April 04, 2018
Clarion University senior wins Business Plan Competition, $10,000 prize
Contact: Kevin Hensil, khensil@passhe.edu
Harrisburg – A Clarion University of Pennsylvania senior has won the $10,000 first place prize
in the seventh annual Student Business Plan Competition sponsored by Pennsylvania’s
State System of Higher Education for developing a system that allows construction
site managers to track the progress of their projects using drones and specialized
computer software.
“Enhanced Visual,” established by Logan Chernicky of Clarion, offers a variety of
services designed to “educate, guide and collaborate with companies across industries
to reduce costs and increase efficiency.” It utilizes drone technology—providing pilots
and other specialized services—that helps construction site managers and engineers
compare actual progress on their projects with pre-work projections to help keep them
“on track and under budget.” Chernicky will graduate in May with a dual degree in
geology and environmental geology.
Amanda Layden, a senior at East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania, won the second
place, $5,000 award in the competition with her plan for Organtick, a direct-to-consumer,
all-natural tick repellent containing sunscreen protection. The product was developed
to decrease the risk for a tick bite, ultimately decreasing exposure to tick-borne
diseases. The product has been tested against the two most common ticks found in Pennsylvania
and the northeast United States and “is intended for customers to use while participating
in outdoor activities where ticks are abundant.”
Zachary Waldman and Nick Neely from East Stroudsburg University captured third place
and a $2,500 award in the competition for the development of Falchion Systems, a cybersecurity
startup designed to help companies secure their computer networks and counter web-based
social engineering attacks.
The annual Business Plan Competition is designed to provide student entrepreneurs
a real-world opportunity to pitch their original business plans and to win funds to
assist in the start-up or expansion of their businesses. Students from the 14 State
System universities are invited to participate in the competition each year. This
year’s competition drew about 200 students/student teams.
“This is truly remarkable. If this doesn’t give you confidence in our future, I don’t
know what will,” said State System Board of Governors Chairwoman Cynthia D. Shapira.
“Confidence, and pride, in our students, in our faculty and in our universities. I
congratulate everyone involved.”
State System Interim Chancellor Dr. Karen M. Whitney echoed Ms. Shapira’s comments.
“Talk about student success; just look around this room tonight,” Dr. Whitney said.
“Each year, this competition brings out the best in our students. Many of the students
who have participated in prior years have taken their plans and put them into practice,
establishing successful businesses and fulfilling their dreams. I’m confident that
trend will continue. This isn’t the last you’ll see or hear from this group of budding
entrepreneurs.”
The awards were presented during a ceremony held in Reisner Dining Hall on the campus
of Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania. Also selected as finalists in this year’s
competition were:
•Awakened Wellness, developed by Jonathan Burton from Shippensburg University. Awakened
Wellness would offer massage therapy, floatation therapy and mindfulness meditation.
•Gator Oil and Gas Services, developed by Colin Gasper from Indiana University of
Pennsylvania. Gator Oil and Gas Services provides support for major oil and gas operators
and service companies in the Marcellus and Utica Shales.
•Hat Rack Games, developed by Tom Matteson from West Chester University. Hat Rack
Game would create a story-driven strategy game with unique game mechanics and an interesting
art style devoid of gender stereotypes that would appeal to a wide audience of gamers
of all backgrounds.
•White Rapids, developed by Kevin White from West Chester University. White Rapids
would establish a professional automotive cleaning and detailing company focused on
meeting the demands of clients in the Delaware Valley.
Sponsors of this year’s competition were the Pennsylvania State Employees Credit Union
(PSECU), Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education Foundation, East Stroudsburg
University Center for Research and Economic Development, Hershey Entertainment and
Resorts and Marathon Studios Inc.,
Judges were Sara Weiser, financial education manager at the PSECU; Michael Gildea,
founder and CEO of Brain Gain, LLC; Sheri R. Collins, deputy secretary for the Office
of Technology & Innovation for the state Department of Community and Economic Development;
and Steven Strumbris, director of the Small Business Development Center at Bucknell
University.