Great ideas are inspired by individuals that work diligently to see good things happen within the world surrounding us all.  Barry and Michelle Aycock are putting their efforts into growing the world of invention through young people.  

In 2019, an inventive spirit was conceived around the Aycorp boardroom to develop a Bright Idea Contest.  Appropriately named, area student were given the opportunity to be creative, imaginative and even innovative with their own ideas for the future and enter a contest with a purse of $10,000 to the winner.

The Bright Idea Contest was created to promote and spark an entrepreneurial spirit among the youth of Southeast Missouri with an objective to generate and facilitate paths of success for young innovators.  

Open to students between grades seven and twelve, idea submissions were accepted during the contest period of January 6th through March 1st.  Students were required to present their ideas via a short 3-minute video fully explaining, detailing and demonstrating their own Bright Idea.  

The contest has attracted over 50 entries from eight counties around the Missouri Heartland. Two rounds will allow contestants to compete within their county as well as an Grand Champion will be chosen on April 4, 2020.

“We are truly happy to offer this opportunity for the young people in our area”, noted Barry Aycock.   “Next year will be bigger and better” .. as the contest continues each year.

Video Link to Contest:  https://youtu.be/HQaVYR6Xzyk