Winning Teams Cited by Rhode Island House of Representatives

May 27, 2009 — The Rhode Island House of Representatives yesterday paid tribute to the winning teams in the 2009 Rhode Island Business Plan Competition, the first time such an honor has been bestowed on winners in the nine-year-old competition.

Rep. Scott Pollard, who represents Foster, Glocester, and Coventry, introduced the winning teams— BioIntraface, Inc. and Runa—telling the legislative body that entrepreneurship remains a critical component of the future economic well-being of Rhode Island.

“The entire membership extends its very best wishes on this memorable occasion and expresses the hope for continued good fortune,” Pollard said.

BioIntraface, Inc., winner in the entrepreneur track, is developing a proprietary technology to thwart infection relating to medical device use. Runa, the student track winner, plans to produce and market energy drinks and bottled beverages made from the leaves of an Amazonian tree that grows in Ecuador.

Representing BioIntraface were John D. Jarrell, its president, and David Spenciner, the company’s chief operating officer. The citation states: “In recognition of the outstanding achievement of being the 2009 Entrepreneur Track Winner of the Rhode Island Business Plan Competition for developing a proprietary technology to thwart infection relating to medical device use.

Representing Runa were company vice presidents Daniel MacCombie and Charlie Harding. The citation reads: “In recognition of the outstanding achievement of being the 2009 Student Track Winner of the Rhode Island Business Plan Competition for your plans to produce and market energy drinks and beverages made from Amazonian tree leaves.”

The winners, along with two finalists in each of the two tracks, shared $130,000 in prizes awarded earlier this month.

Co-chairing the 2009 competition were Garrett B. Hunter, president of the Business Development Company of Rhode, and David Mitchell, dean of the College of Business at Johnson and Wales University.

Sponsors of the 2009 Rhode Island Business Plan Competition

Thirty-two businesses, nonprofits, colleges and universities, and public agencies support the Rhode Island Business Plan Competition, the only community-based business plan competition in New England. They include: Hinckley, Allen & Snyder LLP, Kahn, Litwin, Renza & Co., Ltd., Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge, LLP, Embolden Design, Johnson & Wales University, and Nortek, Inc.

Also supporting the Competition are: Brown University, Bryant University, Business Development Company of Rhode Island, Cherrystone Angel Group, Citizens Bank, CVS/Caremark, Federal Electronics, Inc., Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce, InsureMyTrip.com, Point Judith Capital, Providence Business News, RDW Group, Rhode Island Commodores, Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation, Rhode Island Medical Society, Rhode Island Society of CPAs, Shazamm, Slater Technology Fund, Smith Barney, Sovereign Bank, Starkweather & Shepley, Tech Collective, The Employers Association, University of Rhode Island, Webster Bank, and Ximedica.

Complete information, including rules, application procedures, guidelines, and business plan resources, is available at www.ri-bizplan.com.