Salem Chamber names Outstanding Young Professional

(Salem, OR; January 26, 2012 --)The Salem Area Chamber of Commerce announced today that Lucy Escobar will be honored as the Outstanding Young Professional at the upcoming First Citizen Award Banquet.

For the 62nd year, the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce will recognize some of the most talented and accomplished men and women working in Salem who dedicate their time and talents to better our community.  Lucy was surprised this morning with the news.

Lucy Escobar is described as a 'first responder' when volunteers are needed. She is a founding board member of the Latino Business Alliance, a board member for the North Salem Business Association, on the steering committee for the Latino business showcase Expo Negocio, and involved with the Microenterprise Resources, Initiatives & Training (MERIT) program and the Salem-Keizer Community Development Corporation. As a young professional, Lucy sets an incredible example for other young people in our community.

Earlier this week, Curt Arthur and Ron and Kathy Kelemen were also surprised with the announcement that they will be recognized as Distinguished Service Award recipients and Janet Taylor was announced as the First Citizen.

One more Distinguished Service Award recipient will be surprised later this week.

Along with the Outstanding Young Professional, three Distinguished Citizens and the First Citizen will be honored at the First Citizen's Awards Banquet to be held March 2, 2012 at the Salem Conference Center. Reservations can be made by calling 503-581-1466 x301 or online at SalemChamber.org.

The Salem Area Chamber of Commerce is a private 501(c)(6)not-for-profit membership organization which works to ensure a strong local economy where businesses can prosper, and families can live, work, play and shop. The programs and professional staff of the Salem Area Chamber have been recognized nationally, including a 2009 Wall Street Journal feature of the Chamber's innovative web site, SalemChamber.org. The Salem Area Chamber of Commerce advocates for more than 1,200 businesses led by a volunteer board of directors who are dedicated to sustaining Salem's quality of life, and keeping our community and economy vibrant.

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