Twelve years ago, our family made the decision to move to Utah County after graduating from Washington State University. We had the great opportunity to join the Springville business community by purchasing Mountain West Animal Hospital from Harold Davis.
It’s been an incredible journey to grow the clientele, get to know more people in our community, and serve in the area. As new business owners, it was a little overwhelming. Thankfully, Harold stayed on part-time to help us settle in and show us the ropes.
However, it wasn’t until Shirlene Jordan, the Chamber of Commerce director, reached out to us that we felt a part of the community. We had the opportunity to make networking connections and get involved in the chamber.
Starting as a new business and deciding to pay membership dues was intimidating, but it was the best decision we could have made. It was comforting to have someone who truly cared about the businesses’ success welcome us with open arms.
Wilford Clyde was the mayor at the time and approved the decision to hire Shirlene. He moved the chamber into the City Building to have more of a presence and partner with the city. Shirlene had a goal to revitalize the struggling chamber and help it grow to what it is today.
Shirlene took on this great responsibility and has done an excellent job. She has grown the organization from around 45 members to more than 173 today.
She has served wholeheartedly for seven years to bring a greater focus on shopping local, supporting our small-town businesses, and growing networking within the business community.
Shirlene is moving on to more extraordinary things, retirement, where she will be able to spend more time with her husband, Jim, and their seven amazing children, 13 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
“Being the director of the Springville-Mapleton Chamber has been one of the highlights of my life. I’ve made so many friends that are like family to me,” she said.
Our community and its businesses have not been immune to the economic challenges that exist.
As we continue to persevere, it brings some comfort to see Springville and Mapleton continue to thrive and reinforce community and business strength.
It is my great pleasure to have served on the board of the Springville-Mapleton Chamber of Commerce with Shirlene Jordan.
It is an even greater pleasure to have the opportunity to serve as director. The chamber members, board, and city leadership are an integral part of the success of Springville, and I look forward to being a part of that continued success. (Serve Daily submission.)
