DECEMBER 7, 2007
BRATTLEBORO, Vt. — Ten community businesspeople have agreed to serve as judges for Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation’s 2008 Business Plan Competition. Six of them have participated in previous years’ competitions.
Phil Steckler, of Country Business, Inc.; Dwight Williams, of Key Bank; Dart Everett, of Everett Real Estate Services; and Ed Kunttu, of Merchants Bank in Bellows Falls, are veterans of each Business Plan Competition since the first in 2006. Cheryl Bedard, of Vermont Circuits, and recently retired entrepreneur Marjorie Sayer served as judges in last year’s competition.
First-time judges this year are Debbie Boyle, of Chittenden Bank; Jill Zachery, of ROV Technologies; Kevin Meyer, of Mary Meyer Toys; and Ralph Meima, of the Marlboro College MBA program.
The judges will evaluate the preliminary entries and select the finalists in each category, Existing Businesses and Start-up Businesses. Once the finalists are chosen and announced on January 14, 2008, five of the ten judges will be assigned to each category. They will then hear the final presentations and announce the winners on March 12.
The purpose of BDCC’s annual Business Plan Competition is to help raise awareness in the community about small business and entrepreneurship, and to encourage new business development by helping interested community members develop viable business plans, gain public attention and earn financial rewards. More information, including a detailed schedule and list of rules, may be obtained on the website http://bdccbusinessplancompetition.com, or by linking to Entrepreneurial Support.
BDCC is a private, nonprofit economic development organization that serves as a catalyst for industrial and commercial growth in Windham County. Its primary objective is to create and retain a flourishing business community that supports vibrant fiscal activity and improves the quality of life of all the county’s residents. Founded in 1954, BDCC is one of 12 Vermont Regional Development Corporations. It owns and manages the Cotton Mill industrial park/incubator and the new business park at the former Book Press building, among other facilities.
For more information about BDCC, call 802-257-7731 or e-mail bdcc@sover.net.