Larry Franklin, chairman of the board of Harte-Hanks spoke at a luncheon on January 14, 2005 sponsored by Abilene Christian University's College of Business Administration and the Dean’s Advisory Council.

Franklin spoke on the topic of "The Future:  Be All You Can Be" in the Hilton Room of the Campus Center on ACU's campus.  Approximately 100 faculty, staff and students from the university and individuals from the community were in attendance.  

Dr. Rick Lytle, dean of the College of Business said, "Larry brought impressive professional credentials to the table.  However, it was his heart and his desire to use his life to help others that was most motivational and inspirational for those in attendance."

A native of Ladonia, Texas, Franklin earned a degree in accounting from Texas A&M – Commerce in 1965 and an M.B.A. at Texas Tech University. He has been honored as a distinguished alumnus at both schools.

After working three years as controller and treasurer of Paris Milling Company, Franklin then worked on the audit staff at Price Waterhouse & Co. in Dallas before coming to Harte-Hanks in 1971 as assistant corporate director of accounting. He became president and chief executive officer in 1991.  Franklin stepped down as head of the company in April 2002 and currently serves as chairman of the board.  He is currently devoting his time now on his family ranch, which has been converted into a Christian retreat.

Harte-Hanks provides direct marketing services and shopper advertising opportunities to a wide range of local, regional, national and international consumer and business-to-business marketers.