T E X A R K A N A M A G A Z I N E
BY ANNI BI SHOP
Some of the most successful companies in America began with a single person and an idea. Thomas Edison had the right idea when he said, “I find out what the world needs. Then I go ahead and try to invent it.” Texarkana, USA is full of businesses that have started with a unique idea and a passion
to grow our community. Maybe you have an idea that you feel would greatly benefit the community of Texarkana. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you had a way to get a jump start on making that idea a reality? What if our recent college graduates were presented with the possibility of starting their very own companies right here in Texarkana instead of taking their brilliant ideas to other larger cities? Here is the opportunity your creative minds have been waiting for. A team of local sponsors who are committed to drawing and retaining the brightest minds of our area will hold an entrepreneurial competition cleverly called Pitch It Texarkana! This event will be held at Crossties Event Venue in Downtown Texarkana on March 31, where aspiring entrepreneurs will “pitch” their products, services and technological ideas to a panel of judges for a chance to win $5,000. The second-place winner will receive $2,500, while third place will be awarded $1,000. Contestants will have exactly three minutes to “wow” the judges. This panel of local professionals will be looking for authentic and innovative ideas that will benefit the Texarkana area and further draw more talent and possibility.
Natalie Haywood, Director of Events and Communication at the Texarkana USA Regional Chamber of Commerce, explained the details of this event and described how it got its start. The idea for Pitch It Texarkana! all started a couple of years ago when Mason White, Lesley Ledwell Dukelow, Steve Mayo, Ina McDowell, Brad Bailey and Judy Morgan were attending a Strategic Doing Workshop hosted by Leadership Texarkana. Strategic Doing lays out an approach to community development created by author Ed Morrison. Its goal is to “teach people how to form collaborations quickly, guide them toward measurable outcomes and make adjustments along the way.” Ed Morrison (2019) In today’s world, collaboration is essential to meeting the complex challenges we face. Leadership Texarkana and Ruth Ellen Whitt have spearheaded the Strategic Doing efforts in Texarkana. During the workshop the group was posed the question, “Imagine if Texarkana, USA was a magnet for talent and entrepreneurship... What would that look like?” Much time passed after that workshop, but after running into each other and talking, White and Dukelow decided to round everyone back up and put their heads together. As the goal for Pitch It Texarkana! is to inspire startup companies and promote entrepreneurial synergy within our community, this unique Texarkana program plans
22
S E L F M A D E 2 0 2 2
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs