Gov. Herbert joins UVU officials at Business Resource Center opening

Nearly 100 people filed into the sleek UVU-green entrance of the newly renovated campus addition Friday morning to listen to addresses from the leaders behind the university’s recent growth, as well as remarks from Gov. Gary Herbert, and to witness the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

 

The Business Resource Center, a recently acquired building just south and across the street from the main campus, will serve as a bridge between UVU students and the worldwide business community, as President Matthew Holland explained. Holland went on to say that this type of engagement with the professional community has been a top priority since he came into office, but that his primary motivation behind the push to get this building running was not the community.

 

“As wonderful as it is to help the business community, I’m convinced it’s the best thing for the students,” Holland said.

 

The two-story, 22,000-square-foot building houses 11 small business startup pods, 13 offices and two conference rooms. Some of the organizations represented in the building include the Commission for Economic Development of Orem, the Economic Development Corporation of Utah, and the Small Business Development Center.

 

Designated as a “greenhouse where the seeds of economic activity are sown and nourished” by Associate Vice President for Economic Development Steve Roy, the BRC plans on not only creating and growing businesses and jobs, but supporting existing business.

 

Herbert concluded the conference by acknowledging the pride he has for UVU and its accomplishments. Utah has been named by Forbes Magazine to be the best place in America for business two years in a row. The drive behind the emergence of the BRC epitomizes the character that earned Utah that recognition, and the certain future accomplishments of the partnerships formed there will ensure Utah’s ability to continue to receive such high national marks.

 

“Unprecedented partnerships,” said Herbert, “will provide unlimited opportunities.”

 

By Jeff Jacobsen – Online Content Manager