2017 IDEA COMPETITION
The IDEA Competition announced the names of three 2017 winners on Tuesday, April 25 th at the IDEA awards banquet held at the Beaux Arts Ballroom, Bemidji State University. Each winner receives $10,000 in cash to advance their business idea, plus additional specialized technical assistance. The 2017 Winners are: Chiara and Travis Bolton, Hubbard County, for Bolton Bees – provides MN-hard bees to backyard beekeepers; creates local, distinct, raw, location-specific honey; forms partnerships with solar companies to create pollinator friendly habitats. Bolton Bees is invested in our community. Todd Sandwick, Fosston, for DeanUltraThinRetainer – the Dean retainer solves several problems seen in standard acrylic Hawley retainers, and does so by making use of pre-existing, time-tested materials. The advantages of a Dean retainer are evident in less breakage and loss, comfort and compliance, hygiene, and cost. Mychal St