Corporate Histories, Part I

The approach of a significant anniversary often spurs a company to consider documenting its history. A centennial or sesquicentennial seems a natural time to share with employees, customers, shareholders, and the community, the story of how the business came to be and the ways it has adapted in order to reach such a milestone anniversary. In this regard, a company history can be a true celebration.

Anniversaries aren’t the only occasion to spur a company to consider telling its story. A merger or acquisition, an expansion into a new business line or entrance into a new market, all become opportunities to not only reflect, but to communicate the benefits and opportunities resulting from a strategic shift.

No matter which type of occasion spurs a company to consider telling its story, it’s important to realize that a corporate history can accomplish many communications goals. While a celebration of the past certainly can build camaraderie among stakeholders, a successful company history can do so much more than just celebrate.

A company history is a public relations vehicle; it can build public awareness, become a lobbying tool, explain a new strategy, give community leaders or the media a glimpse of corporate culture, and explain the source of company values. Also, by generating excitement among stakeholders, a corporate history can open the door for a company that wants to build on past successes by setting a new course for the future.