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UW-W entrepreneurs battle for cash prize

WHITEWATER — A device to increase demolition and construction effectiveness.

A video-recording aid to improve athletes' technique and ability to perform.

A social networking application for musicians to collaborate in real-time, remote music performances.

An automatic sanitary door to provide clean and safe access to restrooms for people with disabilities.

And a service to connect a fertilizer producer with organic farms.

These are the ideas cooking in the minds of a group of five UW-Whitewater students who competed Wednesday for cash prizes to jumpstart their future companies.

They developed business plans, revenue projections and marketing strategies. Wednesday, the top five contestants faced off for a total of $10,000 cash prizes and the opportunity to be judged by a panel of entrepreneurs mostly comprised by UW-Whitewater graduates.

The Warhawk Business Plan Contest, sponsored by university officials and the Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization (CEO), was organized in efforts to connect students with local businesses.

The final round of participants was narrowed down from a list of nearly 60 students who submitted brief synopses of their ideas.

"It's amazing the variety of projects," said Lois Smith, interim dean of the UW-Whitewater College of Business and Economics. "They thought of every business aspect and presented very well."

Several judges described contestants as confident and passionate, and said they were impressed with their strong presentations.

"In today's economy, it's great to see this kind of innovation," said Whitewater banker Jim Caldwell.

Senior Dominic Caminata of Johnson Creek took the top prize of $5,000 with his DDC Manufacturing system for skid loader devices, which increases effectiveness in the demolition and construction industry. Caminata also won the people's choice award.

Senior Adam Freis of Newton took the $2,000 second-place award for Meadowlawn Acres, his fertilizer supply service.

Senior Michale Huffman of Whitewater took third place and won $1,000 for his Sport Vision athletic aid. The device, when completed, will record athletes during competition to help correct glitches and improve their performance.

CEO is a national organization. UW-Whitewater's CEO chapter is in its third year hosting the competition and has won several national awards.

Sophomore Anthony Gierczak, the local chapter's president of competition, said he hopes to expand the contest in the future to include all UW-Whitewater students, not just business majors.