TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – Four business leaders will soon join the Topeka Business Hall of Fame.
The 2026 Topeka Business Hall of Fame laureates include:
- Allan Towle (Heritage Bank)
- Dr. Bette Morris (Morris Family Company)
- John A. McGivern (J.F. McGivern Inc.)
- The late Hoyt Moore (Hoyt’s Truck Center)
Junior Achievement of Kansas says they’ve done a lot for the Capital City.
“They’re just truly doing it for the good of others, whether that’s through schools, communities, other non-profit organizations,” Junior Achievement of Kansas president Sarah Dunekack said. “It keeps our community thriving and going.”
While it’s not something they ask for, the recognition means a lot to the inductees.
“It’s just something I never dreamed of…. a very coveted award,” McGivern said. “To be in the company as some of these past laureates that are already on the list, I look at the list and I can’t believe that I’m on there.”
“It’s a huge honor, my dad really loved Junior Achievement and he really loves teaching the finance classes to middle schoolers,” Moore’s daughter Savannah Falley said. “So to be recognized with this group of laureates here in Topeka, it’s just a huge honor for all they’ve done in Topeka.”
Through Junior Achievement, the four individuals have helped shape the future of business in Topeka as well.
“I think that it’s a wonderful opportunity when young people get to learn different things about running a business,” Dr. Morris said. “It gives them an opportunity to think of their experiences in a little different way.”
“They want to learn, they want to do better,” Towle said. “If you care for them and you help them and you guide them and get out of their way they will move mountains for you.”
The laureates will be officially inducted into the Topeka Business Hall of Fame in March.
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