FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 13, 2021

MEDIA CONTACT: John Rossi

Sr. Lecturer, Dept. of Marketing & Management

Williamson College of Business Administration

330-941-3062 / jfrossi@ysu.edu

YSU Entrepreneurship Center Announces Winner in the 2021 Business Plan Competition featuring the John Burgan Entrepreneurship Prize

YOUNGSTOWN STATE UNIVERSITY - Youngstown State University’s Entrepreneurship Center in the Williamson College of Business Administration presented five (5) finalists the opportunity to pitch their business plan proposal on Monday, April 12 to see who would take home a grand prize of $2,400 to advance the winner’s proposed business idea. Business proposals were judged based on feasibility, market assessment, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit.

This year’s winner of the $2400 John Burgan Entrepreneurship Prize is Andrew Boyer, a senior in Computer Digital Electrical Engineering, from Mantua, Ohio. His company is Chromaticity Technologies, a start-up special effects lighting, sound, and networking technology firm, which was founded March 2020 by Andy and his partner John Galvin. It is operating out of the Youngstown-Warren area.

In addition to the top prize, a $500 honorable mention award was presented to Annabelle Himes, a freshman business major from Canfield, Ohio. Her company, “Heroes and Tiaras”, brings popular characters to life at parties and special events. It also operates out of the Youngstown-Warren area.

The other three finalists were: Katie Cretella, an MBA student from Girard, Ohio - We Still See You; Minh P Nguyen from Youngstown, Ohio - Café of Wrong Orders; and Reid A Polis, an MBA student from Poland, Ohio - Truk-Em.

The Entrepreneurship Center at the Williamson College of Business is a University resource to promote entrepreneurship initiatives and formulate innovative programs, as well as encourage the entrepreneurship spirit throughout the community.

The John Burgan Entrepreneurship Prize was created in honor of John Burgan, entrepreneur, businessman, salesman, and a community leader. It was established by his son Patrick Burgan, a graduate of Youngstown State University, and second-generation broker-owner of Burgan Real Estate, in honor of his father’s work as a mentor, successful entrepreneur, and community leader.

The Entrepreneurship Center at the Williamson College of Business Administration is a University resource to promote entrepreneurship initiatives and formulate innovative programs, as well as encourage the entrepreneurship spirit throughout the community. In choosing to become an entrepreneur, University students learn how to transform an idea, product or service into a viable business opportunity. Youngstown State University students, regardless of major, can also expand their knowledge and skills in entrepreneurship by adding a Minor or a Certificate in Entrepreneurship to their credentials.

Youngstown State University began offering commerce classes in the early 1920s. The WCBA is accredited by AACSB International the premier accrediting agency for business schools around the world. The success of 1700 undergraduate students and 400 graduate students is supported by 58 full-time faculty members, 45 part-time faculty members and 17 full-time staff members. In addition to graduate programs in accounting, business, economics, and communication, undergraduate business majors are offered in advertising/public relations, accounting, business administration, economics, finance, human resource management, management, international business, and marketing. Communication majors include Communication Studies, Journalism, and Telecommunication Studies. The WCBA houses the Department of Communication, the Department of Management and Marketing, Lariccia School of Accounting and Finance, the Center for Undergraduate Student Services, Center for Career Management, Ohio Small Business Development Center at YSU, Export Assistance Network, Procurement Technical Assistance Center, Entrepreneurship Center, Center for Nonprofit Leadership, and Williamson Center for International Business.