ERC Celebrates 100 Years of Making Workplaces Great

ERC Celebrates 100 Years of Making Workplaces Great

Highland Heights, Ohio – ERC, the human resource organization that provides training, consulting, coaching, assessments, and research services, is excited to announce that we’re celebrating our 100th anniversary this year!

We’re commemorating our rich history throughout the year by hosting events, participating in 100 hours of community service, and sharing stories about the people and organizations that have contributed to our success.

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. One hundred 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.

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ERC’s longest-tenured employees (L to R): VP, Learning & Development, Chris Kutsko (15 years), President Kelly Keefe (16 years), and SVP Carrie Morse (18 years).

“We’re so grateful for our past and present members, clients, and partners who’ve worked with us over the years. This exciting milestone is possible thanks to them, and our talented staff and Board,” said ERC President Kelly Keefe. “We’re continuing to evolve our own business so we can help other organizations attract, develop, and retain the best talent.”

While 75% of businesses fail within 10 years, we’ve withstood the test of time by being nimble and diversifying our portfolio of offerings. 

“We’ve adapted to the market by continuously tailoring our products and services in response to the current issues employers face, and by delivering custom, flexible solutions to client challenges and opportunities,” said ERC Senior Vice President Carrie Morse.

By consistently providing value and focusing on service, we’ve maintained long-standing relationships with our members. Twenty-five organizations have been ERC members for more than 50 years, and six have been members for more than 75 years.

As a heart-centered company, it’s important for us to be a good corporate citizen. We contribute to our community by volunteering for nonprofit organizations and supporting local schools, businesses, civic groups, and associations. 

We’re especially committed to our region’s economic vitality and to making our community a long-term destination of choice for companies and top-performing individuals. In 1999, we established NorthCoast 99, an annual recognition program and event that honors 99 great Northeast Ohio workplace for top talent. The purpose of this program is to help employers make a difference in the lives of the people working and living in our region.

We started ERChealth over 20 years ago to help Ohio employers significantly reduce their health insurance costs. ERChealth is an affordable, quality health insurance program that delivers uncommonly low rates, and coverage and plan options unmatched by any health insurance program in the state.

We care a lot about our employees and strive to lead by example when it comes to making workplaces great. We created and cultivate an “F” workplace culture, which means we’re Family-First, Fun, Flexible, Fitness-Minded, Footprint-Light, and Financially Supportive to our staff. 

Proud of our legacy and rooted in our mission, we’re dedicated to serving the needs of our members, clients, and community for decades to come. Learn more about ERC and the people who shape our organization.