2000 Hall of Achievement Inductee

George Weber never wasted time or opportunity. While attending the University of Oregon, the accomplished pianist and orchestra leader handled the bookings for nine collegiate bands throughout the Northwest. As an advertising major, he won a scholarship to work during the summer at a Portland agency whose personnel included Arlyn Cole and Mac Wilkins. Not long after he graduated, Weber became the first employee of the new firm Mac Wilkins and Cole. During his more than 40 years with the agency, Weber helped build Cole & Weber Advertising into one of the largest agencies in the West, representing Boeing, The Oregonian, Safeco, and Silicon Graphics, among many others.

His formula was deceptively simple: surround yourself with efficient, devoted and talented people, keeping the company vigorous by bringing in young people.

By nurturing young talent in summer internships and first-year positions, Wever helped stimulate the development of Northwest public relations and advertising firms that were strong enough to challenge the world’s best.

Weber became vice president and general manager of the newly opened Seattle office of Cole & Weber Advertising in 1937 and was elected president of the agency in 1963. He retired in 1972 as chairman of the board. Weber served as president of the Advertising Association of the West and the western chairman of the American Association of Advertising Agencies.

Weber’s contributions to his community were equally outstanding. At various times, he served as director of the Seattle Symphony, Friends of the Public Library, Pacific Northwest Research Foundation, World Affairs Council, and United Way.

Michael Doherty, president of Cole & Weber said, “George Weber’s faith in young talent and his concern with helping the next generation of advertisers reach their creative potential through scholarships, internships, and mentoring helped move the entire industry to a new level of excellence.”

George Weber died in 1996.