It was the night of a lifetime for three lucky business owners from all over the greater Phoenix region as they received first, second, and third place prizes, totaling $50,000, as winners of the Metro Phoenix Export Alliance’s (MPEXA’s) Export Challenge, as made possible with the philanthropic support of JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Scottsdale-based MistAmerica Corporation, Phoenix-based Wamore, Inc., and Mesa-based EyeTech Digital Systems, Inc., each walked away with a large capital investment after participating in a live pitch competition that pitted their best efforts against the presentations of other finalists, including:
• Pinnacle Transplant Technologies
• 21st Century HealthCare, Inc.
This year’s event wraps up an exciting 2017 for the Metro Phoenix Export Alliance, but participants are already making plans for 2018.The Metro Phoenix Export Alliance serves as a resource hub for small and medium-sized businesses that can benefit from engaging in the export sector.
“It is incredible to think of the number of companies in metro Phoenix that are developing new technologies, and that through the Export Challenge we can recognize and reward these innovations,” said Chris Camacho, President & CEO of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council and MPEXA advisory board member. “This event provided a tremendous opportunity to empower local companies who are looking to elevate their local impact through exports.”
“Our technology helps people anywhere so being a global company really helps diversify our revenue stream,” said Keith Jackson, Director of Sales & Marketing, EyeTech Digital Systems, and Export Challenge grand prize award winner. “I would recommend any business looking at exporting their product or services overseas connect with MPEXA. By not exporting, we miss out on over 7 billion people who could benefit from our product.”
“We congratulate all the companies who participated in the Export Challenge,” said Craig Zollinger, JPMorgan Chase’s Region Manager for the Commercial Bank in Arizona. “We are gratified to support the work MPEXA is doing to help businesses realize their potential to export and create jobs in the region.”
