INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann announced Huntington University’s team, Hoosier Grown, was selected the winner of the "Promoting the Good Works of Indiana Agriculture" competition.
Thirty teams from 17 Indiana colleges and universities submitted entries in the competition sponsored by Ellspermann. Its purpose was to create a marketing/public relations campaign promoting agriculture to young adult Hoosiers ages 18 -35.
She presented a $25,000 check to the winning team, with $10,000 awarded to Huntington and the remaining $15,000 split among the students who prepared the proposal. The team from Huntington University was lead by faculty advisory Dr. Ann McPherren and comprised of: Micah Christensen, a senior from Winamac; TJ Clounie, a sophomore from Huntington; Dane Drew, a junior from Columbia City; Hannah Hochstetler, a senior from Goshen; Matt Nelson, a senior from Granger; Ayla Yeiter, a sophomore from Roanoke; and Team Leader Stephanie Morin, a senior from Gorham, Maine.
Hoosier Grown proposed a new brand image, an integrated social-media marketing plan and an increase in awareness of the agriculture economy and opportunities.
"I congratulate all 30 teams for submitting very professional proposals. Selecting a winner was difficult for our panel of judges. The students and faculty from Huntington University can be proud of their winning effort against this competition," said Ellspermann.
Huntington’s team includes seven talented students with expertise in animation, film production, graphic design, marketing, public relations and social media strategy. Some members grew up or currently work on farms and were members of 4-H or active in the FFA.
The two runners-up were from the University of Southern Indiana and the University of Indianapolis. Gov. Mike and First Lady Karen Pence hosted a reception for the three finalist teams at the Governor’s Residence.
The $25,000 prize money was provided by outside sponsors, including Indiana Soybean Alliance, Indiana Corn Marketing Council, Elanco and Indiana Farm Bureau.
