Inaugural Iowa Business-for-Good Journalism Contest Announces Student Winners 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Inaugural Iowa Business-for-Good Journalism Contest Announces Student Winners 

DES MOINES, Iowa — The inaugural Iowa Business-for-Good Journalism Contest has announced its 2026 winners, recognizing outstanding student reporting on how businesses and organizations in Iowa create both economic value and societal benefit. 

The statewide contest invites teams of college students—at least one in journalism and one in business—to produce reported stories about businesses and organizations making a positive impact in Iowa. Winning teams receive cash prizes of $1,000 for first place, $500 for second place, and $250 for third place, with matching awards made to each winning team’s university. The contest was established through a generous gift in honor of Mary-Anne Vieregger. 

This year’s entries showcased compelling storytelling, strong reporting, and thoughtful examination of the role that businesses and organizations play in responding to community needs across Iowa. 

First Place “Brewing a Local Workforce” by Fernanda Japa, Elisa Angeles Espinoza, and Dania Reyes, Buena Vista University. Recognized for its strong reporting and thoughtful exploration of a business serving a broader social role in the community. 

Second Place “The Upcoming Diverse Culture of East Village” by Dashae Engler and Olatuke Jayeola, Drake University. Recognized for its engaging writing, historical perspective, and effective storytelling of an emerging cultural and business trend.  

Third Place “Shar Roorda: Defining Hair and Excellence” by Karma Goodson and Logan Meagher, Wartburg College. Recognized for its compelling narrative and spotlight on an underreported community business making a meaningful impact. 

Honorable Mention 

The judges also recognized several outstanding entries with Honorable Mentions: 

• “Storm Lake’s Stray Solution” by Jacob Kriewald, Martell Watts, and Aydan Guenther, Buena Vista University 

• “St. Anthony Regional Hospital is Central to Care and Community in Carroll” by Max Pietig and Kiley Trecker, Iowa State University 

• “Behind the Scenes of a Dinner Date” by Matthew Forristal, Kaleb Sander, and Carter Griego, Buena Vista University 

Judges’ Perspective 

The panel of judges praised the winning entries for careful reporting, clear storytelling, and a strong sense of community impact. The student submissions examined how businesses and organizations respond to local needs, while also helping readers understand how economic decisions shape the lives of people and communities across Iowa. 

Judges also noted the value of pairing business and journalism students. The winning stories used evidence, narrative craft, and business understanding to produce journalism with both public value and local relevance. 

“The stories submitted this year highlight the power of local journalism to illuminate solutions and inspire change,” the judges noted. “These students are telling stories that matter—not only to their communities but to the future of responsible business.” 

About the Contest 

The Iowa Business-for-Good Journalism Contest is a statewide, dual-byline competition for college student teams pairing journalism and business students. Student reporting for the contest explores how businesses and organizations in Iowa create both economic value and societal benefit. Entries are evaluated on reporting, writing, use of data, and alignment with the “Business-for-Good” theme. 

The contest is organized by Drake University’s Zimpleman College of Business, the Drake School of Journalism and Mass Communication, the Iowa Newspaper Foundation, and the Business Record. The contest was established through a generous gift in honor of Mary-Anne Vieregger. 

Media Contact: 
Iowa Newspaper Association 
ina@inanews.com; 515-244-2145