Over 250 Attended Community Pitch Night to Support Local Entrepreneurship
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Over 250 Attended Community Pitch Night to Support Local Entrepreneurship
MARION, INDIANA, Thursday, October 17th 2019 – 250 locals filled the lobby of Ridley Tower on Oct 5th 2019 for Community Pitch Night, Marion’s very own Shark Tank-style competition. The three finalists, Obi’s Barbecue, Echo, and Elevate Wellness Solutions, had 10 minutes to present their business concept and 5 minutes to answer questions from the four judges: Nate Feltman, David Hartley, Joanie Howard, and Angie Rose Howell.
The Grand Prize, valued at over $30,000, included accounting, legal, marketing, and commercial banking assistance as well as a 1-year free lease in Downtown Marion’s Ridley Tower. Obi’s Barbecue, founded by Jeff Richardson, won the Grand Prize as well as the $5,000 Audience Choice Award. Echo, a community art gallery initiative founded by Tashema Davis, won the Second Place Prize Package: a three-month Pop-up Space in the beautifully remodeled Boston Hill Center as well as strategic planning, legal, and accounting assistance. The third contestant, Elevate Wellness Solutions founded by Andrew Doyle, was offered a bonus prize of 6 months free rent at Ridley Tower from Mike Halstead.
Tashema Davis, the founder of Echo, said: “[Community Pitch Night] was overwhelming great! This is something I’ve always wanted to do, and this experience pushed me into doing it. I am so happy that I did.”
Community Pitch Night was recognized by innovators and business professionals all over the state. Michele Kitch, Senior Manager for KPMG, spoke highly of the event: “…what a creative approach! What a great way to incubate new companies!”
After Community Pitch Night, people flooded Washington St for an outdoor after-party filled with food trucks, drinks, and live music. Local bands Incas, Herbwurm, and We Love You performed along Washington St, across from the Boston Hill Center.
D.J. Roberson, from local band Herbwurm, appreciated the opportunity to perform in Downtown Marion. “We rarely get local opportunities to perform, so this was a unique opportunity. Thank you for having us. We had a blast!”
Even after the successful event, the work doesn’t stop for the Growth Council or any of the participating entrepreneurs. The Growth Council is working alongside the three finalists Obi’s Barbecue, Echo, and Elevate Wellness Solutions as well as the twenty-two other entrepreneurs that applied for Community Pitch Night to help them succeed in Grant County. Check the Growth Council’s website or social media handles for updates on the Community Pitch Night winners.
Media Contact:
Mikayla Marazzi || (765) 662-0650
mmarazzi@grantcounty.com
www.grantcounty.com
The beautifully renovated Ridley Tower.
Congratulations to Obi’s Barbecue, the Grand Prize and Audience Choice winner!
Congratulations to Echo, our Second Prize Winner!
Congratulations to Elevate for receiving a six-month lease!
The audience listening to the pitches.
