First place winners pictured with Dr. Gail Hudson (left), chair of management and marketing and Len Frey (right), dean of College of Business, are Andy Hall, Charlene Chambers, Jeff Craig, Rebecca Kee, and Courtney Lloyd.

Two groups from Arkansas State University’s small business management class on the ASU-Beebe campus took first and second place in the ASU 2009 College of Business Plan Competition during final oral presentations, Monday, Nov. 16.
“Hometownonlinemarket.com” (HOM), an online grocery shop that provides time-saving and cost effective solutions to the grocery shopping experience, captured first place.  The team, which won a monetary prize of $500 for its entry, includes members Charlene Chambers, of Beebe; Jeff Craig, of Ward; Andy Hall, of Beebe; Courtney Lloyd, of Cabot, and Rebecca Kee, of Beebe.
A second-place cash prize of $250 was awarded to “ThePoliticalFacts.com,” a social networking website that generates advertising revenues by providing information on state and local politicians. Team members include Elizabeth Sewell, of Beebe; Ashley Parchman, of Des Arc; Zachary Roberson, of Searcy, and Ryan Hames, of Cabot.
“The teams were exceptional and convincingly superb in all facets of the business plan process.  This truly validates that the world is flat; whether a student chooses to attend a school in a small town or in the large cities, IQ and learning is not limited to geographic restrictions,” said Marvin Jones, instructor for the small business management class.  “What is most gratifying is simply that the business model each team selected is creative, innovative, and capable of executing in a real world setting.”
A total of 39 students submitted 10 undergraduate plans, including six from ASU-Jonesboro and four from ASU-Beebe, for review by judges from the College of Business. Judges narrowed the group to five finalists who delivered presentations to a new panel of judges. $250 and $125 will be given to the top three plans.
“I was very impressed with the Beebe Degree Center students’ presentations.  They covered every detail and their delivery of the plan to the judges was excellent,” Barry Farris, vice chancellor for external and advanced programs, said.
Students will submit their business proposals in February to compete in the Donald W. Reynolds Cup.  This competition is open to all Arkansas two-year and four-year colleges and universities.