Grifols Biomat USA Ribbon Cutting

Biomat USA is a plasma donation center where healthy individuals donate their plasma, the liquid portion of blood. Approved plasma is used to produce life-saving medicines for patients who have rare and chronic diseases, such as immune deficiencies, hemophilia and genetic emphysema. To ensure an adequate supply of plasma, the parent company of Biomat -- Grifols -- operates the largest network of plasma donation centers in the world.  This network includes 150 centers under three platforms: Biomat USA, Talecris Plasma Resources and PlasmaCare.

Each center is staffed by trained professionals who ensure the health and well-being of donors as well as the safety and purity of their donated plasma. Centers follow strict quality, safety and compliance guidelines when collecting plasma, and every unit of plasma is individually tested using FDA-licensed protocols and sophisticated nucleic acid testing before it is approved for manufacturing.

Each of the centers infuses millions of dollars annually into the local economy through employee salaries, donor compensation, real estate costs, and other associated expenditures. As integral members of the communities, our centers give back to local residents through charitable donations, volunteer events and other outreach activities.

Grifols’ newest plasma donation center in Provo is a 14,000 square foot facility representing over a $2 million investment. It is Grifols’ second plasma donation center in Provo and ninth overall in the state of Utah. Grifols employs close to 450 employees and contributes over $30 million each year to the state economy. Through this new facility, Grifols will contribute an additional $4.0 million to the local economy each year and employ over 60 Utah residents, while meeting the needs of patients with rare and chronic conditions who rely on life-saving plasma medicines.

Our Newest Member: Mathnasium

Mathnasium teaches students math in a way that makes sense to them. The Mathnasium “Method” focuses on tutoring students in 1st through 12th grade that need help in improving their understanding of basic math concepts and improving their school grades. With math illiteracy at an all-time high and college and technical careers becoming increasingly competitive, parents want to be able to give their children an advantage.
Assessments are given to each student and then a custom learning plan with appropriate worksheets is created for each student. Qualified instructors that love math and enjoy teaching kids are available at the center to assist students during their visits. Mathnasium provides a unique teaching method that helps kids catch up, keep up, and get ahead in math, while making the subject fun and engaging.
Mathnasium of Lindon is committed to helping children grow their interest and confidence in math and prepare them for a successful college education and career in technology, business, finance, medical, manufacturing, science, biology, or other fields that require strong math skills. 

If you would like to know more, contact Perry Laliss at lindon@mathnasium.com

Great Kid Award

On April 30, 2013 we held the annual Great Kid Awards! It was a fun opportunity to honor seventh grade students from across the valley. We were joined by Porter Ellett, representatives from local Chambers of Commerce and Cosmo! The event was made possible because of some great sponsors. A special thanks to Spherion, NuSkin, Qustar and the SCERA Theater.   

 Cosmo wants to be a Great Kid too.

Our first Great Teacher, Rachel Neeley.

What a good looking group of kids.

Porter and Cosmo after the event.

Our staff got into the festivities as well.

Cupcakes after the ceremony. 

Immigration Reform

The Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors recently voted unanimously to endorse the Utah Compact as a practical approach to immigration reform.  It also voted unanimously to adopt the following resolution on immigration reform.

Immigration Reform

Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce

April 2013

There is no question that the U.S. immigration system is broken. Our current system is not serving the interests of our economy, businesses, or our society.  Changes to our immigration policy must be developed to secure our borders, respond to the labor needs of the economy, and protect the inalienable rights of all people, including the 11 million undocumented immigrants already living and working in the U.S.

The Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce recognizes there are no simple solutions. We need a multi-pronged approach to an immigration system with laws that are easy to enforce, make sense, and work for our nation’s needs.  The Chamber supports legislative action that:

• Promotes our national security interests by continuing to focus on securing our borders while pursuing other immigration reform initiatives.
• Addresses both our current and future economic needs for both high skilled and lower skilled workers through the creation of work visa programs.  These work visa programs must be tied to market demands that go beyond high skilled, seasonal, and agriculture, and include other areas where employers face demonstrated labor shortages.  Such programs would also increase national security and reduce illegal immigration by creating a functional, controlled system meeting workforce needs—a need not met by prior immigration legislation.  We should be encouraging, not discouraging, the best, the brightest, and the hardest working from all over the world to come and bring their talents.
• Creates a workable, reliable, and fast national employee verification system.  The federal E-Verify program has been improved dramatically.  We are ready to move forward with it nationally, provided there is strong preemption language for state and local laws, no obligation to re-verify the entire current workforce for private employers, and a safe harbor for good faith efforts by employers.
• Provides a path out of the shadows for the 11 million undocumented immigrants who live in the United States today with the understanding that they will meet strict conditions, such as submitting to a full criminal background check, paying civil penalties and back taxes and learning English.

Taken together, these proposals can help fix our broken immigration system and return business owners to doing what they do best: creating jobs.

Google Fiber

Today’s announcement that Provo City has reached an agreement with Google Fiber to purchase the city’s iProvo network encouraged us at the Chamber to do a little math.

While Google Fiber understandably has chosen not to divulge the precise figures of its anticipated investment in Provo’s network, our quick, “back of the envelope” valuation reveals just how significant the company’s investment in our community could be.

It is impressive and shows that Google Fiber intends to be deeply invested in our community for many years to come.

First, Google Fiber has committed to “finish network construction so that every home along the existing iProvo network would have the opportunity to connect to Google Fiber.” There are about 35,000 homes in Provo and only 9000 are currently connected.  From the city’s experience, connecting each new home costs Veracity between $600 and $1000 dollars.  So, to connect an additional 26,000 homes/structures at an approximate cost of $700 per connection would equal an $18 million investment.

That is a considerable investment in the network, and one the city would likely never had the ability to make. And that is not considering the unknown cost to upgrade all of the 10 year old, out of date equipment to allow the network reach Gigabit speed. This would be another impossible feat for a city-owned network in the near term, much less the equipment upgrades that are usually necessary every 5 years.

Second, the savings to Provo residents who opt for Google Fiber’s free Internet service is very powerful. Again, using our rough figures, approximately 35,000 residential customers could save some $30 a month (an average of monthly plans currently available for varying levels of Internet service) for a household total of $360 in annual savings. Even if only 20,000 of our households choose to take advantage of the free service, the numbers add up quickly. Multiply that $360 by 20,000 and again by seven years – the minimal amount of time Google Fiber intends to offer free Internet service – and we get $50 million of real value for the people of Provo.

None of this, of course, even begins to take into account the value to businesses and entrepreneurs of being one of the first communities in the United States with this super fast connectivity. If Kansas City is any model, we know that it will put us on the map once again as the ideal place for great employees and innovators.

The Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce is excited to welcome Google Fiber as a partner to Provo City, Utah County and the entire State of Utah. It is great for our business community, great for community and a great deal for all of us as taxpayers. I can’t wait to see what happens next.

Val Hale, President of the Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce

Western Heating and Air Conditioning Grand Opening

Some things in life you can only wonder about. For example, “How did the kicker miss that easy field goal?” or, “Why is Jenny wearing that blouse with those shoes?”  Indeed, you may have asked yourself these very same questions. If you have regular furnace tune-ups, however, you’ve never ask yourself, “Why won't my furnace work?”

Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce happily welcomes and congratulates Western Heating and Air conditioning to their new location in Orem, Utah.  It is a great, clean facility filled with great employees that are eager to help you with your heating and air conditioning needs.  And with summer right around the corner, make sure to see their website for discounts off their service!  

Again, congrats Western Heating and Air on your amazing growth and service!  

Store Hours: Mon-Sat. 8:00 AM-8:00 PM
Number: (801) 224-8899
Location: 235 Mountainlands Dr. Orem, Utah
Website: http://www.timeforcomfort.com

Staples' New Location

In most cases newer is better, in others, being the old sage proves its worth in wisdom.  What if we could have both?  Staples, for as long as it's been around has famously provided office supplies, and with that, developed a dependably "easy" reputation that took time, money, and work.  Now, it seems that Staples, while maintaining it's renown has managed to put on a new suit.

That's right, Staples has moved to a new location in Orem while maintaining the prestige that made them who they are.  Located between the new Sketchers store and Burlington Coat Factory, Staples is open and ready to help you with all of your office-type needs, whether it being notepads, laptops, or amazingly comfortable chairs, they are happy to help!  So come visit and see what's new at Staples!

Location: 336 East University Pkwy Orem, UT
Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM;  Sat 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM; Closed Sunday
Number: (801) 225-5040
Website: www.staples.com

Pure Pilates Classical Studio

Pure Pilates Classical Studio offers classes that are designed to be progressive and offer an intimate Pilates experience.  Our goal is to spread healthy movement to your body, no matter what stage of life you are in. The studio offers specialized classes for Pre- and Post- Natal, Pilates based Physical therapy, and Pilates training for top athletes. Pure Pilates is equipped with Pilates chairs and reformers to offer more challenging and controlled workouts.  

Keeping classes to a 5 person maximum insures you are receiving direction from your instructor that will help you learn to do the exercises correctly and become stronger in the work. As you progress through the classes you will be challenged in new ways and develop fluidity and control in your movement.  

 Tara Marshall, (owner & instructor) has been practicing and teaching Pilates for over 10 years.  She has a direct line of training from Joseph Pilates. She was classically trained by top professional Colleen Glenn, and studied under renowned instructor Windy LeBlance. Her passion for quality of life has driven her through her course of study in anatomy and the Pilates system. Pure Pilates offers a FREE 30 minute consultation to all new clients. This includes a postural analysis, and a mini workout that enables you to try the mat work and Pilates equipment. Finding harmony of movement with your mind and body is a daily challenge for everyone. Come find harmony at Pure Pilates.

Located at 394 South State St. in Orem.

Contact Tara at 801-615-9415 or Purepilatescs@gmail.com

Website: www.orempilates.com

Café 300

Do you love food?  Do you love money?  More importantly, do you love not having to spend tons of your hard earned money for a delicious meal?  Of course you do, we all do.  And I have the answer to how we can do just that: Eat at Café 300.  There food is delicious, being described as, “the perfect mix between a cook-out and a BBQ”.  On top of it all, the prices are incredible. 

Being family owned, the service is nothing shy of friendly and the ambiance of the restaurant is sure to have you feeling comfortable and happy.  Whether you’re in the mood for a classic Ruben, Tri Tip roast, or simply a homemade salad, you will love the food.  They are opened Tuesday-Sunday with breakfast and lunch being served everyday and dinner Friday and Saturday. 

Location: 279 E 300 S Provo, UT 84604

Phone: (801)-691-0218

Store Hours:   Tuesday-Thursday: 7am-3pm

                        Friday & Saturdays: 7am-9pm

                        Sunday: 7am-3pm

Website: www.cafeon300.com