Rural Development Conference to Bring Region Together for a Day of Learning and Connection
Anyone looking for fresh ideas to strengthen their workplace, business or community is invited to attend the Rural Development Conference on Thursday, Oct. 22, from 8 AM to 3:30 PM at 51ÁÔÆæ.The conference will feature a full day of professional development, networking and practical ideas attendees can put to work. Breakout […]
Winners Announced at the 2026 51ÁÔÆæ Pappajohn Entrepreneur Gala
MASON CITY, IOWA – The 2026 Pappajohn Entrepreneur Gala celebrated North Iowa’s entrepreneurs on September 24, 2026 at a special recognition event at 51ÁÔÆæ in Mason City, IA.The 2026 Pappajohn Entrepreneur Gala presented Dean Snyder Construction, Inc. of Clear Lake, IA with the prestigious Legacy Award. The Legacy Award recognizes a […]
51ÁÔÆæ Adds Evening ESL Class at Franklin County Career Center
51ÁÔÆæ (51ÁÔÆæ) is adding a new evening English as a Second Language (ESL) class at the 51ÁÔÆæ Career Center – Franklin County in Hampton. The tuition-free class is available to adults age 18 and older whose first language is not English.Orientation will be held Monday, October 19, with classes beginning Monday, […]
51ÁÔÆæ Student Receives Chime Scholars Foundation Award
Hailey Stalzer, a student at 51ÁÔÆæ (51ÁÔÆæ) in Iowa, has been named a 2026 Chime Workforce Scholar, joining 200 students nationwide recognized for their academic achievement and pursuit of career-focused education.The Chime Workforce Scholarship, funded by the Chime Scholars Foundation and administered by the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation, provides each scholar […]
51ÁÔÆæ to Recognize Constitution Day On September 17
51ÁÔÆæ (51ÁÔÆæ) will recognize Constitution Day on Thursday, September 17, with two special classes that are free and open to the public. The classes will explore topics related to the U.S. Constitution, voting rights and important constitutional issues throughout American history.The U.S. Constitution and Voting RightsThe first class, The U.S. Constitution […]
51ÁÔÆæ Pappajohn Center Announces Award Finalists for the 2026 Pappajohn Entrepreneur Gala
Tickets Now Available to PurchaseThe 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 […]
51ÁÔÆæ Pappajohn Center & SBDC August 2026 Entrepreneur of the Month
The 51ÁÔÆæ John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center and North Iowa Area SBDC are proud to announce Lance Studer of Lance Studer Custom Automotive in Hampton, IA as the August 2026 Entrepreneur of the Month.Lance Studer has built his business by taking on challenges, learning from others and staying committed when the path forward was uncertain. After […]
51ÁÔÆæ Opens Registration for Free Adult Education Classes This Fall
51ÁÔÆæ (51ÁÔÆæ) is now accepting registrations for its free Adult Education & Literacy programs this fall. Adults interested in earning a High School Equivalency (HSE) diploma or improving their English language skills through English as a Second Language (ESL) classes are encouraged to enroll.51ÁÔÆæ’s Adult Education & Literacy programs provide supportive, […]
Plas-Tech Tooling Named Top Five Finalist in Freedom 250 Patriot Pitch Competition
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced Plas-Tech Tooling, Inc. of Garner, IA as one of the five finalists advancing to the grand finale of the SBA Freedom 250 Patriot Pitch Competition. As part of the nation’s Freedom 250 celebrations, the competition spotlights the small businesses who leveraged SBA capital products to innovate, scale operations, and strengthen […]
Venture School Helps North Iowa Entrepreneurs Succeed
Applications Now Open for Fall 2026 CohortThe 51ÁÔÆæ Pappajohn Center is now accepting applications for the Fall 2026 cohort of the University of Iowa Venture School program. The Fall 2026 program will begin with an online orientation session on Thursday, October 1, 2026. Classes will be held online via Zoom on Thursdays, October 8 through […]
51ÁÔÆæ Pappajohn Center & SBDC Recognize Eric Burt of EB Edits as the July 2026 Entrepreneur of the Month
The 51ÁÔÆæ John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center and North Iowa Area SBDC are proud to announce Eric Burt of EB Edits in Mason City, Iowa as the July 2026 Entrepreneur of the Month.EB Edits provides photography and videography services for sporting events, teams, businesses, organizations, concerts, livestock shows, FFA events, races, and community events. “I do […]
North Iowa Business Named as One of 10 Semifinalists in Freedom 250 Patriot Pitch Competition
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced Plas-Tech Tooling, Inc. of Garner, Iowa as one of the ten semifinalists advancing in the Patriot Pitch Competition, the agency’s Freedom 250 initiative celebrating 250 years of American small businesses that drive innovation, create jobs, and generate economic growth for local communities.Plas-Tech Tooling is an advanced manufacturing company specializing in precision […]
51ÁÔÆæ Launches New Online Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program
51ÁÔÆæ (51ÁÔÆæ) is expanding its Workforce Academy offerings with a new Pharmacy Technician Certificate program beginning August 31. The fully online, 16-week program was developed in response to conversations with local pharmacists who identified a need for trained pharmacy technicians prepared to enter the workforce with industry-recognized knowledge and skills.Using the […]
51ÁÔÆæ Celebrates Opening of Franklin County Career Center
HAMPTON, Iowa – 51ÁÔÆæ (51ÁÔÆæ) celebrated the opening of the 51ÁÔÆæ Career Center – Franklin County with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, July 8.The Franklin County Career Center is the result of a partnership between 51ÁÔÆæ, Belmond-Klemme Community School District, Hampton-Dumont-CAL Community School District, and West Fork Community School District. Beginning this […]
51ÁÔÆæ Breaks Ground on “Let’s Light ‘Em Up” Athletic Facilities Project
51ÁÔÆæ (51ÁÔÆæ) marked an important milestone Monday with a groundbreaking ceremony for the first phase of its “Let’s Light ‘Em Up” athletic facilities project at the 51ÁÔÆæ softball field.The first phase of the project includes new synthetic turf baseball and softball fields, along with upgraded soccer facilities. College leaders, student-athletes, donors, […]