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1963
Vocational Education Act was passed. The need for a student organization for students enrolled in career/technical office/business programs was recognized.1964
American Vocational Association conducted a study of 43 states indicating that 67% of the state vocational education supervisors wanted a career/technical youth group for students in office/business programs.1965
Another study confirms the ’64 study findings; State supervisors meet to develop guidelines
1966
In July, the Vocational Office Education Clubs of America (VOECA) was formed by the states of Iowa, Kansas, and Wisconsin. In August, VOECA convened a meeting of youth group representatives to decide the most effective means to implement the office occupations youth group. After intensive effort, articles of incorporation were filed for the Office Education Association (OEA). The first three states to affiliate were Iowa, Kansas, and Wisconsin.1971
A national office was established for the Office Education Association in Columbus, Ohio, and the Board of Trustees approved the Alumni Division.1973
The first full-time Executive Director of OEA was employed.1982
The present National Center at 5454 Cleveland Avenue, Columbus, Ohio was purchased.
1983
Dedication ceremonies for the new National Center were conducted in July.1984
Board of Trustees commissioned the Market One firm of Columbus, Ohio to do a marketing study of the OEA. The resulting long-range marketing plan recommended reform of the national image of the OEA.1988
Image reform recommendations of the marketing study were implemented—the OEA became Business Professionals of America.1992
The National Center is paid off and the mortgage is burned in a ceremony at the National Leadership Conference in Cincinnati, Ohio.