The Daily Universe celebrates 50 years
This story originally appeared in the Daily Universe on Sept. 17, 1991
By Bart Dangerfield
The Provo/Orem Chamber of Commerce reported Friday that it has been inundated with phone calls inquiring about the area. According to Chamber representatives, Provo and Orem have attracted nationwide attention sicne the appearance of an article in the September issue of Money magazine naming Provo and Orem as the top metropolitan area in the Untied States.
Fiona McHardy, who handles public relations for the Chamber, said their office received up to "100 calls a day" during the first week the article was on newsstands. The calls have tapered down to nearly 50 per day., but interest remains high, McHardy said.
"The impact of the article remains to be seen," said Vicki Utley, administrative assistant for the Chamber, "but, if half the people calling actually move here, we will definitely see an influx of people into the area."
According to Utley, most callers have never been to Provo or Orem and most had never even heard of the area until the article appeared. The most frequent questions callers ask is if being a non-Mormon in a Mormon community poses a problem for new residents.
"People are tired fo crime, water problems and too much growth," Utley said. Utley moved to Orem from California a year ago to escape the same problems, she said.
The article not only attracted the attention of residents seeking to move, but businesses are also interested in moving to Provo and Orem, according to Brent Drew, a spokesman for Provo City's Office of Economic Development. "Before the article hit, we would send out about three information packets a week," Drew said. "Since the article, we have sent out over 95 packets in under three weeks.
Drew said these inquiries came from medium to small firms who are interested in drawing on a "well-educated work force." Drew said the article could translate into more jobs for Provo residents.
The Commission for Economic Development in Orem also reported increased interest in the area specifically because of the article. DeLance Squires, CEDO's director, said most companies are interested in information about education, local recreation and demographics.
Copyright Brigham Young University 8 Dec 2005
