McPherson Chamber Announces 2019 YEC Results
An incredibly talented class of entrepreneurs used their imaginations to create new services, new products and new ways of filling the needs of a community. At the 2019 Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge hosted by the McPherson Chamber in association with the NetWork Kansas E-Community Partnership, the students presented their business concepts to a panel of judges. They showed confidence in their business proposals during their 4-minute presentations and had visual slides of data to back it up. Having submitted their executive summary of financial information and target market research to be judged prior to the YEC, they still had to complete the third part of the competition, the tradeshow. Once again, the students shined with enthusiasm in communicating their business ideas and had visual displays that showcased their talents.
While there were 6 judges for the 3 portions of the competition, the public was invited to attend the tradeshow and cast their vote for the People’s Choice award. Congratulations to Clayton Everhart and Jaden Fox with their impressive tradeshow display and sales pitch for Chip’n Charge Tennis. Photos from the 2019 YEC can be seen on the McPherson Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.
After the competition portion of the event, students and guests had the opportunity to hear from entrepreneur Zack Singleton with Central States Marketing & Manufacturing. Singleton shared some helpful advice, what new concept he is working on now, and experiences he has encountered while getting established in the business world.
The Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge consisted of 13 students and 12 business plans from Taylor Stucky’s McPherson High School Business and Entrepreneurship class. Although the McPherson YEC is only in its second year, it has already revealed many talented entrepreneurs who may be our next generation of business leaders.
The winning concepts for the 2019 Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge were awarded to the following students. Third place certificate and a check for $300 went to Maddie Dobson, with Light Bulb Designs and the second place winner of $500 was Blade Anderson with Blades Freight. The 2019 YEC first place winner and recipient of $750 is Gus Ruddle with his miniature golf business called Gus Putt. In addition to prize money and recognition, Ruddle has the opportunity to compete in the Kansas Entrepreneurship Challenge on April 28, 2020 in Manhattan.
Well done MHS students! We hope you will pursue the path of entrepreneurship and put your ideas into motion.
Pictured below: 2019 Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge: Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Debbie Hawkinson along with Ciara Thyfault of NetWork Kansas, the YEC winners, Gus Ruddle, Blade Anderson and Maddie Dobson, and their Business and Entrepreneurship teacher Taylor Stucky. *See more pictures on the McPherson Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.
