Joplin, MO- Crowder College – Webb City Management Students (Team Crowder), participated in the Joplin Regional Innovation and Technology Summit “Pitch Competition” sponsored by the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce. Teams were required to present (pitch) a business idea or concept before a panel of three judges.  

Team Crowder presented an innovative product solution for contact lens wearers, “Drop Vision”. The concept involves replacing glass or plastic contact lenses with a single eye drop from a standard eye drop bottle.  

“This competition provided the opportunity for our students to be able to utilize the skills they’ve learned in the classroom and execute them in a pitch-style presentation,” stated Melissa Smith, Joplin Advanced Training & Technology Center Director. “These four individuals came together as a team and represented Crowder College in a most professional manner.”

Team Crowder entered the Collegiate Category competing for first place against Missouri Southern State University. Other competitive categories included High School students and actual start-up business entrepreneurs. Crowder won first place in its category and team members were awarded a cash prize of $1,500.  Students on team include: Elise Leek, Paityn Black, Connor Simon, and Kaden Turner. These students are enrolled in Business Management (BMGT175) at Crowder College Webb City Instructional Center.