February is the shortest month of the year which means we need to get right down to business . . . local business that is.
As Mayor, I am continually inspired by the dynamic and robust business environment that thrives in our city. There are over 5,000 active businesses right now in Orem with more opening up every month. In my 25 months as Mayor, our elected officials and staff have hosted 43 ribbon cuttings and issued an unbelievable 880 new business licenses. Orem is truly open for business.
Our city’s economic vitality is a direct reflection of the hard work, innovation, and resilience of our local businesses. From the vibrant storefronts that line our streets to the cutting-edge tech companies that call Orem home, every business plays a crucial role in making our city the highly desirable, nationally acclaimed, destination that it is.
Our city has a long history as a fertile ground for innovation, growth, and the entrepreneurial spirit. In fact, Orem was incorporated as a city in the early 1900s in an effort to help the fruit farmers get their produce to market. Supporting local businesses has been in our DNA since the very beginning. Local business is our past, and local business is our future.
Orem’s history is rich with stories of businesses that started here, from small family-owned shops to large corporations that are now household names. This long track record of success is not by chance but a direct result of our business-friendly atmosphere. As the Mayor and City Council, one of our five Areas of Focus is completely dedicated to maintaining and enhancing Orem’s thriving and balanced business environment.
We are committed to working hand-in-hand with our local businesses and doing everything possible to help them succeed. Here are some of our recent initiatives:
- Cut the red tape – In Orem we try to make it as easy to start and operate a business. We’re not interested in making business owners jump through unnecessary hoops. While obviously there are some legal requirements involved, our helpful staff is happy to assist you every step of the way.
- The Orem Business Alliance – it’s a supportive network led by our Orem Economic Development team that connects local businesses with the resources they need to grow and thrive. It’s free to join and a great way to meet other local business owners and strengthen bonds in our business community.
- Small Business Social Media Features – We love learning about our Orem businesses and have actively promoted them on our city social media channels. We have several series, including our famous Small Business Saturdays, that highlight our city’s diverse range of services and products.
- Whenever possible, we partner with local businesses to provide for the needs of the city. To us, “Shop Local” is more than just a catchy phrase on the side of a grocery tote. It is a core tenant of how we believe a city should operate. Partnerships with local businesses are the backbone of our economic development strategy. By working closely with businesses, we ensure that their needs are met and that they can flourish.
These efforts are paying off! Orem was just named the #2 best city in the country for rapid small business growth.
Our doors are always open to businesses looking to start, grow, or relocate here, and we are committed to providing an environment that supports their dreams.
To all the businesses in Orem, from the longstanding establishments to the newest startups, we extend our deepest gratitude. Your contributions to our community go beyond economic metrics. You are the engine that keeps Orem moving forward.
February is all about love and who deserves more love than our local businesses? Show them your support and appreciation by shopping local. Let’s keep building on Orem’s incredible legacy as an extremely business-friendly city.
I’ll see you next month.
