Staff Writer
Brownies with a local connection are making their presence known, recently being selected as a finalist in Forbes’ Boost Your Business contest.
Photo courtesy of Simply Divine Brownies
Simply Devine Brownies is in the process of marketing its new frozen batter product. Voters can help the company win a $100,000 prize by visiting Forbes.com. The money will be used to help the business expand production and jobs at their Maine facility.
“Trina Beaulier, owner of Simply Divine Brownies, a former longtime resident of Caribou and daughter of Dr. Mead Hayward, was honored last year to have her brownies chosen to provide in gift bags at the Oscars/Academy Award Party in Hollywood. This year, her brownies were selected as one of five finalists in a contest sponsored by Forbes,” said Betsey Rodgers, public relations director for Simply Divine Brownies, based in Brunswick.
Beaulier and her daughter, Meggen Beaulier, who currently serves as president of the company founded in 2004, consider themselves “pioneers in the realm of confections.” Since 2004, the company has created quite a national presence, said Rodgers, through its unique approach to gourmet brownies, “baked from scratch in Maine with love, laughter and the finest confection.”
Being chosen as a finalist from a starting field of over 1,000 applicants, Rodgers said it’s now up to voters to determine who wins the contest.
“In August, Simply Divine was chosen from 1,000 applicants around the country as a top 20 Forbes.com finalist for submitting a 500-word business plan in order to win $100,000 in cash for the business,” said Rodgers.
In September, the company was informed it had been selected as one of the five finalists in the contest.
“Simply Divine is now in the final voting phase of the contest. They need votes from Forbes.com site visitors to win,” said Rodgers.
Instructions on the voting process, according to Rodgers, can be obtained by visiting www.simplydivinebrownies.com.
“Voters can visit our Web site for instructions on how to log on the Forbes.com site, view a short videotaped presentation made to an expert judge panel in New York City last month and cast their vote. Voting ends Nov. 30, with the winner being announced in early December,” said Rodgers.
If Simply Divine wins the contest, Rodgers said it would mean the creation of more jobs for their Maine facility.
“The $100,000 grand prize will be used to bring to market Simply Divine Brownies’ frozen brownie batter and toping and frostings line and create Maine jobs,” said Rodgers.
Beaulier is hoping all those who appreciate a good home-cooked brownie will show their support by voting at Forbes.com.
“We are asking all that can appreciate having our line of scrumptious and luxurious, high-quality, ready-to-bake frozen brownie batters and gourmet frostings and toppings available to be baked fresh at home, to vote for us,” said Trina Beaulier, CEO of Simply Divine Brownies. “The grand prize money will allow us to bring our unique brownies to more people n a new, convenient way and create more jobs in Maine.”
Simply Divine Brownies offers over 30 flavors and toppings and, according to Rodgers, is the first hand-cut, hand-decorated shaped brownies, good for any occasion. The brownies have been featured on several programs and in various publications.
“Our brownies have been featured on “The Rachel Ray Show,” “The Today Show,” the Food Network’s “Al Roker On the Road,” and have been publicized in several publications, including Better Homes and Gardens,” “Working Mother,” Country Living, Downeast” and Chocolatier Magazine” – to name a few.
For more information, to place an order or to vote, visit: www.simplydivinebrownies.com.
