Introducing New Chamber Member: Serfwerks

Decades ago, retail magnate John Wanamaker said, “Half of the money I spend on advertising is wasted. The trouble is, I don’t know which half.” Wanamaker’s statement reflects a frequent problem within many of today’s businesses where marketing’s true impact is not understood. Marketing is seen as a necessary evil or a process where business is magically generated.   

Said Diane & Kiley in a recent Business News article, “For years, corporate marketers have walked into budget meetings like neighborhood junkies. They couldn’t always justify how well they spent past handouts…They just wanted more money. But those heady days of blind budget increases are fast being replaced with a new mantra: measurement and accountability.”

Serfwerks, a Utah-based marketing and design agency, specializes in helping businesses measure and improve their marketing efforts. “Every organization has to engage in marketing in some form or fashion,” said Serfwerks’ principal Nate Gibby. “Organizations that can quantitatively measure and understand the performance of their marketing efforts will be able to significantly improve their marketing results without significant increases in marketing spending. Marketing should be viewed as an investment that pays a measurable return.”

To understand and improve your marketing efforts, contact Serfwerks at 801.649.4057 or www.serfwerks.com.

Serfwerks

Measure. Create. Affect.

3157 Louise Ave.

Salt Lake City, UT 84109

P: 801.649.4057

F: 801.649.4009

info@serfwerks.com

www.serfwerks.com

Festival to open with ribbon cutting ceremony performed by local military hero

For Immediate Release:

Bringing together many local Utah businesses, artists, entertainers and families, the 2009 I Heart Utah Festival focuses on, “celebrating the state of Utah and her treasures…the people, places, and products that make Utah great.”

At 10:00 AM the Festival with begin following a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the Provo/Orem Chamber of Commerce with the ribbon cutting performed by local Utah military heroes. Sergeant First Class Gordon L. Ewell will be escorted in by motorcycle Honor Guard along with his wife, Terra, and six children. “SFC Ewell led over 33% of the missions he was on in Iraq. He was recognized by his superiors to be unparalleled in physical stamina and toughness, complemented with his superior technical and tactical capabilities. This was demonstrated on the battlefield when his efforts under heavy enemy fire were unrivaled, which earned him the Bronze Star, Purple Heart and Combat Action Badge.” (Ewell bio, below)

There will also be an additional military represented, escorted in via helicopter courtesy Universal Helicopter, to be in attendance and assist with the ribbon cutting ceremonies (TBD).

Krispy Kreme will be providing free donuts to all those in attendance, while supplies last, at which point the I Heart Utah Festival will be open to the public, free of charge.

The Festival takes place on Saturday, July 18^th just prior to Pioneer Week, Utah’s own holiday and is FREE to the public. At a central location between Utah and Salt Lake counties, Thanksgiving Point’s Electric Park will be the picturesque location of a memorable day full of shopping, sampling, winning, entertainment, education and activities for the entire family.

With the current economic situation, Festival producers saw a need to do what they could locally to help support small business within Utah cities and throughout the State, and help encourage Utah citizens to do the same. “We found such an impressive amount of quality products and services offered by individuals or small businesses right here in our own back yard, and an exciting amount of nationally recognized companies that are founded or run from our great 801 or 435 area codes!” (Melynda Valgardson, Vyking Media & Entertainment)

Festival vendor categories include health and wellness, travel and tourism, sports and recreation, home and garden, businesses catering to women, preparedness, education, ‘Greening” Utah, arts and entertainment, and will include a local Farmers Market. Any business or organization that is based in or originated in Utah qualifies for involvement in the Festival and can reserve a vendor or nonprofit information booth space for a minimal fee.

Festival Schedule: The I Heart Utah Festival begins at 10:00 am with a ribbon cutting hosted by the Provo/Orem Chamber of Commerce. The ribbon cutting will be done special guests and local Utah heroes that will be escorted in by motorcade and helicopter, (please contact for details). Krispy Kreme donuts will be available while supplies last. The first 5,000 Festival attendees will also receive a pearl necklace courtesy Overstock.com.

Throughout the day attendees can walk the Festival grounds including theme areas: (1) Pink Street sponsored by Window Fashions with vendors catering to women, (2) Green Street sponsored by Utah Valley University including businesses and organizations that focus on ‘green living’ and taking care of Utah, (3) Red, White, & Blue Street hosted by Vyking Entertainment representing businesses throughout Utah with a patriotic theme, (4) Kids Korner sponsored by Sunshine Generation of Utah County with businesses catering to children including numerous inflatables from Goose Jumps, (5) Sports Park sponsored by Supa Fly Mobile Detailing and representing local sports and recreation organizations, (6) Front Parking Log sponsored by Fun Share Rentals including boats, ATV’s, motorcycles and a Utah Trikes demo, (7) and a Farmers Market reflecting Utah cuisine, food and beverage as well as local artists and crafters. Additional activities and displays include a karaoke contest at the Talent Quest booth, hang gliding display by Wings over Wasatch, a sailboat from Bonneville School of Sailing, a helicopter by Universal Helicopter, and an airplane from UVU Aviation plus many more prizes, activities, demos, and education at over 100 “I Heart Utah” vendor and informational booths. All Festival attendees can visit the information and prize booth to vote for their favorite Utah businesses and sign up to win a number of prizes throughout the day including our grand prize courtesy JetBlue Airways.

A full day of entertainment will be available on the Ebay’s Green Stage which is powered entirely by the sun and captured by Green Tow’s mobile solar power trailer. Entertainment includes local artists and musicians (Shaun Barrowes, Jarrett Burnes, Justin Williams, Ryan Innes), performances by the Talent Quest karaoke competition winners, dance performances, and even performing dogs trained by Arrow Kennels Dog Training.

For a complete list of vendors, sponsors and event and schedule updates, please log on to www.IHeartUT.com

LJCooper Recognized as a Top Wealth Manager

LJCooper is pleased to announce our second consecutive year ranked as a top wealth manager by Wealth Manager Magazine. Wealth Manager Magazine serves the professional investment community and those firms that practice wealth management in its highest form.

“We are thrilled to be ranked again, and despite the turbulent economic times actually improved in the rankings by 90 spots over last year. I think that says a lot for our adviser’s ability to stay focused on our clients’ needs and provide them excellent service and timely education.” Stated Craig M. Porter-Rollins, Chief Executive Officer of LJCooper Capital Management.

The rankings are derived from surveys of firms from all over the country, based on average assets under management per client. LJCooper Capital Management ranked # 389 nationally
and was one of the highest ranked firms in Utah again for 2009.

ABOUT LJCOOPER CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, LLC:
Founded in 2000, LJCooper Capital Management, LLC is an independent
wealth management firm registered with the SEC as an investment
advisor. LJCooper provides a holistic approach integrating all of
the major areas that impact a client’s wealth. We specialize in
helping businesses and individual clients convert appreciated assets
(land, business assets, 401k, etc.) into a safer, more-diversified
investment portfolio in a way that reduces taxes, avoids costly
mistakes, and preserves their wealth. LJCooper is the #1 firm in
Utah offering the acclaimed Dimensional Fund Advisor’s, (DFA)
portfolio of investments. Ranked #10 Small Firm in U.S. by Financial
Adviser Magazine 2008. Ranked #2 in Utah, #1 in Utah County on
Wealth Manager Magazine’s Top Wealth Manager’s list for 2008 and
2009.


Contact: Chris Frary
Phone: 801-221-2939

Sundance Resort Receives Three Best of State Awards

Sundance Resort Receives Three Best of State Awards
Sundance Resort Receives Best Vacation Resort Award
Tree Room Receives Best of State Medal for American Fine Dining/Classic
And Receives the B.O.S.S. Award for Dining

(Sundance, Utah) June, 2009---- Sundance Resort received three awards this year for Best of State. The Best of State Statue for Dining, along with the Best of State Medal for American Fine Dining was presented to the Sundance Tree Room, while the Sundance Resort was named Best Vacation Resort. The awards were presented on Saturday, May 30th, at a gala awards banquet held at the Salt Palace Convention Center Grand Ballroom. The winners are selected based on overall excellence and achievement, innovation, and contribution to the community. The BOSS ( Best of State Statue ) is awarded in each of the eleven main categories, with winners selected from the Best of State subcategory winners. Award winners in each of the subcategories are awarded the prestigious Best of State bronze medal.

Sundance Resort celebrates its 40th Anniversary in 2009. Since its founding by Robert Redford in 1969, Sundance has evolved into an award winning destination resort that still holds true to its mission of balancing art with nature and community. Other recent awards include Sundance Resort being listed in Conde Nast Traveler’s Fifteenth Annual Gold List in the January 09 issue. Sundance was ranked ninth in the Conde Nast Traveler's Top 50 2008 Best Places to Ski and Stay in their December 08 issue and was ranked 2nd for Best of Food 2008, Conde Nast Traveler's Gold List. Sundance was also featured in a twelve page article in Dec. 2008, Ski Magazine. Sundance ranked third in the Ski Area Citizens' Coalition for environmental stewardship (08/09 season) The Ski Area Environmental Scorecard grades western resorts on their environmental practices.

“Sundance Resort is honored to receive these Best of State Awards. Sundance was created with the vision of a community committed to the balance of art and nature, and in this spirit strives to continue this tradition. To be recognized by such a prestigious award validates our efforts and inspires us to continue to strive for excellence in all that we do,” commented Chad Linebaugh, Sundance Resort General Manager.

The Tree Room, an AAA Four Diamond restaurant, reflects the Sundance tradition of creating a community where art and nature are one. Everything from its intimate ambiance to the food itself encompasses this idea. The restaurant was originally built around the Cedar tree it is named for and that still dominates the restaurant. The glow of soft candlelight illuminates the Native American art and Western memorabilia on display from Robert Redford’s private collection. But, it’s the innovative, seasonal cuisine that truly celebrates food as an art form.
“We are honored to receive this award,” commented Fred Johnson, Director of Operations. “Working in an atmosphere that celebrates food as an art form allows us the satisfaction of bringing passion and creativity to our work. This creative approach allows our patrons to receive an experience they could not have anywhere else.”

Best of State gives recognition yearly to outstanding individuals, organizations, and businesses in Utah. Award winners have demonstrated achievement and excellence in their fields of endeavor and have produced superior results and outcomes. More than 100 judges review the nominations. The process is overseen by the independent certified public accounting firm of Gilbert & Stewart, P.C.

ABOUT SUNDANCE
Nestled at the base of 12,000-foot Mt. Timpanogos, Sundance is a 6,000-acre community preserve dedicated to maintaining the balance of art, nature and community. Sundance offers diverse mountain recreation experiences and encourages the cultivation of art and self-expression, as well as the preservation of the land. Created by Robert Redford, Sundance is a haven for discovery and inspiration. The Sundance family of companies includes the Sundance Resort, Sundance Institute, Sundance Channel, Sundance Cinemas, Redford Center and Sundance Catalog. For more information on Sundance, call 801-225-4107 or visit our website, www.sundanceresort.com.

If you are a business leader in Utah in 2009

If you are a business leader in Utah you will surely agree that a major factor in the success of your business depends on a healthy economy and a qualified, available, and willing workforce. Thousands of qualified people with disabilities in Utah are unemployed or underemployed. In a down economy, a rising unemployment rate for the state is difficult - for people with disabilities it is devastating! Even though a current 5.2 percent unemployment rate seems high, for people with disabilities who were recently working and lost their jobs that rate is around 17 percent!

This often forgotten and untapped resource, qualified workers with disabilities, represents 70,000 individuals in Utah counties alone with at least 60% of them underemployed or unemployed and looking for work!

A poll taken a few years ago found that:
• 92% of the public polled believed that society will benefit economically if people with disabilities are assimilated into the workforce.
• 50% of those surveyed know someone with a disability. More than half have a friend with a disability. 25% have someone in their family with a disability and 20% have a co-worker with a disability.
• 82% saw employment of people with disabilities as a “boost” to the nation-not as a threat to others’ jobs.
• 90% of people polled think society will benefit by employing people with disabilities who are now on public assistance.

They are right! Employing people with disabilities would benefit us all! The facts are, however, that nineteen years after the Americans with Disabilities Act took effect, only one-third of disabled Americans are employed, even though more than two-thirds of unemployed people with disabilities say they would like to work. And despite increased laws designed to provide for workplace accommodations for qualified workers with disabilities, the employment rate of persons with disabilities has increased very little since the late 1980's. A series of studies conducted by the National Organization on Disability (NOD), in collaboration with Louis Harris and Associates reported an actual increase in the unemployment rate from 66% in 1986 to 71% in 1998 and the numbers haven't improved today.

Whether we are in the midst of a bad economy or a good one, the fact is that baby boomers will eventually retire. When that happens we will be facing an ominous predicted 10 million worker shortfall of qualified workers. Business leaders will be forced to look at non-traditional ways to meet their needs. While this prospect is alarming, it becomes an opportunity for business leaders to become involved in one exciting solution.

The Utah Business Employers Team (UBET), a registered chapter of the USBLN (www.usbln.com), is a Business Leadership Network that provides information, training, and expertise regarding the employment of people with disabilities. It uses a business-mentoring-business model that recognizes and promotes best practices in hiring, retaining, and marketing to people with disabilities. Utah currently has two chapters and subcommittees of the Ogden/Weber and Salt Lake Chambers of Commerce.


For more information:

Leslee Hintze
Executive Director
Governor's Committee on
Employment of People with Disabilities
1595 West 500 South
Salt Lake City
UT 84104

Lon Bowen
Choose to work Specialist
Department of Workforce Services
801-344-1226 or 801-400-9926 ( Cell)
lbowen@utah.gov

Global Awareness Expo

Global Awareness Expo – August 22nd 2009 – McKay Event Center:

The event will be held on Saturday, August 22nd 2009 from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. at the McKay Events Center in Orem, Utah. The first annual "Global Awareness Expo" is to create awareness for all global-issues and world-causes. We want to inspire ordinary people to promote and support their favorite cause. All Utah businesses and communities need our help to get through this tough economic time. It’s vital in these tough times that we as individuals help support our local citizens, businesses, and charities now more than ever before.

Day Time Event: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The general public is invited to attend an all day event starting at 8am. Not only is the expo open to the public for the price of admission there is also VIP tickets to the Presidential Lunch-In with the City Mayor and the top 50 CEO’s from the great state of Utah. There will be over 250 charitable organizations, 50 restaurants, 50 sponsors, and 28 local artists all being represented giving the public fun & exciting things to discover. There will be free food, entertainment, and contests with admission for all to enjoy toward a good cause. There is so much to do at the day event that we can’t list them all but here are just a few of the exciting things to do that will be presented by two of Utah’s most popular radio and news stations:

• Slick Trade Racing
• Rockwall Climbing
• One-Man Band
• Public Speakers*
• Mimes
• Martial Arts Demo*
• Live Performances*
• Jugglers
• Gymnastics*
• Flame Thrower
• Face Painters
• Dance Performances*
• Comedians*
• Clown’s
• Balloon Makers
• Blow up Houses

Taking Care of Business with Brad Norton- UCCU

New Chamber Member- Vitters Fine Woodworking

Vitters Fine Woodworking


We can show you ways to beautify your home, office or business at affordable pricing. Our goal, at Vitters Fine Woodwork, is to bring you the highest level of craftsmanship using high quality materials. We make your entire experience enjoyable. We are not happy until you are completely satisfied.

We build fireplace mantels, bookcases, entertainment centers, fine furniture, built-in’s, organizers, store display cases, cabinetry, architectural woodwork and trimwork..

All of our projects are custom made. Rather than compromising and buying something that is mass produced, to fit a wide variety of people’s needs, we make it to fit your needs. You have the luxury of choosing the style, the material, the dimensions, and the finish. And Vitters Fine Woodworking offers convenient in-home or on-site consultations.

If a new look in the kitchen is your goal, you may want to consider new cabinets or just replacing the doors and drawer fronts. In the bathroom, a new vanity would give the room an updated look. In the office or den, perhaps a new executive desk and some floor-to-ceiling bookshelves would add function and beauty. Built-ins always make a huge improvement to any room.

Many of our customers felt that their projects were too small, and were surprised at how quickly and affordably they were finished. Large or small, we do it all!

We’re running a special summer promotion, mention that you are a chamber member and we will waive the in-home design session fee and you will receive an additional 10% off your project as well.

At Vitters Fine Woodwork, we are excited to be a part of the Chamber and we look forward to serving you.

(801) 360-7458
163 West 1600 North, Orem, UT 84057

Visit Terra Mia to Support Kids on the Move!

TERRA MIA restaurant in Orem is donating a portion of your bill to Kids On The Move!

VISIT THIS NEW RESTAURANT BETWEEN JULY 1-8, 2009 & TELL THEM KIDS ON THE MOVE SENT YOU, AND TERRA MIA WILL DONATE 10% OF YOUR BILL TOTAL TO KOTM!

Are you hungry for some authentic Italian cuisine, but not looking forward to the wait that comes with a regular full service restaurant? Terra Mia is the place for you — where authentic, Italian pizzas, pastas and salads are served in a “just in time” experience — generally around 5 minutes, all freshly made when you order! Whether you are looking for lunch, dinner or dessert, Terra Mia has something for you. Stop by anytime between 11 a.m. and 11 p.m. to experience the cuisine of Naples!

Don’t forget to save room for some Gelato!

Terra Mia, located across from the new Cinemark Theater by University Mall in Orem

Orem Health and Wellness Fair

You are invited to the Orem Costco Wholesale, Health and Wellness Fair, June 25, 26 and 27 from 11am to 5pm at Costco Wholesale, 648 East 800 South in Orem.

Inside the entrance to the Orem Costco, you will find a fantastic selection of the finest brands of health and wellness products available anywhere; at incredible values found only at Costco! And many of these products include our premier private label KIRKLAND signature brands...

Please bring your family and friends and join us for this one-a-year Health and Wellness Fair!