This concludes a four part series on the economic summit and its speakers and workshops.
| Scott Truman spoke at the summit. |
At the recent economic development summit a local session was held. Six local businesses gave a brief view of their business operations within the county and their plans for growth in the future.
Scott Truman the director of the Utah Rural Development Council for the past 10 years holds a rural economic development summit each year in Cedar City. He was in attendance at the Emery County Economic Summit and introduced the local session. He was born on the Bunderson Ranch on the Muddy Creek. Scott always wanted to be a cowboy and still aspires to be one. For the past 10 years, he has been the executive director of the Utah Rural Development. He helped establish the Millsite Golf Course while a member of the Ferron City Council.
Truman was also the economic development director for Emery County from1984-89. Truman said back when he was an economic development director he undertook a project to bring more smokestacks into the county. He said he tried to bring together the workforce to get this done. But, the plant he was trying for was a Saturn car factory which employed 20,000 people. “This could have destroyed what Emery County is about. You have to be careful what you wish for. Millard County became hog operators and they raise 1 million sows per year. Some communities chase prisons. Green River wanted it, but Gunnison got it,” said Truman.
Truman said the chance of a big company relocating here is slim to none. But, our greatest assets are our people. Truman said we need to be protective of our history and how we view our culture. We need to protect our scenic resources. The buzz words are that we need to provide jobs for our young people so they don’t leave. But, you will lose your young people. You need to educate them so they may want to come back with a business. If the opportunity comes, they will leave, but they might come back in the future. Create an economic base where the growth and stability comes from within. “Your success will be built about resources you have,” said Truman.
Don Greenburg from Digital Mining Solutions located in Orangeville spoke to the audience. He said their company plans to provide digital mining solutions with technical services. Their product will revolutionize the way safety requirements within a mine are met. All equipment within a mine is inspected each week These records must be made available at all times. Any repairs and maintenance to a machine are recorded. These records are handwritten. The MSHA weekly report is of very little value to the operation of mines. Greenburg and partner, Vernon Childs have created a handheld inspection recording device. MSHA could see the benefits of the device and have given a special OK for the filing of electronic records on equipment.
Greenburg sees a market for their product worldwide as coal is mined throughout the world. Their product is the only one of its type being produced. Greenburg said the Emery County Economic Development Council was helpful to their company and pointed them towards the Smart Site. Office equipment was also donated for the company by the Smart Site program. You can learn more about the company at www.digimin.com.
Dale Fillmore is the owner and operator of EAO Services in Lawrence. Their business is a computer numerically controlled machining operation. They specialize in high end machining and helping customers solve problems. A company in Canada needed a part built and Fillmore went there to get an idea of what they needed. Eventually they solved the problem with the brake discs and now the company has contracted with Fillmore to fill all of their brake orders. The company looks to expand in the future and perhaps employ 10 people in skilled jobs.
Dale is a native of Lawrence and worked in surface and underground mining for more than 20 years both locally and with major manufacturers of mining equipment. He developed an interest in machining and began EAO Services in 1998. His sons Evan and Owen have come on board at the business. Evan has a degree from USU in Agribusiness and worked for a machine shop that supplied materials for Thiokol. Owen has completed drafting courses at ITT.
Troy Huntsman from Huntsman Motors was next with his presentation. He said that he was leasing a spot along Orem’s Center Street to sell cars, but the lease cost was enormous and most of his customers were people from down here, so he came home. His biggest success in business he thinks has been the word of mouth advertising. He also believes being involved in the community and donating to community events helps out. He has also promoted his business with giveaways and radio promotions.
Huntsman would like to expand his business with more car inventory, he would like to see 45-60 cars on the lot. He also envisions a new car franchise in the future. He said his wife, Christine his really helped and encouraged him in his business endeavors. The Huntsman’s have five children. He currently employs three people and when the inventory increases, they could possibly employ as many as seven people. He is also successful at marketing his cars on the internet.
Clyde Magnuson briefed the audience on Power Genetics. Magnuson was born and raised in Castle Dale and he and his wife Darlene have four children. He graduated from UTC in electricity, but came home to start up a farm and a ranch. He is the owner and operator of the Magnuson Meat Packing Plant. He is a member of Power Genetics which is a nationwide cattle purchasing corporation, and he has an extensive knowledge of cattle and ranching. Magnuson said they buy back the calves that have been fathered by Power Genetics bulls. Power Genetics is looking for more ranchers to join to ensure a year round supply of cattle. The company is always looking to increase its gene pool with quality animals. Consumers want a good quality beef supply that is safe and Power Genetics can accommodate consumers.
One of the advantages of Power Genetics is their communication back with the producer. Detailed records are kept on each calf and the weight it gains and immunization records and other information. Power Genetics buys only source verified cattle. Each animal brings a paper trail with it detailing its history. Power Genetics will also work with a producer to bring their cattle up to Power Genetics standards. They will work with a producer to solve health problems in cattle. Magnuson said they need more cattle and they ask for the opportunity to bid on available cattle. They pay top of the line for cattle and they are working to make Emery County cattle producers more profitable.
Glendon Johnson from Castle Valley Outdoors said he was born in Cleveland and has always been a cowboy. He is a former CEO and board member for major insurance and investment companies. He has a degree from Harvard Law School and was administrative assistant to Senator Wallace Bennett. Johnson said his heart is in Emery County and he has a great love for the people here and the heritage. Johnson said he knows what it means to take a risk as he and his brother Franklin have developed Castle Valley Outdoors. He said the county has a great resource in its people. One man who came here to hunt and fish has been all over the world and he said he ranked Emery County in the top 10 for the variety offered here. He was impressed by the thoughtfulness and kindness of those at the ranch. “We have great natural resources here, but we knew that ranching alone wouldn’t get it so we added recreation with Castle Valley Outdoors; hunting and fishing and horses. He said their employees are very loyal. A man from Tampa, Florida said he had never seen anything like this place and he signed up for six hunts.
The other portion of the business that Sweetwater deals with improved irrigation. A machine they manufacture which reduces the salt and alkali content of the irrigation water used on the hay fields has turned the farming operations around. Greater quantities of better quality hay are being produced at the ranch. The machines are being shipped to Pakistan and United Arab Emirates.
They are also working on a better line of beef with Living Utah. They are joining with other Utah ranchers to brand Utah beef and they have a restaurant chain interested in taking every beef. Castle Valley Outdoors employs 17-20 people which fluctuates with seasonal demands.
Dave Sharp, managing director of the Huntington Plant said that Huntington Plant is celebrating its 30th anniversary. They have a great workforce and have just completed three years without an accident which equates to 1 million man hours. He said they are planning their biggest infusion of capital into the plant since it was built. They will install a scrubber on Unit 2. When this unit was built, environmental regulations were less stringent than now. They are putting on the scrubber before they are mandated to do so. This will create seven-nine permanent jobs.
When completed the unit will meet and exceed environmental standards. Construction will begin in 2005 and approximately 150 construction workers will be needed. It should be in service the end of 2007.
Sharp also mentioned the possibility of Hunter 4. He said it is part of the integrated resource plan. PacifiCorp must support customers in the future and is required to pick the most economical resource for the customer. It is a competitive process and Hunter 4 does have its advantages. It has a workforce that can run the plant. It is his preference to move ahead with Hunter 4, but, “we’ll see how it plays out in the competitive process,” said Sharp.
Russell Taylor from Live Earth products of Emery said their business started in the early 80s. His father Dave, did not want to rely on the mining industry for a living and decided to form his own business. Russell is now involved in running the business he has a bachelors degree in agribusiness from SUU and an MBA from the University of Phoenix. Russell wants to help their business grow. He said their products are sold worldwide.
Live Earth employs 15 people. They mine and manufacture industrial grade humic and fulvic ingredients for agricuture, animal feeds, cosmetics, dietary supplements, bioremediation, organic gardening and lawn care.
“I want to stay here and enjoy the county,” said Russell.