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 […]

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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 […]

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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, […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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, […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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