Aila Boyd
aboyd@mainstreetnewspapers.com
The 2024 edition of The Gauntlet Business Program & Competition concluded earlier this year at The Berglund Center with its annual awards ceremony. Two Salem businesses, Dragon Bite Books & Crafts and Lound Hound Woodworking, participated in the competition, and were ultimately given award packages.
“The 10th annual Gauntlet proved once again to be a showcase for diverse entrepreneurial talent, support of every industry from tech to Main Street, and the extraordinary resources available through The Advancement Foundation and our partner agencies. There is no mistake in hosting entrepreneurs and innovators of all ages, educational background, business experience, and stage of business,” Annette Patterson, president of The Advancement Foundation.
Dragon Bite Books & Crafts is a secondhand shop providing books and craft supplies sourced primarily from within the community. “We make often expensive hobbies more accessible while fostering a ‘waste nothing’ mindset and circular economy where one person’s clutter can become another’s prize,” the business said. The owner is Kathryn Ecsedy. The business was given an award package of $500 in cash and $3,185 of in-kind awards.
Loud Hound Woodworking is a small custom furniture and repair shop. “Our mission is to cater to the diverse needs of our community, offering a spectrum of services ranging from basic, cost-effective repairs to the intricate design and construction of bespoke furniture pieces. With a strong foundation in woodworking and a passion for unparalleled customer service, we strive to exceed the expectations of our clients by delivering high-quality solutions tailored to their unique furniture requirements,” the business said. The owner is Patrick Gregoire. The business was given an award package of $500 in cash and $3,935 of in-kind awards.
The 47 awardees this year received $130,000 in cash and $193,874 of in-kind awards, according to Kathy Deacon, vice president of business and resource development at The Advancement Foundation.
