Brief History
Founded in 1920 as the American Plan Association of Cleveland, ERC was formed in response to the labor movement by 15 members of the Union Club of Cleveland.
Together, this group of CEOs united to create better workplace practices for both employers and employees. Over 100 years and several name changes later, ERC has maintained its founding purpose and has grown into a leading human resource organization that has served thousands of members and clients across the region, nation, and globe.
Brief History
Founded in 1920 as the American Plan Association of Cleveland, ERC was formed in response to the labor movement by 15 members of the Union Club of Cleveland.
Together, this group of CEOs united to create better workplace practices for both employers and employees. Over 100 years and several name changes later, ERC has maintained its founding purpose and has grown into a leading human resource organization that has served thousands of members and clients across the region, nation, and globe.
1920
The American Plan Association of Cleveland is formed by local manufacturing company leaders.
Associated Industries of Cleveland
1930
The American Plan Association assumed the name Associated Industries of Cleveland.
1934
The Associated Industries of Cleveland assists the Ohio Rubber Co. of Akron during the United Rubber Workers strike.
500+
1938
Membership grows to include over 500 areas of industry.
1949
William Frew Long, the first General Manager of the Associated Industries of Cleveland, retires.
1969
A record crowd attends the annual meeting to hear author, scholar, and syndicated journalist, Max Lerner, speak on “Technology and Creativeness.”
600+
1980
Membership hits an all-time high of 600 companies.
1986
The association’s name changes from Associated Industries of Cleveland to Employers Resource Council (ERC).
1995
Pat Perry becomes President of ERC.
1999
ERC founds NorthCoast 99, an annual awards program and event that honors 99 great Northeast Ohio workplaces for top talent.
2000
ERC introduces the ERChealth insurance program to help Ohio employers significantly reduce their health care costs.
2014
ERC records its 16th straight year of profitability.
2018
Kelly Keefe becomes the first female President of ERC.
2020
ERC celebrates its 100-year anniversary and is inducted into the 100 Year Club of the Western Reserve Historical Society.
Today
Proud of its legacy and rooted in its mission, ERC is dedicated to serving the needs of its members, clients, and community for decades to come.
