Lakeridge Heating and Cooling Inc. is the winner of the Town of Minto’s 2013 Pitch It! Business Plan Competition.
The business, owned and operated by Chris and Kelsey Langridge of Harriston, was selected from among five finalists for the award, which was presented at the May 7 council meeting.
The competition is part of an effort to grow small businesses in Minto and increase awareness of the resources available.
The municipality, in partnership with local sponsors, launched the program in 2012. The competition is geared towards entrepreneurs looking to open a new business venture or purchase, expand or re-locate an existing business within the town.
Five finalists submitted full business plans and made presentations to the judges in mid-April.
“We received five great business plans, which made judging very difficult for our panel of judges,” said Belinda Wick-Graham, Minto business and economic manager.
The other four finalists were: Minto Mom, R&R Security Inc., Alexandra’s Airbrush and Minto Computers.
“The quality of the business plans and presentations shows that the entrepreneurial spirit is alive in Minto. All of the entrants deserve recognition and congratulations – they all did an exemplary job,” said Saugeen Economic Development Corporation general manager Rose Austin, who was among the judges for the competition.
Lakeridge Heating and Cooling opened in May 2009 and moved to a downtown Harriston showroom in 2011. The company is once again planning to relocate and expand the business. With the planned expansion to a location just south of Harriston, the business will be renovating a newly-purchased property, introducing new product lines and hiring more staff.
“The winner, by a very close margin, was able to execute their written business plan in a clear and concise way and their presentation was very unique,” said Minto Chamber of Commerce director and judge Rob Mattice.
Lakeridge’s Kelsey Langridge said, “We are so excited to be chosen to be this year’s winners of the Pitch It! competition. The experience of entering the contest itself was a rewarding challenge but to be the winners is just unbelievable. This couldn’t have come at a better time for us with all the changes we have coming up for our business.”
Added Chris Langridge, “We want to thank all the companies and individuals who donated their time and prizes to this and of course the Town of Minto and the economic development committee for offering this competition; they really do care about the businesses in town and always offer great support. We would also like to thank the panel of judges who gave constructive feedback and gave us things to think about for the future. Having won this means our business will have resources available to help us grow and keep us on track for a successful future.”
With the support of community sponsors, Lakeridge Heating and Cooling will receive over $9,500 in cash and prizes to help with the expansion of the business.
