Utah's Own summit connects small food businesses with local stores


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BRIGHAM CITY — The Department of Agriculture is working to boost Utah's economy by helping small food businesses connect and create working relationships by hosting summits all over the state.

For most of his life, Rich VanDyke has been making candy. His grandparents started Idle Isle Fine Candies in 1921. His father was killed in a car crash when he was young, so he was raised by his grandparents and he was always in the candy store.

His grandparents taught him the ropes and the hand-dipped techniques haven't changed much.

"We cook the flavor into it as opposed to add flavoring to it,” VanDyke said.

When he took over, the idea of getting any of any of Idle Isle's candies out of Box Elder County seemed nearly impossible. He said that's where Utah's Own stepped in.

"It's opened doors that I don't know that would have opened so easily without being a member,” VanDyke said.

Utah's Own is a program run by the state to help local farmers and companies get their products into local grocery stores through networking and has created almost 600 new jobs since 2010. The state held a summit Thursday in Box Elder County to help the economy in rural Box Elder County.

VanDyke was one of many mentors at the summit hoping to bring other business owners into the fold. Local entrepreneurs were getting advice, tasting and networking, all part of an effort to build relationships between consumers, farmers and local companies. Dozens of Box Elder County business owners are at least considering the program.

"I own several businesses in Utah, but I want to expand and do a gourmet popcorn business,” said Mardi Obray, owner of Persnickety Popcorn.

Obray believes the program could help her while encouraging more Utah consumers and families to put their money toward locally produced foods.

"I think it gives them the knowledge growing the whole economy of Utah, and how as a non-business owner, they can support many Utah products and help our economy grow,” Obray said.

It worked for VanDyke, he said, to help him get his old-fashioned confections in the same stores that carry big-name brands. And what's good for the small business owner is also good for the local economy.

"I like to say it's been a sweet business,” he said.

Seventy-five percent of the businesses surveyed said Utah's Own was vital to their success. The state will be bringing more of these summits to rural communities around the state.

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