Celebrating Business Excellence: 2025 Corridor & Cedar Valley Business Hall of Fame Honorees Announced

Author: Cathy Essick
Corporate Responsibility
Published: Monday, 02 Jun 2025

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Image caption: 2025 Business Hall of Fame

Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa (JAEI) is proud to announce the 2025 class of honorees for the Corridor and Cedar Valley Business Hall of Fame events. These prestigious annual events celebrate visionary leaders whose achievements have left a lasting impact on their industries and communities.

Each year, a select group of laureates and entrepreneurs are recognized for their integrity, leadership, community engagement, and entrepreneurial spirit. These individuals not only shape the economic landscape of Eastern Iowa but also serve as role models for future generations.

Corridor Business Hall of Fame

Presented by U.S. Bank
Thursday, September 18, 2025
DoubleTree by Hilton, Cedar Rapids

The 26th annual Corridor Business Hall of Fame will recognize the following laureates and entrepreneur:

Laureates:
John Balmer – PSC Distribution, Inc.
Chris & Suzy DeWolf – Lil’ Drug Store Products
Pat McGrath – McGrath Auto

Entrepreneur Honoree:
Brandon Pratt – Lion Development Group

“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.”

Cedar Valley Business Hall of Fame

Presented by First Interstate Bank
Thursday, October 30, 2025
Bien VenU Event Center, Cedar Falls

The 31st annual Cedar Valley Business Hall of Fame will recognize the following honorees:

Laureates:
Bill Bradford – Bradford Companies
Wayne Magee – Magee Construction Company
Eric Petersen – Northland Products Co.

Entrepreneur Honoree:
Max Klein – Freed Construction

“We’re honored to sponsor the Junior Achievement Cedar Valley Business Hall of Fame once again,” said Jim Miller, Cedar Valley Market President of First Interstate Bank. “These leaders exemplify the values we strive to uphold in the business community—vision, integrity, and a deep commitment to the Cedar Valley.”

Inspiring the Next Generation

Both events feature formal black-tie dinners, video biographies of each honoree, and participation from local students who serve as event hosts and ambassadors—reminding us of the true purpose behind the celebration: to inspire the next generation of leaders.

Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa’s programs empower young people with real-world skills in financial literacy, career readiness, and entrepreneurship. The Business Hall of Fame serves as a powerful platform to connect students with community role models who show what’s possible with perseverance and purpose.

Tickets for both events are available on a first-come, first-served basis. To reserve your seat or learn more, contact Junior Achievement at (319) 862-1100 or email Emma Disterhoft at edisterhoft@jaeasterniowa.org.