51ÁÔÆæ Pappajohn Center Announces Award Finalists for the 2026 Pappajohn Entrepreneur Gala
Tickets Now Available to Purchase
The 51ÁÔÆæ Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center is excited to announce the finalists for the sixth biannual Pappajohn Entrepreneur Gala, taking place on Thursday, September 24, 2026 at 51ÁÔÆæ. This special evening will showcase the achievements of North Iowa’s outstanding entrepreneurs and honor the recipient of the prestigious business Legacy Award, presented this year to Dean Snyder Construction. Tickets for the 2026 Pappajohn Entrepreneur Gala can be purchased at .
The finalists for the 2026 Pappajohn Entrepreneur Gala awards are:
Distinguished Entrepreneur Award
- Alisha Johnson, A. Johnson Trucking – Northwood, IA
- Jeff & Lori Otto, Otto’s Oasis – Charles City, IA
- Dean & Marcia Sonquist, Plas-Tech Tooling, Inc. – Garner, IA
Young Entrepreneur Award
- Megumi Abbott, Churasan – Charles City, IA
- Holly Neuberger, Lake Animal Clinic – Clear Lake, IA
- Lance Studer, Lance Studer Custom Automotive – Hampton, IA
Student Entrepreneur Award
- Kylie Johnson, Kylie’s Lemonade – Osage, IA
- Jordan Klooster, Klooster Flaps – Garner, IA
Outstanding Business Award
- Huber Supply Co. – Mason City, IA
- IMT Transport – Garner, IA
- Mike Molstead Motors, Inc. – Charles City, IA
Innovation Award
- Beach Buddies & Sensory Cove, Bridget Herrick & Sherri Stensrude – Mason City, IA
- Lake Pin & Play, Nick & Debbie Plagge and Tyler & Debbie Kerr – Clear Lake, IA
- L&J Industries, Chris Garden – Charles City, IA
Additionally, a special entrepreneurship award will be announced at the Gala: The 2026 Entrepreneur of Purpose. This award honors an entrepreneur whose work is driven by a strong sense of mission and a commitment to making a positive impact on their community. This award recognizes individuals who exemplifies leadership, vision, and a dedication to mentoring other entrepreneurs and serving their community.
The Pappajohn Entrepreneur Gala is made possible with the support of our sponsors and community partners. With great thanks to our sponsors:
Visionary Sponsors:
First Citizens Bank, Hanson Family Foundation, MBT Bank, 51ÁÔÆæ Business & Workforce Solutions, 51ÁÔÆæ Foundation, Stellar Manufacturing
Innovator Sponsors:
Ag Ventures Alliance, Cambrex, Clear Lake Bank & Trust, CUSB Bank, Dean Snyder Construction, Farmers State Bank, Forest City EDC, Hoover’s Hatchery, Huber Supply, Plas-Tech Tooling, Sukup Manufacturing Co.
Ambassador Sponsors:
Altus CXO, Bank Iowa, Charles City ADC, Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, First Security Bank, Heartland Asphalt, Henkel Construction, Home Trust Savings Bank, Iowa ABI, Mason City Chamber of Commerce, Mitchell County EDC, Murphy Coe & Smith, NSB Bank, North Iowa Corridor EDC, Pritchard Family Companies, Winn-Worth BetCo, Jamie Zanios
The 51ÁÔÆæ John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center is North Iowa’s hub for new business starts, innovation, and rural business success. From Main Street startups to industry leaders, we’re building a stronger Iowa through hands-on advising, stakeholder-driven programs, and a commitment to entrepreneurial education, from the classroom to the boardroom. Contact the 51ÁÔÆæ Pappajohn Center at 641-422-4111 or pappajohn@niacc.edu. Visit the 51ÁÔÆæ Pappajohn Center online at .
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