Bloomsburg University Dog Pound Competition Encourages Young Entrepreneurs
Nathaniel Treichler of Northampton, 1st place winner at BU’s Dog Pound
Students from Bloomsburg University and high schools from across the state recently participated in a “Shark-Tank” style business competition on campus. Ideas ranged from regenerating human limbs to an app to help drivers find parking to running a café. The 2nd Husky Dog Pound competition was held April 26 at the Zeigler College of Business.
The University student portion of the competition consisted of several rounds of judging, starting with video presentations, followed by in-person presentations and judging. High school students had three minutes to present their ideas before three-person panels which included Chamber representatives Karen Wood, Board Chair (Service 1st Federal Credit Union); Fred Gaffney, President, and Jeff Emanuel, Director of the Chamber Foundation. The team of Tanner Vandermark and Connor Eyerly from Central Columbia High School finished third with their Rapido Pasta idea. Sawyer Kemp from Berwick High School placed eighth.
Tristan Peace of Watsontown, 2nd place at BU’s Dog Pound
The top B.U. student finishers received cash awards plus a one-year membership in the Chamber and access to the Chamber’s low-interest loan program. First place was Nathaniel Treichler from Northampton for Sleazy Greetings. Nathaniel also won the inaugural competition last year. Second place went to Tristan Peace from Watsontown with Creative Way Films. The team of Jimel Calliste and Dorron Hunt from Bloomsburg finished third with People’s Top Choice Transportation.
“As part of the Chamber’s purpose is to encourage new business development, we were pleased to be a part of the Husky Dog Pound which encourages entrepreneurism,” said Gaffney. Look for these students at upcoming Business After Hours.
Jimel Calliste and Dorron Hunt from Bloomsburg, 3rd place at BU’s Dog Pound