Gov. Evers Announces 'We're All Innovating' Contest Winners
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MADISON,WI — Gov. Tony Evers announced winners of the "We’re All Innovating Contest," according to a news release. The contest was created by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation to recognize and promote the creative ways startups and small businesses are adapting to the challenges of the pandemic.
“Wisconsin is known for its can-do spirit and its big ideas,” Gov. Evers said in the release. “The COVID-19 pandemic has inspired businesses to find new ways fight the virus, operate their businesses, and meet the needs of our community. After looking at these winning projects, I’m truly in awe of these folks’ ingenuity, imagination, and creativity.”
Top prizes went to 17 winners in the three categories; all 231 winners selected for funding have the opportunity to share in a total of $3 million. The grants will help offset costs incurred since March 1 and those anticipated through Dec. 30.
Milwaukee-based Novir LLC received the top prize for its work developing a test to rapidly detect antibodies found in people who have already contracted the coronavirus. Novir’s test can deliver results in minutes rather than the days required for previous tests. S
The Novir antibody test is undergoing U.S. Food and Drug Administration review and is expected to be cleared this month.
Other winners include:
The Abbey Bar in DePere, which was recognized for going beyond typical coronavirus health and safety measures – such as employee masking, outdoor seating, and reduced indoor capacity – to offer “pay-it-forward” gift cards to customers who are encouraged to give them to front-line health workers or people hard hit by the coronavirus. Owner Kerry Cunard said she has been paying her staff and vendors first – instead of herself -- because she believes in giving back to others in need, even in tough times.
The Menomonie Food Co-op, which moved from a “drive-up, pick-up” system to a more robust eCommerce site that gives shoppers photos and information to help them tell if items are locally produced, organic, house-made or were distinctive in other ways that shoppers typically learned from roaming the aisles. The innovation saved some jobs within the store – especially in the deli – and transformed others with training and a tailored approach to customer service. It has maintained sales of locally grown items, such as produce, and allowed the co-op to keep buying from small producers, including a local apple orchard, goat ranch and Amish farmers.
The WEDC identified support for innovation as one of its top priorities to help advance the state’s economic recovery from the pandemic. Funding for the contest will come from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
This article originally appeared on the Across Wisconsin Patch
