Salem Area Young Professionals

April 27, 2007

Over 60 YoungPros packed Northern Lights Theatre Pub in South Salem to listen to Oregon's First Citizen Gerry Frank speak on changes in Salem, in our country, and the importance of genuinely connecting with others.

His stories were so inspiring that YoungPros extended him a standing ovation after his candid talk about our world and how we can each make a difference as our community continues to evolve.

"Gerry really has a certain way about him," said Jason Brandt with the Salem Chamber. "He commands your attention with stories, advice, and lessons that draw you in."

Gerry is a fourth-generation Oregonian, a graduate of Cambridge University in England with both a BA and MA. After serving in the Field Artillery in Europe during WWII, he returned to Portland becoming Vice President of the family-owned Meier & Frank Co., as well as manager of the Salem store.

Gerry served as special assistant to Senator Mark Hatfield from 1966 to 1972 and was Hatfield's Chief of Staff for 20 years from 1972-1992.

His book, Where to Find It, Buy It, Eat It in New York, is updated every other year and has sold over a million copies. His Oregonian column, Frankly Speaking, is a popular guide to adventures in our area. He is co-owner of Gerry Frank's Konditorei in Salem, featuring extravagant cakes.

Gerry has served on more than thirty boards, has over 25 awards and honors, including the first ever Glenn Jackson Leadership Award and the Gold Medallion Award for 50 years of Individual Community Service. He was named Oregon's Premier Citizen by gubernatorial proclamation in 2000; and in 2005, he received the Thomas Lamb Eliot Award for philanthropic achievement.

Presenting Sponsors

Sponsors / Ticor Title / Oregon Community Credit Union / Willamette University MBA