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2009 Honorees
(1915-2001)
Founder
Pruet Drilling Co.
El Dorado, Arkansas
Chesley Pruet founded his successful oil exploration and production company in 1946. He was also president and chief executive officer of Pruet-Ram-Co.; managing partner of Pruet Oil Co. and Pruet Limited; and vice president and director of Pruet Production Co. He served on the National Petroleum Council for 18 years.
A tireless Republican party fundraiser, Pruet led the state finance committee for five presidential campaigns. He generously supported the Boy Scouts of America, Boys and Girls Clubs of America, Campfire Girls, and Arkansas Youth Ranch. His life-long love was his 12,500 acre ranch near Texarkana.
(1898-1975)
Founder
Rebsamen Companies, Inc.
Little Rock, Arkansas
Raymond Rebsamen's business acumen enabled him not only to found one of the nation's top 50 insurance brokers but also to establish multiple successful and far-reaching companies. Rebsamen Insurance was purchased by Regions in 2001.
Rebsamen donated 80 acres for the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. He helped to raise funds for the Little Rock Air Force Base land. Highly sought for his expertise, he served on many business and community boards and was active in the development of Central Arkansas. In 1971, alumnus Rebsamen gave the Walton College $100,000 to start a stock portfolio management class.
Founder
Willis Shaw Express, Inc.
Elm Springs, Arkansas
A true innovator in the refrigerated trucking industry, Willis Shaw founded Willis Shaw Express, one of the nation's largest and most successful specialized motor carriers. He began by pioneering the long-haul movement of live poultry. In the 1970s, Shaw merged the firm with the Del Monte Corp. A decade later, Shaw Investors repurchased Willis Shaw Express but later sold the company to Comcar Industries, Inc.
Shaw was instrumental in the development of Beaver Lake. A pillar of the Northwest Arkansas community, he served on many business and civic boards. Willis Shaw Elementary School was named in his honor in 2007.
(1941-1998)
Founder and Chairman of the Board
E-Z Mart Stores, Inc.
Texarkana, Texas
With a vision for serving rural America, Jim Earl Yates built E-Z Mart Stores, Inc. into one of the nation's largest privately held convenience store chains. His innovations and leadership in the National Association of Convenience Stores helped shape the industry. Today, E-Z Mart Stores has 300 stores in five states: Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Missouri.
Yates was deeply committed to the Texarkana community. He served on the boards of Wadley Regional Medical Center, Perot Theater, Easter Seals, and Temple Memorial Rehabilitation Center. An avid aviator, he was appointed to the Arkansas Aviation Aerospace Commission.
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