"Remember back when we used forks to dish out the kraut?" – People of the future

The Eau Claire Area Economic Development Corporation awarded a $5,000 grand prize at an award ceremony for The Idea Challenge on Dec. 5.  The Idea Challenge is a contest open to any individual or company with an idea for a new product or service. The EDC accepts applications year round through theideachallenge.com. Ideas submitted are reviewed by a group of technical assistance providers to help determine if they are feasible concepts. Any idea that has potential will be given individual attention to help advance it to the marketplace. The top five ideas submitted are eligible to win money and additional support by businesses.The motto for The Idea Challenge is “Think New, Different, Better.” It gives various people the opportunity to grow their idea with business leaders in different industries.

The winner of this year’s Idea Challenge was submitted by Tracy Lundberg, titled Expressions of Eau Claire. She was presented with a $5,000 check on behalf of the EDC and Northwester Bank, the 2012 program sponsor. This money is reimbursable towards advancing the idea to the marketplace. Expressions of Eau Claire is a specially designed line of traditional condiment food products offered in the convenience of a squeezable bottle. The main product is sauerkraut and is the first of its kind to offer consumers a convenient way to enjoy it. BTL Food Group has obtained a provisional patent for this concept.