Written by: Colleen Frein, Greater Mason City Chamber of Commerce
It’s time to get the party started! The Chamber is bringing the spirit of New Orleans to the 110th Annual Meeting as we celebrate another year of accomplishments, recognize outstanding leaders and businesses, and, of course, have a little fun along the way. This year’s theme is a nod to the Greater Mason City Chamber of Commerce being named Chamber of the Year at the ACCE Annual Convention in New Orleans back in July of this year.
During the event, the Chamber will honor the recipients of the Business of the Year, Boss of the Year, Distinguished Citizen, Young Professional of the Year, and Ambassador of the Year awards. The Business of the Year and Boss of the Year categories each feature three outstanding finalists, with the winners to be announced during the Awards Ceremony at the Annual Meeting.
2026 BOSS OF THE YEAR FINALIST
Crystal Shellhart – Holiday Inn Express & Suites Mason City
Crystal Shellhart brings two decades of hospitality leadership to her role as General Manager of Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Mason City. Known for her hands-on approach, Crystal is never afraid to work alongside her team, whether helping with breakfast, stripping rooms, making beds, or stepping in wherever needed. She also served as head contractor during the hotel’s extensive year-and-a-half remodel while continuing to lead daily operations.
Under Crystal’s leadership, the hotel has earned the IHG Torchbearer Award for 10 consecutive years, along with the Pineapple Award and, most recently, Platinum Award status through the Global Awards. Her focus on teamwork, consistency, quality, and service has helped build an award-winning team and a welcoming environment for guests and employees alike.
Crystal is also an active supporter of the Chamber and community organizations, reflecting her belief that hospitality extends well beyond the hotel’s doors.
Joe Pritchard – Pritchard Companies
Joe Pritchard has spent more than four decades helping lead and grow Pritchard Companies, carrying forward a family automotive legacy that dates to 1913. A fourth-generation automotive professional who grew up in Britt, Joe has helped transform the family business into a nationally recognized automotive enterprise with nearly 400 employees across 14 locations.
His leadership has spanned nearly every facet of the industry, from operations and sales to strategic growth and innovation. Joe has earned numerous professional honors, including induction into the Iowa Automobile Dealers Association Hall of Fame, the Ford Hometown Hero Award, multiple Ford President’s Awards, and recognition from Automotive News for both leadership and workplace excellence.
Yet his impact extends well beyond the automotive industry. Joe has consistently invested in workforce development, community institutions, youth programs, and local businesses, demonstrating a leadership philosophy rooted in integrity, loyalty, and giving back to the communities Pritchard Companies serves.
Jon Prebeck – First Citizens Bank
Since joining First Citizens Bank in 2016, Jon Prebeck has brought energy, optimism, and a strong customer focus to his role as SVP Retail. A Fort Dodge native and University of Iowa graduate, Jon previously worked at a financial institution in Rochester, Minnesota, before coming to First Citizens.
His colleagues describe him as a positive, hands-on leader who supports employees, mentors coworkers, greets and visits customers, and consistently models the service he expects from his team. He is known for building genuine relationships with those around him and creating an environment where employees feel supported and encouraged to grow.
Jon was named one of the Independent Community Bankers of America’s 40 Under 40 in 2023 and graduated from the Graduate School of Banking at Colorado in 2025 following its intensive multi-year program. His commitment to leadership extends into the community as Treasurer of River City Kiwanis, a volunteer at Newman Catholic Schools, and a coach for many of his children’s sports teams.
Through both his professional and community involvement, Jon continues to demonstrate a willingness to give his time, share his experience, and invest in the people around him.
Jon and his wife, Tia, have four children: Stella, Lulu, Annie, and Rex.