The movement to create associations to represent the interest of trades and professions was in high gear in the last quarter of the 19th century, in Arkansas as elsewhere in the United States.
Among Arkansas businesses that have lasted more than 100 years, at least two dozen are trade associations and chambers of commerce. Among them: the Arkansas Bankers Association, founded in 1891 and marking this week its 125th annual convention in Little Rock.
In recognition of this milestone, Arkansas Business has worked with the ABA to compile this photo gallery of the association’s 125 elected leaders — first known as presidents, now as chairmen. (Yes, so far, all have been men.)
They begin with Logan Roots, who served one term in Congress, helped found First National Bank of Fort Smith in 1872 and whose name is attached to the U.S. Army outpost in North Little Rock that is now home to a VA hospital: Fort Roots.
They conclude with Robert Taylor, president and CEO of Parkway Bank of Rogers, who will succeed Charles G. “Chuck” Morgan of Relyance Bank of Pine Bluff at this week’s convention. (Parkway Bank in its current form opened in 2004, but its charter — originally Portland Bank out of Ashley County — dates to 1900.)
Also in the slideshow above, we also recognize the eight men who have served as executive director — now called president and CEO — of the ABA, from M.H. Johnson to William R. Holmes, now in his fourth year.
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