a history of
service.
innovation.
CSI.
a history of CSI.
1991 — 1999
the early days
CSI was founded in August of 1991 by Doug Morris and Wes LaFortune, two engineers who became friends while working for the same Fortune 500 Company. Their first project was a custom software system for a company called Gravure Process. Their first business location was in the basement of Jean Morris, Doug’s Mom.
Wes eventually moved to another state, and Doug carried on with the business. He expanded into a mix of services that included custom programming, networking, and then a new product offering, iMIS, and with that, CSI’s entree into the association world. Finally, the business moved to Addison, Illinois, when CSI’s largest client at the time, Syr-Tech, offered up some extra office space.
As one of the original iMIS Solution Providers, CSI began implementing iMIS for small to mid-sized organizations. That wasn’t as easy as it sounds. Because iMIS was a Microsoft Windows solution, customers had to first learn how to use this new thing called a “mouse.” On the plus side, users were now able to run multiple programs at once. So a typical first day of iMIS training focused on these two goals: using a mouse and switching between applications.
1999 — 2001
focusing
In 1999, CSI shed its custom programming and networking businesses to focus exclusively on iMIS. In 2000, CSI earned its first Chairman’s Circle Award from Advanced Solutions International, the creators of iMIS.
In 2001, CSI developed its first iMIS add-on product, iMerge. It eventually became one of the best-selling iMIS add-on products in the industry.
2002 — 2005
customer satisfaction
Recognizing that client satisfaction was the key to both growth and happiness, CSI went forth with a laser focus on achieving this goal. So when we won our first iMIS Customer Satisfaction award in 2005, it was our defining moment.
2006 — 2009
products, products, products
Our concentration shifted to new product development to fulfill unmet needs in the Association and Fraternal markets during these years. Out of this effort came iEmail, which allowed iMIS customers complete integration with Outlook. Just as importantly, we released ICE, the Interactive Chapter Experience. Due to the game-changing nature of ICE, CSI began to emerge as the leader in the Fraternal marketspace.
2009 — 2011
bringing it all together
As we celebrated our 20th year in business, we also relished in our iMIS Innovation of the Year award, our 6th customer satisfaction award, and the first-ever Customer Satisfaction Leader of the year award. It had all come together – our depth of iMIS experience, quality software products, and laser focus on customer satisfaction – to solidify our position as a leader and trusted partner in this unique arena.
2012 — 2015
team building
As our 25th anniversary approached, CSI set out on a mission to grow. We reinvested in ourselves over and over again. We put in place new processes and new standards, and we committed to never-ending improvement. Finally, we released our 12th product, iDocument! And through this all, we came to be the strongest team on the planet.
2016 — 2018
to the cloud!
We celebrated our 25th anniversary in August of 2016 and then immediately began working on our new Cloud infrastructure. All new cloud products and integrations will be built upon this framework allowing integration with all versions of iMIS.
2019 — 2021
a transformation
Augmenting our already amazing staff with talent from outside the iMIS Community, we began a journey to transform CSI. Upon self-reflection, we realized we have not yet achieved our vision. We truly believe there are more organizations out there who will benefit from CSI’s products and services, we just need to find them. To find them, we realized we needed to change, which led to CSI’s Digital Transformation.
2022 and beyond
a new focus
With a renewed focus on serving existing clients and expanding to new clients, with the CSI team operating as a high performing organization, and with the world’s only Engagement Management System (EMS) as a partner, CSI is poised to drive sustainable solutions and unsurpassed value to the community. Our focus is on making your life easier through the innovative fire that lights the minds of everyone at CSI.
It’s been an extraordinary 30+ years and we are incredibly grateful for everything we have accomplished so far. We look to the future with a great deal of positivity and anticipation. It’s been a remarkable journey, and we’re just getting started.