William (Bill) Vernon, former chairman and CEO of the Vernon Co. in Newton and an active Central Iowa business and community leader, died on Dec. 3 at the age of 89. Over a 64-year career, Vernon built the promotions and graphics business into a multigenerational company across North America. His involvement in the promotional products industry was extensive and in 1986, Vernon was inducted into the Specialty Advertising Association International Hall of Fame. In 2013, he received the Marvin Spike Lifetime Achievement Award from the Advertising Specialty Association. The U.S. Army veteran was the founding chair of the Iowa Games, and also chaired the Iowa Association of Business and Industry and the board of the Des Moines Civic Center. Vernon was also a co-founder of Progress Industries in Newton, among other volunteer activities, and in 2012 he was inducted into the Iowa Volunteer Hall of Fame. One of his greatest legacies was having all of his children serve in the family’s fourth-generation business. A private family graveside service will be held this week in Newton, and a celebration of life will also be held next summer in Iowa. Memorials may be made to the Progress Industry Foundation or to the Promotional Products Education Foundation. To read a tribute on the Advertising Specialty Institute website, click here.