The winners of the 2007 YouthBiz E-Show, put on by Sunrise Community Futures in Weyburn, were announced on Friday, with a total of $2,050 in prize money awarded to students in the southeast.

A total of 74 students competed in this innovative business competition in which they created virtual trade show booths.

In the Grade 10-12 category, first place and $500 in prize money went to Justin Marcotte of Torquay for his business, Organic Farmer Boy, a supplier of organically grown flowers and vegetables.

Second place and $300 was awarded to Stephanie Paslawski of Weyburn for her business, U2 Design, a graphic design service. In third place with a $150 prize were Max Watson, Quinton Roelfsema and Justin Tracey of Weyburn for their business, Spades Paintball, a paintball store.

In the Grades 6-9 category, first place and $500 in prize money went to Evan Bourassa of Sedley for his business, Prairie Comfort, a special care home for seniors.

Second place with $300 in prize money went to Rhett Handley of Estevan for his business, Drinkapalooza, a cookie and drink vendor. Third place and $150 went to Tehlar Schilling of Estevan for her business, Tehlar's Dance Lessons for Kids, a unique exercise and dance studio.

"This project was designed to encourage youth entrepreneurship. When students started sending in their submissions, we were amazed at the quality and creativity displayed by these young people. All students who participated in the YouthBiz E-Show should be congratulated for their hard work and great ideas," said Chantelle Ernst, general manager of Sunrise Community Futures.

Some special achievement awards were also handed out for those students who went the "extra mile" in their submissions.

The prize for Most Innovative Idea, with a $50 prize, went to Alexandria Newman of Estevan for her business, Alex's Amazing Green Bags, an environmentally-aware company.

The prize for Most Enthusiastic Greeting and $50 went to Britney Ruzesky of Estevan for her business Suds and Bubbles, a cleaning service. The title of Outstanding Effort and $50 was awarded to Amanda Locker and Rebecca Unser of Sedley for their business, Weddings Away, a bridal planning store.

Public viewing of the YouthBiz E-Show is on until Friday, Dec. 28. Visitors can log onto www.sunrisecommunityfutures.com and navigate the E-show exhibit halls and see the sights and sounds of a trade show.

The E-show was conceived and implemented by Sunrise Community Futures, and co-sponsored by Sunrise and the Saskatchewan Youth Project Awards.