KANKAKEE COUNTY CEO STUDENT JAMES BRETZLAFF WINS FIRST PLACE IN NATIONAL CEO PITCH COMPETITION

What an exciting morning today in Kankakee County CEO class! The class tuned into the live announcement of the National CEO Pitch Competition awards, and it did not disappoint! James Bretzlaff, Kankakee High School senior, won the coveted first place award, winning a prize package that includes $2500 and more. The final round was judged by “Auntie Anne” Beiler, founder of Auntie Anne’s Pretzels, Derek Laliberte, founder of Disruptor, a brand engagement agency, and Brent Oberlink, owner of Lanracorp, The Better Contractor, and Dapper Gents.

(Check out the video of the announcement in our facebook reel!)

In the competition, students were challenged with constructing a 30-second, unedited video pitch that identified a problem, presented their business solution, highlighted the unique aspect of their business ("secret sauce"), and included a call to action for the customer. All of these elements were to be wrapped in a polished and well-delivered presentation.

Each of the Kankakee County CEO students participated in this national competition, which makes this a “win” for the entire group! In addition to Bretzlaff, other participants included DaJon Casiel and Rachel White of Kankakee High School, Jonathan Harwood of Kankakee Trinity Academy, and Jonathon “Jay” Blanchette of Bishop McNamara Catholic School.

Presented by the Midland Institute for Entrepreneurship, the competition recognized all participants, and prizes were awarded to the top eighteen finalists. The skills acquired through this competition will undoubtedly prove invaluable to the students at the upcoming Trade Show on Saturday.

Join us on Saturday from 1-3 at Northfield Square Mall for the Trade Show to support each of these outstanding young entrepreneurs!