Bucks for Bright Ideas 2008 Award Winners Announced

	Dr. Ryan Wiesemann, DMD, MS (left) received the first place award from Chamber Vice President, Economic Development Dan Preston.
	Christopher Jack Adams (left) received the second place place award from CRICC Assistant Director Jeff Hook and Dan Preston.

BOWLING GREEN, KY-Entrepreneurs were recognized with praise on Wednesday night at the Western Kentucky University Center for Research and Development during the Bucks for Bright Ideas 2008 Reception, a publicly funded program that encourages residents in South Central Kentucky to move forward with their "bright ideas."

All who entered will receive one-on-one assistance from the Central Region Innovation & Commercialization (CRICC) and other business development experts in the region. South Central Kentucky residents with the best ideas, as determined by panel of local business leaders, received prizes. Dr. Ryan Wiesemann was awarded 1st place in the region, and Christopher Jack Adams received the 2nd place award.

Prior to entering the Bucks for Bright Ideas competition, Dr. Ryan Wiesemann, DMD, MS of Malchow, Lawless & Wiesemann Orthodontics in Bowling Green had been trying to develop a way to make orthodontics treatments easier and appointments shorter. He contacted Western Kentucky University's Small Business Accelerator to discuss his ideas, and from there was encouraged to submit his plan to the competition. "I have been thoroughly impressed with the staff at the ICC and the help that they provide. Jeff Hook, Joel Lenoire, and Chris Moore are quite informative and a lot of fun to work with." said Wiesemann.

Christopher Jack Adams of Edmonson County, chairman and founder of GSYS Military Products, LLC, develops 360-degree collision avoidance warning systems that can be retro-fitted on any equipment that has marker lights. Adams has been working closely with the economic development staff of the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and the ICC to build his business. "I'm honored to be recognized for my ideas through the Bucks for Bright Ideas competition," said Adams.

Jeff Hook, CRICC assistant director said, "We are very proud to have had a great competition and to award these prizes, but most importantly we want to help all participants take steps toward commercialization. There are many would-be entrepreneurs in our region, and a program like Bucks for Bright Ideas gives us a chance to help them all."

The 2008 competition was sponsored by the CRICC and the WKU Center for Research and Development, along with the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce/South Central Kentucky Regional Economic Development Partnership and the Hart County Chamber of Commerce.

"The Chamber is grateful for the opportunity to participate in a competition like Bucks for Bright Ideas," said Chamber Board of Directors Chairman Todd Davis. "Such a competition gives everyone involved a chance to share ideas, gain resources, and take steps toward building businesses."

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.