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WV Business Hall of Fame

The WVU John Chambers College of Business and Economics initiated the West Virginia Business Hall of Fame award in 2001 to recognize people with strong West Virginia ties who have made a significant impact on the business landscape.

The WVU John Chambers College of Business and Economics initiated the WV Business Hall of Fame award in 2001 to recognize people with strong West Virginia ties who have made a significant impact on the business landscape.

Nominees must illustrate extraordinary leadership, have demonstrated a commitment to their community, and have a strong West Virginia tie as a native West Virginian, having been educated in West Virginia or having built their career in West Virginia. Nominations are not limited to, or focused upon, WVU graduates. 

Publicly recognizing extraordinary business leaders and establishing a record of their achievement are important for many reasons. These individuals and their contributions remind us of the constant opportunity for economic success and the need for continued renewal and change, particularly in West Virginia. Moreover, they serve as role models for our state’s business students, those just beginning their careers, and for new entrepreneurs.

For more information, contact us at 304-293-7800 or texie.wells@mail.wvu.edu

2024 Inductees

  • Dave Arnold

    Board Member, Adventures on the Gorge

    Read More
  • Diane Strong-Treister

    President and Franchise Owner of Manpower of WV, Inc.

    Read More
  • Thomas J. “TJ” Obrokta Jr.

    President and CEO of Encova Insurance

    Read More

Make a Nomination

The West Virginia Business Hall of Fame committee is accepting nominations for the class of inductees. Nominations can be made at any time but priority will be given to those submitted by December 31. To submit an individual for consideration with the committee, please submit the following documents via email to Texie Wells at tpwells@mail.wvu.edu:

  • A 1-2 page letter that articulates how they have demonstrated the criteria listed below,
  • A resume or biography that details their professional experiences and accomplishments.
  • Additional documents, such as letters of support, that highlight the nominee's exceptional community involvement or demonstrate how they serve as a role model to students and professionals, are strongly encouraged as supporting materials.


Nomination Criteria

  • No more than four individuals will be inducted annually,
  • Nominations will remain active for three years and a person may be nominated again after sitting out one three-year cycle,
  • Nominations are not limited to West Virginia University graduates.

Nominees will be judged on outstanding business performance coupled with high standards of ethics. The nominee must:

  • Have an established record of distinction in his/her field and industry,
  • Demonstrate a commitment to improving the community,
  • Serve as a role model for business students/professionals,
  • Have a clear West Virginia connection (for example: born in the state; extended years of residency; college attendance; business presence),
  • Be present to receive the award. Posthumous inductees may be represented by a family member or business associate.
For questions or more information about nominations, sponsorships, or the annual induction event, please contact the WVU College of Business and Economics at 304.293.7800 or email Texie Wells

Become a Sponsor

In 2001, the West Virginia University College of Business & Economics established the   West Virginia Business Hall of Fame to recognize individuals with strong ties to West Virginia who have made a significant impact on the landscape of business. The Hall of Fame recognizes, celebrates and displays these extraordinary business leaders by establishing a record of their achievement and reminding us of the constant need for renewal and change, and the opportunity for economic success, particularly in West Virginia.

The Hall of Fame selection committee is reaching out to past members and businesses in the state for sponsorship and nominations.  Consider becoming a sponsor of this important event by calling  304-293-7800 or emailing TPWELLS@mail.wvu.edu .

Premium Sponsor 
$10,000

  • Company logo and sponsor recognition on full-page Hall of Fame congratulatory ad in Fall B&E alumni magazine, with circulation of 27,000
  • Recognition in event opening remarks
  • Company/organization logo included on event signage
  • Company/organization logo included in print ads
  • Company/organization logo listed in program
  • Company/organization logo listed on WVU Business School event website
  • Company/organization logo listed in Hall of Fame video

Gold Sponsor  
$5,000

  • Recognition in event opening remarks
  • Company/organization logo included on event signage
  • Company/organization logo included in print ads
  • Company/organization logo listed in program
  • Company/organization logo listed on WVU Business School event website
  • Company/organization logo listed in Hall of Fame video

Silver Sponsor  
$2,500

  • Company/organization logo included in print ads
  • Company/organization logo listed in program
  • Company/organization logo listed on WVU Business School event website
  • Company/organization logo listed in Hall of Fame video

Bronze Sponsor  
$1,000

  • Company/organization logo listed in program
  • Company/organization logo listed on WVU Business School event website
  • Company/organization logo listed in Hall of Fame video