A local mother and business owner has been named a finalist in SCORE’s 60th Anniversary Pitch Competition After three years of struggling with illness and undergoing four surgeries, Amber Waldeier was finally ready to embrace life again. Looking forward to a long-awaited family beach vacation, she was caught off guard by the rising baggage fees that airlines had started to impose. This unexpected realization set her on an entrepreneurial journey she never anticipated.“I recall thinking I’ve been living this efficient life, only doing what’s important,” said Waldeier. “Money toward suitcases is not that important to me. I will find a way around their rules.”Her determination resulted in the creation of her first prototype, Zipplicity Un-Luggage — a packable neck pillow that discreetly accommodates up to five pounds of belongings. What began as a personal solution quickly evolved into an innovative business idea when her second-grade chil...