Honoring Kansas' Business Legacy, Inspiring Tomorrow’s Leaders

Kansas Business Hall of Fame

Honoring Excellence in Kansas Business

Lucy Krebsbach, Freshman, Home School (Meriden), on Charles Walker

Highlights of the Ceremony

The ceremony featured introductory remarks by Dr. John Rich, Executive Director of the Kansas Business Hall of Fame, Dr. Ed Bashaw, Dean of ESU’s School of Business and Technology, Dr. James Leiker, Chairman of the KBHF Board of Directors, and Kayla Savage, Director of Community Engagement at the Kansas Department of Commerce.

The event also recognized the 2024 Essay Contest Winners, who presented essays on past KBHF inductees:

Addilyn Bruns, Freshman, Home School (Topeka), on Arthur Capper.
Aubryn Garriott, Senior, Olpe High School, on Bill Kurtis.
Lucy Krebsbach, Freshman, Home School (Meriden), on Charles Walker.
Benjamin Soyka, Senior, Leavenworth High School, on Warren Augustine Bechtel.

2024 Inductees

Benjamin Soyka, Senior, Leavenworth High School, on Warren Augustine Bechtel.

2024 KSBHF

Induction Ceremony

Lucy Krebsbach

Learn About Mary

Addilyn Bruns, Freshman, Home School (Topeka), on Arthur Capper.

Yolanda and

Gene Camarena

Entrepreneurs, Youth Advocates, and Philanthropists

Read Addilyn’s Essay

Read Lucy’s Essay

2024 Induction Ceremony

The 2024 Kansas Business Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony took place on June 13, 2024, at Cremer Hall, Emporia State University, in Emporia, Kansas. This prestigious annual event celebrated the outstanding contributions of Kansas business leaders to the state’s economic growth, honoring both historical and contemporary figures who have made significant impacts.

2024 Inductees

Historical Inductee:Mary J. McCann was recognized for her pioneering role in the accounting industry. Born in Iola, Kansas, she became the first female CPA in the state and later the first female partner at a Big Eight accounting firm, leaving a legacy of leadership and service in the field of accounting. The award was accepted by Mr. Donald Brain on behalf of the McCann family.

Contemporary Inductee:Gene & Yolanda Camarena – As successful entrepreneurs and philanthropists, the Camarenas have made substantial contributions to business and youth advocacy. Gene Camarena is the President and CEO of La Raza Pizza, Inc., with ventures in restaurants, hotels, banking, and real estate. Yolanda Camarena has a strong background in education administration, focusing on social justice and equity. Their impact has been felt both in Kansas and nationally.

Nominate for Next Year’s Ceremony