Barbara Hoffman

is honored with a Large Paver from Jo Zakas

Barbara Hoffmann is a Kansas native. She is an entrepreneur extraordinaire. Barbara is always willing to help others and to share her knowledge of entrepreneurship.

CAREER
Barbara started her plant business giving home parties while caring for her two daughters. Next came growing plants in the basement of the family home. Then "Tropical Design," a commercial greenhouse and retail store now located in Bradley Fair at Rock Road and 21st in Wichita.

Experiencing her own personal health challenges as well as those of a handicapped daughter for many years, Barbara became interested in alternative health remedies. Forming a partnership with her husband and younger daughter, Green Acres, was created to be a "Natural Foods Market" in the Wichita area.

From the success of Green Acres came, "We're Talking About Your Health," a nationally syndicated radio show, heard locally on B98. It looks at alternative health and features renowned authors and speakers.

AWARDS AND HONORS
Sales Executive of the Year, Wichita Sales and Marketing Executives, Inc.
Wichita Chamber of Commerce, First woman on cover of Wichita Business Magazine.
Elected to Leadership Kansas.
Wichita Eagle, On first cover of First Friday Magazine.

BOARDS AND COUNCILS
Botanica, Founding Board and Emeritus Member.
PEO Chapter EM.
Soroptomist, Chairman Building Committee.
Wichita Convention Bureau.
Expansion Network.
Wichita Chamber of Commerce, Awards and Honors.
Unlimited Investment Group.
Regional Director of IPA.

WISDOM
Every experience in life is your personal growth.

Submitted by Jo Zakas

September 5, 1998
Mary grew up in the mining town of Jerome, Arizona. In 1987 she moved to Wichita, Kansas. During her time here she lost her 23 year old son to a senseless murder. Upon her leaving Wichita, she helped establish, through the Greater Wichita Community Foundation, an enrichment scholarship program to help "at risk" children in middle school. The Brian David Higby Fund is permanently endowed and the scholarships are awarded each May.

Although Mary has moved from Wichita to Santa Fe, she has left a lasting imprint on the community and the hearts and minds of Wichitans through her media presence and community service.

CAREER
She is the radio talk show host of Live Line America on Radio America Network.
Other radio positions include:
Station/Program Manager for KNSS in Wichita, Kansas.
Owner and Vice President of FEM-RAY for KKHG in Tucson, Arizona.
Talk Show Host, KNST, Tucson, Arizona.
Program Manager for WOKV in Jacksonville, Florida.

BOARDS AND COUNCILS
National Association of Radio Talk Show Hosts, President, in 1991 and 1992.
National Association of Radio Talk Show Hosts, Chair, from 1991-93.
Government Liaison of the Kansas Association of Broadcasters.
American Lung Association, Florida and Arizona.
Project Freedom Anti-Drug Coalition.
Parallax Inc, Drug Treatment Center.
YWCA of Wichita.
Charity Classic, St. Joseph Medical Center.
Emerald Ball, St. Joseph Medical Center.
Brian D. Higby Fund, President.
Sedgwick County Comprehensive Plan Committee.

HONORS AND AWARDS
First Place for Large Market Editorial Commentary from the Kansas Association of Broadcasters.
First Place for a Public Affairs Program from the Kansas Association of Broadcasters.
Alcohol & Drug Abuse Overall Campaign of the Kansas Association of Broadcasters.
Congressional Quarterly's Nation's Top Ten Talkmeisters.
Unity 1994 Broadcast Critic by the Radio and Television News Directors Federation.
National Association of Broadcasters "Crystal Award" as an Overall Community Service Radio Programming Finalist, and received a Red Ribbon for Outstanding Community Service to Effect Change in Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse.
Quality Improvement Certified by the Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita State University where she served on the Advisory Board of the Elliott School of Communications after having received their Golden Quill Award for Outstanding Education Reporting.
Outstanding Service Award from the American Heart Association.
Steve Yates Media Award.
Who's Who of Emerging Leaders in America.

WISDOM
Honor yourself first.

Submitted by Georgia Bradford

September 5, 1998