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WHEELING -- Makers of Belgian waffles, artwork, soap and a high school sports podcast will compete for investor dollars at the next Show of Hands event set for next month.
Shea Rose Soapery, Morning Light Studio, The Pine Room Podcast and The Belgian Waffle Shop have been selected as the finalists to make presentations at the next "Show of Hands" gathering, set for 6 p.m. on Sept. 28 at the Wheeling Artisan Center.
The event is organized by Wheeling Heritage, who selected the finalists.
As in years past, each presenter gets five minutes to explain the ideas they have for their business, and to convince attendees to vote for their ideas for funding.
Each attendee pays $5 at the door for a ballot to vote and for dinner.
The winner receives all of the money paid at the door, as well as funding provided by corporate sponsor Orrick and Friends of Show of Hands contributors.
A $4,000 prize is guaranteed to the winner.
But what is different this time around is that while the event will be both in person and live streamed, and people at home will be able to watch the presentations online and vote for their favorite, explained Alexandra Panas, program director for Wheeling Heritage. The cost for voting from home, however, will be higher, at $10.
"We are just excited as always to bring back Show of Hands with four new entrepreneurs," Panas said. "These are unique candidates from what we have had in the past."
Presenters briefly explained their ideas when applying with Wheeling Heritage for the competition:
– Shea Rose Soapery: Patricia Smith, owner of Shea Rose Soapery, creates handcrafted bath and body products along with aromatherapy items for the home. By offering natural body care and home care products, Smith understands that people have sensitivities and cannot use commercial products. In addition to creating her products, Smith also offers classes to teach the community to create products themselves. Smith hopes to win Show of Hands so that she can purchase a portable sink to enhance the experience of customers who visit her store. She also plans to purchase a new soap cutter, which would allow Smith to increase her production time.
– Morning Light Studio: Morning Light Studio is a pottery studio that produces unique, one-of-a-kind functional art owned and operated by Carrie Dawson. Inspired by Mother Nature, Dawson hand-carves each of her pieces while using colors and images that bring her a feeling of contentment and joy in hopes that the same feelings are felt when a piece is being used. With the money from Show of Hands, Dawson plans to purchase a larger electric kiln.
– The Pine Room Podcast: What began as a few friends sitting around a firepit under two large pine trees has evolved into a top-tier entertainment venue right here in Wheeling. Brian Campbell and the team at The Pine Room Podcast currently host a live high school and regional sports show on local radio on Mondays along with releasing two different podcasts per week. Funding from Show of Hands would help the Pine Room Podcast purchase more production equipment to put on higher-quality live shows. By bringing more content, listeners, sponsors and followers, The Pine Room Podcast plans to give back to the community by offering internships and full-time opportunities for the surrounding high schools and universities.
– The Belgian Waffle Shop: Bringing classic, authentic, high-quality Belgian waffles to Wheeling is The Belgian Waffle Shop's goal. Wanting to provide a fun and interactive food and beverage experience, The Belgian Waffle Shop is determined to create a space that is positive, comfortable, and energetic. By winning Show of Hands, Tara Kobasko and the team at The Belgian Waffle Shop plan to use the funding to purchase multiple pieces of equipment for their shop, including tables, chairs, cabinets and an underbar sink.