COBB RETIRES, FLEISCHAUER ELECTED CHAIRMAN OF FIRST COMMERCIAL BANK.LITTLE ROCK, Ark.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 18, 1996--Barnett Grace, chairman, president and chief executive officer of First Commercial Corporation, announced today that James R. Cobb is retiring as chairman of First Commercial Bank, Little Rock, effective July 16. John I. (Jack) Fleischauer, Jr., was elected chairman by the bank's Board of Directors at its regular meeting today following Cobb's announcement. Since joining the company in 1973, Jim Cobb has served as vice chairman of the corporate board, vice chairman of the bank and president of Commercial Bankstock, Inc., a predecessor to First Commercial. "I have been fortunate to spend such a significant portion of my career working for an outstanding organization like First Commercial," commented Cobb. "One thing that I have learned through the years See also Through The Years (Gary Glitter song) or Through The Years (Tim Finn song). For the Jethro Tull album, see Through the Years (Jethro Tull). For the Artillery box set, see Through the Years (Artillery album). is that exceptional people are the cornerstone of a superb company. Although capital is a key ingredient, nothing is more vital to the equation than people, and I am privileged to have worked with so many talented individuals through the years at every level of the organization. While I cannot personally thank each and every one of them, I want them to know what an important part of my life they have been." Cobb added that he intends to remain active in the community through civic and charitable organizations This article is about charitable organizations. For other uses of the word charity, see Charity. A charitable organization (also known as a charity) is an organization with charitable purposes only. . "Barnett Grace and I began our careers at First Commercial's predecessor, Commercial National Bank, in the early 70's. My association with Barnett has been one of the high points of my career. He has established himself as a leader among bankers and within the community, and I consider myself fortunate to have served with him. "I am pleased that Jack Fleischauer's role with the bank will increase as a result of my retirement. All of the key indicators show that our bank and its customer satisfaction scores have grown at a record pace since he joined us two years ago, and I am convinced that he will continue to have a lasting, positive impact on the bank." "Jim Cobb has played an important role in the growth and success of our company over the last two decades, and we wish him the best in the future," Grace commented. "He has been an influential force at First Commercial and in the community." Grace added that the transition will be smooth since Fleischauer, in his capacity as president and chief executive officer, has managed the day to day operations of the bank and has been responsible for setting its strategic direction. "I have known Jim Cobb for many years, first as a competitor and more recently as an associate," noted Fleischauer. "He is widely respected in banking circles for his leadership in shaping the Central Arkansas community. Through the years he has established himself as an experienced banker, but his true legacy is the many friends he leaves at First Commercial." Fleischauer has served as president and chief executive officer of the bank since joining it in May of 1994. Prior to moving to First Commercial Bank, Fleischauer served as president and chief operating officer Chief Operating Officer (COO) The officer of a firm responsible for day-to-day management, usually the president or an executive vice-president. of Worthen National Bank of Arkansas in Little Rock, now Boatmen's National Bank of Arkansas. "Jack Fleischauer has a well-deserved reputation for leading banks to new levels," noted Grace. "He has a wealth of experience in banking and in Arkansas, and is a keen observer of trends in the industry and in our state. Since joining First Commercial Bank in 1994, Jack has successfully spearheaded strategies that have resulted in exceptional loan and deposit growth. Due to his hard work and experience, we have been able to seize opportunities in our market as they have presented themselves. From a long term perspective, Jack's appreciation of new technologies and consumer demand are well-suited for the financial services The examples and perspective in this article or section may not represent a worldwide view of the subject. Please [ improve this article] or discuss the issue on the talk page. industry as paradigms continue to crumble and new challenges emerge." Fleischauer says he welcomes the added challenge of being elected chairman. "I believe we have assembled one of the strongest banking teams, top to bottom, in the region," said Fleischauer. "We will continue to aggressively pursue retail and commercial business by focusing on First Commercial's most dominant attributes such as locations, extensive product line and, most importantly Adv. 1. most importantly - above and beyond all other consideration; "above all, you must be independent" above all, most especially , excellent customer service delivered by exceptional bankers." Fleischauer began his banking career with Worthen Bank and Trust Company in Little Rock in 1972 following two years with General Electric Corporation. In 1976 he moved to the parent company of Worthen, First Arkansas Bancstock Corporation (FABCO). In 1979, he was appointed executive vice president of the FABCO affiliate bank in Pine Bluff Pine Bluff, city (1990 pop. 57,140), seat of Jefferson co., S central Ark., on the Arkansas River; inc. 1839. It is a port and trade center for an agricultural area and has industries producing metal, wood, and paper products; machinery; electrical equipment; and , National Bank of Commerce. In 1985 he was named the chief executive officer of the Worthen affiliate bank in Russellville (Peoples Bank & Trust) and in 1987 was named chairman and CEO (1) (Chief Executive Officer) The highest individual in command of an organization. Typically the president of the company, the CEO reports to the Chairman of the Board. of the Worthen National Bank in Hot Springs (formerly First National Bank of Hot Springs). In 1991, Fleischauer returned to Little Rock as president and chief operating officer of Worthen National Bank, the lead bank in Worthen's statewide network. Fleischauer has served on the boards of numerous community and professional organizations throughout his banking career. Current board memberships and responsibilities include: The Greater Little Rock Chamber of Commerce where he serves on the executive committee and as vice chairman of economic development; St. Vincent Infirmary infirmary /in·fir·ma·ry/ (-ah-re) a hospital or place where the sick or infirm are maintained or treated. in·fir·ma·ry n. Medical Center; Arkansas State University Arkansas State University, at Jonesboro; coeducational; chartered 1909; named State Agricultural and Mechanical College, 1925–33. In 1933 the school became Arkansas State College, and in 1967 it achieved university status and adopted its present name. Foundation; the Quapaw Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America Noun 1. Boy Scouts of America - a corporation that operates through a national council that charters local councils all over the United States; the purpose is character building and citizenship training ; University of Arkansas at Little Rock Established as Little Rock Junior College by the Little Rock School District in 1927, it became a private four-year institution, called Little Rock University, in 1957. It returned to public status in 1969 when it was merged into the University of Arkansas System under its present name. College of Business Administration; Arkansas Council of Economic Education; Arkansas Arts Center One of the leading cultural institutions in the state, the Arkansas Arts Center is located on the corner of 9th and Commerce streets in MacArthur Park, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA. ; board member and treasurer of the Park Foundation; campaign chairman and board member of Pulaski County Pulaski County is the name of several counties in the United States:
Fleischauer attended Arkansas State University in Jonesboro and is a graduate of the School of Bank Marketing at the University of Colorado University of Colorado may refer to:
A native of Little Rock, Fleischauer is a 1966 graduate of Hall High School. First Commercial Bank is the Little Rock-based affiliate of First Commercial Corporation, the $5.4 billion bank holding company with banks in Arkansas, Texas, Tennessee, Oklahoma and Louisiana. CONTACT: First Commercial Corporation, Little Rock Kevin Sabin Sa·bin , Albert Bruce 1906-1993. American microbiologist and physician who developed a live-virus vaccine against polio (1957), replacing the killed-virus vaccine invented by Jonas Salk. , 501/371-6767 or ksabin@firstcommercial.com |
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