Submissions Now Accepted for “Bucks for Bright Ideas”

Contact:
Jessica M.L. Thompson, Communications Director
270-781-3200; jessica@bgchamber.com

Jeff Hook, Central Region Innovation & Commercialization Center
270-901-3490; william.hook@wku.edu

BOWLING GREEN, KY—Western Kentucky University’s Center for Research & Development and the Central Region Innovation & Commercialization Center are once again hosting a Bucks for Bright Ideas competition. Applications will be accepted through April 15, 2011.

Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce Chairman Rodney Rogers encourages Chamber partners to participate in the competition. “My theme for the year is Aligning Business with Opportunity. We’re working with a task force to promote small business ownership and entrepreneurism in South Central Kentucky, and a competition like Bucks for Bright Ideas gives everyone a chance to share their ideas with business experts and receive recognition for their work.”

Bucks for Bright Ideas is a publicly funded program that encourages South Central Kentucky residents to submit their ideas, products or inventions for a competition in which $25,000 in donated business services are available.

Residents must submit an application and a description of their idea, product or invention to be eligible for the competition. Applications are available on www.bucksforbrightideas.com. The descriptions remain confidential and will be viewed only by those necessary to process the applications for awards. There is no charge to enter this contest.

In addition to being eligible for prizes and business services, all applicants will receive free one-on-one assistance for their submission.

“Many people in our region of the state have innovative ideas that could become the foundation for a new business,” Jeff Hook, director of operations for the Central Region ICC, said. “Some of those people need help moving forward toward commercialization and the Central Region ICC is here to help with that effort.”

Winners will be announced at a banquet for all contest entrants on April 28 at The Center for Research & Development.

More information about the contest can be found at www.bucksforbrightideas.com or by contacting Jeff Hook at the Central Region Innovation & Commercialization Center: 270-901-3490 or william.hook@wku.edu.

About the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce:
Incorporated in 1935, the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce is a 5-Star Accredited Chamber by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and was named the 2009 Chamber of the Year by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives. As the fourth largest chamber in Kentucky, the Chamber serves as a premier business advocate for its more than 1,300 partners and is the driving force for economic development in South Central Kentucky. Its primary goals are to promote growth and success in the business community, reaching its small business partners and those in large industries alike. With leadership programs, governmental relations projects, educational initiatives and involvement opportunities, the Chamber aims to support the community and its neighbors in order to enhance the business climate and continue to grow the region.