Sheboatin’ Proves First-Rate at Hatch Pitch Sheboygan County
By Ray York, Business Counselor for the Sheboygan County Economic Development Corporation (SCEDC) and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at UW-Green Bay
Sheboygan County, WI – One of the objectives of the Sheboygan County Economic Development Corporation (SCEDC) is to stimulate entrepreneurship in Sheboygan County. The SCEDC partnered with New North and BrightStar Wisconsin (BSW) to bring Hatch Pitch Sheboygan County, an idea pitch contest, to Sheboygan County. The event was held Thursday, November 14, at the Miley Barn at Nourish, located in Sheboygan Falls.
Congratulations to Justin Vannieuwenhoven for placing first with his idea for ‘Sheboatin’! Justin owns multiple businesses in Sheboygan County and has won pitch competitions in the past; his experience proved first-rate and earned the $2,000 prize money.
Michael Jaber took the $1,000 second place slot for his unique ‘Mash Machine’ idea. Michael is a Sheboygan County teacher and showcased his music machine that allows people to create fun beats on an innovative platform.
“We are fortunate to have talent like Justin and Michael in Sheboygan County,” said Gary Dulmes, Chair of the SCEDC. “We have the best, brightest, and most industrious workforce in the state, and Justin and Michael represent the incredible talent that is right in our backyard. Their innovation is a prime example of how Sheboygan County competes on a global scale, and how we continue to recruit and retain talent for our employers.”
The competition provided an opportunity for eight groups to share their ideas. “It was great to see the age range of the contestants and a variety of ideas,” stated Mary, a member of the audience. “My favorite idea was Jerry Scott’s ‘Port-A-Prop;’ it seems the most versatile, and something that could be brought to market quickly. VibeTech gave a solid pitch and the two high school groups that presented had very creative ideas.”
The winner of “The People’s Choice” award at Hatch Pitch Sheboygan County was a group from a program called INCubatorEdu@SHS for their ‘Table Time’ idea. Congratulations to Shara Becker, Madison Griessmeyer, Mai Kou Lee, and Sheboygan South High School for grooming our future entrepreneurs!
The SCEDC encourages all to attend the New North Summit on Thursday, December 5th to cheer on Sheboygan County’s winning pitchers, Justin and Michael, who will be competing against six others at the KI Convention Center in Green Bay. They will have an opportunity to claim $5,000 for first place and $3,000 for second place. You can register for the event by following this link.
The SCEDC would like to thank our sponsors, Carbliss and 3 Sheeps Brewing, for their assistance with Hatch Pitch Sheboygan County. Also, thank you to SCEDC client Marc Luecke of Solutions Catering LLC for providing our guests with an exquisite menu of hors d’oeuvres. Lastly, thank you to our judges, Dave Sachse, Collette Sizer, Tara Carr, and Britanni Meinnert, and Master of Ceremonies Jim Rosetti for volunteering their time in our efforts; we are fortunate to have these individuals, and their unique skillset, in Sheboygan County driving entrepreneurship forward.
Sheboygan County benefits from a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem. Partnering with the New North and BSW provided another option for area entrepreneurs to get their ideas in front of resources that could help launch their business idea. The SCEDC and the Small Business Development Center at UW-Green Bay are resources for local entrepreneurs that work with businesses throughout all stages, from ideation to planning, to financing strategies while helping drive execution and positive results. Opportunity is a landmark of economic success and when Sheboygan County works together, we drive more success in our communities!
For more information about SCEDC entrepreneurial services please email or call at York@SheboyganCountyEDC.com or call (920)452-2479
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The Sheboygan County Economic Development Corporation (SCEDC) is a countywide private/public partnership, leading economic development efforts to improve the economic wellbeing and long-term prosperity of the businesses, residents and communities of Sheboygan County, through collaborative retention, expansion and attraction efforts for business and employment development. The SCEDC leverages a variety of tools available to encourage business growth and job creation. Key performance indicators tapped by SCEDC track and measure businesses assisted and resources leveraged. By applying many tools to assist businesses and communities and help them succeed, SCEDC achieves increased economic prosperity for Sheboygan County.
