FNBC to honor Carpenter family with Ozarka Ash Flat Technical Center naming

 In Newsworthy

FNBC Bank announced it will honor the Carpenter family with the naming of the new Technical Center at Ozarka College in Ash Flat. The Carpenter Technical Center, located at 16 Nix Ridge Road, will begin classes later this month for the fall semester.

The Carpenter family has had a role in FNBC’s leadership for almost 80 years. They have been dedicated supporters of K-12 and higher education, and have supported Ash Flat and the surrounding communities through contributions to economic development, non-profit organizations and other initiatives that have led to the betterment of the tri-county region.

“I have been honored to work alongside the Carpenter family for my entire near 40-year career at FNBC,” said President & CEO Marty Sellars. “Boyd and Martin always shared a passion and drive to see Sharp County reach its fullest potential. They worked tirelessly to bring jobs and growth to our area that would allow people to raise families here. Their legacy and impact on our community will be felt for generations, and FNBC and its Board of Directors is proud to name the new Technical Center at Ozarka College in their honor.”

Four generations of Carpenters have worked at FNBC, beginning with Odus Carpenter, who served on the Bank’s Board of Directors before becoming an employee. Known at the time as The Bank of Ash Flat, Odus became its President in 1942, and remained until his retirement in 1966.

Boyd Carpenter, Odus’ nephew, joined FNBC full-time in 1961 after working part-time for several years. At the time, Boyd was best known for serving Sharp County as an elected official. He served three terms as Sharp County Clerk, four terms as Sharp County Judge and three terms in the Arkansas General Assembly as a Representative. In all his years in politics, he never lost an election.

In 1973, Boyd was named President and later that same year, the bank changed its name to First National Bank of Sharp County. He became Chairman of the Board in 1975 and served in that capacity until he passed in 1988.

Boyd’s son, Martin Carpenter, joined FNBC as a full-time employee in 1973. He worked in various roles before being named President and Chief Executive Officer in 1986. He succeeded Boyd as Chairman of the Board in 1988 and continues to serve FNBC in that capacity. Since that time, the Bank has gone through two more name changes. It became First National Banking Company in 2003 and then FNBC Bank in 2014 as the result of a bank charter conversion.

Martin was President until the end of 2003 and CEO until the end of 2015. He retired as a full-time employee at the end of his 45th year in 2017.

Over nearly five decades, Martin has left his mark on the area and community banking. He served on the Highland School Board for 24 ½ years, the Ash Flat Airport Commission for 17 years, the Spring River Ambulance & Paramedic Service Board for 11 years, the Arkansas Sheriff’s Youth Ranch Board for three years, is a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars & American Legion, and is a past Deacon and Elder of the Ash Flat Church of Christ.

He also spearheaded the launch of the Sharp County Community Foundation and served as its chairman for nine years. He continues to provide guidance and assistance to the local board in an emeritus capacity.

As a Community Banker, Martin served on the First National Bankers Bank Board of Directors and the Arkansas Bankers Bank Board for 25 years. He also served on the Arkansas Community Bankers Board and was active with the Independent Community Bankers of America.

He and his wife Lori, both Sharp County natives, continue to be active in their church and community. On Wednesdays, Martin can be found serving in the Food Pantry at their church.

Additionally, Boyd’s wife and Martin’s mother, Maxine Carpenter, was employed at FNBC for nearly 40 years, serving in several positions, including assistant cashier and Assistant Vice President over Operations before her retirement. Martin’s daughter, Molly (Carpenter) Day, is Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations.

The official naming comes after a substantial charitable contribution of $100,000 from FNBC Bank to name the Center and to provide support to properly furnish and equip it for the Fall 2020 start. The Carpenter Technical Center will provide Ozarka and area high school students with important access to technical education offerings in multiple high demand fields; including Automotive Service and Diesel Mechanics.

“We could not be more excited to partner with FNBC on such a transformational project as this new technical center,” said Dr. Richard Dawe, Ozarka President. “The impact the Carpenter family has had on Sharp County is immeasurable and the naming of the Center will proudly honor the Carpenter family for decades to follow.”

FNBC’s lead gift for the Ash Flat center is not their first in support of Ozarka College and its students. Over the years FNBC has been instrumental in providing scholarship support, sponsoring annual fundraising events, and supporting past campaigns in big ways, including $50,000 gifts to each the purchase of the land to build the Ash Flat campus and to the Student Services Center at the Melbourne campus.

If you are interested in learning more about the Carpenter Technical Center or supporting these new technical education opportunities, please contact Dr. Josh Wilson with the Ozarka College Foundation at (870) 368-2060.

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