4:00 PM Cocktail Reception
5:30 PM Dinner & Induction Ceremony
JA has a long, rich history of honoring community business leaders at the national and local level. Junior Achievement's U.S. Business Hall of Fame is located in the Enterprise permanent exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, IL. JA of Central Illinois founder, Louis B. Neumiller, former Chairman/CEO of Caterpillar, Inc., is an esteemed member of the Junior Achievement US Business Hall of Fame.
Through their accomplishments, Laureates serve as role models to the next generation of business leaders, many of who are currently Junior Achievement students.
5:30 PM Dinner & Induction Ceremony
JA has a long, rich history of honoring community business leaders at the national and local level. Junior Achievement's U.S. Business Hall of Fame is located in the Enterprise permanent exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, IL. JA of Central Illinois founder, Louis B. Neumiller, former Chairman/CEO of Caterpillar, Inc., is an esteemed member of the Junior Achievement US Business Hall of Fame.
Through their accomplishments, Laureates serve as role models to the next generation of business leaders, many of who are currently Junior Achievement students.
2026 Laureate Inductees
Meenakshy Aiyer MD
Regional Dean
University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria
Polly Barton
Philanthropic Leader
Glen Barton (posthumously)
Philanthropic Leader
Caterpillar Inc.
Keith Knepp MD
President
Carle Health Greater Peoria
2026 JA Regional Educator of the Year & Volunteer of the Year
Dr. Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat
Superintendent
Peoria Public Schools
Mark Geason
Vice President of Information Services
CEFCU
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