George D. Sax (1904-1974) was the chairman of the board at Chicago's former Exchange National Bank (now part of LaSalle Bank) and an entrepreneur who owned the Saxony Hotel, the first completely air-conditioned hotel to be built in Miami Beach. He was also president of Sax Enterprises, Inc. 1904 (MCMIV) was a leap year starting on a Friday (link will take you to calendar). ... 1974 (MCMLXXIV) was a common year starting on Tuesday (the link is to a full 1974 calendar). ... The phrase Chairman of the Board has several meanings: Chairman of the Board is the term used to denote the leader of a corporations board of directors. ... LaSalle Bank (formerly Standard Federal Bank) is a bank, part of ABN AMRO. Its logo is a green shield with a yellow bit. ... The Saxony Hotel was designed by renowned architect, Roy F. France and built in 1948 as the very first luxury resort on Miami Beach. ... Miami Beach is a city located in Miami-Dade County, Florida. ...

Sax was born in Peoria, Illinois on April 14, 1904 and graduated from Brown's Business College (now Midstate College) in Peoria. Peoria City Hall Peoria is the largest city on the Illinois River and the county seat of Peoria CountyGR6, Illinois, in the United States. ...

In 1944, Sax took over Halsted Exchange National Bank, which became the Exchange National Bank of Chicago after it moved to the legendary intersection of LaSalle and Adams. After becoming chairman of Exchange National, he also became the majority shareholder. His bank was the first to see the inception of revolutionary banking practices that have since been adopted worldwide. Drive-through banking and instant loans were first implemented at Exchange National during Sax's time there. In addition to 10 teller windows, Sax's bank was also the first in the Loop to feature show windows. Later in his banking career, Sax devised such practices as open credit accounts. A drive-thru window at a fast food restaurant. ... It has been suggested that Lenders be merged into this article or section. ...

After World War II, Sax was involved in another business venture - the building of the Saxony Hotel. Not only was the Saxony the very first completely air-conditioned hotel built on Miami Beach, but it was also one of the most lavish resorts in the country. It was frequently used by heads of state and featured rooms with glorious views and complementary meals. It is still standing in Miami Beach today and is set to reopen in 2008 after its restoration.

In 1965, Sax received the Horatio Alger Award, an honor given to those who have achieved the American dream through hard work and adversity. Other notable Horatio Alger Award winners include former U.S. Presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower and Ronald Reagan, McDonald’s founder Ray Kroc and former Astronaut Buzz Aldrin. The Horatio Alger Award is an American award, which is given to individuals who have succeeded in the face of adversity. ... For the pop band, see Presidents of the United States of America. ... Dwight David Ike Eisenhower (October 14, 1890 – March 28, 1969) was an American soldier and politician. ... Ronald Wilson Reagan (February 6, 1911 – June 5, 2004) was the 40th President of the United States (1981–1989) and the 33rd Governor of California (1967–1975). ... McDonalds Corporation (NYSE: MCD) is the worlds largest chain of fast-food restaurants. ... Ray Kroc: McDonalds Corporation founder. ... U.S. Space Shuttle astronaut Bruce McCandless II using a manned maneuvering unit (MMU) outside the Challenger in 1984. ... Colonel Buzz Eugene Aldrin, Sc. ...

External links and references

• The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans: George D. Sax - biography from the association
• The Saxony Hotel