RENEER.ORG

Alpine currently has over 200 businesses (Alpine City – Guide for New Businesses).  Many of the businesses are home-based.

Alpine will never be a major commercial center, and I don’t know anyone in Alpine that wants it to be.  The city will always need to rely on property taxes for most of its revenue.  We can be friendly to the businesses that we do have and encourage others to come to Alpine.

While the city government should not be promoting specific businesses it can do things that make it easier for local business.  For example in May the Planning Commission reviewed the ordinance “Section 3.23.7.4 – Produce Stands.”  We wanted to encourage local produce growers to sell their products locally.  Several of the candidates have mentioned a Farmer’s Market and I fully support that idea.

The Utah League of Cities and Towns mentions the effect ordinances can have on business.

Cumbersome, confusing, and/or restrictive policies often deter interest from prospective businesses and result in lost opportunities.

Reasonable ordinances can attract business and support responsible development.

An “Unknown Ordinance” would also be a negative factor.  For example I think it would be a good idea to determining now what “hotel tax” we would charge (if we are going to charge a hotel tax).  Anyone considering a Bed and Breakfast in Alpine would then know what to expect.  Uncertainty always has a negative effect on the market.

A group of Alpine artists had an art walk.  Alpine could do more to help them publicize the event simply by making the sign ordinance more friendly to businesses.  We could also work with the Arts Council to encourage community involvement.

Resources

The American Fork Chamber of Commerce (http://www.afchamber.org/) includes businesses in Alpine.  There is rumors of a group in Highland that may start a Chamber of Commerce that would be a subgroup of the A. F. Chamber.   Businesses in Alpine should consider joining.

Alpine Businesses need a web site.  It could be part of a general Alpine web site like this rought outline that I threw together – Alpine City Links.  This is a beautiful place and could attract more upscale businesses.

Your Ideas Here . . .

I think the most creative ideas will come from the community and business owners.  How do you think we can maintane Alpine’s unique feel while encouraging local business?

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