On May 22, 1889, thirty-one bankers representing twenty-seven banks met in Jackson and organized the Mississippi Bankers Association. Delegates elected officers and an executive committee (now known as the board of directors). Officers included Dr. S.S. Carter of Jackson’s First National Bank, president; W.A. Polluck of the Bank of Greenville, vice president; and B.W. Griffith of Jackson’s Capital State Bank, secretary and treasurer. Annual dues were set at $10 per bank, and a constitution and bylaws were written. A “declaration” to the constitution clearly outlined the goals of the newly formed association and has guided the Association for nearly 125 years:
In order to promote the general welfare and usefulness of Banks and Banking Institutions, and to secure uniformity of action, together with the practical benefits to be derived from personal acquaintance and from the discussion of subjects of importance to the banking and commercial interests of the State of Mississippi, and especially in order to secure the proper consideration of questions regarding the financial and commercial usages, customs and laws which affect the banking interests of the entire State, and for the protection against loss by frauds we adopt the following Constitution and By-Laws for the Mississippi Bankers Association.
Although necessary changes to the original constitution have been made through the years, the purpose, goals, and ideals of the MBA formulated in 1889 have met the test of time. They have guided the MBA as it meets the challenges, crises, and economic winds of change that have come to our nation and state through the years. Today, the MBA continues to serve banks by providing education through seminars and conferences, information through various avenues such as The Mississippi Banker magazine, and representation in legislative and regulatory matters. The Association also sponsors and/or endorses products and services for banks. The Association benefits from the strong leadership provided by Mississippi bankers serving as officers and executive committee members. The MBA has many bank employees serving on standing committees, providing a feeling of community for bankers across the state. The MBA has a long tradition of educating and involving bankers to improve their professional lives and their relationships with customers.