Champlain College's BYOBiz Program, Career Services, the Oral Communications Lab, and the Center for Service & Civic Engagement team to present the 2nd annual Elevator Pitch Competition.

The contest requires participating students to give their 90-second "pitch" to an executive (dubbed the "suit") as they ride together in a fictional elevator. There are three categories of competition-entrepreneurs, job/internship seekers, and non-profit/social advocates. The event is patterned on a national competition which teaches budding entrepreneurs the importance of presenting a "big idea" to an executive as succinctly and convincingly as possible.

This year's event will take place on stage at Champlain's Alumni Auditorium on Tuesday, February 24, 2009, at 8:30 p.m. with alum Tim Kavanagh (of Late Night Saturday fame) as host. The event is open to all students/all majors. But, we're jumping ahead. As a first step, if you'd like to participate in this exciting competition, plan to attend one of three scheduled Information Sessions:

Wednesday            January 21            11:00 a.m.            Hauke 005

Wednesday            January 21            6:00 p.m.            Hauke 005

Wednesday            January 21            8:30 p.m.            Hauke 005

Monday              January 26            3:30 p.m.            Ireland 117

Subsequently, there will be opportunities for one-on-one or group sessions with Eric Ronis and his dynamic team of student "coaches" at the Oral Communications Lab. Additional support and coaching is available from Bob Bloch, Director of the BYOBiz Program, and the Career Services staff.

What's the incentive? Last year's winners in each category-Alex Brandstetter, Russell Martin, and Doug Tetrault--walked away with the top prizes of $500 (cash). KeyBank, lead sponsor of the spring 2008 event, has promised these same cash awards for 2009. Second and third-place prizes of lesser cash amounts will also be awarded.

For further information about the Elevator Pitch Competition, contact Bob Bloch, BYOBiz Program (rbloch@champlain.edu, 865-6490) or Pat Boera, Career Services (boerap@champlain.edu, 651-5991).