Celebrate Leadership. Invest in the Future. Corridor Business Hall of Fame Returns September 18th

Author: Cathy Essick
Corporate Responsibility
Published: Friday, 01 Aug 2025

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Image caption: Enter an image captionThe 2025 Corridor Business Hall of Fame laureates and entrepreneur honoree, recognized for their outstanding leadership, innovation, and impact on the Eastern Iowa business community.

The 26th annual Corridor Business Hall of Fame, presented by U.S. Bank, is fast approaching—and now is the time to secure your sponsorship or reserve your seat at this highly anticipated black-tie event. On Thursday, September 18, 2025, at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Cedar Rapids, we will celebrate four outstanding business leaders whose influence continues to shape our region’s economic and social landscape.

Each year, the Corridor Business Hall of Fame honors laureates and an entrepreneur who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, community impact, and entrepreneurial spirit. This year’s class includes:

Laureates
John R. Balmer – PSC Distribution, Inc.
Chris & Suzy DeWolf – Lil’ Drug Store Products
Pat McGrath – McGrath Family of Dealerships

Entrepreneur Honoree
Brandon J. Pratt – Lion Development Group & Gravy Train Restaurant Management

These individuals were nominated by community members and selected by an independent committee for their:

IMPACT on their industry or organization
INTEGRITY as ethical and principled leaders
COMMITMENT to improving their local communities
LEADERSHIP that serves as a model for others—especially youth
ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT in founding or growing local business ventures

“U.S. Bank is proud to continue our support of the Corridor Business Hall of Fame,” said Troy Smith, Market Leader for U.S. Bank Private Wealth Management for Iowa, Nebraska, and the Dakotas. “It’s an honor to recognize these exceptional individuals whose leadership and innovation have shaped the Corridor and beyond. We look forward to celebrating their accomplishments with the community.”

Christine Landa, President of Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa, added:

“The Corridor Business Hall of Fame is more than an evening of recognition—it’s a celebration of leadership that inspires our young people to dream big and work hard. At Junior Achievement, we believe that when students see what’s possible through the success of local leaders, they begin to understand how their own dreams can shape and strengthen our local economy. We are proud to honor these incredible leaders and grateful for the community’s continued support in helping us empower the next generation.”

The evening will feature video tributes to the honorees, remarks from community leaders, and local students serving as hosts—reinforcing the event’s purpose: to connect today’s business role models with tomorrow’s leaders. Proceeds benefit Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa, providing K–12 students with real-world education in financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and career readiness.

Be Part of the Impact

Sponsorships and tickets are limited. Join us in honoring the Corridor’s most accomplished leaders while supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs and changemakers.

To explore sponsorship opportunities or reserve tickets, contact Junior Achievement at (319) 862-1100 or email Emma Disterhoft at edisterhoft@jaeasterniowa.org.