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Show Orem-Geneva Times Page 6 ProvoOrem Chamber of Commerce Wednesday, January 30, 1991 State of the By Mayor Blaine Willes Orem continues to exhibit better than average growth and a strong economy through 1990. While some companies operating out of Orem may have reduced business on a worldwide basis, the overall economic pattern has been towards an increase in jobs and broadening of the economic base. Last year I stated, It has been a time of growth in population popula-tion and hosueing and in commercial com-mercial and high-tech industrial business and a strengthening of the job market and tax base. The same is true today. Orem ;has grown from 52,400 people in 1980 to 67,355 in the 1990 census count. We added 411 single family residences in 1990 with a combined valuation of $41.5 million or about $104,000 per unit. We conclude that this rapid residential growth attests that Orem is considered con-sidered a good place to live. Commercial growth was a healthy $20 million in new property valuation and 439 new business licenses were issued. Retail sales were about eight percent from 1989, not considering consider-ing the major impact of the new ShopKo and R.C. Willey's shopping shop-ping centers and the new Barber Brother's car agency. Several other major retailers are considering con-sidering shopping centers in 1991. Job creation continues to be a major concern for city officials. Efforts in this regard are paying off and along with sister cities we ahve an unemployment rate below the state average and sig- City- MAYOR BLAINE WILLES nificantly below the national average. A constant expansion by existing employers and move in businesses suggest that this will continue into 1991. We feel basic services have been maintained at a responsible respon-sible level despite rapid growth. We have an excellent library, efficient ef-ficient police and fire protection and public works departments. Roads, sewer and water services are very serviceable and following follow-ing the funds allocated in the 1990-91 fiscal budget will be in excellent condition when planned projects are completed. The Utah Department of Transportation has now stated that they expect they will be able to start the upgrade of state street in the next couple of years. This is very good news. A major concern for storm Orem drains has prompted city officials offi-cials to seek a bond election in 1991 aimed at solving a longstanding long-standing problem. Unfortunately, Unfortunate-ly, storm drains have very little glamour even though the need is strong. We are optimistic that citizens will catch the vision of this important bond issue. Orem is basically sound and effective in all basic in-frastructural in-frastructural systems and is continuing con-tinuing to upgrade and improve continually. Long range master plans for water, sewer and roads are being followed within constraint con-straint of financial resources. Quality of life has been and will continue to be important. Parks and recreational facilities in vareious stages of completion, purchase and planning occurred in 1990 and continue into 1991. Looking to the future, we must find proper balance between be-tween the need for jobs and tax base to build roads and provide desired services and the equally important need to keep life pleasant. An intelligent and workable work-able effort to improve air quality, preserve water quality, and beautifyu our surroundings will PLANTED EARTH FLORAL Friendly Neighborhood Florist with Big City Class "Our20Year Anniversary" Business Accounts Welcome 440 South State Orem 225-4510 be as important as the other, more obvious, need for basic services. ser-vices. Responsible and well-though-out suggestions from all parts of our community are sought to provide the proper balance on these issues. We are part of a larger community com-munity for many important issues is-sues of the day. Cooperation and concerted effort with Provo and other Utah County cities is increasingly in-creasingly significant. Problems of air quality, water conservation conserva-tion and quality, and proper dev-lopment dev-lopment and control of Utah Lake require us to look beyond our city borders to cooperate and exert our influences more today than at any time in ou history. The future for Orem is bright and optimistic. Economics look promising. Ability to provide pro-vide services at reasonable rates is satisfying. Nevertheless, citizens, business and civic leaders and political leaders can and should work together in coming yhears to s9olve problems and ensure the best possible future for us and those who will follow as citizens of this great community. I welcome all constructive input to achieve this goal. 20 Off During February BENNER BROTHERS GLASS CLEANING sol- 226-0695 (800-224-2124) SERVING SALT LAKE, SUMMIT, UTAH & WASATCH COUNTIES 85 EAST 1000 SOUTH, OREM, UTAH 84058 LICENSED GUARANTEED "No Matter What The Weather insured We Do It Better" bonded BQW (r(T)E ITT VjLy Ly UJ LJ Come experience Scouting at its best as hundreds of scouts of all ages set up in the Mall to show off their skills and interests. Help us celebrate Scoutweek by supporting this great youth movement this Saturday at University Mall from 10 til 9 pm, m UNIVERSITY MALL |