Celebrating North Iowa's entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurial Gala
The 2024 Pappajohn Entrepreneur Gala
The Pappajohn Entrepreneur Gala celebrates the entrepreneurs who make our communities a great place to work and live.
The 2024 Pappajohn Entrepreneur Gala celebrated the remarkable journey of the Pappajohn Center, showcased the achievements of North Iowa's outstanding entrepreneurs, and honored the recipient of the prestigious business Legacy Award, presented this year to Stellar Industries.
The 2024 Pappajohn Entrepreneur Gala Awards
Student Entrepreneur Award
This award recognizes a student entrepreneur who exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit through the achievement of business ownership. Must be a North Iowa student enrolled in High School or College taking college credit classes to be eligible. Congratulations to the finalists:
- Catherine Dow, Instatat – Clarksville, IA
- Caleb Renner, Renner Ag Solutions – Klemme, IA
- Casey Schilling, K2 Enterprise – Britt, IA
The 2024 Student Entrepreneur of the Year Award was won by Caleb Renner, Renner Ag Solutions
Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award
The Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award recognizes the accomplishments of a North Iowa entrepreneur under the age of 40. Congratulations to the finalists:
- Cody Purvis, Pampered Pets Retreat & Spa – Kanawha, IA
- Cort & Lanie Sanvig, Tellurian Brewing – Charles City, IA
- Jake Buss, Marathon Media – Charles City, IA
The 2024 Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award was won by Cody Purvis, Pampered Pets Retreat & Spa
Entrepreneur of the Year Award
The Entrepreneur of the Year Award recognizes the success, dedication, and contributions to the community by a North Iowa entrepreneur. Congratulations to the finalists:
- Catarino Martinez, Avion Azul & Surf Galley – Mason City, IA
- Luke Pickar & Jordan Oulman, Pickar-Oulman Plumbing, Heating, & Electrical Services – Riceville, IA
- Tyler Johnson, Charlie Golf Co. – Mason City, IA
The 2024 Entrepreneur of the Year Award was won by Luke Pickar & Jordan Oulman, Pickar-Oulman Plumbing, Heating, & Electrical Services
Innovation Award
The Innovation Award honors North Iowa entrepreneurs who are industry leaders in developing and implementing emergent technology, product innovations, and/or service innovations. Congratulations to the finalists:
- Billie Asmus, Repaint Studios – Hampton, IA
- David Kingland, Renovo Studios – Clear Lake, IA
- Zack Smith, The Stock Cropper – Lake Mills, IA
The 2024 Innovation Award was won by Zack Smith, The Stock Cropper
Business of the Year Award
The Business of the Year Award recognizes a North Iowa company for overall achievement in innovation, vision, growth, and skill. Congratulations to the finalists:
- Clear Lake Bank & Trust – Clear Lake, IA
- Popp Excavating, Inc. – Osage, IA
- Pritchard Companies – Clear Lake, IA
The 2024 Business of the Year Award was won by Pritchard Companies, Clear Lake
Entrepreneur of Purpose Award
The Entrepreneur of Purpose award celebrates an entrepreneur who demonstrates exceptional commitment to making a positive impact in their community through their business. Congratulations to the 2024 honoree:
- Cassii Calaway, Kutz by KZ – Mason City, IA
2024 Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Gala Sponsorships
At the NIACC Pappajohn Center, we are built on the backbone of grant funding, which is instrumental in our ability to offer crucial resources, mentorship, and support to emerging entrepreneurs in our community. We warmly invite you to become a sponsor of the bi-annual Pappajohn Entrepreneur Gala. Your support will not only contribute to the success of the Gala but also enable us to continue empowering aspiring entrepreneurs and driving economic growth in our region.
| Sponsor Level | Amount | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Visionary | $5,000 or more | 8 Gala tickets; logo on signage; prominent logo placement on all digital and print promotional materials; advertisement in the Gala program; special verbal recognition; recognition on the Pappajohn Center website |
| Innovator | $2,500 - $4,999 | 4 Gala tickets; logo on signage; prominent logo placement on all digital and print promotional materials |
| Ambassador | $1,000 - $2,499 | 2 Gala tickets; logo placement on all digital and print promotional materials |
Please contact Candi Karsjens should you have any questions or require further information regarding sponsorship opportunities. Thank you for your continued support and dedication to the mission of the NIACC Pappajohn Center. We look forward to the possibility of partnering with you to create a brighter future for North Iowa's entrepreneurial ecosystem.
