Salina businessman Charlie Walker will be inducted into Kansas Business Hall of Fame

A Salina businessman known for his success, entrepreneurial spirit and philanthropy is being honored this year as an inductee to the Kansas Business Hall of Fame.

The late Charlie Walker will be this year's historical inductee, the organization announced this month. Walker will be honored among some of Kansas' brightest and largest contributors to business in Kansas whose legacies have gone on to inspire and lift up others in the Sunflower state.

This year marks the 35th induction into the Kansas Business Hall of Fame (KBHF). The organization, housed at Emporia State University's School of Business and Technology, selects business leaders who are widely known for their contributions to Kansas and for being role models for future leaders.

"KBHF recognizes historical contributors and present-day leaders who have made private enterprise work in Kansas and throughout the country," KBHF Executive Director John Rich said in a statement.

Who is Charlie Walker?

Charlie Walker's legacy is widely known around Salina, stretching beyond his business ventures to his heart for giving back to the community.

Walker founded a number of companies, including the Salina-based Blue Beacon International — known for its truck and RV washes — and the Rolling Hills Zoo.

He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, serving four and a half years in the flight engineering division. He was known for working his way up from humble beginnings — despite dropping out of school in the ninth grade, his success was built on drive, determination and the know-how from various work experiences.

The Tammy Walker Cancer Center was named after his daughter, who died at just 11 years old.

Before his death in 2012, Walker was inducted into the Salina Business Hall of Fame in 2005 for his contributions to the community.

An annual entrepreneurship challenge put on by the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce and a number of community partners is named after him. Dubbed the "Charlie Walker Pitch Challenge," the annual event gives people an opportunity to pitch a business plan they believe would be a success in Salina and neighboring towns.

Railroad network leader Carl Ice honored as contemporary inductee

Retired BNSF Railroad President and CEO Carl Ice will be honored this year as the KBHF contemporary inductee.

Ice had a highly successful 42-year career with the railway, which is the largest freight railroad network in North America. He rose through the ranks of the company and eventually led all aspects of the organization.

During Ice's tenure, he emphasized a culture of resiliency and promoted adaptability as the railroad industry saw changes. The company managed to grow under his leadership when the freight railway market contracted.

He was known for his leadership model that helped support the growth and development of employees at all levels of the company.

Where and when to attend the 2023 Kansas Business Hall of Fame induction ceremony

The public is invited to the induction ceremony scheduled for Oct. 4. Those who plan to attend are asked to RSVP by Sept. 20, by contacting Rachel Richardson at rrichar6@emporia.edu or (620) 341-5274.

Where: Cremer Hall, Emporia State University, 1428 Merchant Street, Emporia, Kansas

When: 4 p.m. reception at the Preston Family Student Complex (1st floor of Cremer Hall), 4:30 p.m. induction at the Kansas Business Hall of Fame (2nd floor of Cremer Hall)

People can learn more about the Kansas Business Hall of Fame and former inductees by visiting www.kbhf.org.

Kendrick Calfee has been a reporter with the Salina Journal since 2022, primarily covering government and education. You can reach him at kcalfee@gannett.com or on Twitter @calfee_kc.

This article originally appeared on Salina Journal: Salina's Charlie Walker recognized for lifelong support of community