Today, we continue to work to fulfill the promise of Mr. Smith's vision, with 750 talented associates offering growth-focused, best-in-class, flexible resources to 235 trade associations, technology user groups, professional societies, government agencies/institutes and other volunteer-governed organizations.
| 2008 |
The Association Forum of Chicagoland named SmithBucklin Chairman and CEO Henry S. Givray as the recipient of the 2008 Samuel B. Shapiro Award for Chief Executive Officer Achievement. Named after a past chairman of the Forum and the American Society of Association Executives, the Forum’s highest honor is presented each year to a chief executive officer to recognize his or her outstanding
service and accomplishments. For more information click here. |
| 2007 |
Henry S. Givray authors "When CEOs Aren't Leaders" published in the September 7, 2007 issue of BusinessWeek magazine, offering Henry's perspective on what it would take to improve the image of the CEO in the corporate world. For more information please click here. |
| 2007 |
SmithBucklin launches first-of-its kind Innovation Center dedicated to driving the growth and securing the futures of associations by helping them develop and launch revenue-generating services and products. The Innovation Center offers volunteer-led associations dedicated staff expertise and the latest approaches utilized by innovative, for-profit global businesses. For more information click here. |
| 2007 |
Henry S. Givray is featured as one of twenty-five leaders profiled in the 2007 book "Apples are Square - The Six Critical Values That Are Changing the Way We Lead and Succeed," by Susan Smith Kuczmarski and Thomas D. Kuczmarski. The authors reveal the results of their five-year search for characteristics of the ideal 21st century leader. For more information please click here. |
| 2007 |
SmithBucklin acquires Tech Image Ltd., one of the country's top 25 technology public relations firms. Tech Image provides media and analyst relations, messaging services, media coaching and sales acceleration programs for business-to-business organizations. |
| 2006 |
Henry S. Givray authors "Leadership Lessons from Mom" published in the May 22, 2006 issue of BusinessWeek magazine. Printed as a Mother's Day tribute, the article features Givray's reflections on his mother's influence on his leadership approach. For more information please click here. |
| 2006 |
SmithBucklin is featured in the book Results Rule! Build a Culture That Blows the Competition Away. Authored by business performance consultant Randy G. Pennington, SmithBucklin is mentioned alongside Southwest Airlines, GE and Procter & Gamble as a real world example of an organizational culture that delivers results. For more information please click here. |
| 2006 |
Destination Marketing Association International honors SmithBucklin and Henry S. Givray with its prestigious 2006 Spirit of Hospitality Award. Prior winners include the People of Southwest Airlines, Ted Turner and the J.W. Marriott Family. |
| 2006 |
SmithBucklin forms a Global Partnership with MCI, the foremost global association, communications and event management company. The Partnership creates the world’s largest network of association and event management resources. |
| 2006 |
Julie Silverstein is appointed president of SmithBucklin, the first woman to hold the position in the company’s 57-year history. She continues in her role as COO, while Henry S. Givray retains the CEO position and is named chairman. |
| 2006 |
The William E. Smith Institute for Association Research publishes its first research project report, entitled Generations and the Future of Association Participation. Dispelling commons myths about association participation among generations X and Y, the report is available free of charge to the association community. Please click here to download the study. |
| 2005 |
SmithBucklin becomes 100% employee-owned. Ownership is transferred from financial investors to employees through the establishment of the SmithBucklin Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). To read the press release, click here |
| 2004 |
SmithBucklin introduces "Ask SmithBucklin," the association management industry's first-ever, no-cost phone consultation service providing association leaders expert guidance on complex challenges and opportunities facing their organizations. The service can be accessed by calling +1.800.539.9750 |
| 2004 |
SmithBucklin creates the William E. Smith Institute for Association Research. Named for SmithBucklin's founder, the Institute underwrites new practice-based research which will be delivered to the association community free of charge. The Bill Smith Institute is governed by a Leadership Council comprised of thought-leaders who are association practitioners and a research director, ex officio, who will be responsible for overseeing and directing the research process and for ensuring its integrity.
Click here for more information about the William E. Smith Institute for Association Research |
| 2003 |
SmithBucklin holds its first-ever Chief Elected Officers' Workshop: Partners in Leadership event, delivering attendees powerful leadership and governance insights for dramatically improving the performance of their associations |
| 2003 |
SmithBucklin launches Web-in-a-Box (WIAB), offering clients a simple, quick solution for creating a robust Web presence that includes a wide variety of critical applications and features |
| 2003 |
SmithBucklin launches KnowledgeNet, an online repository allowing its 750 professionals to share best practices and other information that will benefit their SmithBucklin clients |
| 2002 |
Henry S. Givray returns to SmithBucklin as President and CEO |
| 2000 |
SmithBucklin acquires Washington, D.C.-based Courtesy Associates to provide additional conference, special event, exhibit, incentive travel, association, and government program management services |
| 1999 |
SmithBucklin establishes Education and Programs services unit |
| 1996 |
SmithBucklin establishes its St. Louis office to support the United Soybean Board |
| 1995 |
SmithBucklin launches an in-house services unit for designing, hosting, and managing client Web sites and applications |
| 1994 |
SmithBucklin publishes first edition of The Complete Guide to Nonprofit Management, compiled by SmithBucklin staff members |
| 1991 |
SmithBucklin prominently cited in the book Second to None: The Productive Power of Putting People First, written by Charles Garfield, the bestselling author of Peak Performers |
| 1989/90 |
Client demand for specific expertise regarding the challenges and requirements of their industries leads SmithBucklin to establish its Business Trade, Health Care and Technology practice areas |
| 1987 |
SmithBucklin bolsters investment in personnel and technology, establishing its Information Technology services unit to support growing client needs in this area |
| 1973 |
IBM user group becomes SmithBucklin's first technology client |
| Early 70's |
SmithBucklin establishes services units in Marketing and Communications, Convention and Trade Show Management, Market Research and Statistics, and Government Relations |
| 1967 |
SmithBucklin opens a Washington, D.C. office to serve the D.C. community of associations |
| 1959 |
William E. Smith and Henry Bucklin purchase Byrne Marcellus' interest and launch SmithBucklin in downtown Chicago |
| 1949 |
Byrne Marcellus and William E. Smith form an association management company; the Popcorn Institute is their first client organization |
It began in 1949, when founder William E. Smith started what has now become the largest association management company in the world. With nine client organizations - headlined by the Popcorn, Seed Pea and Frozen Potato Products Institutes - and just 22 employees, SmithBucklin opened its doors in downtown Chicago.