Four Charles City Businesses Among Finalists for NIACC 2026 Pappajohn Entrepreneur Gala

Four Charles City businesses are among the finalists for the sixth biannual Pappajohn Entrepreneur Gala, sponsored by the NIACC Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center. 

Achievements of North Iowa’s outstanding entrepreneurs will be showcased on September 24th at NIACC, which will include the prestigious business Legacy Award to Dean Snyder Construction. Tickets can be purchased at www.pappajohncenter.com/gala.

Finalists for the 2026 Pappajohn Entrepreneur Gala awards include:

Distinguished Entrepreneur Award

• Alisha Johnson, A. Johnson Trucking – Northwood, IA
• Jeff & Lori Otto, Otto’s Oasis – Charles City, IA
• Dean & Marcia Sonquist, Plas-Tech Tooling, Inc. – Garner, IA

Young Entrepreneur Award

• Megumi Abbott, Churasan – Charles City, IA
• Holly Neuberger, Lake Animal Clinic – Clear Lake, IA
• Lance Studer, Lance Studer Custom Automotive – Hampton, IA

Student Entrepreneur Award

• Kylie Johnson, Kylie’s Lemonade – Osage, IA
• Jordan Klooster, Klooster Flaps – Garner, IA

Outstanding Business Award

• Huber Supply Co. – Mason City, IA
• IMT Transport – Garner, IA
• Mike Molstead Motors, Inc. – Charles City, IA

Innovation Award

• Beach Buddies & Sensory Cove, Bridget Herrick & Sherri Stensrude – Mason City, IA
• Lake Pin & Play, Nick & Debbie Plagge and Tyler & Debbie Kerr – Clear Lake, IA
• L&J Industries, Chris Garden – Charles City, IA

Additionally, a special entrepreneurship award will be announced at the Gala: The 2026 Entrepreneur of Purpose, which honors an entrepreneur whose work is driven by a strong sense of mission and a commitment to making a positive impact on their community, through leadership, vision, and dedication to mentoring other entrepreneurs in their community.