Best in the West finalists announced
Best in The West
The 2011 judging committee listens to Best in The West presentations. From left; Thom Leonard of Calista Corporation, Mary Pete of UAF Kuskokwim Campus, Jerry Drake of Bethel Community Services Foundation and Colleen Laraux of Donlin Gold.
The 10 finalists in the Best in the West small business competition were recently announced by Yupiit Piciryarait Cultural Center/ University of Fairbanks Kuskokwim Campus. Thirteen individuals applied.
Entrants in the competition, open to all Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta residents, develop business plans and present them to a panel of judges in order to be awarded business start-up prizes ranging from $2,000 to $8,000.
The competition began in July with application assistance workshops, and this week workshops on business plan development, budget, market analysis and presentations were held.
The final presentations will be made to the selection committee on Sept. 5 at YPCC.
This year’s finalists are
• Marie Alfred, Marie’s
• Patty Burley, Raven Fabrics and More
• Sean Denning-Barnes, D.B. Studios
• Francine Chiklak, Ar naq
• Joan Dewey, Bethel Canine Boarding
• Katie Ellsworth, Cosy Kusko Cuddlers
• Tina Harness, Urban Astaq
• Donald Hagedorn, Icy Raven Candy
• Julie McWilliams, Let’s Get Growing
• Moses Tulim, Mo’s Arts.
Six organizations have joined with KuC/YPCC to support the competition with cash prizes, Bethel Community Services Foundation, Bethel Native Corporation, Association of Village Council Presidents, Orutsararmuit Native Council, Calsita Corporation and Donlin Creek LLC.
For information about the program contact Reyne Athanas, 543-4538 or rmathanas@alaska.edu.