Three of the ten Young Innovator finalists appeared live on 10-Connects (WTSP) this morning to share their inventions. Morning anchors Ginger Gadsen and Keith Jones interviewed finalists Katelyn Yarbrough, Ashley Blessin and Bailee Hebbler.
Yarbrough pitched her portable deodorant wipes she calls WiPitts. Blessin discussed her cup for holding two types of drinks simultaneously. Hebbler showed off her refrigerated Cooler Pillow.
Yarbrough, Blessin and Hebbler will compete with seven other finalists this Thursday, February 11th at MOSI for the grand prize award.
Morning anchor Keith Jones readies his interview questions next to the USF Young Innovator Cup trophy.
Contest founder Anna Hopen helps coordinate the live interview.
posted Feb 6, 2010 10:28 AM by Anton Hopen
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updated Feb 6, 2010 11:22 AM
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The University of South Florida College of Business provided a workshop today for the Innovation Express Young Innovator Finalists. The Finalists were previously selected by the National Academy of Inventors at the University of South Florida. Dr. Patricia Nickinson (right) led the workshop which focused on various aspects of business presentation including voice projection, eye contact, posture and body language. In attendance were finalists Paula Velasquez (6th grade, Athenian Academy of Pasco), Katelyn Yarbrough (3rd grade, Walden Lake Elementary), Ashley Blessin (3rd grade, Walden Lake Elementary), Bailee Hebbler (6th grade, Bartow Middle), Laney Blair (4th grade, McKeel Elementary Academy), Lauren Pinero (3rd grade, Oakstead Elementary), Giavanna Jadick (6th grade, Martinez Middle), and Luke Anderson (6th grade, home-school).
Finalists were also provided suggestions on posture and apparel by professional photographer Suzanne Gallagher (photo right) of Positive Impact Magazine. Hair should be kept away from the face and clothes that are "busy" (i.e., with words and loud designs) should be avoided. Gallagher noted that straight posture makes the photography subject more interesting and makes for a more compelling photo.
posted Feb 6, 2010 10:24 AM by Anton Hopen
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updated Feb 6, 2010 10:27 AM
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National Academy of Inventors at USF
On February 1, 2010, twenty five members of the National Academy of Inventors at the University of South Florida poured through over two hundred invention submissions in a single day. The finalists were selected on four criteria: (1) creativity and originality; (2) value of the invention; (3) benefit to the public; and (4) marketability of the invention. From the submissions the top five elementary school entries and the top five middle school entries were selected.
posted Jan 4, 2010 7:46 AM by Anton Hopen
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updated Jan 4, 2010 7:55 AM
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Kevin Harrington, one of the stars on ABC's hit show "Shark Tank" will judge the finalist competition on February 11th at MOSI's Science Works Theater. Harrington is widely acknowledged as the pioneer and principal architect of the “infomercial” industry. Since producing the industry’s first infomercial in the 1980s, Harrington has financed more than 500 product launches resulting in sales of more than $4 billion worldwide with 20 products reaching individual sales of over $100 million each, and creating dozens of millionaires.
As a young entrepreneur at the age of 19, Harrington launched and operated a successful company that reached $1 million in annual sales and employed 25 people, all while still in college. In 1979, he started Franchise America, a franchise consulting and brokerage business, through which he sold thousands of businesses, giving him insight to the inner workings of dozens of industries; from restaurants to retail to small manufacturing, etc.
Harrington’s book, ACT NOW!, explains how he innovatively turns ideas into million-dollar products. It is available through Amazon and at bookstores nationwide. Examples of popular products available through TVGoods.com currently are: Tony Little fitness, George Foreman cleaning, Jay “the Juice Daddy” Kordich Health, Flying Lure fishing, Wolfman Jack music, and the Dual Saw, marketed by the late legendary pitchman Billy Mays. One TVGoods.com product, the Air-Cutter, a precision vacuum haircutting system, will be featured in the upcoming film Father of Invention starring Kevin Spacey.
For more information on Kevin Harrington, click here.
Jen Holloway, former Bay News 9 anchor, is an accomplished inventor and finalist on Every Edisons. We are grateful that Jen will lend her experience to the February 11th finalist competition for a 2nd year in a row. Jen graduated with a degree in Journalism from Kennesaw State University in Atlanta. She also started her broadcast career in Atlanta at WTLK TV-14 as host of the city's only week night, live, entertainment program. After Atlanta, Jen worked at KPRC Channel 2 in Houston, TX for a couple of years.....then on to Tampa Bay. Jen is an active volunteer and fund-raiser for The American Cancer Society, The Red Cross, The Leukemia Society and Junior Achievement here in the Bay Area. For more information on Jen, see www.jenniferholloway.com
Karen Holbrook, Ph.D. Dr. Holbrook is Vice President for Research and Innovation at the University of South Florida, one of the nations top public research universities and one of the public universities designated by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. Prior to her appointment at the University of South Florida, Dr. Holbrook retired from the Presidency of Ohio State, the largest university in the nation, after serving from 2002 to June 2007. Before joining Ohio State, Holbrook held executive-level positions at the University of Georgia and the University of Florida. She spent the majority of her academic career as a professor of biological structure and medicine at the University of Washington, School of Medicine. For more information on Dr. Holbrook, click here
