One of my favorite things I do each month is create the business of the month video. I love it because I get to know more about our businesses on a deeper, more personal level. Over this past year, I have been asking each business what they love about doing business in the Heber Valley. The answers are always so fun and insightful. Several themes have emerged over the past year that I think our business community should know.

Almost everyone comments on the beauty of the Valley. Well, no argument there from me. This place is amazingly beautiful! From the rivers and lakes that surround the valley to the majestic mountains that welcome you home, this valley has a charm and quality that can’t be denied.

The next two most common responses I get, are very fascinating. Most people will say something about how welcoming the people are. It doesn’t even matter how long the business has been around. From the Homestead, which has been around since 1886, to Mountainside BBQ Cleaning, which has been here only a few years, almost all will mention how welcoming the people are here in this valley.

The other common response is how helpful the other business can be. We often hear wonderful stories of how the Heber Valley community will come together in a tragedy. People step up to help each other. As great as that is, I hear more about the countless small actions taken every day by local businesses to help each other and the community. Many times, I hear stories about business owners reaching out to each other to lend a hand, give advice, open their shop, or otherwise help. For example, the Dairy Keen and Granny’s share resources with each other to feed hungry guests. They don’t have to, but they do because it’s the right thing to do.

What is really interesting is that both of these ideas are about people. Not money. Not just the amazing opportunities. Not buildings or roads. Not the popular events. It’s the people, the community, and the spirit of collaboration that makes the Heber Valley a great place to do business. Even this past week as I interviewed the business of the month, the business owner said something to the effect of,  even as the valley continues to grow, there is still a strong sense of community.

To me, that is Heber Valley's magic. Our people. 
Yes, we are growing, but that doesn't mean we are losing our sense of community. I haven’t heard that from any of the businesses I have talked to over the past six years of doing Business of the Month interviews.  Quite the contrary. The sense of community has only grown.

I thought you should know how your fellow business owners see each other and to be recognized for creating a strong sense of community. At the end of the day, it’s not our size that makes a community; it is the size of the community pride that is within each of us. May we all be helpful because it’s the right thing to do. May we all be welcoming because we want to share this amazing place with others. May we all be a part of the magic of Heber Valley.