Anna-Jonesboro National Bank has been an investor in the UCCEO program since the very beginning. They are very generous in their support of us, not just financially, but with their personnel, their building space and other resources. We visited their main location in Anna recently, and spent the time with Melanie Lasley.
Melanie started by telling us her story. She is from Anna and graduated from AJCHS. Her journey included college, marriage, career, moving away and children but she and her husband found their way back to Union County to live, work and raise their family. An opening for a new position at AJNB that was the position she held at her previous employer, opened the door for her to begin her career at AJNB. That was 21 years ago and she has recently been named the 9th President of the institution as well as the first woman.
AJNB began as The Bank of Anna in 1900. It became Anna National Bank in 1911 and merged with 1st National Bank of Jonesboro in 2007. They have 3 locations in Anna and Jonesboro and employ about 45 people working in different areas such as marketing, accounting, finance, loans and other banking positions.
In addition to sharing the history of the bank, their services and challenges in the industry, she also shared some good life lessons for our young professionals. She stressed the importance of good credit as well as encouraged the students in the development of their business plans for their individual business ventures and discussed how life and career paths are not always straight.
A question she posed to the team made an impression on The AJ Wildcats, Lucas Salazar:
“My biggest takeaway from this visit was, ‘what defines success?’ Melanie explained that your definition of success will change throughout life. For example, success might be earning money at one point, or it might be family. This was great advice because it allows you to be open-minded and grow as a person. Being focused on one thing for the rest of your life is not practical and is uncommon in life.”
We had a great time and learned so much during our visit. We appreciate that many of our speakers share information and descriptions of their businesses and also share their personal experiences and what led them to where they are when we meet them. Our young professionals learn valuable business and professionals skills and also “life lessons” and advice to help them as they start their next chapters after high school.
Thank you to Melanie and AJNB for their continued support and commitment to the UCCEO program! We appreciate you!!!
