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Show AUG 25 1994 l " f,\ II !'HESS . \SStKIATIO" Clip pinK Sen-ice Ph o n!!: 180 11 >2~-RI>7K ~A'TI ~F.~SE'GER Sanpete Trade Association '76 A unique development What can happen when concerned local citizens. Snow College. Utah State Extension Services, Ephraim City, the Six-County Planning Commission, Sanpete County, the Utah State Historical Society, the National Vernacular Architectural Forum, and the Community Impact Board join together to create an economic opportunity? Some people would call it a miracle! Certainly the combina· tion is uniq ue and the corporation something to marvel at, but the real winners in the big picture are those local crafter.; who now have an outlet to market their wares, and Central Utah which has another historically significant site to promote tourism and gain a bigger tax base to Cund schools and other services. The story oC Sanpete Trade Association began in the ashes oC the loss oC Sperry Univac in Ephraim. Government grants allowed Cormer worker.; the chance Cor re-education at Snow College, and these non·traditional students recognized the need Cor local citizens to create the County's own economic base, so thiu it was not dependent on the whim oC outside businesses who could come and go at will. The strengths oC the valley were assessed and included: talented artisans with good work ethics, a college, historically significaru buildings, and a beautiCul high · mountain setting. The sanpete Trade Association, or STA Cor "Stay in the valley") was Cormed. Much study was given to stable business PIllCtices, and many experts Crom local, regional, and State sources were contacted. A marketing plan Cor selling local products was created, and the housing oC that business in a restored historical bui\ding was envisioned. STA's Cramers'-(ec0gnized that the way Cor a stable Cuture was to build on the fruits of a successful past. After hard work by optimistic vol· unteerS, the results today are visible. Ephraim City was able to restore one oC the only remaining original ZCMI buildings leCt standing and have a ready-made business able to step in and, in a Cew short months, become self-supporting enough to pay rent, utilities, and expenses. A non-profit organization, STA pays back a significantly large percentage to il$ PIOducing mem bers, as well as oCCers them workshops, training, and even scholarships Cor formal schooling in selected subjects to further their skills. Crafters have a retail and wholesale marketing organization that leaves them Cree to create. Crafters that were disappearing can now be taught and 'passed onto younger generations. Important buildings and heritage can be preserved to help current economic conditions. Added tax revenues can benefit all citizens. STA's mission statement is to jXI>mote the economic and emotional ~ well-being of the citizens of Sanpete County. The hope is that other businesses, such as specialty restaurants and more beds and breakfasts, will spring up to answer further needs in the Valley. We now know that all sorts oC people and agencies can work together Cor the common good of all. In a world where there is much division, this is indeed a breath oC fresh air! I I |
