Then, Parsons managed another Portland institution, the University Club. In 1988, he brought his style and management expertise to Trader Vic's, the Benson's renowned restaurant, then advanced through the food and beverage areas of the hotel built by lumberman Simon Benson. When Parsons became manager of the 1912-era hotel, he learned something new. At the Benson, not only do you feed them, you make them comfortable. Having a talented and capable staff allows Parsons time to work on issues such as the expansion of the Oregon Convention Center.
Tourism is a wonderful, clean industry.
Oregon has the opportunity to capitalize on it. Since 1992, Parsons has been on the board of the Portland Oregon Visitors Association. He is also on the boards of the Portland Opera and the Citizens' Crime Commission. He is a past president and chairman of the Oregon Lodging Association, and a current member of the Tri-County Lodging Association, the Association for Portland Progress, the Rose Festival Association, the American Heart Association, the Parry Center, and the advisory board for the Western Culinary Institute. They will go well if your family, community and health are solid and strong.