Moore County Schools to host “Idea Challenge”
WHO:
Freshman to Senior students from Union Pines and Pinecrest High Schools.
WHAT:
Formerly known as Moore County Schools’ version of “Shark Tank,” Idea Challenge gives students an opportunity to “pitch” their business ideas to community leaders who will act as judges and determine the winners for Best Overall Idea, Best Startup Idea and Most Growable Idea.
WHERE:
Little River Golf and Resort, 500 Little River Farm Blvd, Carthage
WHEN:
Thursday, May 18 from 9:30-12 p.m. Awards presented at 1:15 p.m. Open to the public.
WHY:
“Idea Challenge” provides students with experience in developing and presenting a business idea in a formal competition setting. To qualify to compete, students must be a current or former Career & Technical Education student or a member of a Career & Technical Student Organization. Students develop skills in marketing, entrepreneurship and formal presentations.
A total of 16 students are participating; four as individuals and the rest in two or three-person teams.
JUDGES:
Cameron Cruse, COO and co-founder of R. Riveter. In 2016, along with her partner, Lisa Bradley, Ms. Cruse competed on ABC’s “Shark Tank” and won an agreement to partner with billionaire Mark Cuban. R. Riveter produces unique, military-inspired handbags and provides a flexible, mobile income to military spouses nationwide. She has a master’s degree in architecture from the Savannah College of Art and Design.
Linda Parsons, President and CEO of the Moore County Chamber of Commerce. Before moving to Southern Pines, Ms. Parsons served as Deputy Director for Ohio Governor George Voinovich and Governor Bob Taft from 1995-2000, and as the Manager of Special Programs for the Ohio Chamber of Commerce from 2000-2004. She has a bachelor’s degree in politics and government with a double minor in history and sociology from Ohio Wesleyan University.
Hunter Wortham, Chief Development Officer at Penick Village. Mr. Wortham is a former Assistant Vice Chancellor of Advancement at UNC-Pembroke, a Major Gifts Officer for the Colleges of Science and Education at Old Dominion University, and Director of Advancement at Chesapeake Bay Academy in Virginia Beach. He has a bachelor’s degree from James Madison University and an MBA from the University of Phoenix.
