Alpha Matter is Fish Bowl winner

Linda Simmons
COC Liaison

The Pocahontas County Chamber of Commerce held its fourth “Fish Bowl” Grant Program May 4 at the Marlinton Municipal Building, with 37 people in attendance.

The Snowshoe Foundation provided a $500 grant for the winner of the event.

Charles Sheets, The Mosesso Agency, Denise Campbell and Frostmore Farm provided funds for the food. Dessert was made and donated by Rayetta’s Lunchbox. All attendees paid $10 for the event. These funds were added to the $500 grant making the total award $830.

Members of the COC assisting with the event included: president Bill Jordan, treasurer Selina King, liaison Linda Simmons, Jessica Stump, Roger Trusler and Sam Gibson.

Three contestants presented their pitch for the grant money. The placings were determined by votes from the audience.

First place was awarded to Casey Horton, proprietor of Alpha Matter. His business is located at the base of Snowshoe Mountain. Horton received $830 and plans to use the funds for cosmetology equipment and supplies. This equipment is essential for his business. Horton owns a photography business as well as a web-based design business. All are located in one facility.

Other participants were: Leslie McLaughlin and Brenda Miller proprietors of The Cackling Hens, located in Marlinton; and Melissa Totten, proprietor of Mel-issa’s Knit and Hobby Shop in Hillsboro.

All three contestants made phenomenal presentations.

The Pocahontas County Chamber of Commerce plans to conduct the “Fish Bowl” grant project once a year. For more information contact the Chamber Office at 304-799-2509, Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons, or e-mail pocahontascountychamber@gmail.com