MN8-Foxfire, the developer of breakthrough advanced photoluminescent technology products for firefighters, was named the 2013 Ohio Chamber of Commerce’s Excellence in Entrepreneurship award winner at the chamber’s annual meeting and legislative reception on April 10 in Columbus, OH.
The award is designated to identify, honor and financially assist a company in Ohio that is demonstrating Ohio’s historical innovative spirit. Local chambers of commerce submitted one nominee earlier this year for this prestigious award. MN8-Foxfire was nominated by the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber. A selection committee made up of representatives from Ohio’s business community, along with Ohio Chamber executive committee members selected MN8-Foxfire to receive the Ohio Chamber of Commerce’s Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award and $25,000 cash award.
“In honor of our state’s history of innovators and entrepreneurs, the Ohio Chamber of Commerce created this award to recognize those who continue to take considerable initiative and risk in creating new products and services,” explained President and CEO of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce Andrew E. Doehrel. “MN8-Foxfire truly embodies the reason we developed this award five years ago.”
MN8-Foxfire plans to share a portion of its winnings with Ohio fire departments experiencing budget shortcomings. “For our company to receive the Entrepreneur of the Year award from the Ohio Chamber of Commerce shows that we’re trying to do the right thing by helping firefighters perform their jobs safer and better through the use of our products,” says Zachary Green, president of MN8-Foxfire. “However, we would not be where we are today without the support of the Cincinnati Chamber, the local business community and of course our fellow firefighters. That is why we plan to work with the Ohio State Fire Marshal’s office to help us identify fire departments with budget shortcomings. We plan to donate a portion of our winnings to these departments in the form of Foxfire products.”
According to John Bosse, vice president of membership for the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber, “MN8-Foxfire is a shining example of how innovation, determination and the support of the Cincinnati Chamber can bring success to regional businesses. Zachary’s business concept was bound for success. But with our support, he was able to take it to the next level as evidenced by the Ohio Chamber’s recognition.”
The unique advanced photoluminescent technology (glow-in-the-dark) coatings and products developed by MN8-Foxfire provide illumination and stay visible in complete darkness for many hours. Foxfire products can be charged in just a few minutes from any light source and be recharged indefinitely. As a result, there is no need for any external battery, electrical, or energy source other than light. The illumination from Foxfire products provides safety to firefighters who work in the dark, and to others who find themselves unexpectedly in the dark when the power goes out. The company was founded by a Cincinnati area firefighter.
About MN8-Foxfire
MN8-Foxfire is a firefighter owned company that offers energy efficient and eco-friendly products utilizing breakthrough advanced photoluminescent technology. MN8’s product offerings for the fire safety industry, marketed under the name Foxfire®, have earned a reputation for safety, high quality and performance-proven. The Ohio Chamber of Commerce, Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber, Cincinnati Innovates and Cincy Magazine have recognized MN8-Foxfire for its entrepreneur efforts in developing technology that keeps firefighters safe. The company is headquartered in Wyoming, Ohio, a Cincinnati suburb. For more information, visit www.mn8foxfire.com.
