Rob: All this month we are meeting innovators, those who don't let convention
stand in their way.
Our Jessica Betts caught up with such a group, at the Wes Watkins New
Products and Processes Fair.
Jessica: Every day, people from all over the world are coming up with new
ideas and new ways of doing things.
But just how many of them actually commit to their ideas, and become
inventors?
Former Congressman, Wes Watkins, has been recognizing innovative
talents in southeastern Oklahoma for the past 23 years, at the New Products
and Process Fair.
But this year, he wanted to give people from all across the state, a chance
to put on their thinking caps, and possibly, strike it big.
Brendan Goad: Then this is the side view.
Jessica: From stapler safety.
Goad: Then pull it this way, and the staple puller will go back in, so then
you can't cut yourself.
Jessica: To working, while reclining.
Gary Godwin: This is the position it would be when you're working on the
computer.
Jessica: Forty inventors of all ages came to the Wes Watkins International
Trade Center in Stillwater, showcasing their inventions at the
New Products and Process Fair.
Insurance companies, if they want to give this away as a favor to their
customers.
Former Congressman, Wes Watkins, is the driving force behind this contest.
Wes Watkins: We have creative people all across this state, and really the
nation.
And from ideas come things to solve problems.
Where there's a problem, there's an opportunity.
Right here, on the roof, and in the trunk.
Jessica: And an opportunity to make money.
More than 11,000 dollars in cash prizes are given to contest winners.
Tom Smith is the CEO of Rural Enterprises Incorporated.
Tom Smith: We feel that it is an event that brings out the ingenuity
and the creativity of our young people, as well as adults.
We have partnered for a number of years with the CareerTech system with
this particular endeavor, and we're just proud to be involved with it on a
continual basis.
Jessica: Investing in Oklahoma's rural and economic future.
Wes Watkins: We're not going to forget the small towns, rural areas.
We're going to be out there.
We're going to be trying to have some of this technology.
By giving birth to industry, we can help save those communities.
Jessica: The Wes Watkins New Products and Process Fair is an annual event.
If you'd like to become a part of the next contest, contact your local
Technology Center for more information.