Entrepreneurship Club (E-Club) recently competed at the Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization (CEO) National Conference in Fort Worth, Texas.
All five E-Club members were elected to compete, two for the exhibit portion, while the other three won four of the 60 spots in the Elevator Pitch.
Will Owen and Onyx Cly-Peek had to create and prep their exhibit so it would be ready for submission upon arrival. The exhibits for this year’s competition focused on social entrepreneurship, but Cly-Peek and Owen took it one step further and used a local business, Light Gives Heat, to show how social entrepreneurship facilitates economic development in the U.S. and abroad.
Light Gives Heat was also chosen because founder Dave Hanslow, a frequent contributor to the club, was able to provide guidance for the duo while prepping for their exhibit. The extra work paid off. The duo placed second place for Best Exhibit.
Students competed in Elevator Pitches with new entrepreneurial business ideas. The top three winners, and top four honorable mentions received cash prizes and national recognition.
E-Club members Alyssa Hampson, Rachael Glenn and Alex Swaynie, received four of the 60 spots to compete in the pitches. Both Hampson and Glenn moved on to compete in the semi-finals. Glenn took fourth place and a national title.
E-Club received more awards that any other school including four spots in the Elevator Pitch competition, three in the semi-final round, fourth place overall for pitch competitions, second place for Best Exhibit, and second place for Best Advisor.
E-Club is accepting new members and recruiting for all major offices. For more information, check out the E-Club information board in the east stairwell heading to the second floor of the Academic Classroom Building.

asuttond@mavs.coloradomesa.edu