Bostrom: A Tradition of Giving Back

CHICAGO IL August 23, 2007 – Anniversaries are often a time when organizations pause to reflect on past accomplishments and contemplate future possibilities.  Seventy-five years ago, Storms & Westcott, the predecessor organization to Bostrom, was founded.  In 1965, Glenn Bostrom bought the company and renamed it Bostrom.  During its first 75 years, the organization has not only grown, but also has helped shape the industry through Glenn Bostrom’s tradition of “giving back.”   

“Glenn Bostrom was very instrumental in the early years of ASAE and the AMC Institute,” says Randy Lindner, CAE, president, Bostrom.  “He believed in the value of those organizations, understood that a viable trade association is essential to the industry and provided a great deal of personal support.  He has always given back to the broader community in an unselfish way,” Lindner continues.  “Glenn thought that if we enhanced the professionalism of staff and the overall quality in the industry, everyone would benefit,” says Lindner.

Industry Commitment

Today, the Bostrom organization continues Glenn Bostrom’s tradition of leadership and commitment to the industry.  Through that commitment, Bostrom builds successful organizations and enhances value for clients through trust, experience, personalized service and solutions. 

 “We feel a strong commitment to give back and to encourage employees to continue to grow and develop professionally,” says Lindner.  A number of Bostrom staff have served in a variety of leadership positions – whether it’s the ASAE Executive Committee, or other key committees, you’ll likely find a Bostrom professional on board.  And when the Greater Washington Society of Association Executives established its center several years ago, Bostrom supported that campaign.  When Bostrom staff contributes to an organization, they are able to offer their expertise and benefit from the expertise they gain from others.  It’s a win-win.

“But our leadership activities go beyond ASAE and the AMC Institute,” notes Lindner.  “Those of us who serve as chief staff executives of our respective client organizations typically have gone above and beyond to involve ourselves in the industries that we represent – which ultimately serves clients well,” he says.

A Bright Future

“We appreciate the trust our clients have placed in us because their success has helped fuel Bostrom’s success,” says Ken Monroe, chairman and CEO, Bostrom.  Indeed, Bostrom has a long tradition and track record of having the best products and people to drive client performance.    That long tradition can be traced back to Glenn Bostrom. 

 “Glenn was a true innovator,” notes Monroe.  “He was always developing new systems and new products as he built Bostrom one client at a time.  We’re honoring that tradition by taking it to the next level,” he says.  “I’m so proud of Bostrom’s people and the transition we have made to a professional services firm,” says Monroe.  The strength of Bostrom’s team comes from a diverse group of professionals:  from certified public accountants, certified association executives and certified meeting planners to MBAs, PhDs and nationally recognized leaders in the AMC industry.  And the entire team is focused on delivering Bostrom’s mission: to build successful organizations, and enhance value for clients through trust,  experience, personalized service and solutions.

What’s in store for the future?  As he reflects on the industry and how it has become more professional, Monroe would like to see that “quest to be professional” continue.  He notes that the AMC Institute will help in fostering that sense of professionalism as it helps to further define AMCs.  Monroe also observes a friendly competition among AMCs and predicts that competition will increase.  “We will look to grow and expand, one client at a time, and identify synergies with other firms,” says Monroe.   But along with that competition comes partnering.  According to Monroe, “the willingness to partner and help lead the industry is part of Bostrom’s DNA – and it’s smart business.”

As Bostrom celebrates 75 years of client success, it’s the breadth and depth of expertise that provides clients with a real advantage: innovative solutions to drive their success.