October 1, 2018
Last week, the International Association of BusinessCommunicators (IABC) Chicago instituted the Lou Williams Research Pioneer Award and awarded the inaugural award to
LCWA. In announcing the creation of the award, the organization lauded our founder, Lou Williams, ABC, APR, IABC Fellow, as a “rogue pioneer who had the audacity to advocate that the role of communication in organizations should play out at the highest strategic level as a business leader.”
Naming this IABC Chicago award after Lou is fitting given his passionate support of IABC throughout his life and career. It was an honor to accept the Lou Williams Research Pioneer Award on behalf of LCWA.
Lou started the firm because he wanted to make a difference in the public relations industry – and he did. He was a veteran of big, national agencies. His goal was to create a firm that had all of the large agency strategic thinking and capabilities, including research, but he wanted to offer the personal approach and dedication of a smaller firm. LCWA has been operating under that same philosophy for more than 30 years.
All of us at LCWA continue to pursue his vision. This award is a wonderful way to honor his legacy.