Kansas Business Hall of Fame

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United States
Emporia, KS
Kansas Business Hall of Fame

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 m

embers 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

11/20/2025

Our 2017 Historical Honoree. A.B. 'Bob' Hudson, is most known for his significant contributions to the oil industry and his substantial charitable donations. Learn more about Hudson at http://www.ksbhf.org/a.b.--bob--hudson.html

11/18/2025

Our 2017 Contemporary Honoree, Tom Devlin, is most known as the co-founder of Rent-A-Center, a key figure in the rent-to-own industry. He also founded Flint Hills National Golf Club and has been a major supporter of entrepreneurship and philanthropy. Learn more about Devlin at http://www.ksbhf.org/tom-devlin.html

11/13/2025

Our 2016 Historical Honoree, Georgia Neese Gray, is best known for being the first woman United States Treasurer during the Truman Presidency. Learn more about Gray at http://www.ksbhf.org/georgia-neese-gray.html

11/11/2025

Our 2016 Contemporary Honoree, David Murfin, is most known for his leadership in energy and real estate development in Kansas. His business ventures have contributed significantly to economic growth and community investment. Learn more about Murfin at http://www.ksbhf.org/david-murfin.html

11/06/2025

Our 2015 Historical Honoree, Jess Cornejo, is most known for founding Cornejo & Sons, a premier construction company. Learn more about Cornejo at http://www.ksbhf.org/jess-cornejo.html

11/05/2025

Our 2025 KBHF essay contest winners were Hana Cole, Miranda Houston, Ming “Jane” Ma, & Bridget Simmons!

KBHF celebrates the outstanding history of business leadership in Kansas with our annual Essay Contest.

Read more about the contest here: http://www.ksbhf.org/essay-contest-.html

Address

1 Kellogg Circle
Emporia, KS
66801

Telephone

(620) 341-5274

Website

http://www.ksbhf.org/

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