Heska launches 2011 Inspiration in Action contest to support veterinary profession

Kansas City – Heska is looking for some great ideas to help the veterinary profession.

In fact, the winner will have a chance to spend a $25,000 first prize to support the profession or further its goals.

The contest, unveiled at CVC Kansas City, is called 2011 Inspiration in Action, and it will run through Sept. 30. So, what inspires you? The ideas can be anything from a building project to support of a philanthropic donation that benefits the veterinary profession, explains Heska’s Janet Tucker Kellogg.

In fact, the company took on this project simply as a way to "pay it forward to honor the contributions of veterinarians."

The contest is simple, go to heska.com/action to submit your written idea about the best ways to spend $25,000 to support veterinary medicine. You will first have to log in and create a simple user account.

If your entry makes it to the semi-finals, you will have to submit a more detailed business proposal including the project's objectives, solutions, benefits, timeline and expense detail. Heska has a template created for those semi-finalists.

Judging will take place in three phases. Initially the field will be narrowed to 10 semi-finalists by a panel of market leaders. During the last voting phase, registered users of Heska's website will have a chance to vote on the winner. The runner-up will also receive $5,000,Kellogg says.

Last year, an organization called Pets Forever won the $25,000 grand prize for its work in providing veterinary care to low-come elderly, disabled or ill people. The international rescue organization World Vets was awarded the $5,000 second prize.

Kellogg says that one of the contests' goals is to help these organizations gain additional exposure and forward momentum as they look to expand their outreach services. World Vets is an excellent example, Kellogg says. In fact, the organization, which was founded by veterinarian Dr. Cathy King, offers veterinary assistance to countries around the world in time of need or following a disaster. For example, World Vets deployed a veterinary team to Japan following this year's tsunami and have been actively involved following other disasters around the world.

Last year, the contest netted 120 entries, and Heska is hoping for even more this year."People have really creative ideas, and we are trying to offer some help so that they can get them off the ground," Kellogg says.

To enter the contest, go to heska.com/action.