project innovation contest sangamon county il

2011 CONTEST WINNERS

In May 2011, Project Innovation awarded $44,000 to participating local innovators. These award winners each presented innovative ideas that will have a positive economic impact on our community.

 

                                                                               Photo courtesy Terry Farmer Photography

(l to r) Erich Bloxdorf; Grand Prize Winners Jim Norris and Mark Gazda

Grand Prize Winner of $20,000: Jim Norris and Mark Gazda of Springfield, IL

Innovation: Propel Doors; Automated Barn Doors

Propel Doors is a system for automating exiting large sliding shed barn doors. Propel doors offer a complete system to control large sliding doors for barns and machine sheds. Propel doors automation system is available as a DIY or installer kit for owners of existing buildings. It will soon be available through pole barn as an option on new construction.

“We are grateful to The Chamber and Q5 for allowing us this great opportunity,” said Jim Norris, co-owner of Propel Doors.  “The prize money will provide a significant boost in helping us to build a strong Sangamon County-based business that brings jobs into our community.”

 

                                                                                  Photo courtesy Terry Farmer Photography

(l to r) Erich Bloxdorf; Innovation Winners Michael Ledger and Mike Nellessen

Innovation Winner of $5,000: Michael Ledger and Mike Nellessen

of Springfield, IL

Innovation: Nellybean.com

Nellybean.com is an electronic coupon business. The goal is to provide Merchants access to a new and growing population of potential customers. It also provides individuals access to discounts offered by a wide range of local Merchants. Individual Members can register for free at Nellybean.com.  

 

“Nellybean.com is a project Michael and I have been working on for a while.  We’ve had a little bit of marketing out in the community but the exposure we received through Project Innovation has been tremendous,” says Mike Nellessen.

 

Acceleration Winners:

  • $10,000 Damon Dennis and Bob Harbor; Farm and Tech
    Arctic Thaw Heated Hose Kit
  • $5,000 Brian Dunaway; Air Filtration Products
    Air Filtration Products

 

Innovation Winners:

  • $3,000 Michael Covington and Cuyler Coleman; Chain Lube
    Chain Lube Guard
  • $1,000 Michael Kirchoff and Bob Luther; Toolgate Workstation
    Toolgate Workstation

Our Esteemed Judges

Judges for all Project Innovation contests are from various businesses and organizations with the goal of assessing the business viability of the innovations presented. Judges reviewed all entries meeting the criteria of the contest, and the finalist presentations.

Our 2011 Judges:
  • Bruce Sommer, Bluestem Ventures
  • Jason Wrone, Open Prairie Ventures
  • Tom Gihl, Q5 Advisory Board and Illinois National Bank
  • Ron McNeil, University of Illinois Springfield
  • Michelle Tjelmeland, e-websmart
  • John Farrell, Illinois Ventures for Community Action
  • Tim Hoerr, Serra Ventures
  • Walt Lafferty, The State Journal-Register
  • Valerie Ross, U.S. Small Business Administrations

Supporting Organizations:

Mid-Illinois Medical District, Quantum Growth Partnership (Q5), The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine and Bluestem Ventures

For more information, or contact information for the award winners, please contact Mikal Sutton, Director of Workforce and Medical Development at 217.525-1173 or msutton@gscc.org

 
 
Project Innovation Encouraging & Rewarding Innovative Thinkers in Sangamon County Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce Quantum Growth Partnership