New Orleans was selected to be the site of the URG 2022 Educational Conference. During a pre-planning visit to the city, I took the opportunity to visit one of the city’s major attractions, the National WWII History Museum.

I spent a day and a half going through the various exhibits and was amazed and inspired by the courage and gallantry of the individuals that served and sacrificed so much for the allied nations during this dark period of our civilization. While there, I happened to read the purpose and the mission for which the museum was created. This statement intrigued me.

Upon my return home, I reflected on my visit to the museum and the significance of why it was established. I began to understand the importance and need for a society to study its history and how that history impacts current and future events.

History does not just happen; it is made. It was made by real people who faced real challenges. Who had uncertainty about the future, just as we do. Looking into the past allows us to better understand the present and predict the future. With history, we can track our origins and compare past patterns with present and future patterns. Modern technology teaches us new ways of doing things. Looking back at history tells us why we do these things.

Each organization or company has a history; it is the founding bedrock upon which it stands and continues to grow. Although it is natural to want to highlight only the good times, an authentic history embraces every aspect of a company’s legacy—both high and low points. And while every company history is unique, most should share a few key elements.

A company’s history should include the founding values and original vision for the future

Companies are seldom founded on a whim; they are created with a vision of being a force for positive change and shaping a better future. The founding vision forms the very heart of the organization. It encompasses the problems the founders wished to solve and the tenets that guided their actions in creating a positive change and outcome.

The company’s growth, milestones and significant triumphs are a part of its history

Capturing and reflecting on moments of growth and success is one of the most enjoyable aspects of compiling and sharing a company’s history. It is important to reflect that these successes did not occur in a vacuum. They were built upon the combined efforts of strong ethical leadership, an industrious staff, the communities that support the company and the customers who placed their trust in its brand.

Its history acknowledges and chronicles past defeats and hardships that were overcome in building the company and its business

No company or organization that’s accomplished anything worth doing did so without its share of failures. However, when you read the histories of some, you would think they experienced nothing but success throughout their time in business. It’s not easy to chronical past defeats and failures; however, when they are acknowledged and shared alongside the company’s successes, it demonstrates how the company learned and grew from those mistakes.

A company’s history should include its impact on the community in which it serves

Every company has an economical and social impact on the community in which it was founded. A company’s successes and shortcomings are felt either directly or indirectly by the communities that support it. Company histories should chronicle the events that helped define how the company and the community grew together throughout the years.

Knowing and embracing your company’s history is an effective tool for building a lasting culture and guiding leadership. A company’s culture matters. More than ever before, it is the driving force that attracts new talent, builds morale, and inspires innovation.

With history, we can better understand the present and predict the future; we can track our origins and compare past patterns with present and future patterns. We learn from our past mistakes and successes.

The 2022 URG Educational Conference is dedicated to honoring the past, understanding the present and looking forward to the future. We hope the conference inspires the attendees to remember the history of their organization, reflect on the present, and be better equipped to lead their company into the future!

Come and join us at the URG Educational Conference April 7-9th 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana.