Author: Cathy Essick
Corporate Responsibility
Published:
Thursday, 13 Aug 2026
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Image caption: 2026 Laureate Nick AbouAssaly, is recognized for his professional leadership, dedication to public service, and commitment to strengthening the Eastern Iowa community.
Great leaders don’t simply build successful businesses. They strengthen communities, create opportunities, inspire others, and leave a legacy that extends far beyond their own careers.
On Thursday, September 24, 2026, Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa will celebrate four outstanding Eastern Iowa business leaders at the 2026 Corridor Business Hall of Fame at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Cedar Rapids.
The evening begins at 5:30 p.m. and brings together business and community leaders from across the Corridor to recognize individuals whose vision, integrity, leadership, community commitment, and entrepreneurial spirit have helped shape our region.
Meet the 2026 Honorees
This year’s Corridor Business Hall of Fame will recognize three Laureates and one Entrepreneur Honoree whose careers demonstrate the impact strong leadership can have on businesses, communities, and future generations.
Thomas Barnes — Barnes Manufacturing Services
Thomas Barnes will be inducted as a 2026 Laureate in recognition of his leadership and contributions through Barnes Manufacturing Services.
Robin L. Therme — CIVCO Medical Solutions
Robin L. Therme will join the Business Hall of Fame as a 2026 Laureate, representing a legacy of business leadership and impact through CIVCO Medical Solutions.
Nick AbouAssaly — Simmons Perrine PLC and City of Marion
Nick AbouAssaly will be honored as a 2026 Laureate for his professional and community leadership through Simmons Perrine PLC and his service to the City of Marion.
Cale J. Henderson — Fun Not Fancy Restaurant Group
Cale J. Henderson will be recognized as the 2026 Entrepreneur Honoree, celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit and leadership behind Fun Not Fancy Restaurant Group, Mango Mustache, Classic Event Center, and Kiss Your Kids Foundation.
The Business Hall of Fame recognizes leaders who exemplify the qualities at the heart of the honor: impact, integrity, community commitment, leadership, and entrepreneurial spirit.
Image caption: 2026 Laureate Thomas Barnes, is recognized for his leadership, business success, and lasting contributions to the Eastern Iowa community.
More Than an Evening of Recognition
The Corridor Business Hall of Fame is about more than celebrating professional achievement. It’s about the example these leaders provide for the next generation.
Their stories demonstrate that success can take many forms and many paths—and that leadership includes how you use that success to strengthen the people and communities around you.
“The Corridor Business Hall of Fame is such a special evening because we get to bring our community together to celebrate people whose leadership has made a lasting impact on Eastern Iowa. But what makes it especially meaningful for Junior Achievement is the connection to our students. The stories we share that evening show young people what’s possible when leadership, hard work, innovation, and a commitment to community come together.”
— Emma Disterhoft, Senior Events Manager, Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa
Image caption: 2026 Laureate Robin L. Therme, is honored for her leadership, innovation, and commitment to making a lasting impact in Eastern Iowa and beyond.
Celebrating Today’s Leaders. Investing in Tomorrow’s Workforce.
The impact of the Corridor Business Hall of Fame extends far beyond the evening itself. Funds raised through ticket sales and sponsorships help Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa advance our mission and provide students with experiences that prepare them for success in work and life.
Through hands-on learning, career exploration, financial education, entrepreneurship, and connections with local professionals, Junior Achievement helps young people better understand the opportunities available to them and the pathways to reach them. These experiences can help expand students’ networks, build durable skills, and increase access to opportunities—all important components of economic mobility.
They also benefit the community as a whole.
The students in classrooms today will become the Corridor’s future employees, entrepreneurs, business owners, and community leaders. Preparing them for what’s next means building a stronger, more adaptable workforce that can help Eastern Iowa businesses and communities thrive.
When you purchase a ticket, reserve a table, or sponsor the Corridor Business Hall of Fame, you’re doing more than attending an event. You’re investing in opportunities for students and helping prepare the future workforce of the Corridor.
That connection is at the heart of the Business Hall of Fame: we celebrate the leaders who helped build the Corridor while investing in the young people who will shape its future.
Image caption: 2026 Entrepreneur Honoree Cale J. Henderson, is celebrated for his entrepreneurial spirit, innovative leadership, and commitment to building businesses and strengthening the community.
Join Us September 24
Join Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa and business and community leaders from across the Corridor as we celebrate Thomas Barnes, Robin L. Therme, Nick AbouAssaly, and Cale J. Henderson and recognize the leadership, innovation, and community commitment that continue to move Eastern Iowa forward.
2026 Corridor Business Hall of Fame
Thursday, September 24, 2026 | 5:30 p.m.
DoubleTree by Hilton | Cedar Rapids
Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available now. Whether you attend with colleagues, reserve a table, or become an event sponsor, your support helps Junior Achievement advance our mission, expand opportunities for students, improve economic mobility, and prepare young people to become the Corridor’s future workforce.
Get Involved with Junior Achievement!
Select a button below to see how you or your organization can get involved with Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa, Inc..
