Junior Achievement of North Central Michigan (JANCM) is proud to announce the inductees for the 2026 JA Business Hall of Fame, taking place on May 7, 2026, at the Horizons Conference Center. This annual event recognizes outstanding regional leaders who have made significant contributions to business excellence, community service, and youth empowerment.
This year’s laureate honorees include:
• Dave Youngstrom, President and CEO, Yeo & Yeo CPAs & Advisors
• Kae Pankow, Vice President of Sales, Saginaw Spirit
• Stacey Kwaiser, Chief Executive Officer, Rehmann
• Rob Clark, Vice President and Market Manager, Tri-Star Trust
Past laureates and community members nominated these individuals, who were then selected by previous Hall of Fame inductees. Their leadership, integrity, and dedication to economic growth reflect the core values taught through Junior Achievement programs.
“The 2026 Hall of Fame honorees exemplify the very best of our region,” said Kristy LeVasseur, President and CEO of Junior Achievement of North Central Michigan. “They not only excel professionally, but they also demonstrate a deep commitment to strengthening their communities. Their leadership mirrors the spirit of Junior Achievement, inspiring young people to dream big, think entrepreneurially, and build meaningful futures.”
JANCM will also present a Volunteer of the Year honor to recognize an exceptional individual who has gone above and beyond in supporting JA’s mission inside classrooms and throughout the community. This year’s honoree isTalia Brown, Manager of the Freeland SportsZone.
The JA Business Hall of Fame celebrates leaders whose work has significantly influenced local industries, contributed to economic vitality, and advanced opportunities for future generations. Laureates serve as role models who embody Junior Achievement’s principles of innovation, hard work, and ethical leadership.
For tickets and sponsorship opportunities, please visit: https://northcentralmichigan.ja.org/events/ja-business-hall-of-fame-spring-2026
Junior Achievement is the world’s largest organization dedicated to educating K-12 students about workforce readiness, how business works and financial literacy through experiential, hands-on programs. These programs help prepare young people for the real world by showing them how to manage their money, create jobs that strengthen their communities, and apply entrepreneurial thinking in the workplace. Junior Achievement collaborates with the education and business communities to help students make the important connections between what they learn in school and experience in real life after graduation. For more information about Junior Achievement, visit our website at https://northcentralmichigan.ja.org.