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The Pocahontas County Chamber of Commerce held its Se- venth Annual “Fish Bowl” Grant Program June 24 at Stillwell Park in Marlinton.
The Green Bank Observatory, represented by Marty Bloss, provided a $500 grant for the event. All attendees paid a $10 fee, which was added to the $500 grant.
A light dinner was served, sponsored by Chamber member Denise Campbell.
Three contestants made a pitch for the grant money. The placings were determined by the voting scores of the audience.
First place award of $500 went to Stone House Salt Rising, LLC, of Marlinton.
Stone House Salt Rising, LLC is an in-home bakery providing freshly baked salt rising bread for individuals and businesses in Pocahontas County.
Owner Kim Clifton plans to use the money to purchase a second oven to expand her operation.
Follow her on Facebook @stonehousesaltrising
The other candidates were:
Robbie Sipe, daughter of Harry Sipe, who made a pitch for their business, Cheat Mountain Trader. This business is located in Bartow. They are interested in expanding their retail space for sporting goods and hunting and fishing supplies.
Leslie McLaughlin made a pitch for Cackling Hens, LLC. Leslie has recently expanded her business into a larger space located on Third Avenue in Marlinton. Leslie would have used the grant to install a security system in her new space.
Chamber members assisting with event were: President Jessica Stump, Vice President Kristen Doss, Secretary Heather Niday, Green Bank Observatory representative Marty Bloss, Treasurer Lauren Dunbrack, Chamber members, Terri White and Sam Gibson and Chamber Liaison Sarah Irvine.
