Participate in Bucks for Bright Ideas

Chamber Supports Contest for Business Owners, Entrepreneurs and Creative Thinkers

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

BOWLING GREEN, KY-The Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce encourages small business owners, entrepreneurs and creative thinkers to participate in the Bucks for Bright Ideas 2008 competition, an opportunity for those with great ideas, products or inventions to win cash prizes, gain assistance, and learn about funding sources.

Bucks for Bright Ideas is a publicly funded program that encourages residents in South Central Kentucky to move forward with their "bright ideas." Jeff Hook, assistant director of the Central Region Innovation & Commercialization (CRICC), said, "Many people in our region have innovative business ideas, but they need help taking the steps toward commercialization. The Bucks for Bright Ideas competition is designed to help them take the first steps and to give them a chance to turn their ideas into business realities!"

Bucks for Bright Ideas is sponsored by the CRICC and Western Kentucky University's Center for Research and Development, along with the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce/South Central Kentucky Regional Economic Development Partnership, the Franklin-Simpson Industrial Authority, the Franklin Simpson Chamber of Commerce, the Hart County Chamber of Commerce, and the Logan Economic Alliance for Development.

Anyone with a "bright idea" is encouraged to complete a six-question application describing their idea. All who enter will receive one-on-one assistance from the CRICC and other business development experts in the region. A reception will be held on January 13, 2009, at the CRICC in Bowling Green. The top entries will be announced at this time, with regional prizes of $1,000 to $2,000 being presented, as well as awards and prizes for specific categories.

"We at the Chamber are proud to support Bucks for Bright Ideas because it gives people in our region an opportunity to share their ideas with some of the top business development experts in the region," said Doug Gorman, chairman of the Chamber Board of Directors. "I'm excited to see what innovative ideas develop from this year's competition!"

Entries will be accepted until December 31, with awards presented on January 13, 2009. The application may be downloaded at www.cr-icc.com. For more information, contact Jeff Hook at 270-991-4944 or wjhook@insightbb.com.

Incorporated in 1935, the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce is the driving force for economic development in South Central Kentucky. As one of only 336 chambers nationwide to be accredited by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the fourth largest chamber in Kentucky, the Chamber serves as a premier business advocate for its more than 1,300 partners. 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.