College of Business announces finalists for 2009 business plan competition

November 5, 2009 -- Five business plans have been announced to the finals of Arkansas State University’s 2009 College of Business Plan Competition. Oral presentations will be Monday, Nov. 16, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the new Delta Center for Economic Development, 319 University Loop West, on the ASU-Jonesboro campus. The event will be open to the public.

Thirty-nine total students submitted 10 undergraduate plans, including six from ASU-Jonesboro and four from ASU-Beebe, for review by judges from the College of Business. Judges narrowed the group to five finalists who will deliver presentations to a new panel of judges Nov. 16. Winners will be announced approximately two hours after the final presentation. Monetary prizes of $500, $250, and $125 will be given to the top three plans. 

“We are so proud to have a record number of submissions for this year’s business plan competition,” said Dr. Erick P.C. Chang, assistant professor of Management. “It’s especially exciting because this is only the second year for the competition and there has been so much interest.”

The five finalists include, from ASU-Beebe, “Hometownonlinemarket.com” with team members Charlene Chambers, Jeff Craig, Andy Hall, Courtney Lloyd, and Rebecca Kee. This plan is centered on an online grocery shop that provides time-saving and cost-effective solutions to the grocery shopping experience. 

“The PoliticalFacts.com,” with team members Elizabeth Sewell, Ashley Parchman, Zachary Roberson, and Ryan Hames, is a social networking website that generates advertising revenues by providing information on state and local politicians.

From ASU-Jonesboro, “Book Smart” is a small business that manufactures and sells an extraordinary variety of book safes which are easy in concept and yield high value to its owners by allowing them to store valuables while keeping them concealed. Team members are John Mooney, Logan Jones, Mathew Cain, Cody Mann, and Randall Mathes.

“Livenotexist.com” is an online calendar of events for the community that allows local businesses and attractions to advertise for specific days and receive publicity for specific venues. Team members are Chris Milum, Garret Ferguson, Ryan Beaird, and Billy Moyer.

The fifth finalist is “The Southern Boy Bakery,” which is a bakery that will provide the Jonesboro area with a place to get freshly baked products and elaborate specialty cakes and will  provide good service. Team members are Rachel Carroll, Joseph Deken, Scott Hunter, and Jennifer McGinnis.

“In addition to our five finalists, I also want to congratulate the other entries which include Banded Mallard Co.; Jonesboro Bike Shop; Payne’s Event Coordination, Inc.; Reprocessors Unlimited LLC; and Whistlers’ Restaurant,” said Dr. Chang.

For more information about the College of Business Plan Competition, contact Dr. Chang at echang@astate.edu or (870) 972-3430.

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