At the September 8 board meeting, the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) Board of Directors approved two rural Utah businesses for Rural Fast Track grants. The projects are expected to increase both companies’ current operations for sustained economic growth into the future.
“Rural Fast Track grants support businesses in a broad range of industries,” said Linda Gillmor, associate managing director of Urban and Rural Business Services. “It’s exciting to see two rural companies, in two very different sectors, poised for growth and expansion.”
CIS Professional Land Surveying, located in Nephi, Juab County, provides surveying services throughout Utah. Land title surveys, GIS mapping, site plans, well proofs and water rights are among the typical services they offer, but they have found a unique niche in telecommunications. The $27,626 grant will support the purchase of new Trimble R10 GNSS surveying system, which will allow the company to operate without a cell network or while in ‘black spots.’ CIS Professional Land Surveying will be able to increase the number of jobs they are currently able to perform and allow for a new revenue stream. The project is estimated to cost $55,252.
Winward Financial, located in Wellsville, Cache County, offers a variety of services to clients in the insurance and investment realms. Since 2011, the Winward operations have substantially grown from their continued access to new products and technologies, enhanced product features, and expanded quality service. In fact, they have outgrown their current home office space and need a new building to meet current and future demands. The $50,000 grant will support the construction of a 1,800 sq. ft office building to house Winward Financial’s expanding operations. This will be the first new private building constructed in downtown Wellsville since 1946. The project is estimated to cost $300,000.