Ted Bair was a loyal and dedicated supporter of entrepreneurs in Iowa.  Ted was also a dear friend to those who knew and worked with him.  Ted gave generously of his time to support clients, share his network, and help grow entrepreneurship, not just at Iowa State, but across the state.  Ted was a stalwart supporter of the Pappajohn Centers for Entrepreneurship and the Iowa Small Business Development Centers.

Ted held a special place in his heart for the students and alumni who participated in the Pappajohn Center’s CYstarters entrepreneurship summer accelerator program.  Ted was instrumental in the development of the accountability and mentoring aspects of the program, spending countless hours guiding young entrepreneurs through the startup process.  Ted was a part of our team and will forever be a part of our CYstarters family.

Thanks to the generous contributions of those who knew Ted, we have created the Ted Bair CYstarters Award to be given to a student, alumnus, educator, or mentor involved in the CYstarters program.  The award(s) may be given annually to a participant who embodies the characteristics that we attribute to our friend and colleague, Ted Bair.  The STUDENT award will be a monetary $1,000 cash award.  A non-monetary SUPPORTER award may be given to a mentor, educator, or alumnus of the program.

This was Ted:

• Ted was passionate about everything he set his mind to doing, including his work, his play, and his family.
• Respectful. When meeting with a client or colleague, Ted was 100 percent attentive and respectful, always.
• Ted was a classy gentleman in every sense of the word — in his dress, in his manners, and in his interactions with others.
• Great Work Ethic. Ted was disciplined, punctual, and was totally accountable for his word, his actions, and his performance.
• Cheerleader. No one ever left Ted’s office without feeling supported, encouraged, or appreciated.
• Giver. Ted was a self-proclaimed giver.  We were all recipients of his gifts and graciousness.
• Ted Showed Up. Ted’s famous words  — “Whatever you do, show up!”  Ted fulfilled his promises and commitments, treated people with respect and focus, and cared deeply for others.  His reliability and commitment are unmatched.

This award is not application-based but will be given through a nomination from others in the program or based on staff’s recognition of a participant’s characteristics that align with Ted’s values and personality.  If you would like to nominate someone for the award, please submit a 250-500 word statement about how the nominee displays the characteristics described.