Mar. 29, 2007

  

A Publication of the Economic Development Corporation of Utah
CEO Jeff Edwards

PRESIDENT'S

MESSAGE

Golf for Grants Tourney Will Raise Funds for Matching Grant Program

Economic development news often appears to focus on the large, flashy projects. Behind the scenes, however, many communities are working to become stronger resources for economic development at the grassroots level. Today’s feature article focuses on EDCUtah’s efforts to raise funds for its matching grant program, a financial assistance program available to communities throughout Utah, interested in expanding specific economic development initiatives.

This year’s fundraising initiative, the Golf for Grants Tournament, has already seen success via substantial contributions from Platinum Sponsor Commerce CRG, as well as Gold Sponsors Big D Construction, Price Realty Group, SelectHealth and Silver Sponsors Industrial Supply and Freeport West.

In addition, this issue of the Economic Review includes links to many of the ED-related news stories from the past week. If you have comments, suggestions or topics you’d like to see in the Economic Review, please contact us by clicking the “Comments” link on the bottom of this page.

Enjoy!

Jeff Edwards
Jeff Edwards
President and CEO

FEATURE

Join EDCUtah's 'Golf for Grants' Fundraising Tourney


Join the fun this June 20 and compete in EDCUtah’s Golf for Grants tournament—an exciting event designed to bring EDCUtah’s partners together and raise money for the Match Grant Program, which supports specific economic development efforts by Utah’s communities, counties, and non-profit organizations.

The tourney will be held at Wasatch Mtn. State Park's beautiful Lake Course

The Golf for Grants tournament will be held at the picturesque Wasatch Mountain State Park Lake Course, in Midway. “EDCUtah is grateful to Commerce CRG, the tournament’s Platinum Sponsor; to its Gold Sponsors, SelectHealth, Price Realty Group, and Big D Construction; and to its Silver Sponsors: Industrial Supply and Freeport West for helping to make this event happen,” says Arthur Franks, EDCUtah’s director of special projects.

The Match Grant Program has become an important economic development tool. Last fall EDCUtah awarded $45,000 in matching funds for the 2006-2007-grant year—a small portion of the proposals received. “Every year we receive dozens of requests that cannot be funded,” says Franks. “It is our intent that the Golf for Grants tournament will help raise enough money to fund twice as many projects as in years past.” Since the programs inception, EDCUtah has awarded more than $606,597 in matching grants.

To reach its goals, EDCUtah must sell its remaining Silver sponsorship packages. The Silver Sponsorship, which sales for $2,500, provides donors with the following perks:
EDCUtah partners and friends interested in signing up for the golf tournament should call Franks (801) 323-4242 or email him: afranks@edcutah.org.

Regarding the Match Grant Program, EDCUtah offers three grant types:
Grants can be used any number of ways, as long as they fit within the guidelines for each of the grant types.

How the Program Works

EDCUtah reimburses up to half of the cost of a pre-approved project (to a maximum of $5,000). Established guidelines specify allotment amounts according to the three grant types. Franks says grant awards are based on the quality of the project, how well the project fits into the community's overall marketing strategy, the distribution plan, audience, follow-up plans, and the ability to measure results. EDCUtah gives special consideration to certain projects, including:

Click here to access the online Matching Grant Application.

CALENDAR

April 11:

EDCUTAH Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Open House

April 12-13:

Utah League of Cities and Towns Conference (St. George)

April 29-May 2:

CoreNet (Denver)

May 6-9:

BIO 2007, Boston

June 6-8:

The New West Summit, in Big Sky, Montana will bring together business leaders, entrepreneurs, politicians, journalists, academicians, and engaged citizens to talk about the future of the Rocky Mountain West.

June 20:

EDCUTAH Golf Tournament

EDCUTAH PARTNERS


Current Partners
Why Be a Partner?
Board of Trustees

IN THE NEWS

Economic Development Headlines

Utah Called 'Undervalued Stock'

- Utah has made strong economic gains in the past two years but remains what Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. calls "an undervalued stock." Speaking at the Governor's Utah Economic Summit '07 on Thursday, Huntsman promised good things in the state's economic future. (Morning News) (Clipper Today)

3 Firms Tell Why They Relocated to Utah

- Financial incentives often capture the headlines, but sometimes less-tangible things persuade companies to put operations in Utah, such as the great outdoors and hospitable and helpful residents. Plus a willingness to have workers relocate to Utah. Representatives of three companies that have moved some of their business to Utah said as much Thursday at the Governor's Utah Economic Summit '07. (Morning News)

Downtown Rising Vision Hailed by Salt Lake Leaders

- Downtown Rising took off with gusto Wednesday, accompanied by the late morning breeze swirling around Gallivan Center at a gathering of the city's business leaders and dignitaries. (Morning News) (SL Tribune)  (KCPW)

Seattle-Based Chain of Smoothie Stores to Enter Utah Market

- A new smoothie concept which bills itself as a "meal replacement" beverage is preparing to enter the Utah market with five to six new stores expected to open throughout the state in the first year. (SL Enterprise)

Salt Lake CD, DVD Replicator Sold, Capacity is Expanded

- Digital Depot LLC, a Salt Lake City-based CD/DVD replication firm has been bought by Digital Works Inc of Las Vegas, which has expanded the Utah plant and will double its capacity and offer full-scale fulfillment services. (SL Enterprise)

Florida Metals Fabricator to Open 85,000 sq. ft. Ogden Plant in June

- U.S.F. Fabrication, a Florida-based metal fabrication firm that revealed plans last fall to open a plant in Utah, has purchased the former Bell Helmet, 85,000 square foot, building in Ogden and plans to begin operations there in June. (SL Enterprise)

Utah Department of Homeland Security's Ready Your Business Program a Success

- The Utah Department of Homeland Security's "Ready Your Business" program is making it easier for businesses to feel as prepared as possible in the event of a disaster. (SL Enterprise)

Town is Pitching for Firms

- After 11 years of being a town, Eagle Mountain officials are saying it's time for the city to grow up — commercially. (Morning News)  (Daily Herald)

Jobs-Creating Land Being Lost

- Far and away more people leave Davis County for work, every day, than in any of the state’s 29 counties. Instead of that road-clogging, gas-eating scenario, county and city economic development officials, and others, are working to lessen that daily exodus. (Clipper Today) 

Utah Tourism Booms With More Cash

- After a recent emphasis in the last couple years on marketing tourism in the state, the investment has had a positive result to Utah's economy, according to Tracie Cayford, deputy director for the Utah Office of Tourism. (Park Record)

Grow Utah Ventures Grows Utah

- Soon after its inception in 2005, Grow Utah Ventures realized the value of tapping into a local resource: Weber State University students. In its mission to give back to the community in a significant way, by improving local economic development, Grow Utah Ventures provides expert advice, funding and support to local entrepreneurs who are hoping to get businesses off the ground. (Standard Examiner)

Real Now Wishing on iStar — as its Investor

- After keeping the name of their new investor under wraps for almost a week, Real Salt Lake officials said Thursday that iStar Financial will invest in the Major League Soccer team and stadium. (Morning News)
(SL Tribune)

Beaver County Resort Gets Scrutinized

- Taxes from a ritzy resort planned for a nearby canyon would help schools and provide jobs, supporters of the Mount Holly Club have told Beaver County planning commissioners. (SL Tribune)

Planner Mapping out Changes for Downtown

- The man charged with planning the revitalization of downtown Tooele is calling for more restaurants and clothing stores, a few national retailers, more festivals in the area, and more efficient tapping of state and federal grants. But unlike a recently unveiled 40-year master plan for Salt Lake City's downtown, Tooele's plan is based on renovating the historical buildings in the area rather than focusing on new construction. (Tooele Transcript Bulletin)

Village on Main Re-Kickoff Coming Soon

-It’s been more than a year since the old JC Penney building was demolished, but the highly anticipated Village on Main remains nearly empty, with Arctic Circle being the site’s sole occupant. (Clipper Today)

Base Holds Industry Forum to Educate Land Developers

- Designed to jump start its West Side Development initiative, Hill Air Force Base held an Industry Forum at the Marriott Hotel in Ogden, March 15, to educate interested land developers. (Hilltop Times)

Wal-Mart Decision Delayed

- After nearly six hours of discussion Tuesday night, Cedar Hills City Council members voted 4-1 to delay making a preliminary decision on a controversial Wal-Mart that could come to the city. (Morning News) (Daily Herald) (SL Tribune)

Spanish Fork OKs Plat for North Park Commercial Development

- City Council members in Spanish Fork voted unanimously Tuesday night to accept a preliminary plat for the proposed commercial development in the North Park area. (Morning News)

Provo to Buy Land for Major Projects

- The Provo City Council voted unanimously Tuesday night to spend $1.26 million on the purchase of downtown property it hopes to turn into major projects that will help revitalize the area. (Morning News)

Mexico Representatives Tout Opportunities for Utah

- Representatives from Mexico made pitches Wednesday for Utah companies to consider putting operations in that country, extolling Mexico's stable, skilled and productive work force and "competitive" and "very reasonable" labor wages. (Morning News) (SL Tribune)

Report Rates Utah Friend of Business

- Whether today's economy is based on globalization or a political environment that fosters the development of small to midsized companies, Utah is making the cut. (SL Tribune)  

Utah in a Jobs Boom

- Utah's job growth keeps booming while its unemployment rate keeps dropping. Job growth in the state rose by 4.4 percent for the year ended Feb. 28, according to a report Tuesday from the Utah Department of Workforce Services. The rate remains above the state's long-term average of 3.3 percent, the report said. (Morning News)

Kohl’s Gets Positive Vibes in Centerville

- Not all big box stores are created equal, at least in the minds of city residents. The Centerville Planning Commission held its first public hearing on a conceptual site plan for Kohl’s, another big box-type store that will be located along Frontage Road.  (Clipper Today)

Amer Sports’ Winter Division Relocates To Utah

- In a move that puts Ogden, Utah one step closer to being the hub of the wintersports industry, Amer Sports Corporation’s Salomon, Atomic, and Suunto brands will relocate to the city this summer and fall. (Transworld Business)