Don Munro, of Munro and Company, is being honored at the Arkansas Walk of Fame.
Since 1996, the Arkansas Walk of Fame has taken great pleasure in celebrating the lives of Arkansan’s by placing a dedicated plaque along the sidewalk by the Visitors Center in Historic Downtown Hot Springs.
The 2021 Walk of Fame Inductee Ceremony will honor local businessman and philanthropist, Don Munro, and will take place on Saturday, August 14, 2021, at 11:00 am, at The Legendary Vapors, at 315 Park Avenue. Tom Wilkins, a founder of the Walk of Fame and host for the event, encourages you to join the friends and family of the inductee.
Munro was a journalist while serving in the Army, worked on the “Stars & Stripes” publication, and studied at Yale University. He originally came to Hot Springs in 1959 to set up the shoe manufacturing company from the New England area. He never expected to stay in Arkansas or that he and his wife, Barbara, would make this their home and raise their five children here.
By 1972, the conglomerate of shoe manufacturing companies he came to Hot Springs to operate became Munro & Company, Inc. Several of his children have been involved in the Hot Springs plant then have gone on to one of the other eight plants across Arkansas.
The name Munro is synonymous with quality “American Made” shoes. When Don started the shoe manufacturing company, he wanted to make sure each product was made with quality materials and craftsmanship. He could be seen working tirelessly alongside his loyal employees, some of whom were new to the shoe business.
When other shoe manufacturing plants moved overseas, Munro and Company took pride in continuing to produce high-quality American Made shoes.
Munro developed the Munro Foundation and has made a conscious effort to be involved with the development and success of non-profit organizations in Hot Springs and across the South. He has served on several Hot Springs boards with great dedication and support for the arts, music, documentary film, as well as serving on major boards across the southern region of the United States.
When you meet Munro, he is dressed for success with his trademark striped ties. He always has a smile and handshake that makes you feel appreciated. His friends describe him as a True Southern Gentleman, kind, humble. He is a risk-taker and a difference-maker who believes in family, hard work, and dedication.
Please save the date to join Munro and his family and friends. There is no charge to attend the event, but seating is limited. This is a perfect opportunity to visit the Legendary Vapors that was founded in the summer of 1959. Known in the early days as ‘The Vapors’ it was opened by Dane Harris and Vincent “Owney” Madden of New York.
For more information, call 501-622-9570 or email your questions to Arkansaswalkoffame@gmail.com.
