Class 2003
The Channing Bete Family
The Channing Bete company has always been committed to its founder's "strong belief in the importance of giving individuals access to life-enhancing, empowering information, regardless of education or social class."Â Channing L. Bete Sr. founded the company in 1936 as an advertising agency, but by 1954 had converted it into a publishing company, to bring his ideas and important information to all Americans. According to the company website, Channing was a "true visionary, who spent the rest of his life predicting and writing about ways to make the world a better place."
In 1967, Channing Bete Jr., known as Joe Bete, took over the one-man show, now worth $1 million in sales, and expanded it to $25 million by the mid 1990s. The decision to join the family business had not been an easy one, as Joe spent eight years in the army as an electrical engineer, and was tempted to continue this vocation at a time when engineers were in high demand. However, after signing on with his father for a trial period of two years, Joe decided to stay, and successfully ran the company for the next 30 years.
The third generation president, Michael Bete, is a former architect who joined the company at the age of 29. He designed the company's modern, striking headquarters in South Deerfield, housing the firm's 300 employees. The Bete company has long been known for its little red booklets illustrated with "bubble people" drawings, providing clear and easy-to-understand information on a wide variety of important subjects, frequently health-related. With more than 2000 titles of their own, and an additional 1000 titles distributed for organizations such as the American Heart Association, the company moved toward newer designs and current issues such as smoking cessation, substance abuse, and violence prevention.
Michael is expanding the business into preventive science through computer-based programs. In 2000 the company acquired Developmental Research and Programs Inc., a social development research organization, and delivers prevention programs created to allow people to lead healthier, more successful lives.
In keeping with the firm's philosophy, the Betes instituted plans such as stock ownership and parental and child care leave options for their employees, through their mission to strengthen individuals, families, and communities by reinforcing healthy behaviors and commitment to positive social values.
The Channing Bete company continues its founder's life-enhancing values and principles, to benefit its employees, the region, and its readers worldwide. We are pleased to induct the Channing Bete family into the Western Massachusetts Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame.