For Immediate Release

Two share top prize in county’s Big Idea contest

There are times when two definitely is better than one.

Such is the case for the Big Idea Contest, which ran during the month of February in Jefferson County.

Sponsored locally by Progress Alliance through a partnership with the MCBI Regional Incubator for Entrepreneurs and TechGROWTH Ohio, the contest drew 17 entries, one of the highest totals in the nine participating counties.

After the judging process was completed, two county residents tied for the top spot.

The Jefferson County winners are:

·         Willis Sears of Steubenville for his Automatic Dispensing System idea.

·         Holly Minch-Hick of Mingo Junction, for her idea centered on a baby travel and leisure system.

“After reviewing the outstanding entries received in our county, I thought the judges would have a difficult time selecting just one winner,” said Ed Looman, executive director of Progress Alliance. “My hunch proved correct. I want to congratulate both Mr. Sears and Ms. Minch-Hick and I look forward to working with them to turn their ideas into realities.”

Sears’ idea involves developing a kitchen appliance that would be used to store and dispense sugar and/or coffee creamer. 

In his contest entry, Sears noted his product would replace the now outdated ways consumers store and add sugar or powered create to coffee, tea and hot or cold cereal at home.

“The current methods are typical container and spoon or open and pour types. The A.D.S. eliminates all the clutter, the mess, the fuss and provides a simple by modern and effective alternative to add to any kitchen in the U.S. and abroad,” he wrote.

The idea submitted by Minch-Hick would create a product consisting of a typical travel system (infant car seat, base for an automobile, and a stroller, which a car seat attaches to) but her invention would also include a base for the car seat that could be used at home.

“When the car seat is placed in the base, it simulates the movement of a car providing vibration and feeling of movement, which provides comfort to many children,” she noted in her contest entry summary. “There also will be an option to turn a white noise sound machine in the base. Research shows infants find white noise to be very calming.”

Both Sears and Minch-Hick will receive cash prizes for sharing the top county prize in addition to receiving business services. They also will now compete for additional prizes and services at the regional level and will be able to attend a series of free business plan workshops conducted by the MCBI.

Looman noted each contestant will be contacted soon to start the process of developing their ideas.  Each contestant also will be encouraged to participate in the upcoming Business Plan Boot Camp sponsored by the MCBI. He added the county winners will be recognized at Progress Alliance’s second annual Best of Jefferson County Awards Dinner, scheduled for Monday, March 29 at St. Florian Hall.

Business services for the county winner will be provided by Blake, Hershey and Bednar Attorneys at Law, Tri-State Financial Services, Minor Insurance, D’Anniballe and Company Inc. and EM-Media.

Tri-State Financial, Minor Insurance and The Herald Star served as the primary sponsors of the county contest.

Other counties involved include Belmont, Coshocton, Guernsey, Harrison, Monroe, Morgan, Muskingum and Noble. 

 (For More Information, Contact Progress Alliance At 283-2476.)

Contact information for winners:

Willis Sears—(740) 282-5144

Holly Minch-Hick—(740) 535-1958