Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), with its 220,000 student members, has accepted a mission from Best Buy Co., Inc., and its Best Buy and Geek Squad brands, to encourage U.S. households who rely solely on over-the-air television broadcasts to request the digital television (DTV) converter box coupons from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).
Beginning in January 2008, more than 7,000 FCCLA chapters nationwide will compete to implement community outreach programs that help educate consumers about obtaining DTV converter box coupons. In return, FCCLA will award prizes, up to 10 chapters each month, for the most creative and effective community outreach programs. One chapter will be selected in July 2008 as the grand prize winner for its community outreach program.
Best Buy Co., Inc. has donated $50,000 to help FCCLA manage the contest, and has committed to providing local Best Buy Blue Shirts and Geek Squad Agents to help chapters get up to speed on the issues surrounding the digital transition.
The challenge comes as the NTIA begins the 500-day countdown to February 17, 2009 – when all television signals in the U.S. will become digital.
“We believe that our nation’s youth have the ideas and passion that will help the U.S. public prepare for the digital transition,” said Paula Prahl, vice president, public affairs, Best Buy Co., Inc. “We know people are looking for information about digital TV and converter options from a variety of sources. FCCLA is providing its 220,000 student members with a great opportunity to get involved in their communities at a time of great change in this country. We are proud to support these student leaders as part of our own commitment to help consumers understand the digital transition and take action.”
About FCCLA:
FCCLA: The Ultimate Leadership Experience is a dynamic and effective national student organization that helps young men and women become leaders and address important personal, family, work, and societal issues through Family and Consumer Sciences Education. FCCLA has more than 220,000 members and nearly 7,000 chapters from 50 state associations and the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. The organization has involved more than ten million youth since its founding in 1945.
Family, Career and Community Leaders of America is unique among youth organizations because its programs are planned and run by members. It is the only career and technical in-school student organization with the family as its central focus. Participation in national programs and chapter activities helps members become strong leaders in their families, careers, and communities.
About the Best Buy Community Commitment
Best Buy believes technology can inspire people to do great things. In fiscal 2007, Best Buy donated a combined $25.3 million to support and strengthen our communities in technology inspired ways:
Technology Inspired Te@ching – Best Buy stores have given more than $13 million in Best Buy Teach Awards to help nearly 5,000 K-12 schools in the U.S. bring interactive technology into the classroom.
Technology Inspired Le@rning – Best Buy stores have awarded more than $13 million in scholarships to nearly 11,000 students nationwide.
Technology Inspired Le@ding – Best Buy stores encourage volunteerism by providing grants to organizations where employees share their talents.
The company also connects with the United Way to meet local community needs, supports national organizations innovatively using technology in youth education, and works with the Red Cross to provide support in times of disaster. For more information, visit www.bestbuy.com/communityrelations.
About Best Buy Co., Inc.
Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE:BBY) operates a global portfolio of brands with a commitment to growth and innovation. Our employees strive to provide customers around the world with superior experiences by responding to their unique needs and aspirations. We sell consumer electronics, home-office products, entertainment software, appliances and related services through approximately 1,200 retail stores across the United States, throughout Canada and in China. Our multi-channel operations include: Best Buy (BestBuy.com, BestBuy.ca and BestBuy.com.cn), Future Shop (FutureShop.ca), Geek Squad (GeekSquad.com and GeekSquad.ca), Pacific Sales Kitchen and Bath Centers (PacificSales.com), Magnolia Audio Video (Magnoliaav.com), Jiangsu Five Star Appliance Co. (Five-Star.cn) and Speakeasy (Speakeasy.net). Best Buy supports the communities in which its employees work and live through volunteerism and grants that benefit children and education.
Contacts:
Bana
Yahnke, 703-470-3304
byahnke@fcclainc.org
or
Best
Buy Co., Inc.
Kelly Groehler, 612-291-6115
kelly.groehler@bestbuy.com
