• Winners of the 11th annual Arkansas State University Innovate Business Idea Competition were announced recently after 31 students from across the university presented a full business plan or a 90-second elevator pitch to a panel of judges. Winning students have the option to compete in the Governor's Cup in the spring.
Bret Fuller of Piggott tied for first place in the business plan track with "Engine Alert," an on-board automotive diagnostics reader that pairs with a mobile application, and alerts and instructs drivers when their car isn't functioning properly.
Third place in the business plan competition was awarded to "AJN Productions." Andrew Doonan of Bryant, and James (J. Mark) Lewis and Noah Burden, both of Jonesboro, pitched their idea for chemically-infused hammocks and blankets that repel ticks and mosquitoes without using traditionally harmful chemicals or leaving a sticky texture on the skin, allowing users to sleep under the stars in peace.
Second place and the award for most innovative elevator pitch went to "No Hands Camera Arms," pitched by Gunner Faulkner of Paragould. The proposed product is a camera arm that allows bow hunters to capture the thrilling moments of their hunt without impeding their ability to bag their chosen prey.
Third-place went to Michele Gleason of Diamond Bar, Calif., for her pitch of "Missy's Cafe." As a non-traditional student with years of experience managing in the food service industry, Gleason pitched an idea for a trendy, health-oriented cafe with coffee, tea and dessert offerings in a comfortable and dog-friendly atmosphere.
• Maumelle Charter High School is proud to congratulate senior Caleb McGill for being one of two students chosen from Arkansas to receive a Presidential Nomination to the Air Force Academy. Caleb is one of only 100 students nationwide to receive a direct nomination from the president of the United States and will join the top tier of students accepted to such a highly competitive program. Caleb, a resident of Maumelle and the son of Rob and Pam McGill, has worked hard academically and through extracurricular activities to achieve a 34 on the ACT and 4.15 GPA.
Arkansas Achievers is an opportunity to give recognition to Arkansans for their achievements.
Civilian and military achievements are accepted.
Please follow these guidelines:
Achiever(s):
1) Must be an Arkansan or have graduated from a school in Arkansas.
2) Received an award, scholarship, medal or promotion.
Pageants, deans' lists, graduations or military enlistments are not accepted.
No photographs please.
To submit an Achiever email us at news@arkansasonline.com with the words "Arkansas Achievers" in the subject line.
Metro on 12/15/2019