PORT ANGELES — What do a fruit orchard, laser tag arena and monster truck shop have in common?
They’re all businesses that Port Angeles High School seniors believe could have a shot at succeeding in town.
For the past five years, Dave Uranich, a social studies teacher at the high school, has required his students to come up with new business concepts they think could work in Port Angeles.
This year, about 60 students drew up 12 different business plans and pitched them to local business leaders and city officials on Friday.
The business ideas included everything from an outdoor activity consulting firm to a pizza and movie delivery service.
All of the ideas, though, had aspects of local resources or need.
Nathan West, principal planner for the city, told the students he was impressed with their work, and that many of the businesses looked like they had a chance.
Energy bars
One of the most successful groups of the day was a team of two who developed an idea for a new energy bar company called Sol Natural Bars.
Students and business leaders literally ate up the four energy bars created by Steven Lewis, 17, and Jay Nolan, 19.
“I think we’re actually going to sell these on campus,” Nolan said, “if it’s a possibility.”
Unlike most of the groups, Nolan and Lewis’ company didn’t need an actual plant to run their business.
Just a start-up plan, great idea and enthusiasm for what they were doing.
“Passion will overcome hard work,” said Jim Haguewood, a partner with One Network Executives consulting group in Sequim and former Clallam County Economic Development Council executive director.
