Institute For Organization Management

A Wise Investment

By Amy Malo
Coordinator, Marketing and Communications, Political Affairs and Federation Relations
U.S. Chamber of Commerce

“Without Institute, I would not have gained the skills needed to enjoy a successful, 50-year career in organization management.” —Dick Upton, IOM, CCE, President, American Lighting Association
Recipient, 2008 American Chamber of Commerce Executive "Life Award"

Raymond P, Towle, IOM, CAE, vice president of the U.S. Chamber’s Institute for Organization Management, teaches the course “IOM and Beyond,” which highlights the benefits of earning an IOM recognition. Institute graduates earn 96 credit hours toward a professional industry certification.
Photo by Ian Wagreich.

It’s no exaggeration to say that the Institute for Organization Management has educated tens of thousands of association, chamber, and other nonprofit executives throughout its 89-year history. Founded by the U.S. Chamber in 1921, Institute was established to educate and help nonprofit executives build stronger organizations, serve their members, and build stronger local communities.

Today, Institute remains a program professionals rely on to take them to the next level of performance. Attendees come searching for education, industry credibility, and networking opportunities and to pursue industry best practices and trends.

From membership recruitment and retention to legal issues, budgeting, and marketing, Institute's curriculum is designed to help professionals find ways to overcome any difficult situation affecting their organization, members, and surrounding communities. With a diverse core curriculum and choice of electives to choose from, Institute provides education on all facets of running a nonprofit organization.

Held at five different universities across the country, Institute facilitates learning in a comfortable, academic environment. Many agree that the true value of Institute is the exposure to other industry professionals who are facing the same challenges, and finding the practical solutions to meet those challenges. 

Graduates of Winter Institute 2010, held at the University of Arizona January 3-7, 2010, are all smiles on graduation night. Photo by Brandon Shupe.

“I look forward to Institute because it is the only time I feel truly comfortable to talk about professional issues I am facing at my organization and professionally,” says David Johnson, CAE, Manager of Volunteer Relations for ASAE & The Center for Association Leadership. “I feel safe being open and honest about obstacles and get a lot of great support and feedback.”

Upon completion of the Institute program, attendees receive the IOM graduate recognition, which allows them to use the letters “IOM” in public mention and professional correspondence. The IOM recognition signifies the educational achievement of Institute graduates and demonstrates dedication to the nonprofit industry and its surrounding communities. IOM graduates also earn 96 credit hours toward the CAE or CCE professional industry certifications.

“When I returned [from Institute], I was asked for the one ‘a-ha’ moment I had,” said Lori Higgins, Manager of Administration at the MetroNorth (MN) Chamber of Commerce. I replied that I had so many ‘a-ha’ moments every day that it would be impossible to name just one.”

Enrollment for Institute’s four summer sites is now open. For more information, visit the Institute web site at www.uschamber.com/institute.