Dump-truck insert is among winning ideas

The winners have been named in the Southern Utah University School of Business' first-ever Best Business Idea Competition.

Earning first place and $5,000 was Chris Culp for his idea of a dump truck insert for the bed of pickup trucks. Laura Clinger earned second place and $3,000 for her idea for a handbag. Christopher Empey captured third place and $1,000 for his idea of a diesel fuel alternative and processing from waste vegetable oil.

Also, Gary Cohu received honorable mention and $500 for his specialized model of a hardware storage and organizer unit. Andrew Walton earned an honorable mention and $500 for his patented water bottle cap design with vitamins.

Clinger, Empey and Walton are SUU students.

The event was sponsored by the SUU Small Business Development Center and School of Business, the Cedar City Chamber of Commerce and Iron County/Cedar City Economic Development. Prize money and sponsorship were donated by the Quantum Development Group.

More than 60 ideas were submitted for judging. Eleven finalists were chosen to present their business ideas orally to the panel of judges.