PALM BEACH – Florida Northwood University will recognize William “Bill” Grote III, chairman and CEO of Grote Industries, as one of six nationally known business men and women at its 30th Annual Outstanding Business Leader (OBL) Awards Ceremony. The gala event is scheduled at 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 23, 2010 at The Breakers, Palm Beach.
Grote Industries is a world leader in high-performance LED lighting technology, putting the first LED lamps on the road 20 years ago. Located in Madison, Indiana, Grote was founded over 108 years ago and maintains operations around the globe. A family-owned company steeped in tradition, Grote Industries has a continuing focus on innovation as well as a strong commitment to providing quality products and service. Grote Industries employs hundreds of workers in every phase of production, from design and engineering to manufacturing, testing, marketing and distribution.
Grote began his career at Grote Industries as a district manager, then worked his way through several sales and marketing positions. In 1969, as the third generation of family took the helm at Grote, he was elected to the board of directors. In 1972 Grote was appointed director of OEM sales and in 1979 was promoted to vice president of sales and marketing. This diverse experience served him well when he became president and CEO in 1989. Since 2004, Grote has served as the company’s chairman and CEO.
A 1962 graduate of Xavier University, Grote is extremely active in industry affairs. He has served as a past president of the Transportation Safety Equipment Institute (TSEI), a former Chairman of Motor Equipment Manufacturer’s Association (MEMA) and has held board seats with the Automotive President’s Council, Automotive Sales Council and the Heavy Duty Business Forum.
In 2007, Grote was the recipient of the prestigious Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA) Leader of the Year Award, honoring aftermarket professionals who have contributed to the industry in a unique and significant way.
About Grote Industries
Grote Industries is a family-owned company and is QS-9000, TS16949 and ISO 14001 certified. The leading manufacturer and marketer of vehicle safety systems products, Grote Industries engineers and manufactures LED, fluorescent and incandescent lamps, mirrors, wiring systems, turn signal switches, connection accessories and reflective accessories. For more than 108 years, Grote has provided state-of-the-art solutions for OEM and aftermarket customers worldwide. Headquartered in Madison, Indiana, USA, Grote also maintains locations in Canada, Mexico, Europe and Asia. Additional information is available at grote.com.
50 Years of Enterprise and Ethics
Northwood University is marking its 50-year anniversary. Founded in 1959, Northwood has grown to a national and international presence and is an influential advocate for free enterprise. Celebrations are planned across the country and around the world to commemorate the vision and success of Northwood University’s founders, Drs. R. Gary Stauffer and Arthur Turner.
Northwood University is committed to the most personal attention to prepare students for success in their careers and in their communities; it promotes critical thinking skills and personal effectiveness, and the importance of ethics, individual freedom and responsibility.
Private, nonprofit and accredited, Northwood University specializes in managerial and entrepreneurial education at three full-service, residential campuses located in Southern Florida, mid-Michigan and Northern Texas. Adult Degree Programs are available in eight states with many course delivery options including online. The DeVos Graduate School offers full-time, evening and industry specific master’s degree programs for entrepreneurs and executives in Michigan, Texas and Switzerland. The Alden B. Dow Creativity Center on the Midland, Michigan, campus specializes in creative thinking and innovation development. International education is offered through terms abroad and in Program Centers in Switzerland, China, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Bahrain. Northwood University also operates the Margaret Chase Smith Library in Maine. To learn more, visit www.northwood.edu.
