In September 2016, Bill Vernon, chairman of The Vernon Company, Newton, Iowa, marked a career and company milestone by becoming the first person in the company’s 114-year history to celebrate 60 continuous years of service in its corporate office.
Vernon joined his family’s company in 1956, after college and a tour of duty overseas in the U.S. Army. He was elected president of The Vernon Company in 1969 and became the chairman and CEO after the death of his father, Bill Vernon, Sr., in 1974.
During his 60-year tenure, the company’s annual sales grew from $5 million in 1956 to $70 million today.
“My father has been the most instrumental person in the company’s success over the past six decades,” said Bill Vernon’s son, Chris Vernon, current CEO of The Vernon Company. “His contribution to this company, to the industry and to our family is remarkable and is an important legacy in the company’s history.”
In addition to the contributions he has made to his company, his industry accomplishments are just as impressive. He was named chairman of the board of Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) in 1971, inducted into the PPAI Hall of Fame in 1985 and received the Marvin Spike Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013.
Outside of the industry, Vernon has also left his mark in the state of Iowa. He was the founder of the Iowa Games and the creator of the Iowa Sports Foundation. He served as chairman of the Des Moines Civic Center, was a member of the board of directors for the Des Moines Art Center and served on the Wells Fargo Iowa Board for almost 30 years. He was also a civilian aide to the Secretary of the Army for Iowa and a delegate to the Republican Party National Convention. Additionally, he served on the board and helped co-found Progress Industries—a nonprofit organization designed to provide job skills and independence for citizens with disabilities—in Newton.
“I’ve had a perfect balance between civic and business activities over the years,” Bill Vernon said. “Being involved has helped shape my pride and enthusiasm for this company, my hometown and the state of Iowa. I hope that the involvement I have had, professionally and personally, over the past six decades has left a lasting impression and that my family and our company will continue to build on that legacy.”
For more information on The Vernon Company, visit www.vernoncompany.com.
