MASON CITY – Some of North Iowa’s most ambitious business owners, rising entrepreneurs and innovative companies will take center stage when the NIACC Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center holds its 2026 Pappajohn Entrepreneur Gala.
The sixth biennial gala will take place Thursday, September 24, 2026, at North Iowa Area Community College in Mason City.
The evening will showcase the accomplishments of entrepreneurs from across the region while honoring Dean Snyder Construction with the prestigious Business Legacy Award. The Clear Lake-based company has been involved in numerous major projects across the region, including construction of the new terminal at the Mason City Municipal Airport.
The Pappajohn Center has released the following list of award finalists:
Distinguished Entrepreneur Award
- Alisha Johnson, A. Johnson Trucking – Northwood
- Jeff and Lori Otto, Otto’s Oasis – Charles City
- Dean and Marcia Sonquist, Plas-Tech Tooling, Inc. – Garner
Young Entrepreneur Award
- Megumi Abbott, Churasan – Charles City
- Holly Neuberger, Lake Animal Clinic – Clear Lake
- Lance Studer, Lance Studer Custom Automotive – Hampton
Student Entrepreneur Award
- Kylie Johnson, Kylie’s Lemonade – Osage
- Jordan Klooster, Klooster Flaps – Garner
Outstanding Business Award
- Huber Supply Co. – Mason City
- IMT Transport – Garner
- Mike Molstead Motors, Inc. – Charles City
Innovation Award
- Beach Buddies & Sensory Cove, Bridget Herrick and Sherri Stensrude – Mason City
- Lake Pin & Play, Nick and Debbie Plagge and Tyler and Debbie Kerr – Clear Lake
- L&J Industries, Chris Garden – Charles City
Organizers will also reveal the recipient of the 2026 Entrepreneur of Purpose Award during the gala. The special award recognizes an entrepreneur whose work is guided by a strong mission and a commitment to improving the community, mentoring other entrepreneurs and serving others.
The event follows the 2024 Pappajohn Entrepreneur Gala, which honored Stellar Industries with the Business Legacy Award.
Tickets for the 2026 gala are available through the Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center’s gala website.
The gala is supported by numerous businesses, financial institutions and community organizations from across North Iowa.
Visionary Sponsors
First Citizens Bank, Hanson Family Foundation, MBT Bank, NIACC Business & Workforce Solutions, NIACC Foundation and Stellar Manufacturing.
Innovator Sponsors
Ag Ventures Alliance, Cambrex, Clear Lake Bank & Trust, CUSB Bank, Dean Snyder Construction, Farmers State Bank, Forest City Economic Development Corporation, Hoover’s Hatchery, Huber Supply, Plas-Tech Tooling and Sukup Manufacturing Co.
Ambassador Sponsors
Altus CXO, Bank Iowa, Charles City Area Development Corporation, Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, First Security Bank, Heartland Asphalt, Henkel Construction, Home Trust Savings Bank, Iowa Association of Business and Industry, Mason City Chamber of Commerce, Mitchell County Economic Development Commission, Murphy Coe & Smith, NSB Bank, North Iowa Corridor Economic Development Corporation, Pritchard Family Companies, Winn-Worth BetCo and Jamie Zanios.