IDEA Competition Announces 2015 Finalists

BEMIDJI MN - March 6, 2015 - The IDEA Competition has released the names of its 2015 finalists who will now move into the final phase of the competition:

· Paul Eickhof, Eickhof Columbaria, Inc., Crookston

· William Weaver, LitWeaver, Inc., Bemidji

* Eric Niskanen, NISKY LLC, Bemidji

* Mychal Stittsworth, Stittsworth Meats, Bemidji

* Edwin Dale Hahn, Trinity Land Craft, LLC, Thief River Falls

· Adam Wagner, Wagner Malting & Brewing Inc., Fisher

This year's winners will be selected by a judging panel comprised of members from three area equity funds, bankers, successful entrepreneurs, and business development professionals. The panel will choose up to three winners who will each receive $10,000 to advance their business idea, plus additional technical assistance. Winners will be announced at the IDEA Competition Awards Banquet to be held April 22, from 5:00-8:30 p.m.at the University of Minnesota Crookston.

Through an annual process, IDEA provides training, business coaching, and capital for northwest Minnesota entrepreneurs who want to turn an idea into a fast-growth business. For more on IDEA, go to http://www.ideacompetition.org.

IDEA Gold, Silver, and Bronze level sponsors include: 360° Manufacturing and Applied Engineering Center of Excellence, Border State Bank, Bremer Bank Crookston and Warren, Minnkota Power Cooperative Inc., Northwest Minnesota Foundation, Northwest Regional Small Business Development Center, Security Bank USA, Ultima Bank Minnesota, and University of Minnesota Crookston.