Fleming Completes First Year at Institute for Organzation Management; Receives Sam's Club Scholarship

Washington D.C.—Institute for Organization Management, the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, is pleased to announce that William T. Fleming, Executive Director of the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce recently completed his first year at Institute for Organization Management, a four-year nonprofit leadership training program at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. 

Fleming was also the recipient of a Sam’s Club scholarship.  Awarded to 20 first-year attendees from across the U.S., the Sam’s Club scholarships recognize individuals that exhibit excellent nonprofit management practices in several areas, including involvement in professional industry organizations, community involvement and demonstrated leadership. 

“The U.S. Chamber is proud to partner with Sam’s Club to provide dedicated professionals like Bill Fleming the opportunity to attend Institute and educate them on how to better represent their members and expand their organizations’ influence,” said Raymond P. Towle, IOM, CAE, vice president of Institute for Organization Management at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.  “We are pleased to help these talented individuals advance their careers and organizations, and we appreciate the commitment from Sam’s Club to the business community.”

“Institute participants are recognized across the country as leaders in their communities,” said. Towle. “These individuals have the knowledge, skills, and dedication to achieve professional and organizational success in the dynamic association and chamber industries.” 

Since its commencement in 1921, the Institute program has educated 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 offered at five 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. 

Graduates of Institute receive the IOM recognition, signifying completion of 96 hours of course instruction in nonprofit management. In addition, participants can earn credit hours toward the Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) or Certified Association Executive (CAE) certifications. Nearly 1,000 individuals attend Institute annually.

Institute is a 501(c) (3) affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and is the premier nonprofit professional development program for nonprofit professionals, fostering individual growth through interactive learning and networking opportunities.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.