Applications now accepted for the 2022 Soin Award for Innovation

DAYTON, Ohio – The search is on for the next great idea that could win a local business or individual $25,000 and a valuable moment in the spotlight. The Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce is accepting applications for the 2022 Soin Award for Innovation.

True to the Dayton region’s long history with entrepreneurship, invention, and industry, the Soin Award for Innovation recognizes a product or service that is – or soon will – disrupt the market. The winning applicant will best demonstrate an entrepreneurial spirit with a unique offering that has the ability to sustain long-term growth for the company, increase local employment and assist in the creation of economic prosperity within the Dayton region.

“The Dayton area has a long history of innovation and discovery,” said Rajesh Soin, Chairman and CEO of Soin International. “We must continue to encourage our local entrepreneurs to build on this and create new enterprises, jobs, and additional opportunities for this region. On behalf of the Soin Family, I am proud to support this annual award that recognizes the accomplishments of these individuals and businesses.”

The Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce and the Soin family have partnered to offer the Soin Award for Innovation since 2007.

The most recent winner, ConsumerOptix, made waves by streamlining the life insurance process. Its platform, Accelerate, can service the entire the process of purchasing life insurance – from verifying eligibility, to providing a quote, to issuing a policy and taking payment; all online and, in many cases, in a matter of minutes.

“What [my father] told me is that ‘James, if you want to be a successful entrepreneur, you have to have a solution which fills an unmet need in the target marketplace,’” said ConsumerOptix CEO James O’Hara. “Our mission is to help the carriers better connect with consumers and employees via consumer insights and digital personalization to make sure every American has the right life insurance coverage.”

“Typically, it can take 30 to 45 days, involving doctor’s visits and lab tests, to get life insurance, even for healthy young people, O’Hara said. The process is not just outdated, it’s cumbersome and discourages sales.”

O’Hara and Brian Kipp, company president, founded ConsumerOptix in 2018, aiming to simplify and modernize the process of getting life insurance – an open market in the insurance industry because many Americans are underinsured.

A selection committee made up of representatives of the region’s business and academic leaders, along with the chamber’s Education and Public Improvement Foundation (EPI Foundation) Board members, will choose one applicant to receive a $25,000 cash award and its accompanying public and community recognition.

Past Soin Award for Innovation winners are:

Applications are due no later than close of business March 4, 2021. The Soin family will present the Soin Award for Innovation at the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting on Wednesday, April 20.

A link to the application is listed below:

https://daytonchamber.org/services/business-resources/business-awards/soin-award-for-innovation/

About Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce

The Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce brings together more than 2,200 businesses and organizations in a 9 county area surrounding Dayton, Ohio. The Chamber strives to improve the region’s business climate and overall standard of living through public policy advocacy, economic development initiatives and providing networking and training opportunities for its members. Nationally awarded with “5-Star Accreditation” from the United States Chamber of Commerce, the Dayton Chamber is widely recognized for its innovative programs and outstanding contribution to positive change in the region. Information about the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce is available at daytonchamber.org or 937-226-1444.

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