Winners of $15,000 small business pitch competition announced
November 13, 2023
Clinton, IL, November 13, 2023 – In partnership with DeWitt County Development Council, First National Bank and Trust Company hosted REV, a small business pitch competition with 15,000 in prize money, on Thursday, November 9 at the Clinton High School Auditorium. The grand prize of $7,000 was awarded to C&P Custom Printing. Additional winners included Dance Xtreme at $3,500, Jumpstart Nutrition at $2,500 and Leading Men Fiber Arts at $2,000.
"It is a great honor to be chosen for REV and were excited to be able to expand our product offerings and our impact on the community," said owners Meghan and Ryan Morge with C&P Custom Printing.
Pictured above (left to right): Baxter Taylor and Curt Homann with DCDC, Connie Unruh with First National Bank and Trust Co., Megan Morge with C&P Custom Printing, Ryan Morge with C&P Custom Printing, Chirstine Wilson with First National Bank and Trust Co. and Marian Brisard with DCDC.
Attendees had the opportunity to watch live pitches from the REV finalists, all local entrepreneurs and business owners. They also had the chance to meet the four finalist entrepreneurs to learn more about their businesses as well as network with other guests.
This year’s finalists C&P Custom Printing, Dance Xtreme, Jumpstart Nutrition and Leading Men Fiber Arts, are all businesses located in DeWitt County. The event was free to attend and open to the public.
"First National Bank and Trust Company's REV event is an amazing chapter in Dance Xtreme's growth and love for dance and our community. We are so thankful," said Kimberly Alexander owner of Dance Xtreme.
Pictured above (left to right): Curt Homann with DCDC, Danielle Decker with First National Bank, Josh Shofner with First National Bank, Kimberly Alexander with Dance Xtreme, Lou Mollet with First National Bank and Melinda Guest with DCDC.
"Working with First National Bank and Trust Company throughout the whole REV grant process allowed the opportunity to look at Jumpstart Nutrition objectively and to set goals for growth," shared Jena Garrett owner of Jumpstart Nutrition.
Pictured above (left to right): Lance White with First National Bank, Braden Newman with First National Bank, Jena Garrett with Jumpstart Nutrition, Curt Homann and Joe Witte both with DCDC.
"We were honored to share our story, passion and dreams with others in the community and continue to build a creative community and tourist destination for Clinton," said Steve Fegert and Andy Eymer with Leading Men Fiber Arts.
Pictured above (left to right) Steve Fegert with Leading Men Fiber Arts, Nan Crang and Curt Homann with DCDC, Josh Shofner with First National Bank, Danielle Decker with First National Bank and Andy Eymer with Leading Men Fiber Arts.
This year’s judges include Melinda Guest from Cornerstone Real Estate in Farmer City, Nan Crang with RE/MAX Choice, Taylor Baxter, city administrator for Clinton, Lou Mollett with First National Bank and Trust Company and Joe Witte, with State Farm and the planning commission of DeWitt County.
Additionally, the Clinton Chamber of Commerce provided benefits to the winners this year offering a one-year membership if not already members, plus a free booth at the business expo.
First National Bank and Trust Company started this event in 2017 in an effort to spur economic growth locally and be an encouragement to business owners to continue pursuing their dreams. As of today, First National Bank and Trust Company has awarded $90,000 to small businesses to ignite lasting client and community prosperity.
If you have any questions about REV, please reach out First National Bank and Trust Company employees Lance White at 217.935.7466 or Danielle Decker at 217.935.2148.
About First National Bank & Trust Company: First National Bank & Trust Company is a community bank located in Clinton, Illinois as well as Arcadia, Whitehall and Independence, Wisconsin. Dedicated to community prosperity, the First National Bank and Trust Company was chartered in 1872 under the name DeWitt County National Bank and became part of the TS Banking Group in 2017. With $410 million in assets, First National Bank and Trust Company is dedicated to community reinvestment and gives 10% of its net income back to the community. For more information, visit firstnbtc.com.