportunities; to prepare members for international business leadership awards programmes; to involve members in three to five civic/service activities; and to guide membership in the development, execution and management of fund-raising activities.

Berkeley members of the programme were hosted to a business lunch at the Stonington Beach Hotel on November 27 where they met then-General Manager of the hotel Esan Frederick, the hotel's Managing Consultant Leon O'Brien, Bermuda College Dean of Hotel and Business Administration Duranda Greene and Bermuda International Business Association Education Officer Nina Jacobs.

Also in attendance were Berkeley Principal Michelle Gabisi, Mrs. Adams and fellow advisor Henry James.

The students were congratulated for choosing careers within the business arena and encouraged to stay focused and committed.

They were also motivated to aim for the pinnacle within their career outlook and challenged to become the leaders of the future.

Tomorrow belongs to me: Members of the Berkeley Institute Chapter of the Future Business Leaders of Bermuda.

BUSINESS BUC EDUCATION ED