Community bank announces winners from REV pitch competition

October 26, 2023

Tioga, ND, October 26, 2023 - In partnership with the Tioga Area Economic Development Corporation, The Bank of Tioga awarded $15,000 to three local businesses on Tuesday, October 17 as part of the REV pitch competition, which helps local business owners to ignite their business. This event alternates being hosted in Tioga and Crosby each year, with this year being held at the Tioga Movie Theatre.

The Bank of Tioga hosts REV, a small business pitch competition, in an effort to reinvest in local businesses and entrepreneurs. This year 15 applications were received and narrowed to the six top businesses to pitch which included GameDay Media, Cleaning Genie, Sundhagen Shirts & Design, Hometown Lumber, Joyful Living, and Grow Crosby LLC.

This year’s winners included GameDay Media at $6,500, Grow Crosby LLC who operates the ByPass Restaurant & Lounge at $4,500 and the Cleaning Genie at $4,000.

Judges included KayCee Lindsey with Divide County Jobs Development Authority, Keith Olson with the Small Business Development Center for Williams County, as well as Robert Harms and Nathan Germundson both board members of Tioga Economic Development Corporation.

"Participating as judge in The Bank of Tioga REV event fills me with immense pride. This event provides a unique opportunity for local entrepreneurs to obtain funding for new or expanding services, which in turn helps to address some of the demands within our region.  Every year, I am consistently amazed by the innovative business proposals and ideas that emerge," said Divide County Economic Development and Jobs Development Authority Director, KayCee Lindsey.

Pictured above (left to right front row) Randall Peterson and David Peterson with GameDay Media (REV Winner) and Wendy Lenzsen, VP of Business & Consumer Banking with The Bank of Tioga. (left to right back row) Eli Clark, Kaden Keller, James Myers and Nick Wolla.

“We would like to thank The Bank of Tioga for the REV award in the amount of $6,500! We are overwhelmed with the support that we have received from our clients, and now with this REV grant from The Bank of Tioga,” said Randy Pederson with GameDay Media.

GameDay Media plans to use the $6,500 to expand their technology to help enhance their broadcasts of both local and regional covered events.

“The whole process was conducted in a very professional manner and felt so welcome at the event. The experience in making our pitch was a good one. REV allowed us to make others aware of our mission, athletes in northwest North Dakota, as well as spread our client ads and our events utilizing our platform to new audiences,” added Pederson.

Pictured above (left to right) Savanna Hendrickson, President with The Bank of Tioga,  Sandra Simonson & Lynn Jacobson with Grow Crosby LLC (REV Winner.)

Grow Crosby LCC, operates The ByPass Restaurant and Lounge in Crsoby. They plan to use the funds for building a website that will not only attract customers to their business, but also to their community.

 
Pictured above (left to right) Lindsey Hamen with Cleaning Genie (REV winner) and Wendy Lenzen, VP of Business & Consumer Banking with The Bank of Tioga.

The Cleaning Genie based out of the Tioga area plans to use the funds to help expand their business to offer an added service of commercial window cleaning to their clients.

“Elevating our small businesses is a priority to The Bank of Tioga,” said Vice President of Business & Consumer Banking with The Bank of Tioga, Wendy Lenzen. “Coming alongside small business owners and sharing opportunities to DO MORE with their money; whether that be discussing financing options, cash management products or additional resources that can aid in their success is important to us. Our REV event helps showcase this and our mission to help IGNITE PROSPERITY®.”

About The Bank of Tioga: At The Bank of Tioga, we IGNITE PROSPERITY® by helping our clients do more with their money. Whether it’s saving a little extra cash each month or accomplishing a long-term strategy, our goal is to help you transform your financial life. The Bank of Tioga was chartered in 1951 and was acquired by TS Contrarian Bancshares Inc., an affiliate of TS Banking Group in 2014. With $375 million in assets, The Bank of Tioga is committed to supporting local organizations and reinvests a portion of its net income back to the community. Branch locations include Tioga and Crosby, North Dakota. For more information visit thebankoftioga.com.