With over 225 attendees at the 2nd annual Big Idea NP Live Event the North Platte Young Professionals felt the event was a tremendous success. The community category heard from 10 finalist pitches ranging from product inventions like the top five finalist William Merritt’s Magnetic Shingles to ongoing distribution efforts of already established Hide Park Apparel creator Josh Sperle. The Youth Category had one finalist appear, Alex Schimek with his idea Pristine Clean, a business he created doing power washing, lawn mowing, yard work and “pretty much anything anyone won’t do.” Schimek stated in his pitch.
 
After the live pitches, the judges comprised of community leaders and last year’s Big Idea winner Casey Schiel voted to narrow the ideas to the top 5 ideas. Audience members then voted on the top three.
Taking home 3^rd place and $3,000 was Adi Fernandez with her idea- Radio X, a Spanish radio station to help bridge the gap with the Hispanic community and our local businesses.
Winning 2^nd place and $5,000 was Hide Park Apparel- owner Josh Sperle with goals of adding additional staff, investing in more equipment, inventory and marketing efforts.
Winning 1^st place and $8,000 was Bunkhouse Media- Bobbi Walters who owns a production company dedicated to small businesses. Walters wants to continue her work wit the business community and grow her digital presence.
In the Youth category Schimek was the only youth present and took home a $1,000 scholarship for his presentation on his business. Each winner in the community and youth category also won marketing packages courtesy of Eagle Communications and the North Platte Telegraph.

The North Platte Young Professionals look forward to another year of Big Ideas in 2022.