SOUTH POINT — The 2009 Pitch Your Plan participants from Lawrence County were recognized at a recent Chamber of Commerce meeting. Ryan Mapes, The Ohio State University South Centers introduced the participants, gave a description of the competition requirements and participant gave a brief description of their business.

Colleen Griffiths – Undiscovered Radio Network, Inc. Undiscovered Radio is a production company specializing in syndicated commercial broadcast radio programs featuring independent music. Undiscovered Radio programs are weekly one and two hour music programs and long form at specialty shows. Each program is unique in its focus on independent and unsigned artists.

Undiscovered Radio has played several thousand artists over the past few years.

They currently have a two-hour program that airs undiscovered rock and alternative format — playing 20 to 25 songs from different independent artists. You can review the show and markets at www.UndiscoveredRadioNetwork.com or connect www.myspace.com/undiscoveredradionetwork .

Colleen won second place in the Pitch Your Plan Competition and received $2500.

About the competition Colleen said, “I think the competition was a wonderful opportunity to expose people to my idea. One of the frustrating things that I encounter being an Ironton-based media company is that there are no others like me so it is fun to get to educate other business people on my business. I also appreciate being introduced to a lot of people that can open doors and expose me to opportunities for my company.”

Jeff Huddleston – Country Nites. Jeff presented plans to establish the Country Nites Tavern in Ironton, Ohio. Jeff has taken an informational survey of interest in the Ironton area and found much interest in just the kind of tavern Jeff hopes to establish.

He has broad industry experience, high standards and professionalism behind the bar. He will offer a clean, safe place for entertainment and relaxation.

The tavern will have dancing, live music, signature drinks and appetizers—just a great place to meet new people. Huddleston will adhere to extremely high standards of customer service.

About the competition Jeff said, “The competition broadened my horizons. I was able to look at the possibilities for this area to increase not just my business but other potential business partners too.”

Dennis Thornton – Thornton’s Custom Cabinets and Supply. Dennis presented plans to expand his current shop space and have a store front to help service customer needs. Dennis builds everything including molding, shelves, custom cabinets (like china cabinets and hutches), as well as full kitchen and bathroom cabinet sets.

Dennis can customize each product to meet specific customer needs. Many items are one of a kind – clients go to Dennis with an idea or a picture, and he can typically design and build something to either match the idea or picture. All of his products are made from solid hardwoods and cabinet grade plywood.

He believes the willingness to work with his customers to design and build products to meet their specific needs sets him apart from most other providers who have more standardized products and charge a significant premium for customization. Some examples of his work can be found at www.tcabs.com or if you have questions, email dthornton@tcabs.com or call 740-534-0696.

Bob Smith, director of Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce honored the Pitch Your Plan participants with a one-year membership to the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce. Smith said, “The Pitch Your Plan competition is just an excellent idea of creation and we thank you so much for your competitive spirit,” and presented participants with a plaque and a packet containing chamber information.

Smith said, “I think one of the things we have often been missing with small business in Lawrence County Ohio is the opportunity to share – to share ideas and to share plans and to share dreams and I think being a member of the Chamber of Commerce and this kind of a competition brings that opportunity to people. I just think this is a wonderful opportunity for these people and we are happy to be here to congratulate them for all the things that they have achieved.”

Other supporters of Lawrence County small business development congratulated the participants. George Moore with US Bank said, “The thing in Lawrence County I’m really impressed with, and is working very well, is the cooperativeness of this community.”

Dan Mooney, president of the Lawrence Economic Development Corporation said, “Lawrence County boasts being the fourth lowest in unemployment rate so we are very pleased with all of the good things going on in Lawrence County, there is a lot of development and number of programs going on. Unfortunately, economic development takes an extremely long time to get anything done, but when you have innovative ideas and concepts coming from people like this Pitch Your Plan program. It is good to know that there are people that still have that entrepreneurial spirit that want to put that to work and employ people in Lawrence County, Ohio. We are very fortunate, and of course we congratulate these winners and we certainly encourage more participation in the program; it’s great.”

For more information regarding the 2010 Pitch Your Plan Competition or free confidential business counseling from The Ohio State University South Centers Business Development Network, contact Joy Bauman at 740.289.2071 Ext. 111 or e-mail jbauman@ag.osu.edu.