1955
From San Juan, Roy Hill sent a fine article about Eric Bergstrom. Eric's venture into the hotel business in Grand Cayman Island has been the subject of news in previous columns sent by his bride Suzy. The article indicates that, "After vigorously participating in civic and other affairs to promote tourism to the island, Eric was rewarded in 1965 by being appointed Chairman of the Cayman Island Tourist Board." Shortly thereafter he became the island's rep to the Caribbean Hotel Association. He has progressed to the presidency of that group and recently conceived and implemented its Puerto Rican seminar. This was a well attended, very successful, three-day affair.
In 1969 Eric received an award from Queen Elizabeth. It bears the title Member of the British Empire, Hon. He was cited for his "Service to Tourism in the Cayman Islands."
Roy heads the Caribbean operations of Conagra. This company is the leading miller of flour and .animal feed in Puerto Rico. It also has extensive poultry and swine production on the Island. Still a bachelor, he lives right on the ocean near the Sheraton Hotel. I'm sure he would enjoy seeing you when you're in San Juan. Dave Conlon is also there heading Arthur Anderson's office.
Swifty Lawrence has returned home to Falmouth, Mass., where he was elected executive vice president of the Falmouth National Bank. Jim Magavern was named County Attorney of Erie County, New Yon (Buffalo Area). Jim, a Republican, was appointed by the newly-elected County Executive, Edward Regan, whom he serve as campaign research director. The Democratic party has traditionally dominated Erie County. Jim had been an associate law professor at the University of Buffalo. He has heen heavily involved in public service including service as an assistant states attorney general and consultant to the New York State Constitutional Convention. He also served as an overseas professional fellow of the International Legal Center in the Philippines.
Gene Elsbree has been named advertising manager for The Bank of California's head office in San Francisco. This is a newly created position designed to serve the bank's expansion of marketing and advertising services. Gene, who has his MBA from Stanford Business School, for five years had been advertising manager for San Francisco's Hills Bros. Company, Inc. Before that he did advertising and marketing for Sunset Magazine. He is currently a director of the San Francisco Advertising Club.
Jay Olson, treasurer of GAF Corporation, has been elected a vice president of the company. He joined GAF as treasurer in 1970, and was previously vice president and treasurer for Diversa-Graphics, Inc. in New York. Earlier, he spent 13 years with Continental Can, where he was promoted to assistant treasurer in 1963. Jay and wife Kathlyn live in Pleasantville, N.Y., at 11 Rock Ledge Road, with their three children, Nancy, 15; Jay, 13; and Charles, 9.
Mark Zimmerman returned to the U. S. in July after completing a tour of duty as Director of the American Peace Corps in Iran. He is now Deputy Administrator of the New York City EPA. This Agency is responsible for sanitation as well as the protection of air and water., resources. It's wonderful to see these men serving the public interest in key positions.
Steve and Lynn Wilson are now in Altamont, N. Y., where he is doing research and also teaching part-time. Lynn describes his teaching as being a mentor at Empire State College, a "without walls" system of "learning centers" that will eventually be located throughout New York State. Their spare time is taken up with sailing on Lake George, cross country skiing and ice-boating.
Joe Mathewson can be seen on the tube almost every night on Chicago's TV 2 news. He does an outstanding job of covering state and local events as their political editor. He had previously served for a time as Governor Ogilvie's press secretary, an experience which provided excellent background for this assignment. Also in Chicago, George Schmitt is President of Hinckley-Schmitt the leading bottled water company in this area.
Doug Melville forwarded a letter from Glenn Wilson's wife Adlyn which reads in part, "We had a long letter from Glenn at Christmas. From all indications, he appears to be in fine health and spirits. His handwriting is firm and steady. I have reason to believe he only received one letter package from me last year. So, the North Vietnamese have reneged on their Promises of increased packages and correspondence. Glenn is a very strong individual. and knowing this gives me faith that he will continue to survive this war. Your encouragement and support is needed every so often and I am sincerely grateful for it." Adlyn, we all share your faith in Glenn and will continue to do what we can to obtain his release.
Secretary, 66 Abbotsford Rd. Winnetka, Ill. 60093
Treasurer, 30 Warnock Dr. Westport, Conn. 06880
