Merton G. Silbar
began his public relations career in Chicago in 1959. Upon his graduation from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, he took a job producing event publicity and coordinating fundraising campaigns for employer Israel Bonds. Five years later, “Mert” was hired as an account executive at Harshe-Rotman & Druck, the nation’s fifth-largest PR agency.
By late 1968, Mert left Harshe-Rotman & Druck to open his own agency. He rented a one-room office on Chicago’s North Michigan Avenue, and offered his publicity, promotions, public relations and event marketing expertise to hotels, small businesses and non-profit clients. Word-of-mouth would propel his early successes toward a broader client base.
Seeking an office closer to home, Mert relocated his business to an office building in Glenview, Ill. An occasional Chicago Sun-Times contributor, he developed a close relationship with its popular entertainment columnist, the late Irv Kupcinet. Mert’s career highlights include creation of Crain’s “Quarterback Club” luncheons, the “Walk of Fame” in Skokie, and the founding of the United States Lawnmower Racing Association for client Gold Eagle fuel additives.
His other memorable projects include the founding of “The Jim Gibbons 5k Memorial Walk” for Leukemia Research Foundation in honor of fallen WLS-TV reporter Jim Gibbons, bringing Babe Ruth’s daughter to Chicago for a Les Turner ALS Foundation benefit, filled with memorabilia provided by his family Harry Carray Room 1945 in Westin-Michigan Avenue.
Over its 42-year history, Silbar Public Relations has serviced nearly 200 clients, including 29 hotels and resorts, 15 non-profits, and 40 Chicago-area restaurants. Conservative estimates indicate that clients have gained more than $1 million in added business as a direct result of the agency’s ideas and execution.
In his emeritus role, Mert continues to generate ideas and provide consultation, while David continues the family legacy as Agency President.
