MASON CITY, Iowa – The NIACC John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center is proud to announce the finalists for the 2019 Pappajohn Entrepreneur Gala awards. The Pappajohn Entrepreneur Gala will take place on October 29, 2019. 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 K. and Luise V. Hanson’s vital contributions and support to North Iowa with the Legacy Award (posthumous). The award will be accepted on their behalf by John V. Hanson and Mary Jo Boman.

We are pleased to announce distinguished guests Governor Kim Reynolds and Director Debi Durham of the Iowa Economic Development Authority. Gary Schoeniger, co-author of “Who Owns the Ice House?”, will deliver the keynote address.

Young Entrepreneur of the Year finalists

• Derek Balsley, The Art of Education University – Osage, IA
• Julia Dannen, D & S Services – Mason City, IA
• Scott Soifer, McSoifer’s Inc. and Soifer’s of Waverly – Charles City, IA

With special recognition to Student Entrepreneur Sami Schupanitz of Sami’s Sock Monkeys

Entrepreneur of the Year finalists

• Derek Balsley, The Art of Education University – Osage, IA
• Eric Kingland, Kingland Construction Services – Forest City, IA
• Toby Welsh, Midwest Duct Works – Ventura, IA

Innovation Award finalists

• Avance USA & Hartwood Hospitality Innovations Corp. – Clear Lake and Charles City, IA
• EZ Manufacturing – Charles City, IA
• Kingland – Clear Lake, IA

Business of the Year finalists

• The Art of Education University – Osage, IA
• Cabin Coffee Co. – Clear Lake, IA
• Kingland – Clear Lake, IA

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

Founders Sponsors: BrownWinick, Sukup Manufacturing Co.

CEO Sponsors: Forest City Economic Development Corporation, Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA), NIACC Foundation, Winnebago Cooperative Telecom Association (WCTA), Winnebago Industries Inc.

Presidents Sponsors: Carrera Designs Inc. (CDI), DealerBuilt, Murphy Coe & Smith PLLC, Norsemen Trucking, Stellar Industries Inc.

Entrepreneur Sponsors: Atlas Mini Warehouses – Zanios Family, Ted Bair, CL Tel, Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, Henkel Construction, Tom and Barbara Hovland – Hovland Property Development, Legacy Transportation, Mason City Clinic, Moorman Clothiers, Plas-Tech Tooling Inc, Waldorf University,

Community Partners: Ag Ventures Alliance, Cerro Gordo County, Charles City Area Development Corporation, City of Clear Lake, City of Mason City, Clear Lake Bank & Trust Co, Charles City Area Development Corp., First Citizens Bank, First Security Bank, MBT, North Iowa Corridor EDC, The University of Iowa

Tickets for the 2019 Pappajohn Entrepreneur Gala can be purchased at www.niacc.edu/pappajohn/gala

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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