Welcome to Venture Island North State
The Venture Island North State competition concluded in a dramatic finale last night at the Cascade Theatre. Eric Mogensen, President of Elements, a manufacturer of calibration standards for laboratory testing located in the City of Shasta Lake, was crowned the Big Kahuna and took home $25,000 in cash and prizes.
At final event, three finalists fought to prove that their business idea is the most innovative in the North State. They survived the Trading Post, the Snake Pit and Make or Break Beach to give it their all at the Whole Pina Colada! Gisele Maxwell of Shasta Crystals in Anderson, James Phillips of Inovius in Redding and Eric Mogensen were fierce competitors.
The combined votes from the audience and judges named Eric Mogensen the Big Kahuna and awarded him $25,000 in cash and prizes. Eric said, “If you’re thinking about starting a business, go for it! There are many local resources to help you succeed. I want to thank the Smart Business Resource Center for making this opportunity possible.”
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The evening included presentations by Kent Dagg of the Shasta Builder’s Exchange and Peter Gardner of Wavepoint Ventures. There was entertainment and snacks (provided by Fasolini’s) during the break, but the highlight of the evening was the announcement of the winner and the presentation of a very large check to Mr. Mogensen, who appeared bright and early the next morning at the Smart Center to pick up the actual check. |
Venture Island was made possible by a generous group of sponsors and a dedicated team of volunteers that worked tirelessly to coach and judge the events. Special thanks to the Smart Center team, Ken Hill, Jon Gregory, Victor Hnyp, Kevin McCarthy, Stewart Knox, Ginne Mistal, Hiram Oilar, Jay Farquhar, Lena Locke, Craig Padilla, Charlie Brown and Dean Williams.
 The finalists on stage. |
 Waiting in the Green Room. |
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