Louis C. Williams, Jr., our chairman, founded L.C. Williams & Associates in 1985. His goal was to create an agency that provided the strategic thinking and capabilities of a large agency with the dedication and service of a small firm. His background combined research and public relations - so research became an integral part of the firm from the very beginning. Much of our growth has come from expanded client business, the best testament to the work we do.

We also have grown through smart acquisitions: William Arrott & Associates in 1989, Drucilla Handy Company in 1993 and DeFrancesco/Goodfriend in 2000. Each of these acquisitions brought specialty experience to LCWA. The Arrott firm was well known for business-to-business programs, while the Drucilla Handy firm was a highly respected consumer marketing public relations company, particularly in the home furnishings and home fashions arena. DeFrancesco/Goodfriend was a solid consumer and business-to-business agency. In 2000, Williams named Kim Blazek Dahlborn his successor as president and began the process of transitioning ownership of the company over to the employees.