Enterprising Futures: The Chamber's 11th annual YEA highlights local young Innovators

May 7—The local community will soon get to see the future business leaders of the next generation. On Thursday, a group of gifted young entrepreneurs will compete in 11th annual Young Entrepreneurs Academy.

Presented by the Somerset-Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by the Somerset-Pulaski Economic Development Authority, nine local students will present their unique business plans in front of a panel of judges in Somerset's version of the popular television show 'Shark Tank'. Based on the appeal and merit of the students' business plans and presentations, local companies will determine the amount of funds to allocate to each business.

Each of the contestants dedicated three hours per week for 18 weeks, developing their business plan with the help of local instructors. Each young entrepreneur was assigned a mentor to help them develop a business plan, financial strategies, marketing plans, selling, and operations.

This year's contestants range from a sixth grader to a freshman in high school, and they represent several different schools throughout the local community.

Southern Middle School seventh-grader Beatrice Buis will present her business of 'Pop Tops', which is pencil sharpeners made from recycled plastic bottles and bottle tops. Beatrice's favorite teacher in school is Mr. Young, and she plans to study Philosophy and Theology in college. Her favorite saying is "Today is a new day, and yesterday never happened."

Pulaski County High School freshman Kenzen Corder will present her business 'Paradise of Wheels!', which is wraps for skates. Kenzen's favorite subject is Music and her favorite local business is Crestview Assisted Living. Kenzen looks at her mom as her hero, and she plans to be an Architect or a Disease Specialist after she finishes school.

Somerset Christian School seventh-grader Aaron Conner will present his business of 'Conner's Catchin', which is quality fishing lures at an affordable price. Aaron's favorite subject is Bible Study and his favorite local business is Paul's Discount. Aaron looks up to his father as his mentor and he has plans of owning his own private jet chartering service in the future.

Southern Middle School eighth-grader Hunter Gibson will present his business of 'H.J. Studios', specializing in family and sports photography. Hunter's favorite subject is Science and his favorite local business in Burnside Pizza. Mr. B is Hunter's favorite teacher and he plans to be a professional photographer after school.

Somerset Christian School sixth-grader Claire Hardy will present her business plan for 'Fruit Fusion', which is freeze-dried fruit with spices to compliment its unique taste. Claire's favorite subject is History and her favorite teacher is Mr. Simpson. Claire's hero is her dad, and her favorite local business is Somerset Sober Living. Her favorite saying is 'If at first you don't succeed, try, try again."

Northern Middle School eighth-grader Ian Horseman will present his business plan for 'H.I.A.I.N.', which is an urban-style Christian apparel brand with the intent to help people share the Gospel. Ian's favorite subject is Math and his favorite teacher is Mrs. Chaney. His favorite local business is the Woodstock Lavender Co. and his mentor in Coach GJ. Ian's favorite Bible verse is Romans 12:2, and he plans to be a Graphic Designer in the future.

Southern Middle School seventh-grader Kadence Lyons will present her business 'Lyons Resin Co.', which is the production of custom resin products. Kadence's favorite subject is Science and her favorite teacher is Ms. Huff. Her favorite local business is Baxters and her hero is her mom. Kadence plans to be a Marine Biologist in the future.

The duo of Madison Watson and Molly Watson will present their business plan of 'The Flour Shop: Artisan Bakery', which is the selling of artisan baked goods. Madison and Molly are eighth-graders at Northern Middle School. Molly's favorite subject is Writing, while Madison likes Math. Madison's favorite teacher is Mr. Jones, and Molly's favorite educator is Mrs. Wiles. Their favorite local business is Baxters, and they both credit their mom as their mentor. Madison's favorite saying is "Let go and let God", and Molly wants to be a bakery owner in the future.

Somerset-Pulaski County Executive Director Bobby Clue has been thrilled about how the Young Entrepreneurs Academy has grown over the past 11 years.

"When [former Chamber President] Leah Taylor came to us and challenged the chamber to have more educational programs, we did a nationwide search and we landed on the Young Entrepreneurs Academy in Rochester, New York," Clue remarked. "The closest chapter of the program was in Danville, so we went to them to find out about their program. They told us it'll be the hardest thing you ever do, but it'll also be the most rewarding thing that you ever do.

"We came back and we said, 'We're gonna do this.' I don't know how, we don't really have the money in the budget, but I think we can get it," Clue recalled. "We don't really know how to go about recruiting these kids, but we're going to find them. We don't know exactly who will help us, but we're going to go out and shake the trees to find out."

Southwestern High School junior Lacy Johnson won last year's event with her business of Lacy's Mobile Petting Zoo, which was based on renting out a variety of petting animals for parties, gatherings, nursing homes, and other special events.

Chamber Board member Reci Shook is the YEA program director, and the program instructors were Dan Chelsire and Mark Brenzel.

The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the Somerset City hall council chamber. The event is free to the public.