Elevating Appalachia

The 2024 ETSU Elevates Pitch Competition gained new significance, serving not only as a platform for innovative ideas to uplift the region but also as a vital opportunity for the community to unite in support of recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene. The pitch competition marked the beginning of ETSU’s second annual Founders Week, a celebration of the university’s history and its mission to improve the lives of people in the region. 

Held on October 7, shortly after the region was struck by flooding and devastation from Hurricane Helene, the event provided an opportunity for organizers to promote ongoing relief efforts and community drives. 

“Since its founding in 1911, ETSU has been committed to improving the quality of life in the region, a mission that has never been more critical,” said ETSU President Dr. Brian Noland. “In the wake of the devastating floods brought by Hurricane Helene, ETSU remains steadfast in its mission to uplift the people of the region. The ETSU Elevates Pitch Competition represents more than just great ideas—it is about harnessing the power of community to create lasting change. Our students and their community partners have risen to this challenge.”

This year’s competition showcased eight student teams who partnered with local organizations to develop actionable plans to address economic, social, and environmental challenges. The teams pitched their ideas in front of a live and online audience and to a panel of three judges, which included Andy Dietrich, Vice President and Co-owner of Champion Chevrolet Cadillac; Melissa Roberts, Executive Director of the Appalachian Promise Alliance; and Aundrea Salyer, Chief Business Development Officer for the Kingsport Chamber's Office of Small Business Development and Entrepreneurship.

The judges selected the winners, and the audience voted on a People’s Choice Award.

In total, the ETSU Elevates Pitch Competition invested $25,000 into the region. 

The winner of the People’s Choice Award was Skylar Mittelsteadt, a business management major, who also took home the first prize from the judges. Her project is “Level the Field.” In partnership with the YMCA Kingsport, Mittelsteadt is collecting new/gently used sports gear (athletic shorts/shirts, socks, shin guards, cleats, etc.) and reallocating it to athletes in need.

Earning second prize was Kyah Alese Powers, who is double majoring in political science and philosophy. She pitched “Continuing the Stories of Recovery.” Powers and her community partner, Johnson City Recovery, seek to secure permanent funding for Recovery Community Centers (RCCs) by educating legislators on these new start-ups and fostering the replication of the Johnson City Recovery Center model throughout Tennessee.

The third prize was awarded to Layne Maddox, a criminal justice major whose project “Bike Layne” aims to increase bikeability within this region through higher participation and safer infrastructure, based on a two-phase plan. Maddox’s community partner is Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association Inc. (SORBA).

The other Elevates participants included:

• 
  My Health Compass: Student Morgan Blazer partnered with Appalachian Highlands Care Network.
• The Myla Project: Students Laura Head and Caitlyn Glover have partnered with YWCA Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia.
• Smile with NAT: Student Natalie White paired with Appalachian Miles for Smiles.
• Staying Sustainable: Student Jolene Batie paired with Meet the Mountains/Visit JC.
• Tri-FACETS: Student Matthew Gardenhour paired with RISE: Healthy for Life.

By Melissa Nipper   |   Photos by Charlie Warden