Kansas Business Hall of Fame

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Emporia, KS
Kansas Business Hall of Fame

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We aim to to inspire, educate, and celebrate the brilliance of Kansas entrepreneurs.

The Kansas Business Hall of Fame has served to recognize the phenomenal heritage of Kansas Business Leadership since 1987. Housed at the Emporia State University School of Business, it features two awards, the Historical Heritage Award and the Contemporary Honors Award. Dr. Jeffrey Muldoon, Executive Chair of the Kansas Business Hall of Fame, describes the legacy of past recipients, saying, “The members of the Kansas Business Hall of Fame provide outstanding examples of excellent, ethical and dynamic leadership and inspire the current and future generations of Kansans to achieve excellence themselves.”

01/08/2026

Our 2021 Historical Honoree, Junius George Groves, is most known for being the "Potato King of the World" and for becoming one of the most successful potato farmers in the United States. Learn more about Groves at http://www.ksbhf.org/junius-george-groves.html

01/06/2026

Our 2021 Contemporary Honoree, Cliff Illig, is most known as the co-founder of Cerner Corporation, a global leader in healthcare information technology. His innovations in medical recordkeeping have improved healthcare systems worldwide. Learn more about Illig at http://www.ksbhf.org/cliff-illig.html

12/18/2025

Our 2020 Historical Honoree, Walter H. Beech, is most known for founding Beech Aircraft Corporation, which became a major manufacturer of airplanes. Learn more about Beech at http://www.ksbhf.org/walter-h.-beech.html

12/16/2025

Our 2020 Contemporary Honoree, Cecil L. O’Brate, is most known as a businessman and philanthropist. His success in manufacturing, oil, and finance has allowed him to make significant contributions to education and community development. Learn more about O’Brate at http://www.ksbhf.org/cecil-l.-o-brate.html

12/11/2025

Our 2019 Historical Honoree, Henry David Lee, is most known for founding the H.D. Lee Mercantile Company, which later became Lee Jeans, one of the most well-known denim brands in the world. Learn more about Lee at http://www.ksbhf.org/henry-david-lee.html

12/02/2025

Our 2018 Contemporary Honoree, Bill Kurtis, is most known for his career as an award-winning journalist, television producer, and documentarian. His investigative work has shaped public awareness on major issues, and he remains a strong advocate for Kansas communities. Learn more about Kurtis at http://www.ksbhf.org/bill-kurtis.html

Address

1 Kellogg Circle
Emporia, KS
66801

Telephone

(620) 341-5274

Website

http://www.ksbhf.org/

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