What’s the NEXT big idea that could spur economic growth?  The Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce wanted to know so they sponsored a state contest called “Perfect Pitch” to give budding entrepreneurs an opportunity to pitch their business ideas. The more than 40 applications were whittled to 10 semi-finalists who competed on November 10 in the American Theater on King Street.
Beaufort’s own Louise Hodges, owner of Greenbug All Natural Pest Control Products, was selected First Runner-Up for her invention — an Injector System that delivers Greenbug through existing irrigation systems and safely creates pest-free zones wherever water is directed.
“Imagine no mosquitoes, no no-see-ems, no mole crickets and no fire ants in your yard,” explained Hodges. “With the Greenbug Injector System, all pest concerns are eliminated — safely and for less money than other options available.”
Hodges, along with her husband Dan, ought to know.  Before moving to Beaufort, they owned a landscape design/construction firm in Charlotte, N.C. Once in Beaufort, they shifted their attention to the prevalence of pests and the need to control those pests safely.
According to Hodges, “Greenbug products are university proven effective AND safe.  Using existing irrigation systems to deliver the Greenbug seemed a logical step in landscape design. We just had to tinker with the mechanism to make it simple and efficient.”
The Perfect Pitch competition graded applicants on economic viability, innovation, benefit and presentation. After the initial round, the finalists were whittled to five and included: a new brick that lasts for centuries and can withstand more than 240 mph winds; a new technique to fight pancreatic cancer; a rocket invention that can capture ‘space junk’ threatening to collide with satellites; Greenbug’s Injector System; and the winning entry of a flexible I.V. catheter that does not kink or clog.  The final round was a presentation before a panel of investors, innovators, legal experts and successful entrepreneurs followed by a seven-minute question session for the judges to clarify their impressions. The finalists all received $1,000 towards their business dreams.