JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT OF EASTERN IOWA SEEKS NOMINATIONS FOR 26TH ANNUAL CORRIDOR BUSINESS HALL OF FAME

(Cedar Rapids, IA) - Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa (JAEI) is pleased to announce that nominations are now open for the 26^th Annual Corridor Business Hall of Fame, taking place on Thursday, September 18, 2025. This annual event honors outstanding business leaders who have made significant contributions to the free enterprise system and helped shape Eastern Iowa’s economy and communities.

Nominations are submitted by members of the community and reviewed by an independent selection committee. Inductees will be honored at a black-tie gala, where their achievements will be highlighted through professionally produced video biographies. This elegant evening will celebrate business leaders who have not only achieved professional success but have also contributed to making the Corridor a thriving place to live and work.

Each year, JAEI inducts three laureates and one entrepreneur who exemplify the following qualities:

Impact – A lasting influence on their industry or organization.
Integrity – Ethical leadership and business practices.
Community Commitment – Dedication to improving Eastern Iowa.
Leadership – Serving as exemplary role models.
Entrepreneurial Spirit – Founding, growing, or significantly advancing a business with substantial community impact.

Nominees must have lived and worked in Eastern Iowa (Benton, Black Hawk, Bremer, Buchanan, Delaware, Grundy, Iowa, Johnson, Jones, Linn counties) and meet the outlined qualifications. Husband-and-wife teams will be considered only if they are equal business partners.

How to Submit a Nomination

To nominate a business leader, answer five key questions in 2,000 characters or less—this is the only information reviewed by the Selection Committee.

Laureate Nomination Form: https://forms.gle/mJ9aVAqLeZa6i2VN7
Entrepreneur Nomination Form: https://forms.gle/qiLEHiV2QLYjZVJB9

Nomination Deadline: Friday, March 28, 2025

Past Business Hall of Fame Laureates: Brent Cobb, Jeff Pomeranz, Dr. Vincent Reid, Patrice Carroll, Charlie Funk, Larry Helling, Tim Charles, Nancy Kasparek, Arthur Collins, Howard Hall, Russell Knapp, William Quarton, Robert Kazimour, Lee Liu, LeRoy Skogman, George C. Forestner, Abbott Lipsky, Dr. Lee Noel, Robert W. Allsop, John W. Buchanan, Jack D. Cosgrove, Dr. Norm Nielsen, Charles William Seedorff, Henry B. Tippie, Arthur L. Christoffersen, Russell A. Gerdin, A. James Tinker, Bert and Henry Katz, Cheryle W. Mitvalsky, Herbert A. Wilson, Harold M. Becker, Willis (Bill) M. Bywater, Henry Royer, Mary Quass, Albert P. Ruffalo, John M. Smith, Rex Eno, Emmett Scherrman, Robert W. Verhille, Dr. Dick Ferguson, Dwight Hughes, Jr., Scotty McIntyre, Willard “Sandy” Boyd, Wayne Engle, Steve West, John C. Bloomhall, Tony Golobic and Jon Kinzenbaw, Loren Coppock, James A. Ernst, W. Richard Summerwill, Tom L. Aller, David C. Neuhaus, Chuck Peters, Jack B. Evans, Stephen C. Gray, Ron Olson, Gary Rozek, Kyle Skogman, Gary J. Streit, Barry J. Boyer, Patrick R. Cobb, Charles A. Rohde, Robert N. Downer, Victor L. Klopfenstein, Dr. Mick Starcevich, Steven L. Caves, Les H. Garner, Ronald E. Stutsman, Brian D. Darrow, DVM, Lura McBride, and Duane Smith.

Past Young Entrepreneurs: Nate Kaeding, Aaron Warner, Besty Harrison, Chris & Suzy DeWolf, Christopher M. Klitgaard, Chris Skogman, Eric M. Engelmann, Tim Guenther, Brent Cobb, Patrick Gavin, Charlie and Stephanie Vogl, Matthew Swift, and Andre’ D. Wright.

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