Jerry Moran: “I am here tonight following the 141st anniversary of Kansas' entry into the Union to honor a great Kansan, Mr. Ross…”

“I am here tonight following the 141st anniversary of Kansas' entry into the Union to honor a great Kansan, Mr. Ross Beach. A business leader, philanthropist and lifelong Kansan, Mr. Beach was recognized on January 25 of this year as the Kansan of the Year. There is no one more deserving than Mr. Beach of this recognition. In his lifetime, Mr. Beach has changed the Kansas landscape, helping to make the State an even better place to live. A pioneer and leader in the oil and gas industry, banking, radio and television, his work has brought economic progress and jobs to our State of Kansas. In recognition of this success, Mr. Beach has been inducted into the Kansas Business Hall of Fame. Today he continues to influence Kansas as president of the Kansas Natural Gas Corporation and as chairman of the Douglas County Bank. In my hometown of Hays, where Mr. Beach resides, his generosity has made possible the creation of two of the community's most cherished assets, a world class performing arts center and museum of natural history. The philanthropic works of Mr. Beach and his talented and gracious wife, Marianna, extend far beyond our community of Hays, enhancing the lives of Kansans across our State through the Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art at Kansas State University and the Beach Center on Disability at the University of Kansas.”