Tiffin University will host the sixth annual pitch competition Thursday, December 12 in Franks Hall from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. This event brings Calvert and Heidelberg students to campus to compete alongside our TU students in a sales pitch competition sponsored by Jeff Knedler and Hempy Water.
The competition acted as the culmination of an entire semester of hard work, wherein student teams identified the need for a product or service, came up with a business plan addressing said need, researched current industry trends, designed branded logos and slogans and calculated manufacturing costs. Finalists will present their business ideas to a room full of potential clients and judges can ask additional questions after the presentations.
Cash prizes will be awarded to each of the finalists, with the first-place prize of $1,000, generously donated by Jeff Knedler, President of Hempy Water. Winners will be selected by a group of business-minded community leaders.
“Over the years, the TU Pitch Competition has grown into a highly anticipated annual event which now includes Heidelberg University as well as Tiffin Calvert,” said Jeff Knedler, President at Hempy Water. “This local version of the popular TV show Shark Tank has prepared hundreds of students to compete and succeed on an elite level in the business world. This year’s competition will be held December 12 where students will compete for $1,500 in cash prizes!”
“The impact this event has on students far outlives the time here at TU,” said Dr. Kellie McGilvray, Assistant Dean for Online Learning and Graduate Programs and Professor of Marketing at Tiffin University. “I have alumni that thank me for this event because it helped them prepare for interviews and ultimately aid them in landing jobs. When the students reach that “aha” moment or “sigh of relief” that they got through it and are proud of themselves, it will be an experience that will live with them for a long time. The purpose of partnering with Jeff Knedler from Hempy Water is to change lives in a positive manner; while challenging conventional wisdom. We are able to do both with this one event that is supported by three educational institutions and local constituents within our community. It’s a great day all around.”
For more information about the Pitch Competition, contact Dr. Kellie McGilvray at mcgilvraykc@tiffin.edu