Local business leaders Jake Jabs, Jon Labrum and Chris Thomas will be speaking at CMU’s Phi Beta Lambda’s eighth annual Distinguished Executive Program Dinner from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Feb. 24 in the University Center Ballroom.

Jake Jabs is the owner of American Furniture Warehouse. He has been a business owner since 1975.

John Labrum is the owner of the local Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches and Pro Velocity Computers. He is currently a business student at CMU.

Chris Thomas is the CEO of Community Hospital. He has been involved in the health care industry for more than 15 years.

“PBL is excited about the opportunity to learn from local business leaders. The speakers will tell us how they started their own businesses and provide tips for making it through tough economic times,” Aleya Bell-Jones, senior and PBL vice president said.

PBL is the college portion of the Future Business Leaders of America. There are currently 60 members in the CMU chapter, making it one of the largest clubs on campus.  PBL teaches students how to become successful business professionals. Students can compete against other PBL chapters in state and national competitions. They also volunteer around the community.

The dinner fundraiser will help fund the cost to attend the national competition held in San Antonio, Texas during the summer.

“Last year we brought home twelve national awards [at the competition] and our goal this year is to try to at least match that record if not exceed it,” PBL advisor Deb Parman said.

To become a member of PBL, students are required to pay a membership fee of $35. There are no GPA requirements. Students who want to compete must have at least 20 hours of PBL service. Students who have at least 40 hours of service can have their way paid to the state and national competitions.

PBL meets every other Thursday at 4:30 PM in ACB 211. The next meeting will be on Feb. 23.

“You don’t have to be a business major to be involved with PBL.  Business skills are essential in every major,” senior and PBL president Ashley Wiseman said.

Tickets for the dinner are $30 each for students, $40 each for non-students and $350 for a table of 10. Tickets need to be purchased by Feb. 19.  The dinner will also include a silent auction and a cash bar. For more information and to purchase tickets, contact Deb Parman at (970) 248-1170 or dparman@coloradomesa.edu.