January 12

William Ashhurst (1647–1720) built his reputation as a successful London banker before entering politics. As a committed Whig, he represented the City of London in the House of Commons and championed the interests of merchants and the financial community. In 1693, Ashhurst was elected Lord Mayor of London, overseeing the city's administration during a period of economic growth. He also supported religious toleration and urban improvements, including the rebuilding efforts after the Great Fire. His dual career in finance and politics exemplified the rising influence of London's mercantile class in national affairs.

Hiram Walker emigrated from the United States to Canada in the mid-19th century and established Hiram Walker & Sons, producers of the iconic Canadian Club whisky. His innovative distilling techniques and marketing led to international acclaim for the brand. Walker also invested in real estate, founding the town of Walkerville (now part of Windsor, Ontario). He championed workers' welfare, providing housing and amenities for his employees. Walker's business acumen and civic contributions spurred economic growth in the region. Born in 1816, he died on January 12, 1899, with his legacy living on in the spirits industry.

Austin Chapman was born in 1864 and began his career in business before entering politics. He was elected to the Australian House of Representatives, representing Eden-Monaro and later Richmond. Chapman served as Postmaster-General and then as Minister for Defence, shaping Australia's defence policies in the nation's formative years. Known for his energetic speaking style, he advocated for infrastructure development and telecommunications expansion. He played a key role in organizing Australia's early military forces following Federation. Chapman died suddenly in 1926 while returning to Australia, leaving a reputation as a dedicated public servant.

Ralph Hitz was born in Vienna in 1891 and began his hospitality career as a bellboy in New York City. He rose to prominence as the general manager of the New Yorker Hotel, where he introduced personalized guest gifts and souvenir programs. Hitz developed centralized purchasing and employee benefit systems that became industry standards. He founded the National Hotel Management Company, overseeing dozens of hotels across the United States. His focus on customer loyalty and operational efficiency transformed hotel management practices. Hitz passed away in 1940, leaving a lasting impact on how modern hotels serve their guests.

Born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Hewlett earned a degree in electrical engineering from Stanford University. In 1939, he and Bill Packard founded Hewlett-Packard in a Palo Alto garage, marking the start of Silicon Valley. Under his leadership, HP grew into a leading producer of test instruments and computers. Hewlett served as CEO and later as chairman, guiding the company's expansion into global markets. He was known for his humble management style and commitment to innovation and community philanthropy.

Hasib Sabbagh co-founded Consolidated Contractors Company, which grew into one of the largest construction firms in the Middle East. Under his leadership, the company expanded globally, undertaking landmark projects in infrastructure and energy. A committed philanthropist, Sabbagh supported educational and cultural initiatives in Palestine and beyond. He served as a bridge between business and diplomacy, advocating for peace and development in the region. Sabbagh's legacy endures in both the built environment and his contributions to social progress.

Charles H. Price II (1931–2012) was a prominent American businessman who built his career in the insurance industry before entering public service. As Ambassador to the United Kingdom from 1983 to 1989 under President Ronald Reagan, he fostered close economic and political ties between the U.S. and the U.K. Price's business acumen was honed through leadership roles at major corporations, earning him respect in both corporate and diplomatic circles. He combined strategic vision with cultural sensitivity to navigate complex international issues during the Cold War era. After his diplomatic service, Price continued to advise on global business affairs and philanthropic initiatives. He passed away in 2012, remembered for his dual contributions to commerce and diplomacy.

Born in 1922 in Bossier City, George Dement served as an officer in the United States Army during World War II. After the war, he returned to Louisiana and built a successful career in agriculture and the hospitality industry. He entered politics and was elected mayor of Bossier City in 1989, a position he held for four terms. During his tenure, he oversaw significant economic development, including the creation of the Bossier Business Park and improvements to the riverfront. Dement was widely respected for his pragmatic leadership and hands-on approach to city governance. He passed away on January 12, 2014, leaving a lasting legacy in the community.