MASON CITY, Iowa – The NIACC (North Iowa Area Community College) John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center is proud to announce the finalists for the Pappajohn Entrepreneur Gala awards. The inaugural Pappajohn Entrepreneur Gala will take place on September 26, 2018. The Pappajohn Entrepreneur Gala celebrates the entrepreneurs and partners who make our communities in North Iowa a great place to work and live. The Pappajohn Entrepreneur Gala will also honor John and Mary Pappajohn’s vital contributions and support to North Iowa with the Legacy Award.

We are pleased to announce John Pappajohn as the keynote speaker, and invited guests Governor Kim Reynolds and Director Debi Durham of the Iowa Economic Development Authority.

Young Entrepreneur of the Year finalists

• Derek Engh, North Iowa Lumber & Design Inc.
• Jill Howarth, NuTreatment LLC
• Katie Wold, Market 124

With special recognition to Student Entrepreneur Denzel Decker of Decker Delish Cupcakes

Entrepreneur of the Year finalists

• Dustin Balsley, Performance Livestock Analytics
• Cody Purvis, Pampered Pets LLC
• Bob Rolling, Lake Time Brewery

Innovation Award finalists

• The Art of Education
• EZ Manufacturing
• Sukup Manufacturing Co.

Business of the Year finalists

• Legacy Logistics Freight Inc.
• Kingland Systems
• Sukup Manufacturing Co.

The Pappajohn Entrepreneur Gala is made possible with the support of our sponsors and community partners. With great thanks to:

 CEO Sponsors: BrownWinick, Sukup Manufacturing Co., First Citizens Bank

 COO Sponsors: NIACC Foundation

 Entrepreneur Sponsors: BerganKDV, Cabin Coffee, DealerBuilt, IEDA, JD Thoreson, Moorman Clothiers, Murphy, Coe & Smith PLLC, Norsemen Trucking

 Hospitality Sponsors: Ted Bair, Brook & Carol Boehmler, Center for Business Growth & Innovation at University of Northern Iowa, Clear Lake Area Chamber, CL Tel, Henkel Construction, Hovland Property Development, Legacy Transportation, North Iowa Lumber & Design, Woodharbor Custom Cabinetry, Atlas Mini-Warehouses (Zanios Family)

 Community Partners: Cerro Gordo County, City of Clear Lake, Clear Lake Bank & Trust Co, Charles City Area Development Corp., CIRAS, First Security Bank, City of Mason City

The NIACC John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center is the expert in rural business innovation and success. In partnership with North Iowa’s Small Business Development Center, together we provide tools, support, and resources to Iowa’s entrepreneurs. We counsel both new and existing local businesses, from Main Street to industry leaders. We’re growing Iowa’s entrepreneurial culture through grade school initiatives, college and community programs, and business training and development. Contact the NIACC Pappajohn Center at 641-422-4111 or pappajohn@niacc.edu.

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