Today is IBM’s 100th birthday.
Yeah, I didn’t know companies had birthdays either. Normally “06880” would not announce — let alone celebrate — something like this. But IBM is special.
The initials stood for “I’ve Been Moved,” the joke went. And IBM men (for they were all male) arrived in town, year after year after year. Some moved on, after relatively brief stints. Others managed to make this their last move, and stayed.
A disproportionate number, it seems, got involved in Westport affairs. IBM men ran for local office. They coached sports teams. They served on boards. They were involved in the lives of their sons and daughters, and supported their wives’ volunteer efforts.
IBM men understood they were expected to give their talents to their community as well as their company. They did so in many ways here, for many years.
IBM’s profile in Westport is lower today than it was back then. But IBM men — and now, women — continue to be a vibrant part of town life.
Congratulations, IBM. Thanks for all you’ve done, for all of us. Here’s wishing you 100 more years, all over the globe.
And keep sending your best and your brightest to Westport.