Institute for Organization Management, the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, is pleased to announce that Erik Williams, IOM, of the Vail Valley Partnership, has graduated from the program and has received the recognition of IOM. Awarded to all graduates of the Institute program, the IOM Graduate Recognition signifies the individual’s completion of 96 credit hours of course instruction in non-profit management.

“Institute graduates are recognized across the country as leaders in their industries and organizations,” said Raymond P. Towle, IOM, CAE, the U.S. Chamber’s vice president of Institute for Organization Management. “These individuals have the knowledge, skills, and dedication necessary to achieve professional and organizational success in the dynamic association and chamber industries.”

"Vail Valley Partnership is proud and honored to be the largest chamber of commerce between Colorado’s Front Range and Salt Lake City. This trust of our community and our members requires us to maintain the highest level of professional standards. Investing in our staff through the US Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Institute for Organizational Management is one example of this; we strive to be the best we can be for our members and our community, and investing in the ongoing professional development of our team is one way to do this. We are proud of Erik for his commitment to the community and to his ongoing professional development," said Chris Romer, President/CEO of Vail Valley Partnership.

Since its commencement in 1921, the Institute program has been educating tens of thousands of association, chamber, and other nonprofit leaders on how to build stronger organizations, better serve their members and become strong business advocates. Institute’s curriculum consists of four weeklong sessions at four different university locations throughout the country. Through a combination of required courses and electives in areas such as leadership, advocacy, marketing, finance, and membership, Institute participants are able to enhance their own organizational management skills and add new fuel to their organizations, making them run more efficiently and effectively.

Institute for Organization Management is the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. It is the premier nonprofit professional development program for association and chamber professionals, fostering individual growth through interactive learning and networking opportunities.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business organization representing companies of all sizes across every sector of the economy. Our members range from the small businesses and local chambers of commerce that line the Main Streets of America to leading industry associations and large corporations.