Howard Hall Excellence in Business Award
The Howard Hall Excellence in Business Award is given annually to an individual or individuals who exemplify the spirit and enduring business values of Howard Hall and his passion for a vibrant Cedar Rapids. Initially, this award was given to a local business and then it was transitioned to a person or persons who met the criteria.
Here are the attributes associated with this award:
- A successful business leader(s) in the metro communities who is integral to the success of the membership and our region.
- Involved in community and civic engagement.
- Often influences community-related events, projects, etc., sometimes in a quiet or less visible way.
- Works to influence positive outcomes in the region.
- Supports the metro community as a generous philanthropist.
The Howard Hall Excellence in Business Award is named for industrialist and philanthropist, Howard Hall (1894-1971), who used his influence to create a better local economy and community. Hall was dedicated to the development of the region and frequently worked behind the scenes to attract new businesses and jobs. Our community benefits from the many contributions of the Hall Family today. The Howard Hall Excellence in Business Award is the most prestigious honor bestowed by the Economic Alliance. It is given to a premier business leader or couple who exemplifies the outstanding, enduring business values of Howard Hall and his passion for a vibrant Cedar Rapids.
Previous winners are not eligible for selection. See a list of past winners at the bottom of this page.
Nominate a deserving individual today by filling in the form below.
Award History
2000 – Alliant Energy, accepted by Jim Hoffman
2001 – Quaker Oats, accepted by Roger Vincent
2002 – JCPenneys, accepted by Daniel McElwain
2003 – Justice Electric Company, accepted by Dave Justice
2004 – Mary Quass, New Radio Group LLC
2005 – Cedar Graphics, accepted by Hassan & Salma Igram
2006 – Worley Warehousing, accepted by Brandt Worley
2007 – Diamond V Mills, accepted by John Bloomhall
2008 – The Entire Cedar Rapids Community (after Flood of 2008), accepted by Jack Evans, President of The Hall Perrine Foundation
2009 – No record of Award
2010 – AegonUSA
2011 – Rockwell Collins
2012 – No Award given this year due to merger and creation of EA
2013 – Pat Baird of AegonUSA, Clay Jones of Rockwell Collins, John and Dyan Smith of CRST
2014 – Tom Aller of Alliant Energy and Kyle Skogman of Skogman Realty
2015 – Jack Evans, Hall Perrine Foundation and Steve Caves, US Bank
2016 – Chuck Hammond, Raining Rose
2017 – Tony Golobic, GreatAmerica Financial Services Corporation
2018 – Larry Helling, Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust
2019 – Duane Smith, TrueNorth Companies
2020 – Charlie Rohde, King’s Material Inc. and Dakota Red Corporation
2021 – Chris & Suzy DeWolf, Lil’ Drug Store Products
2022 – Timothy Charles, Mercy Medical Center
2023 – Lura McBride, Van Meter Inc.