An Overview The following overview provides a brief perspective on where we have been, who we are today, and where we are going. A Legacy of Leadership Concerned about the social and political impact of economic change on the spirit of the industrial workforce, the lay leadership of the YMCA, including William E. Dodge, Jr., J. Pierpont Morgan, John Wanamaker and Cornelius Vanderbilt decided that the YMCA should serve as a catalyst for defining and supporting positive employee practices in the workplace. In 1918, the YMCA created a unique opportunity for industrial leaders to meet on the shores of Lake George to discuss the most pressing human issues in business. Early conference agendas addressed controversial issues such as: class struggle, collective bargaining, guaranteed minimum wage, experimentation in profit sharing, equal pay for women and the abolition of child labor. During the Summer of 1919, the President of the American Car and Foundry Company, the Chairman of Standard Oil, and the most senior executives from General Electric, Bridgeport Brass, and Winchester Repeating Arms met at Silver Bay on Lake George to discuss the challenges of transitioning the workforce into the Industrial Economy. As part of the 1919 Leadership Forum at Silver Bay, 516 conference delegates agreed: "Industrial adjustment is on. The greatest problems that ever faced industry and the nation are ahead of us. There never was a time when leaders of industry were so anxious to discuss vital issues, compare experiences and 'get light." Who We Are Today The mission and make-up of our community has not changed much since 1918. While today we supplement traditional face to face communication and conferences with e-mail, conference calls and web chats, the community make-up consists of: business, not for profit, government, and community leaders developing and sustaining positive organizational and personal practices for social and economic benefit. Where We Are Going Despite the fact that our future is an evolving journey, it remains deeply rooted in the intention of: shaping economic and social prosperity, by providing concerned and influential business leaders, with insight and solutions on the most pressing leadership issues of our time. While our intention remains consistent the WHO and HOW of achieving this important goal is consistently changing. To achieve our vision of the future we strive to: These goals are aggressive and will require the time and talent of our community members to achieve.
As in 1919, corporate executives and thought leaders travel each summer to Silver Bay on Lake George to "cast light" upon the challenges and opportunities of transitioning today's workforce into the Global Electronic Economy. For our entire history, the value of this dialogue has created an enduring platform for leaders to develop personal and organizational leadership capabilities that improve organizational effectiveness, sustain economic growth, and improve the state of the world. This community and conference represents the longest continuous dialogue on organizational leadership in North America.