sanpete-county-chamber-of-commerce

Blueprint for Progress

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 22:21:35 GMT

Shaping the Next Chapter of Sanpete County

Presentation given by Mike Ballard to the Sanpete County Chamber of Commerce — April 6, 2026

Mike Ballard, Managing Director of Ephraim Crossing, presented an overview of the master-planned development that Camino Verde Group has been assembling and building in Ephraim, Utah, for more than six years. The presentation covered the origin of the project, the community vision, economic drivers, near-term construction activity, and how Chamber members can get involved.

The Origin Story

The project grew out of a simple observation: Ephraim had a serious housing shortage. Homes were selling within days of listing, many married Snow College students were commuting more than ten miles to campus, and the college was losing faculty who couldn't find adequate housing. Recognizing that the area also sat within a federally designated Opportunity Zone — which provides meaningful tax incentives for long-term capital investment — Camino Verde began quietly assembling land beginning in 2019. What started as 14.7 acres has grown through a series of acquisitions to approximately 311 acres today.

The Vision

Ephraim Crossing is designed as a walkable, master-planned community with a modern Scandinavian aesthetic. The buildout includes nine residential neighborhoods, more than 40 acres of retail and hospitality, a 56-acre industrial park, a town center with a park and town square, and a future hospital campus. The project addresses what the community said it needed most: a grocery store, entry-level homes and rentals, a hospital, child care, quality jobs, and more dining options.

Economic Drivers

Several major employment anchors anchor the development's economic case. Intermountain Health acquired 35 acres within Ephraim Crossing in late 2022 and plans to open a $100+ million hospital in 2029, employing on site more than 200 permanent healthcare professionals. CO Building Systems already employs over 100 locals in its 198,000-square-foot facility and continues to expand. SoapCreek, a fast-growing natural skincare manufacturer sold in more than 25,000 stores nationwide, is acquiring 21 acres to build a state-of-the-art facility projected to employ more than 600 people. Snow College provides a stable employment base and adds a steady pipeline of students, faculty, and staff who need housing and services. Between these and some other smaller employers, Sanpete County will add more than 1,000 jobs. The presentation framed these drivers with a simple logic: jobs attract residents, housing supports workers, services serve households, and growth creates more jobs.

What's Happening Now

Over the next 18 months, Ephraim Crossing anticipates various developers or builders to start construction on additional single-family homes, Canyon Townhomes, retail buildings, a hotel, industrial buildings, a child care facility, a charter school, and a gas station. Road and utility infrastructure work is already underway across multiple parts of the development.

The Opportunity Zone Fund

Ephraim Crossing sits in a federally designated Opportunity Zone, offering investors the ability to defer, reduce, and potentially eliminate capital gains taxes through the Ephraim Rural Qualified Opportunity Zone Fund — a compelling incentive for long-term investors.

The Invitation

Ballard closed by inviting Chamber members to engage directly — whether by buying a home in one of four residential neighborhoods, leasing commercial space along the Parkway, purchasing entitled land for development, or simply advocating for intentional growth in Sanpete County. Tours of the property are available immediately at https://ephraimcrossing.com/?page_id=12

Leveraging Chambers of Commerce: A Strategic Edge for Small Businesses

Sat, 07 Feb 2026 05:51:59 GMT

Running a successful business isn’t just about great products or services – it’s about building relationships.

Running a successful business isn’t just about great products or services – it’s about building relationships, staying visible, and being part of a thriving local economy. One often overlooked resource is your local chamber of commerce. These organizations offer a wealth of benefits, from legislative advocacy to excellent networking opportunities, making them an invaluable partner for businesses of all sizes. Here’s why getting involved with your local chamber of commerce can be a game-changer for your business.

Chamber 101

A chamber of commerce is a local organization dedicated to supporting and promoting the interests of businesses within a community. It serves as a hub for business owners, providing resources, networking opportunities, and advocacy on legislative issues. Chambers of commerce work closely with local and state governments to influence policies that benefit the business community. They also host events, workshops, and seminars to foster professional development and collaboration among members.

Legislative advocacy

Among the many roles chambers of commerce play, legislative advocacy stands out as one of the most critical. Chambers have strong relationships with local legislative and state districts, making them powerful allies for businesses. The most effective chambers are excellent at this, meeting with legislators quarterly, weekly, and annually, depending on the legislative session.

This association is invaluable because it keeps you informed about changes in the law that could impact your business. Staying connected with what’s happening in the legislature helps protect your business and serve your customers better.

Networking opportunities

Large chambers of commerce are particularly known for their robust networking opportunities. They bring in speakers, host lunches, and organize events that provide education and local connections at a low cost. These events are not just about learning; they are also about meeting other business owners, potential clients, and partners.

While large chambers of commerce are renowned for their extensive networking opportunities and resources, small chambers offer unique advantages that are equally valuable for businesses. They provide increased visibility, tailored support, and resources that cater specifically to local needs. Additionally, small chambers are more flexible and responsive to changes in the local business environment, offering timely support and resources.

By being involved with both large and small chambers, businesses can maximize their benefits and thrive in their local communities, as they become part of a powerful organization where businesses, school districts, and legislators come together to collaborate and support each other.

Professional development

Joining a chamber of commerce offers excellent professional development opportunities. Many chambers have a network of volunteers and board members who are involved in the strategy and future direction of the chamber. Serving on a board or committee not only enhances your resume but also allows you to build relationships and give back to the community. It’s a great way to develop leadership skills and gain visibility in your local business community.

Staying informed

Chambers of commerce are a powerful tool to stay connected and informed about local business trends and legislative changes. They play a huge role in keeping businesses updated on what’s happening in the law, which is crucial for making informed decisions and staying compliant with regulations.

Tips for new businesses

If you’re new to the business community, here are some tips to get involved with your local chamber of commerce:

Attend member orientation sessions: These are usually held over breakfast or lunch. They are a valuable resource to learn about the chamber and its benefits.
Evaluate before joining: You can attend events and check out the chamber’s website before committing to membership. This helps ensure the chamber is the right fit for your business.
Volunteer on a committee: Volunteering allows you to work on projects with other members, helping you build stronger relationships and balance your business needs.
Use your best judgment: Every community is different, so find the chamber that best fits your business needs.

Smaller chambers can also offer significant benefits, providing a more personalized and supportive environment, often at a lower cost than larger chambers. By choosing the right chamber and actively participating, you can build strong connections, stay ahead of legislative changes, and contribute to the economic vitality of your community. Embrace the opportunities that come with chamber membership and watch your business thrive!

Driving Business Forward

Chambers of Commerce are indispensable allies for businesses, offering a strategic edge through advocacy, networking, professional development, and staying informed. By actively engaging with both large and small chambers, businesses can harness these benefits to drive growth and success in their local communities.

About Sharlene Wells

From Utah’s Miss America to Emmy-nominated ESPN sports broadcaster, Sharlene Wells has had a remarkable career. She covered prestigious events like World Cup Soccer and the Kentucky Derby, produced documentaries and books for the Department of Defense, earning a role on the Defense Advisory Committee for Women in Services and a public service medal in 2018. Now Senior Vice President at Mountain America, she is recognized as a “Woman of the Year” by Utah Business magazine and a “trailblazer” by Ragan Communications. Sharlene holds degrees from BYU and U of U, serving on boards like AMAR International and USO Intermountain Advisory Council. She has four children, and is passionate about traveling, hiking, biking and most especially, being with her family.

Celebration for Best of Business 2025

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 23:01:08 GMT

Oh, What a Night!

Sanpete County Chamber of Commerce hosted its 2025 Best of Business Gala on January 13, 2026

Our 2025 Best of Business Gala was truly an evening to remember. With a fantastic turnout and a room full of familiar faces from across Sanpete County, it was a joy to gather together and celebrate the businesses and people who make our community such a special place to live and work.

One of the highlights of the night was our keynote speaker, Dale Lewis, a local business owner and entrepreneur who has appeared on Shark Tank. His presentation, How NOT to Suck at Business, brought incredible energy to the room. He kept things fun and engaging while sharing advice that was honest, practical, and meaningful. One moment had everyone laughing, the next had us all reflecting, and his message truly stuck with the crowd. It was absolutely one of the standout moments of the evening.

We are grateful to Snow College for hosting the event and to Snow College Catering for providing such wonderful food. Their efforts helped everything come together seamlessly and made the evening feel extra special.

Celebrating Our 2025 Best of Business Winners

A huge congratulations to our 2025 Best of Business award winners. These honors are especially meaningful because the nominees and winners are chosen by the community and fellow Chamber members. Seeing local businesses lift one another up is exactly what the Sanpete County Chamber of Commerce is all about.

Best Customer Service: Das Café

Best Social Media: Haley Berry Real Estate

Best Business Start-Up of the Year: Harvest Grill

Pioneer in Business Award: Mid-Utah Radio

Community Impact Award: Sanpete Pantry

Innovation Award: Soapcreek Manufacturing

Fastest Growing Business of the Year: Mardell Kitchens

Employee Culture Excellence: CentraCom

Best Website: Snow College

Collaborative Spirit: Charlee’s Comfort Kitchen

Green Business: Dream Acre Flowers

And last, but definitely not least…

Business of the Year: Mardell Kitchens

Fun Prizes and Giving Back

Another meaningful moment of the night was the Traeger grill raffle, with all proceeds donated to support the Sanpete Pantry. The grill went to a truly deserving recipient, Charlee’s Comfort Kitchen, and the positive impact of that prize will be felt by many throughout our community.

Huge Thank You to so Many who Helped with this Event

We extend a heartfelt thank you to Ace Hardware of Ephraim for delivering the grill and generously providing additional giveaway items. And thank you to everyone who purchased raffle tickets and helped turn a fun moment into meaningful support for the Sanpete Pantry.

We also want to give a huge thank you to our sponsors for making this event possible. Your support is what allows nights like this to happen. Thank you to Ephraim Crossing, Majesty Group Real Estate, Mountain America Credit Union, Sanpete Dumpsters, CentraCom, and Aspen Leaf Realty.

We appreciate all who attended, sponsored, supported, and helped make the night such a success. We are incredibly grateful for this community and are already looking forward to an even better Best of Business Gala in 2026.

Your Business Breakthrough – A Day to Remember

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 17:55:03 GMT

From powerful keynotes to breakout sessions packed with real-life strategies, our first business symposium was a huge success!

On Thursday, June 12, the Sanpete County Chamber of Commerce hosted our first-ever Your Business Breakthrough Symposium—and what a breakthrough it was!

With ten dynamic speakers, three empowering breakout sessions, and a room full of passionate entrepreneurs, this event was all about equipping our local business owners with tools, strategies, and encouragement to overcome challenges, pivot with purpose, and take their businesses to the next level.

Opening Message: Building Together

We kicked off the day with Abby Ivory, Sanpete County’s Regional Economic Development Director from R6. Abby reminded us that small businesses hold communities together, and her words set the tone for the day:

“Lean on each other and support your competitors—and we all succeed.”

“Speak up and show up!”

Her message underscored the power of collaboration and showing up for each other, not just in business, but in life.

Keynote: The Power of the Pivot

Our morning keynote, Sharlene Wells, shared an inspiring message on The Art of Pivoting to Find Your Purpose and Passion. A trailblazer in media and communications, Sharlene’s story resonated deeply with the crowd.

“There’s a difference between opportunity and purpose.” When searching for your purpose, it’s important to ask yourself meaningful questions about what you truly value and whether your current opportunities align with those values in a way that brings fulfillment and direction.

She challenged attendees to reflect on:

What do you like to do?
What are you good at?
What makes you feel fulfilled?

Purpose isn’t always fixed—it can evolve as we grow, and learning the art of pivoting allows us to realign our path with what matters most in each new season of life. Pivoting, she explained, is about rediscovery, and that’s something to get excited about.

Breakout Sessions: Real Tools for Real Growth

Our breakout sessions provided attendees with practical, ready-to-use strategies for both personal and professional life.

Hilary Camille Thompson shared four powerful keys to building a mindset that reduces stress and fuels success. She reminded us that mindset is the foundation of every successful person, at work or home.

Julie Warnick led The Brand Blueprint, guiding attendees to craft a cohesive brand that aligns with their values and goals, not just a marketing strategy, but a clear identity.

Holly Bown taught us how to turn scrolls into sales by navigating the ever-changing world of digital marketing. Her tools for social media attraction over promotion were invaluable.

Kris Barney delivered a powerful talk on resilience, helping us discover the gifts in our “garbage.” Her personal stories, including her child’s battle with cancer, showed how roadblocks can become stepping stones.

Community Connections (and Lunch!)

Thanks to Sanpete Sandwich Company for providing breakfast and Poutine Yeti’s for our lunch. The food was as memorable as our speakers!

Attendees also had the chance to connect with resource partners from:

Department of Workforce Services
Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity
Utah Department of Agriculture and Food / Utah’s Own
Snow College
Custom Fit
Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

Afternoon Inspiration & Breakouts

Mike Mower, Senior Advisor to Governor Spencer Cox, brought both heart and humor as he spoke on Honoring Our Past and Shaping Our Future. He reminded us that Utah’s heritage should serve as a guide for the decisions we make today and in the future. He also shared a lighthearted truth—that Sanpete County truly is the heart of Utah, because almost everyone seems to have a grandma or relative who lives or once lived here. With our rich history and strong sense of place, Sanpete stands out as a leader in rural Utah.

Afternoon breakout sessions included:

Russ Tanner, Entrepreneur Center Director at Snow College, used Inigo Montoya from The Princess Bride to teach us how to pitch our businesses and own our stories.

Tony Benjamin focused on workforce development—sharing smart strategies to attract, develop, and retain top talent.

Closing Keynote: Forged in Sanpete: Lessons on Leadership, Risk and the Entrepreneurial Spirit

Our final keynote speaker was Mark Russell, a Sanpete County native who shared his journey from Manti High School, Snow College, Weber State, and BYU, where he studied law and ultimately giving up a lucrative and prestigious law career to do something he thought was "fun" and became a business leader and entrepreneur leading several fortune 500 companies. His story of embracing unexpected turns and having the courage to take the leap left us all inspired.

“Sometimes you just have to leap. Faith over fear.”

Final Thoughts

We’re proud to say the Your Business Breakthrough Symposium delivered on its promise of empowering entrepreneurs, building connections, and reminding us all of the strength and spirit of our local business community.

Special thanks to Snow College, our amazing presenters, attendees, and especially our Chamber Board, who made this event possible.

We’re already planning for next year—bigger, better, and even more impactful. Until then, keep showing up, supporting each other, and taking your next big leap.

The Lesson of the Bent Fork: How Small Changes Can Transform Your Life

Sat, 22 Mar 2025 22:01:51 GMT

Don’t Settle—Savor: How to Create the Life You Actually Want

I’m not much of a cake person. Neither is my family. But when it comes to cheesecake—now, that’s a different story. Cheesecake is our dessert of choice for birthdays, holidays, or just because. So last week, when my birthday rolled around, my kids didn’t even need to ask. They knew exactly what to get: cheesecake.

Now, I’ve been trying hard to cut out sugar, but let’s be real—on your birthday, all bets are off. We lit the candles, sang the song, and I savored every bite of my special birthday treat. Later, I tucked the remaining cheesecake away in the fridge.

The Cheesecake Calling

The next day, that extra slice called my name. I tried to resist. I reminded myself of my commitment to healthier choices, but then the justifications started rolling in:

• I’ll work out extra tonight.

• It was my birthday yesterday… so it still kind of counts, right?

• You only live once—why not indulge just one more time?

After a mini mental tug-of-war, I decided: I’m going to sit down and truly savor this last piece— make it count and go back to my no sugar lifestyle tomorrow.

Enter the Bent Fork

I grabbed a fork, took my seat, and lifted that first bite to my mouth. As I pulled the fork away, something felt…off.

One of the tines was slightly bent—not enough to see, but just enough to feel. And suddenly, that perfect, indulgent moment wasn’t perfect anymore. Every bite felt wrong. Instead of enjoying my cheesecake, I was hyper-focused on the fork. I could have easily stood up and grabbed another one, but I didn’t. Why? Was it laziness? Stubbornness? Some weird sense of commitment to the utensil I had already chosen?

Whatever the reason, I sat there and ate the whole slice—annoyed.

Why hadn’t I just taken three steps to the drawer and grabbed a new fork?

The Bigger Lesson

As I scraped up the last bite, a thought hit me: How often do we settle for less in life simply because we don’t take a few extra steps to make things better? How many times do we accept discomfort, inconvenience, or dissatisfaction—just because we don’t make the smallest of changes?

We talk a lot about not sweating the small stuff, but sometimes, it’s the small stuff that makes all the difference. A bent fork. An outdated routine. A job we don’t love. A habit that no longer serves us. What if we took a step—just one step—to improve those things?

How to Stop Settling for Bent Forks in Life

This silly experience with a crooked fork got me thinking about how sometimes it's the smallest shifts that create the biggest ripple effects in our lives. A single change in mindset, routine, or attitude can open the door to new opportunities, better habits, and meaningful growth. Small shifts might not seem like much in the moment, but improving by just 1% each day can lead to incredible results over time. It’s not about overhauling your entire life overnight—it’s about choosing progress over perfection . That tiny daily improvement compounds, creating momentum and confidence that builds into something powerful. When you commit to being just a little better each day, you set the stage for lasting, meaningful transformation. Here’s how to take the first step:

1. Acknowledge the Discomfort - The first step to change is realizing something isn’t working. Many of us get so caught up in our daily routines that we don’t even notice we’ve lost the joy, passion, or excitement in our lives. Take a step back—what’s your “bent fork”? What’s bothering you that you keep ignoring?

2. Define What You Really Want - If something isn’t working, ask yourself:

• What would improve this situation?

• What small change could make a big difference?

• What goal or habit could shift things for the better?

Sometimes, it’s something as simple as grabbing a new fork—other times, it’s about setting a new goal, making a difficult decision, or breaking a pattern.

3. Take Action—Even the Smallest Step Matters - The space between where you are and where you want to be isn’t as wide as it seems—it’s simply waiting for you to take action. And it doesn’t have to be big. Overwhelmed? Start small. Break your goal into simple, manageable steps and just begin.

Progress doesn’t come from giant leaps—it comes from consistent, intentional movement. Even the tiniest step forward is still a step and those small efforts compound over time. Momentum builds, confidence grows, and before you know it, you’re not just closer—you’re becoming the person who gets things done.

4. Enjoy the Process - We often rush through life, always chasing the next goal. But do we stop to celebrate how far we’ve come?

Whatever it is you’re working toward, pause. Enjoy your progress. Savor the moments, just like you’d savor a really good bite of cheesecake (preferably with a functional fork).

5. Keep Growing & Reassessing - Reaching a goal is worth celebrating—but it’s not the finish line. Growth doesn’t stop when you check a box; it continues in small, consistent steps. Always be asking yourself:

What’s next?
Where can I improve—just 1%?
How can I level up, even in small ways?

When you face your next challenge or feel stuck in a routine, remember the lesson of the bent fork: sometimes all it takes is a tiny adjustment—a 1% shift—to completely change the experience. You don’t need to start over. You just need to tweak what’s not quite working. Over time, those little changes lead to big results. Keep moving forward—small steps still take you somewhere.

So, What’s Your Bent Fork?

Now, I’ll leave you with a question: What is something small in your life that’s been bothering you? Something that, with just a minor adjustment, could bring you more joy, ease, or fulfillment?

Don’t settle for frustration when a better experience is just a few steps away. Go grab the right fork—you deserve it .

Meet Your Representatives Recap: Advocating for Rural Utah

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 22:01:51 GMT

Despite the snowy weather, we had a fantastic turnout for our Meet the Representatives event! We are incredibly fortunate to have leaders who not only take the time to visit our businesses and connect with their constituents but also fight for the unique needs of rural Utah and Sanpete County.

Congressman Burgess Owens spoke about efforts to reduce federal overreach and cut through excessive red tape that burdens small businesses and the middle class. He emphasized the importance of returning more rights to state and local governments and shared his passion for improving our education system.

Senator Derrin Owens provided an update on his work in the Utah Legislature, highlighting critical issues surrounding the Intermountain Power Plant in Delta and the state’s energy future. He discussed how the plant previously sent 90% of its energy to California and failed to utilize Utah-based natural resources as originally intended, instead relying on Wyoming’s natural gas. Additionally, federal efforts to shut down the plant for environmental reasons could have placed a significant financial burden on Utah taxpayers. However, Utah took proactive steps to shift its focus toward meeting the state’s growing energy demands and ensuring the plant remains a valuable resource.

Senator Owens has been working on a plan to revamp the power plant and adjust laws governing its operation to secure reliable, long-term energy production for Utah. He is also working on legislation to support resource exploration in the state, ensuring that companies investing in the search for Utah’s abundant minerals can see a return on their investment. By creating incentives to produce these resources at a lower cost, Utah can strengthen its economy and energy independence.

With 90% of the Senate focused on policies that benefit the four most populated counties, Senator Owens remains a strong advocate for rural Utah, constantly fighting to ensure our region’s unique needs are represented at the state level.

Both leaders spoke about the strong position of our government and how things are looking good for our future. They emphasized that our country is being directed toward excellence and strength, with Utah leading the way. They shared their confidence that, both at the state and national level, our leaders are working to ensure prosperity and opportunity for businesses and communities like ours.

They also highlighted Utah’s success in business, philanthropy, higher education, and overall quality of life, crediting the hardworking and engaged people who live here. Both expressed their gratitude to our Chamber members and attendees for being involved and encouraged continued communication—not just about problems, but also creative solutions they can bring back to the table.

We want to extend a huge thank you to Congressman Burgess Owens and Senator Derrin Owens for taking the time to share their insight with us and for being available to our community.

f you have any questions, concerns, or ideas to share, they encourage you to reach out:

�� Congressman Burgess Owens – Call 801-999-9801 or visit his website

�� Senator Derrin R. Owens – Call 435-851-1284 or email derrinowens@le.utah.gov

Thank you to everyone who braved the snow to participate in this important discussion! Your voices matter, and together, we can shape the future of our community.

Tips for writing great posts that increase your site traffic

richard@membermomentum.com (Richard Scully) — Thu, 14 Oct 2021 22:01:51 GMT

Write about something you know. If you don’t know much about a specific topic that will interest your readers, invite an expert to write about it.

Speak to your audience

You know your audience better than anyone else, so keep them in mind as you write your blog posts. Write about things they care about. If you have a company Facebook page, look here to find topics to write about

Take a few moments to plan your post

Once you have a great idea for a post, write the first draft. Some people like to start with the title and then work on the paragraphs. Other people like to start with subtitles and go from there. Choose the method that works for you.

Don’t forget to add images

Be sure to include a few high-quality images in your blog. Images break up the text and make it more readable. They can also convey emotions or ideas that are hard to put into words.

Edit carefully before posting

Once you’re happy with the text, put it aside for a day or two, and then re-read it. You’ll probably find a few things you want to add, and a couple more that you want to remove. Have a friend or colleague look it over to make sure there are no mistakes. When your post is error-free, set it up in your blog and publish.