Topeka, Kansas (WIBW) – Four business leaders have been recognized for their contributions and dedication to their businesses and communities by being inducted into the 2023 Topeka Business Hall of Fame.
The four winners were announced on Tuesday, September 13th at a brunch event at the Topeka Country Club at 2700 SW Buchanan Street. The four Hall of Fame winners are:
- Dan Foltz: KBS Constructors, Inc.
- Marsha Sheehan: Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce
- DL Smith: DL Smith Electrician
- Keith Walta: Bartlett & West
Dan Foltz
Born and raised on a farm near Garnett, Kansas, Dan Foltz grew up to become the CEO of KBS Constructors.
KBS is a Midwestern commercial and industrial construction company focused on supporting mission-critical and sensitive environment-type projects with management services and construction, according to Junior Achievement of Kansas.
Foltz is also a member of several economic committees, such as the GO Topeka Economic Development Board, former chairman and member of the Innovation Advisory Board.
He is currently a Trustee, Trustee and Member of the Finance Committee of the Washburn University Foundation and a member of the Advisory Board of Washburn’s MBA (Master of Business Administration) Business School.
Foltz currently serves on the Board of Directors of Topeka Country Club.
One of the organizations he has served in the past was on the Board of Directors of Midland Care as Chairman.
Unfortunately Dan Foltz was unable to attend the announcement brunch on Tuesday.
Marsha Sheehan
Marsha Sheahan has served as vice president of public affairs for the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce for more than 35 years, according to Junior Achievement of Kansas. From July 1979 he until January 2015.
As Vice President, he oversaw marketing, publications, website development, special events, and multiple administrative functions for the Topeka Chamber of Commerce.
Sheahan retired in January 2015, but returned to the organization in 2016 to again lead the Leadership Greater Topeka Program, which she has led since its inception in 1984. planning, boardmanship.
According to the Junior Achievement of Kansas, Sheahan championed the Fast Forward (now called Forge) program, the chamber’s specialized program for youth, and served on its administrative and steering committees with Heartland Visioning from 2008 to 2015. cooperated.
Sheahan also co-founded the Topeka Community Foundation with his Junior League colleagues at Topeka. Shae was the first chairman of the board, where he served for two years.
Sheahan is involved with multiple organizations, including Junior League of Topeka, Topeka Community Foundation, Topeka High School Historical Society, United Way of Greater Topeka, Women United, Safe Streets, Topeka Public Schools, CASA of Shawnee County, Stormont Vail HealthCare. participates as a volunteer. Community Advisory Board, Washburn Leadership Institute Advisory Board, and her YWCA.
DL Smith
DL Smith was educated at Hayden High School, Washburn College, and Kansas State University before starting a company called DL Smith Electrical Construction in 1972.
Smith became an active member of the electrical industry by joining the Kansas Chapter of the National Association of Electrical Contractors as president, governor, and member of the bargaining and apprenticeship boards.
Under the National Organization, Smith has served as District V(5) Vice President, Chair of the National Government Affairs Committee, Member of the National Joint Apprenticeship, Training Committee, and NECA National Political Leaders Council.
Smith received the Associations Comstock Award in 1997 for his contributions in this field and the James A. McGraw Award in 2000 for his progress in the electrical industry.
Smith served on the Board of Directors of the Associated Specialty Contractors of America, was Chairman from 2000-2001, was a member of the Associated General Contractors of Kansas, and was a member of the Kansas State University AGC Construction Science Advisory Board.
Smith regularly volunteers with Christ the King Catholic Church.
Keith Walter
Keith Warta has held multiple positions at Bartlett & West for over 13 years, including the role of CEO, and currently serves as Chairman of the company’s Board of Directors.
Bartlett & West, Inc. is an engineering, architecture, technology, and construction company that wants to make a positive impact on all positions and organizations within our communities.
Drawing on his experience in hydrology and hydraulics in urban infrastructure, Warta focused primarily on the design and management portion of transportation and flood control projects. As a graduate study, Warta investigated design storm assumptions and how they affect the cost of flood control systems.
According to Kansas Junior Achievement, Warta typically volunteers for leadership positions in organizations that investigate economic development, education, and senior services in their communities. He also chaired the joint committee that developed and implemented Topeka/Shawnee County’s first holistic community strategic plan, and served on the Board of Directors of Midland Care during the first integration of Meals for Seniors Services in Midland. I chaired the meeting.
“It’s an honor because it’s from Junior Achievement, a really great organization within our community,” said Walta.
A dinner honoring each winner is scheduled for March 23, 2023 at the Hotel Topeka in the City Center of the Manor Conference Center.
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