I’m going to start blogging more about local stuff, if you’re not in Utah, feel free to skip. I’m really interested in my local community, wherever that happens to be. I realize that my audience is not local so I’ve shied away from writing this type of content. But now I figure what the hell. I love to write and I write about what I’m experiencing…which yesterday was a meeting of the North Front Entrepreneur Alliance.
This also brings out the reporter side of me which I’d do more of if I could get paid decently to do it.
North Front is for entrepreneurs who live in Davis and surrounding North Utah counties. This was their 2nd ever meeting and it gave me a chance to check out the DATC (Davis Applied Technology Center) and their very nice entrepreneurial center. I’ve lived in Davis for about 9 months now and I’m still looking for my community. I found it here. Finally.
“If you’re in business, you’re in politics whether you know it or not”
“If you want to make an impact, “pick a battle you’re not expected to win and win it”
- Rich Nelson, CEO of Utah Technology Council
Rich was fascinating - I get email from UTC but haven’t ever gotten involved. I had no idea what they were doing from an advocacy perspective. I’d like to accompany them on a trip to Washington. They build local coalitions and take powerful business leaders to Washington to impact legistlation. They were instrumental in stopping a dumb bill about trademarks online.
I only wish he couldn’t slowed down and explained more (give more background information) but now I guess I better start reading the emails. I felt like he started assuming we were informed when at least I wasn’t. I want to learn more about the TechAmerica affiliatation and Singapore Math.
Majority leader, Utah Senate Sheldon Killpack spoke also. Killpack shocked me because he’s admits he loves roads. As an environmentalist I tried to prevent them. However, I see his point. He gave a stat I wish I’d gotten about how much revenue we get back when we invest in road projects. He talked about all of the good things he and Jason Perry (who I had as a teacher when I was 21) are doing to draw tech firms to Utah.
He also talked about health care in the state, a big issue for the growing ranks of the uninsured. It’s expensive to do universal coverage - some countries do national healthcare but if you’re over 70 you probably won’t get served. He summed up this way:
“It’s easy to control costs if you’re willing to let people die”
Other News/Tidbits:
Northern Utah Business and Economic Summit May 7 all day. Following will be a meeting for NorthFront. Don’t know the location.
Centerville Business Incubator - executives who are transitioning meet to discuss starting businesses. 1-3 pm Thursday afternoon. Didn’t give exact directions (frustrating) but it’s near Pages Lane.
I met Curtis Funk of Funeralrecording.com who webcasts funerals and talked about UtahTributes. He says sell then build, which I think is crazy, but some people have more guts than I do. He told me about eternalspace.com where you can have a online memorial and purchase virtual pieces to enhance it. This is interesting because the only physical product I’ve ever wanted to make has to do with the funeral industry (one niche). I stopped when I couldn’t find frames at a cost that would make the entire thing profitable. Might do downloadables instead. Need good designer to partner with who is skilled in typography design. Might consult with folks at entreprenur center. Also think Paul Allen should incorporate the death piece into his geneology sites.
Food of the Gods Chocolatier had amazing chocolate dipped strawberries on hand. No web site on card but in Kaysville.
I finally got to meet Roxy I know from Twitter who heads local tweetups and seems well-connected. She was great. We were two of about 5 women total.
Good folks, good food and ideas = fun times.