By SARA GIBONEY
UNK Communications
KEARNEY – The Double-Sided Peanut Butter Jar has earned Adrienne Applegate of Kearney first place and $1,000 in the Central Nebraska Business Idea Contest.
More than 100 people attended the recent business idea competition at Cunningham’s Journal and voted for the top three finalists.
In its fourth year, the contest is sponsored by the Center for Rural Research and Development at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. This is the first year a UNK student has won the competition, which is open to the public.
A video of Applegate’s project – a peanut butter jar with lids on both ends – can be seen at http://youtu.be/uaAAqbzDeG4
The first-place prize was sponsored by the Economic Development Council of Buffalo County, second place by the UNK College of Business and Technology and third place by Invest Nebraska Corp.-Lincoln.
“Evaluation data shows that this event increased interest in entrepreneurship for 64 percent of the audience and submission participants,” said Shawn Kaskie, development director of the Center for Rural Research and Development. “Almost one-third reported they will likely start a business or continue improving their existing venture.”
Second place, and a $500 prize, went to Travis Haggard of Ogallala for his idea titled “High School-Operated Souvenir Shop.” The project can be viewed at http://youtu.be/mb_Ql7oH74o
Rick Duree of St. Louis received third place and $250 for his idea “XLR8,” which can be viewed at http://youtu.be/_B34keiieQo
The other seven finalists and their ideas were:
- Alise Perault of Kearney, Clean Dream;
- Katrina Anderson of Kearney, Crafty Ones;
- Elizabeth Lewis of Guide Rock, Created Daisy Jewelry Design;
- Kristi Fischer of Kearney, New to You;
- Robert Bombeck of Scotia, Budget Cart;
- Jeffrey Olson of North Platte, Ebay Store; and
- Chris Dier of Kearney, The Pig Farm.
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Source: Shawn Kaskie, 308.865.8199, kaskiesc@unk.edu
Writer: Sara Giboney, 308.865.8529, giboneys2@unk.edu
