6th Annual Innovation Market Winners Announced

The Innovation Market is a social think-tank designed to kick start local ideas while forming connections between like-minded leaders of every age that are excited about growth in Siouxland. The event is about taking ideas, however big or small, and kick starting them into action. As a follow-up event, the Top 5 Idea Pitch is an opportunity for the five finalists to present their entrepreneurial ideas and their benefits the Siouxland Community.

The first place cash prize went to Lumin Therapy, LLC. Lumin Therapy is a yoga based form of physical therapy that promotes the grace and dignity of the whole person and enriches the family experience through advocacy, solidarity, and care by serving what's special in children and adults with physical, emotional, behavioral, and cognitive needs. Lumin Therapy provides community workshops and clinics, organization and school outreach, and one-on-one home sessions for individuals and families with special needs.

The second place cash prize went to Erik Martin with Marto Brewing Co.  Marto Brewing Co. is an award winning artisan brewery that produces craft beer with ingredients from all over the world, as well as local ingredients such as raw honey, berries, and grains. Marto Brewing Co. has plans to open a brew house location in Siouxland that incorporates a relaxing, fun atmosphere, as well as produce enough product to be distributed throughout the Midwest. The brew house also plans to partner with a restaurant in order to give the community a well rounded atmosphere.

Other finalists included: Brotherhood Love & Trust, a transitional program to help veterans adjust back to everyday life; Qneo, a community restaurant and service based coupon app; and The Greatest Escape, a new fun and exciting form of entertainment for Siouxland.

A special thank you to all the 2016 Innovation Market idea submissions, without your ideas this event would not happen! We are proud to say that 2016 is the first time the top 5 submission ideas were so strong that they are already functioning businesses or are soon to open within the Siouxland community.

Sioux City Growth Organization was formed in 2002 to encourage young professionals to become active members of the Siouxland community. We encourage progressive and innovative ideas, and bring together voices from all generations to create a positive impact on the future of our community. Our goal is to attract and retain young professionals in the area, by providing insight on what Sioux City has to offer and how they can get involved in shaping its future.

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