Thursday night’s fourth annual Show of Hands Pitch Contest was a full circle moment for some and just the start of a new circle for others.
The event, which featured four new local businesses, was held inside the new Radius Brewing Company production facility at 4th and Merchant, one of the business plans pitched in the very first competition back in 2022. Radius Co-Owner Chad Swift, who attended the evening’s event, says Thursday night was a proud moment.
As always, following a series of pitches by the participating business owners, those in attendance had the opportunity to vote for and contribute financial support to each of the participating businesses, which included Legendary Play a family entertainment center where kids can be kids and parents can get a short break according to owner Ashley Conrade.
Conrade was the highest vote getter Thursday evening, receiving just over $3,600. The second highest vote recipient, receiving just over $3,300, was Marcus Delgado’s Ultimate Playground, a combination activity center and small restaurant.
Receiving just over $2,600 was Botanica Floral and Design, owned by Liz Shafer a business born out of her passion for plants and her chosen career path, which melded together perfectly.
Receiving $2,200 was Pop’s Get and Go, a food business owned and operated by veteran Thomas Meade, whose passion began during his military service.
While Thursday was the first time these business models were presented publicly, Emporia Main Street Director Casey Woods says all of Thursday’s presenters have put in a tremendous amount of work behind the scenes just to get to this point.
In addition to the financial contributions, all four businesses went home with $60 in vinyl lettering courtesy of Cofelt Sign Co., while Delgado received a logo design from IM Design valued at $700 and Botanica received an ad package from KVOE.
