Release Date: Immediate • Contact: Catharine Scott
Phone: 954-893-7225, ext. 4834 • Fax: 954-893-8375
E-mail: pave@paveinfo.org

PAVE Announces PAVE the Way 3D Design Challenge for Students
Inaugural competition sponsored and presented by B&N Industries

Hollywood, Fla. (Oct. 7, 2009)—The Planning and Visual Education Partnership (PAVE) launches PAVE the Way, a new 3D design challenge for college students in store design, interior design, visual merchandising, and industrial design programs. The competition offers students a chance to see their designs come to life, gain exposure at a major industry trade show, and win cash awards.

“A hands-on approach to design and manufacturing can help students greatly if they choose to be part of the retail environments industry,” said PAVE President Richard Stolls, chairman of Lifestyle/Trimco. “The challenge, developed by PAVE’s Education Committee, involves designing a countertop fixture to sell sunglasses and making a mock-up or a 3D rendering for judging. Top finishers will have the opportunity to work with a design and manufacturing firm to make a prototype, which will be exhibited prominently at GlobalShop.”

As sponsor and presenter of the inaugural challenge, Burlingame, Calif.-based B&N Industries will work with the finalists to build prototypes of their designs. “We thank B&N for welcoming students to work with their employees in the factory to develop the final product,” Stolls said.

Said Brad Somberg, president of B&N Industries, “We’re excited to be the first sponsor of the PAVE the Way 3D Design Challenge. We hope to help make this educationally inspired challenge an event that will showcase new young talent from all over the world. To turn finalist students’ design concepts into working prototypes and showcase them at GlobalShop is fulfilling on so many levels. I can't wait to see the entries.”

In addition to exposure for talented students, the prototype display provides an interesting new aspect for GlobalShop attendees. “For the first time ever, GlobalShop attendees will be able to see physical displays that have been designed by PAVE students, right on the trade show floor,” said Doug Hope, founder and producer of GlobalShop. “This new element reinforces the educational and charitable efforts that GlobalShop, and by extension its attendees and exhibitors, dedicate to PAVE. As a long-time supporter of PAVE, we look forward to the premier of this competition. We’re confident that the talent of PAVE students will be readily apparent to seasoned industry leaders who see the entries on the floor at GlobalShop.”

The deadline for entries is Jan. 8, 2010. Winners of first, second, and third place and honorable mentions will receive monetary awards, with $5,000 as the top award. Competition details and entry forms are available at www.paveinfo.org.

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