PITCHMASTER COMPETITION

Dawn Evans & Lydia Evans Cynthia & Mayor Joe Pitts John Crespo, Angela Peterson & Guy Standford, Jr.

Daniel & Victoria Knight Dwight Jemison & Markice Moore

Jasmine Williams & Lashaya Williams Jade Harrison

COMPETITION

Story & Photography by Tony Centonze

PitchMasters TN recently hosted an elevator pitch competition that featured top entrepreneurs and small business owners showcasing their business ideas to accomplished public leaders and investors. It was billed as a day of business knowledge and networking.

The event was a search for innovative, diverse, early-stage startups looking to take their business to the next level.

John Crespo, one of the organizers of the event, announced the competition’s winners: 1st Place – Jasmine Williams with Designer Agents Realty - $10,000, 2nd Place - Lysander Paige with Kut Wingz - $2,500, and 3rd Place - Donovan Stewart with Ghydion - $1,500.

Dee Lenz & Bill McCleskey Kacie Bryant & Gail Ramirez Lysander Paige Michael Pardue & Guy Standford, Jr.

Bobby Emmett Kendall & Shannon Kitchen Michael Giaras & Gabriel Guijarro Kevin Gabauer & James Smith

Discover Excitement And Adventure At The Nation’s First Truly Upscale Water Attraction

SoundWaves at Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville, Tennessee. This unexpected, four-acre, three-level aquatic experience unites extraordinary environments, exclusive amenities, and relaxing water features with energetic rides, immersive music, and a modern oasis for people of all ages to enjoy. Indoor experiences are open yearround, and seasonal outdoor attractions are open mid-May through Labor Day.

Much like Gaylord Opryland’s temperature-controlled atrium, SoundWaves’ two-acre indoor attraction maintains an 84-degree tropical temperature. A uniquely designed roof permits natural light, giving guests the opportunity to sunbathe indoors yearround. Whether guests are looking for a getaway to chill or thrill, SoundWaves’ indoor experience has something for everyone – from the Crowd Surfer FlowRider®, Up Tempo Rapids River, Record Launch™ serpentine water slide, and Stage Dive™ body slide to the Down Tempo Lazy River, Groovin’ Lagoon activity pool, and Quarter Note or Half Note Coves for the youngest guests. Status Cymbal™ adults-only infinity pool and bar offers a fresh take on a date night or bachelorette party. The two-acre seasonal outdoor attraction features a 45-foot slide tower with adrenaline-inducing rides, including the Beat Drop, a nearvertical tunnel that enters into a looping waterslide, the Bass Drop open-flume, a six-story, free-fall waterslide, and a four-lane Rock’N Racer mat slide. In addition, guests can enjoy favorite music videos on a giant LED movie screen while riding the waves at the Tidal Track Wave Pool. The outdoor experience also includes the Rising Stars Stage kid’s pool and multi-level play structure, adults-only Diamond Pool and bars, daily live music, private cabana rentals, food trucks, and more.

Guests will enjoy elevated dining experiences in SoundWaves, inspired by your favorite fun-in-the-sun destinations. The SoundWaves dining experience will ensure each palate is satisfied with offerings like kidfriendly fare and signature cocktails.

Party rooms are also available to reserve for groups of eight to thirty people and include all-day access to SoundWaves, pizza, sodas, and parking passes – perfect for birthdays, reunions, bachelor or bachelorette events, or even “just because” celebrations.

The only guaranteed access to SoundWaves is reserving the SoundWaves Experience overnight package, which includes room

accommodations, passes to the water experience, and exclusive early arrival so you can enjoy the fun even longer! Tennessee residents receive up to 25% off on select dates with code M91, while other guests can find different packages and savings. Overnight SoundWaves Experience package guests with a confirmed reservation may also choose to upgrade their visit with a private cabana where you can unwind in comfort with extra shade, comfortable loungers, refrigerators, and more!

Beyond SoundWaves, guests can experience everything Gaylord Opryland Resort has to offer. With nine acres of indoor garden atriums, complete with a winding, quarter-mile river, seasonal, familyfriendly activities, an award-winning spa, a variety of dining, and more, the whole family is welcome to enjoy more of everything they love during their stay.

SoundWaves is not a waterpark; it’s the place everyone has been dreaming of at an exceptional resort! For more information and to reserve your SoundWaves Experience Package or party room, visit SoundWavesGO.com.