Legacy Award to be presented to Dean Snyder Construction of Clear Lake
The NIACC Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center is excited to announce the date for the sixth biannual Pappajohn Entrepreneur Gala on Thursday, September 24, 2026. This special evening will recognize and celebrate the hard work, determination, and accomplishments of North Iowa entrepreneurs who are helping to shape the future of our region. The Pappajohn Entrepreneur Gala will be held at North Iowa Area Community College in Mason City, IA.
The Pappajohn Entrepreneur Gala celebrates the entrepreneurs and partners who make our communities a great place to work and live. The Pappajohn Entrepreneur Gala will share our story, showcase the achievements of North Iowa entrepreneurs, and honor the recipient of the prestigious Legacy Award, presented this year to Dean Snyder Construction for their vital contributions and support to North Iowa.
Five additional recognitions will be awarded at the gala. The NIACC John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center is now accepting nominations for these awards:
Distinguished Entrepreneur Award – This award honors a North Iowa entrepreneur who exemplifies vision, perseverance, and business success.
Young Entrepreneur Award – This award recognizes the success, dedication, and contributions to the community by a North Iowa entrepreneur under the age of 40.
Student Entrepreneur Award – This award recognizes a student entrepreneur who exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit.
Outstanding Business Award – This award recognizes a North Iowa business for its overall achievement in vision, growth, and community impact.
Innovation Award – This award honors a North Iowa entrepreneur or business that demonstrates exceptional leadership in developing and implementing innovative products, services, core processes, or technologies.
Nominations can be made on the Pappajohn Center website at www.pappajohncenter.com/gala or by contacting the Pappajohn Center directly for an application. Nominations are due by August 9, 2026.
Tickets for the 2026 Pappajohn Entrepreneur Gala will go on sale August 10, 2026. Visit the NIACC Pappajohn Center website, sign up for our email newsletter, or follow us on social media for additional updates as they occur.
Sponsorship opportunities for the 2026 Pappajohn Gala are available. For more information, contact Candi Karsjens at candi.karsjens@niacc.edu or call the Pappajohn Center at 641-422-4111. The NIACC Pappajohn Center is a non-profit organization that fully relies on grants, public funding, and sponsorships to continue serving entrepreneurs across the nine counties in our region.
