The San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and the business community are saddened by the news of the passing of two significant San Antonio business leaders – Jim Dublin and Bob Marbut, both of whom had close ties to this Chamber.
Early in his career, public relations icon Jim Dublin served as the Chamber’s Director of Public Relations, where he was able to put his talent to work telling San Antonio’s story and becoming a key player in economic development events that helped shape the city we know and love today. Following his great success at the Chamber, Jim started his own agency and continued to leave his mark on not only San Antonio, but the world. Whether he was battling to have airbags become standard in US automobiles or rallying a group of business owners to keep the Spurs in San Antonio, Jim’s love for our community and his contributions have left a lasting effect.
“I had the pleasure of working with Jim both as a Chamber volunteer and as a friend. He was a consummately thoughtful and insightful individual with a clear focus on attacking the big issues that were impediments to our community’s progress,” said Richard Perez, President and CEO of the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce. “Jim also had an extremely sharp wit which made working with him a pleasure and a lot of fun. San Antonio has lost one of our greatest strategists and promoters.”
Bob Marbut was the Chamber’s Chair in 1984, and his dedication and contributions to our business community are significant and long-lasting. An entrepreneur and successful leader in media and communications, he was a great advocate of infrastructure projects and social improvements. During his leadership, the Chamber helped secure approval and funding for Highway 151 to provide access to the growing north and west sectors of San Antonio, endorsed a $55 million general obligation bond issue for streets, supported legislative proposals on Public Education Reform, and endorsed the construction of a multi-use sports facility for San Antonio.
“Bob was a dedicated and passionate volunteer for the Chamber and for our community at large. He was an advocate for San Antonio’s growth and improvement and a leader of several large economic development initiatives, having played roles in bringing Toyota to San Antonio and saving BAMC when it was slated for decommissioning,” said Richard Perez. “He was a great friend to this organization and this City. We will miss his good work, support, and friendship.”