RTC students win honors at entrepreneurship conference

Published 5:21 pm Friday, November 4, 2011

Renton Technical College (RTC) students earned top honors at a national entrepreneurship conference last month.

RTC student Dale Adkison won third place in the entrepreneurship/small business program of the National Association of Community College Entrepreneurship conference for his Ergo Trekker, a custom-designed hiking pole.

The conference took place in Portland, Ore. and Adkison presented with fellow students Luis Martinez and Billy Ray.

“I was honored to be a part of this and having speakers come from all over the U.S.,” said student Luis Martinez of his experience. “We were encouraged to continue our dreams. It was really inspirational”.

His peer, Billy Ray added,”Dale put so much energy into this project, it became contagious.”

Their presentation included a business plan, analysis of expenses, revenues during a two-year period, marketing materials and a manufacturing plan. Now prototypes of the Ergo Trekker are being prepared for Backpackers and Seattle Backpackers magazine to review.

“It was nice to see hard work rewarded,” said Instructor Jim Drinkwine. “I am proud of the work the students did.”

Students also attended seminars and workshops during the conference. Fellow students Amber Brown, Monique Sheils, Sonia Copp and Michael Sias provided additional support on the project, but were unable to attend the conference.