President's Corner
Stacy Beck
My message this month is one of GRATITUDE. As most of you know the past 4 months I was campaigning for a seat on the Spanish Fork City Council. Two weeks ago the hard work paid off, and I was elected to represent Spanish Fork. I want to say thank you to the Chamber of Commerce for their support. Whether is was voting at the polls, putting signs up at your business or homes, making donations, or your encouragement as I visited with so many of you. The relationships I have made through our chamber are dear to me. I know I wouldn't be at this crossroads without your support and encouragement. Please feel confident to reach out to me with concerns or suggestions as I continue to be an advocate for our local businesses.
Executive Director Message
Clark H. Caras
Despite the fact the Spanish Fork Salem Area Chamber of Commerce has several members with medical training of all specialties and hospitals and clinics we’ve been able to diagnose a situation ourselves we are dealing with and it’s honestly something we don’t want cured and one of those symptoms of a condition to be celebrated… that of growing pains.
It can honestly be said if there is a chamber in the state of Utah that has found its “mojo”, it’s ours. And the vibe coming along with it is one being felt and talked about around the state; by other chambers, developers, government leaders, and businesses looking for places to settle or expand.
Those growing “pains” are not pains at all, but are instead the growing “vibes” that are a part of everything good this Chamber does and celebrates verbally and through social media, that in many ways is helping to move the growth and the message of being a part of what we have along.
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Don't Forget!
Noon Networking is moving to the 3rd Wednesday of each month. Location may vary so make sure to check the calendar on the chamber's homepage and watch your inbox for the rsvp email with full details.
Calendar
Noon Networking Luncheon
Wed, 11/18/15
Nebo Schood District Office, Board Room
Winter Lights Parade
November 27th at 7 pm
Entries Due by: 11/23/15
Chamber Office Information
Executive Director:
Clark H. Caras
Hours:
Monday through Thursday
10am to 4pm
40 S Main Street
801-798-8352
www.spanishforkchamber.com
Download the Chamber App!
Access the calendar events, business directory, and your member dashboard all in one spot!
Visit the Chamber Website to download or find it on ITunes and GooglePlay.
Spanish Fork Salem Connection Business Directory
Pick up a copy in the chamber office or view it online!
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November's Business of the Month
Clark H. Caras 
America First Credit Union was founded on March 16, 1939 at the Hotel Newhouse in Salt Lake City, Utah. Fifty-nine 59 attended the charter meeting of what was then the Fort Douglas Civilian Employees Credit Union. The credit union was established in a small office housed in Fort Douglas' Building 207, with service hours on Fridays only from 3:30 to 4 p.m. A Prince Albert tobacco can was used to hold all cash deposits at the time; total assets and membership were $788 and 79, respectively.
America First's mission of service is not limited to helping people develop and maintain financial well-being. In fact, it emanates throughout the community. America First's employee volunteer program, the Greater Good, offers a planned, managed framework that motivates the staff to effectively donate time and resources to the communities where they live. Thank you to Macey's for the beautiful cake, and to SF17 for filming!
Small Business Saturday!
By Stanley Nakano, SBA's Acting Region VIII Administrator As the voice for our nation’s entrepreneurs, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) celebrates all small businesses on a daily basis. When our small businesses do well, our communities do too. Therefore, as part of our annual tradition, I encourage you to join millions of Americans and “shop small” on Small Business Saturday , Nov. 28, to complete your holiday shopping (or to start your holiday shopping, as the case may be…)
On the heels of Black Friday, shopping small is a concrete way to support small businesses – the same businesses that generate two of every three net new jobs, and deliver essential goods and services to America’s communities 365 days a year. Since 2010, Small Business Saturday has been a huge economic driver throughout Colorado.
Last year, there were 88 million consumers “Shopping Small” on Saturday. More than 77 percent of consumers said Small Business Saturday inspires them to “Shop Small” through the year and not just for the holidays. In addition, 66% of consumers state the main reason they support small businesses is because of their contributions to the community.
You can do your part with these five simple steps:
- If you’re a business owner, make sure you’re prepared for the holiday season by checking out helpful advice at http://www.sba.gov/smallbusinesssaturday.
- If you’re a customer, commit to making at least one purchase from a locally-owned small business retailer. Get to know the owner, and make your gift more meaningful by sharing their story as part of what you give your loved ones.
- Enjoy the experience. Travel outside your comfort zone -- and away from your computer screen -- to discover an out-of-the ordinary shopping district with some trendy local stores.
- Take part in Small Business Saturday on social media, using the hashtag #SmallBizSat to amplify your support. If you find a great small business retailer with unique products, Tweet or Facebook your find so others can enjoy it too.
- When you open your gifts, start a conversation about which one came from the most distinctive and creative sellers. This can make for great debate over egg nog or your holiday drink of choice.
I know I’ll be shopping small with my friends and family on Saturday, Nov. 28. I encourage you to do the same – and remember that “shop small” refers to whom you buy from, and not how much you buy!
(Stanley Nakano is the SBA's Acting Region VIII Administrator, based in Denver. Region VIII includes Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming)
Trick Or Treat!
  
Tradition and Spanish Fork go hand in hand and bet you can't guess the Chamber member who is Edward Scissor Hands here. It's estimated 3,000 or more kids and their parents came out today for the Halloween Trick-or-treat on Historic Spanish Fork Main Street; and hundreds more came out for Trunk-or-treat in Salem.
Noon Networking Luncheon!
For this month's Noon Networking Luncheon, we have invited the president of Utah Valley University, Matt Holland to come and speak at this month's Noon Networking Luncheon.
As the very first President of the new Utah Valley University, President Holland assumed office on June 1, 2009. His visit to Spanish Fork and the Chamber is due to the efforts of Woodland Hills newly elected councilperson Kari Malkovich and her work with McKell Christiansen law firm.
President Holland graciously accepted the councilperson’s invitation to come to Spanish Fork and south Utah County because of the heavy student base that comes from this area to receive instruction at UVU, which the President’s presentation will heavily concentrate.
UVU is one of the largest institutions of higher learning in Utah with more than 32,000 students who follow courses of study ranging from career training to graduate studies. UVU is a regionally-focused teaching university. The school educates more Utahns than any other university in the world, and 84 percent of UVU graduates remain in Utah to build careers.
Downtown Vision (CPAT)
As new automobile oriented retail developments have become more and more common along our nations freeways, merchants, property owners and communities have worked to keep their downtowns viable places for commerce and recreation. Much like what has become the national norm, Spanish Fork now enjoys new retail development that both compliments and competes with our historic central business district.
Many downtowns throughout the country have suffered as suburban centers become the new hot spots for retail or other economic activity. In some cases, communities have recognized the decline of their downtowns and have responded in various ways to reverse the trend. There is no shortage of success stories in communities that now have thriving Main Streets. We hope to be one of those communities.
So, Spanish Fork was selected to be the first city in Utah to participate in the Community Planning Assistance Team program that is administered by the American Planning Association. This program gave us access to six professionals that provided a very sophisticated perspective and strategies on what we can do to make our downtown as vibrant as possible. The professionals researched our community and spent a week in Spanish Fork in May 2015, from May 10 to May 15. During that week, there were numerous meetings with business owners, local officials and residents as the team learned as much as they could about how to help. During this time, a document was developed which will guide the areas transformation back to being a place that is highly valued, a place where the community gathers, recreates and conducts commerce.
Welcome to the Neighborhood!
Welcome to Big Bratt Boutique!
Congratulations to Big Bratt Boutique! This absolutely unique women's clothier makes its home in an old garage bay that when you open the door transforms you into a world of shopping wonder and plunder to make women of all ages examine where the unique gifts might have come from. Specializing in neveu western and stylish clothing and accessories. We had an amazing turnout, and Big Bratt's was kind enough to order pizza for everyone that attended the ribbon cutting! Thank you to Costco for the amazing cake, and to SF17 for Filming!
Welcome to Jace Gordon Real Estate!
Congratulations to Jace Gordon Real Estate! Jace's aim is to provide you with fundamental real estate information so you can better educate yourself about the real estate process. He's passionate about real estate, so much so, that he made a 180-degree shift from my former career path into the field. He finds nothing more satisfying than witnessing the moment when his clients find “the one.” Family is at the heart of all that’s good in the world, and he feels privileged to participate in bringing people home.
We had a great turnout for the ribbon cutting! We want to thank Costco for the delicious cake, and SF17 for filming!
Welcome to Chick-Fil-A!
Chick-fil-A Operator Scott Rasband is excited to serve the Spanish Fork Community! Chick-Fil-A, is always giving back to the community, starting with their first 100 promotion. There were people lined up outside the doors 24 hours before the opening of the store to receive a free years worth of Chick-Fil-A! They gave out so many free sandwiches and drinks for their grand opening this morning. We are so happy that they have decided to join our chamber. Thank you to Costco, and SF17 for filming!
Congratulations to Doug Smith Spanish Fork!
Congratulations to Doug Smith Auto! We had an amazing turnout for the ribbon cutting for Doug Smith Chevrolet / Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge! Tom and Spence Smith and dad, Doug, had their grand opening and provided some amazing waffles from Waffle Luv, free Coke and we also had a delicious cake from Costco! We are glad that the Smith family chose Spanish Fork for their dealership, we are thrilled to have them as part of our community. Thanks again to Costco for the delicious cake, and to SF17 for filming!
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