A look back to a glorious past creates a feeling of achievement and contentment. After all, longevity is certainly one measure of success in any business.

Being accomplished in the past, however, is no guarantee of future success. General Motors proved that the largest company on earth, once highly profitable, can reach the brink of extinction. IBM, once the undeniable leader of the computer world, nearly failed before changing its business model to regain a solid position in the world market. AOL, once the world’s dominant Internet company and now struggling for a comeback, can only hope for the same fate. These businesses were saved, but there are hundreds of examples of busi- nesses that simply did not survive; many because they did not make necessary changes when the market required it.

Every enterprise must make necessary adjustments that will ensure excellent products or service and continued customer satisfaction. Successful change could mean a wholesale business model change, an adaptation to a product design, or just the right tweak in its plan or market. In the case of JBS United, its story of 54 years of success is as intriguing as any. While the success can be summed up as five decades of development and innovation to become the leader in nutrition technology, no doubt the true success was defined in countless hours of hard work by individuals striving to ensure that each of its customers was satisfied. Its chronology confirms a series of necessary and prudent changes along the way to achieve its successful and dominant market position.

This year, the law firm of Ice Miller is celebrating 100 years of successful client service. While the discipline driving its success has not changed, some of its focus has shifted. For example, today’s Agribusiness Practice not only includes the historic practice of representing farm families, manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, and lenders, but now includes exciting new areas of work such as agriculture education, research and development, alternative energy production, and sustainable food systems. These will provide plenty of opportunity for growth and future success.