Carter W. Strauss, Verna LeMasters Gibson and I. L. “Ike” Morris were inducted Tuesday, Sept. 1, during the annual ceremony at the Greenbrier Resort.
Celebrating 25 years
Established in 2001 by the Chambers College, the Business Hall of Fame honors those who have made an impact in their industries while maintaining strong connections to West Virginia. The ceremony is held in partnership with the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting and Business Summit, which convenes annually in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia.
Nominees must maintain a strong connection to the Mountain State, whether they are native West Virginians, received their education in the state or built their careers here.
“Twenty-five years ago the Chambers College of Business and Economics created the West Virginia Business Hall of Fame to recognize the impact of men and women with strong West Virginia roots on the business landscape,” said Josh Hall, Milan Puskar Dean of the Chambers College. “We are proud of our role in highlighting such great business leaders as role models for our state’s students and young professionals.”
Meet the 2026 Inductees
Carter W. Strauss is a lifelong West Virginia resident and Wheeling native who transformed his family’s scrap and recycling business into Strauss Industries, a diversified group of companies that includes the state’s largest scrap recycler. Strauss joined Herman Strauss Incorporated, founded by his grandfather, in 1971 and assumed leadership of the company in 1982.
Beyond his work in business, Strauss has served on the boards of WesBanco and Wheeling Hospital and supported numerous organizations throughout the region. He and his wife, Barbara, have contributed to organizations including Oglebay, WVU Medicine, the Wheeling Symphony, Linsly School and others.
Verna LeMasters Gibson built a nationally recognized career in specialty retailing after graduating from Marshall University and joining The Limited Stores in 1971. She rose through the company’s ranks to become CEO in 1985, helping grow The Limited into the first billion-dollar specialty store chain.
Gibson later became a consultant and served in leadership roles with Chicos F.A.S., where she helped launch the Soma intimate apparel brand and lead the company through a turnaround. Throughout her career, she has maintained strong ties to West Virginia and Marshall University, serving on the university’s Board of Governors and continuing to support scholarships, programs and other initiatives.
L. “Ike” Morris founded Waco Oil & Gas Co. in 1975, growing it into a successful West Virginia oil and gas operation. His business ventures have also included coal mining, stone quarries, fitness centers, restaurants, car washes and commercial and residential real estate. He has served on the boards of United Bank, the West Virginia Oil and Gas Commission and Alliance Petroleum Corp.
Morris is also known for his philanthropy, particularly in Gilmer County and at Glenville State University. His contributions have supported athletics, education and health and fitness initiatives, including the Morris Stadium, the Morris Family Health and Fitness Center and scholarships. The Morris family also provides a $500,000 annual matching grant to the Glenville State University Foundation for academic merit scholarships.
Explore 25 Years of Business Leadership
Strauss, Gibson and Morris add to the 25-year history of the West Virginia Business Hall of Fame. Explore the full list of past inductees and learn more about their careers and contributions to the state.
Nominate a Future Inductee
Interested in nominating someone for the Business Hall of Fame? Learn more about the nomination process here.
Written by: Jacob Comer
Photos by: Matt Sunday, WVU Photo
