ELIZABETH CITY, NC--(Marketwired - Feb 12, 2015) - Nestlerode Orthopedic Rehabilitation, LLC is the winner of the Jump-Start Elizabeth City Downtown Business Plan Competition, and the Photography Co., is the runner up, contest sponsors announced today.
Launched in September 2014 by presenting sponsors Elizabeth City Downtown, Inc. and the Elizabeth City Area Committee of 100, the competition was open to entrepreneurs interested in opening or relocating their business in Elizabeth City's downtown before Nov. 13, 2015. A total of seven applicants submitted their business plans, and judges decided on the winners this week.
"Both businesses are making significant capital investments in their downtown businesses, and both presented well thought-out marketing plans," said Wayne Harris, director of the Elizabeth City | Pasquotank County Economic Development Commission (ECPCEDC) and chairman of the Jump Start Evaluation Committee. "They understand the need to pursue diversified income streams. And just as importantly, these businesses will introduce a steady stream of fresh eyes to the charms of downtown Elizabeth City."
Nestlerode Orthopedic Rehabilitation, which is relocating from the Charlotte area, will offer physical therapy services in the 2,300 square-foot office suite formerly occupied by SunTrust Mortgage in the former First Union Building. The Photography Co. will offer portrait photography, photography education, birthday parties and studio rental to community photographers. It will occupy the upstairs above Serenity Studios in the former Bradshaw Building. That building, at the corner of East Main and Poindexter streets, recently underwent renovation with the help of a City of Elizabeth City Downtown Investment Grant.
Nestlerode Orthopedic Rehabilitation owner Travis Nestlerode has a Doctorate in physical therapy from MGH Institute in Boston and a Master's degree in the same field from Western Carolina University. The business will open in June. Photography Co. will be fully operational in the next few months.
Award Delivers Start-up Cash and Business Amenities
As first place winner, Nestlerode Orthopedic Rehabilitation will receive $5,000 in cash jointly provided by Elizabeth City Downtown, Inc. and the Elizabeth City Committee of 100; advertising valued at $2,500 in the Daily Advance newspaper; six months of Internet service from Inteliport; a year's free membership in the Elizabeth City Area Chamber of Commerce provided by Towne Bank; a year's free membership in the Downtown Business and Professional Association; and a set of business cards from MMT Printers.
Photography Co. is a partnership of local photographers Leah Simpson, Joe Richardson and Sydney Paris. The company will receive advertising valued at $1,800 in the Daily Advance, a discounted Chamber membership, three months of free Internet service, a free Downtown Business and Professional Association membership and a set of business cards from MMT Printers.
Elizabeth City Downtown, Inc. and the Elizabeth City Area Committee of 100 are the presenting sponsors of the Jump-Start competition, with support from ECPCEDC, Daily Advance, Inteliport, Towne Bank, MMT Printers, Inc., College of The Albemarle's Small Business Center, Elizabeth City State University Small Business Technology Development Center and the Elizabeth City Downtown Business & Professional Association. For information about business opportunities in the Elizabeth City area, visit www.harborofopportunity.com.
Documents and/or Photos available for this release:
Press Release
To view supporting documents and/or photos, go to www.enr-corp.com/pressroom and enter Release ID: 382754
Contact Information:
Contact:
Elizabeth Evans
Phone: (757) 705-7153
E-Mail: eevans@cahoonandcross.com