OCR Text |
Show JJsJjpainiese Bsmheps BY ROMNEY STEWART PROVO Twenty-eight bankers bank-ers from the Regional Banks As sociation oi Japan were nosted by the ProvoOrem Chamber of Commerce Monday. The Japanese financiers were looking to expand their knowledge knowl-edge of small business and visit both large and small companies. While in Provo, they hoped to answer three questions: 1) Why are there so many start-up companies com-panies in Provo? 2) Why do people want to relocate to Provo? 3) What economic impact is expected ex-pected and what is Provo doing to prepare for the Olympics? Chamber President Steve Densley explained how Utah County possesses many of the fea-; fea-; tures companies want and look for. There is plenty of room for growth and expansion, a variety of recreational activities available for employees and the lifestyle is very appealing to many. The valley's residents are educated, often speak a second language and have a strong work ethic. They are also very technologically sound, with 60 percent of all Provo and Orem residents having personal Internet access in their homes. These all serve as drawing draw-ing points for emerging companies. compa-nies. Leland Gammette, Director of Economic Development for Provo City, also shared success stories of local businesses Novell, Nu Skin Enterprises and the former WordPerfect Corporation. Originating Origi-nating from small beginnings, these companies grew with the right ideas, products and financial finan-cial support into profitable organizations. orga-nizations. In Nu Skin's case for example, during the span of little more than a decade the company has grown to become a $1 billion company. The bankers next visited Digital Digi-tal Holography Corporation in Provo, a new business that provides pro-vides technology for digital holography holog-raphy in the medical industry. There, they were able to see the anatomy of a start-up business '"i'f'-tr-- Chamber president Steve Densley addresses Japanese bankers during their visit to the Historic County Courthouse. and the building of its product before customers are actively pursued. pur-sued. John Wright, President of Digital Holography, took the group on a tour of their new parking park-ing facility and laboratory. "I think they left impressed with the ability to move quickly in building a business from scratch," Wright said. The Peaks Ice Arena will be the site for the Women's Hockey games during the 2002 Winter Olympics, and construction on the venue is nearly complete. The group toured the Ice Arena and saw what preparations the city has made. Densley and Gammette both expressed that the city's main goal is not an enormous financial profit from the Games, but rather as an op portunity to showcase its attractions attrac-tions to international visitors and media. "We are more than happy to share our communities' strengths with those who are interested. Our visitors were very impressed and felt their trip to Utah County was worthwhile," Densley said. International Buffet one low price U ii U YJ 13 m vei 2 Chinese Food Bars with soup 1 Western Food Bar . Mongolian Bar-B-Q Bar Salad Bar Dessert Bar as Hours: Mon - Thur 11 am - 9:30 pm Fri - Sat 11 am -10:30 pm Sun 12 -9 pm ii.ii.ji i 1428 Month State Street Orem "fl f0)(0lto)(o) U -&JsJ(0)(Q) Buffet-to-Go Available Seniors, BYU & UVSC Student Discounts 10 OFF 10 off Lunch Buffet -I i $1.00 off Dinner Buffet with this coupon thru j December 31, 1999 j 1 coupon per customer not valid with any other offer with this coupon thru December 31, 1999 1 coupon per customer not valid with any other offer |