American Fork Hospital has once again proven its commitment to healthcare excellence by securing the 4th place in the small community hospital division of the prestigious 2024 Fortune/PINC AI 100 Top Hospitals ranking. This remarkable achievement underscores the hospital’s dedication to superior clinical outcomes, operational efficiency, patient experience, and financial health.

The hospital received an impressive rating of five stars in clinical outcomes, operation efficiency, and financial health, with four stars in patient experience. Such high marks reflect the hospital’s persistent effort and dedication to providing outstanding care and service to its community. The rankings are especially significant as they are based on patient outcomes, not popularity, ensuring a true measure of hospital performance.

American Fork Hospital is a cornerstone of health in North Utah County, boasting state-of-the-art technology, 90 beds, and a medical staff of over 300 doctors spanning 30 specialties. Known for its comprehensive range of inpatient and outpatient services, the hospital features a fully equipped emergency department and is celebrated for its maternity services, including a Level II newborn intensive care unit and an on-site lactation clinic.

This year, 800 small community hospitals across the country were reviewed, and American Fork Hospital has consistently made the Fortune top 100 hospitals list for 11 years, showcasing its enduring quality and service.

The PINC AI™ 100 Top Hospitals® program offers an unbiased, transparent evaluation of hospital performance, inspiring leaders to aim for higher excellence. Unlike other healthcare rankings, this evaluation is strictly based on performance metrics, ensuring an equitable and accurate representation of a hospital’s capabilities.

American Fork Hospital also maintains high standards in other areas of healthcare provision and community involvement. It has achieved notable recognition and accreditation in cancer care and radiation oncology, further solidifying its role as a leader in healthcare innovation and patient-centered care.

As American Fork Hospital continues to excel in providing quality healthcare, it remains a beacon of hope and healing for the residents of North Utah County, setting benchmarks for healthcare providers everywhere.

By Madelyn Wilson

Becky Russell started selling retro-inspired accessories for women in 2019, first at local maker markets, including the Beehive Bazaar and farmers markets. Benrik Boutique, Russell’s business, transitioned from market booths to a brick-and-mortar of her own. 

“I knew I wanted to do more than just markets, and we had been looking at some existing businesses in the area. Everything fell through, and then I remembered this place for rent and thought we should go check it out,” said Russell. “We came and looked at it, and we just thought it was cool and cute, and the ideas just started coming as soon as I saw the building. I thought, ‘We’ve got to do something with this.'”

The unique building offers a fun layout to display Benrik’s staple accessories alongside boutique clothing, jewelry and gifts from about 20 other local vendors, including Bands of Color, Take Heart Rocks, Poppy Seed Poms, Voulez Designs, BlueLilyCandles and many more.

“I’m excited to be able to push other people’s products and hopefully help other businesses by giving them a place to sell locally year-round,” said Russell.

In addition to the main floor, where most of the products are sold, there’s a basement with two rooms. One room is filled with vintage and vintage-inspired offerings, while Russell will use the other room for classes led by local makers. 

Russell wanted to create a space that would benefit other vendors and shoppers in the community. The boutique acts as a one-stop gift shop that has something for everyone. Whether you’re searching for cute hair clips, unique candles, gold-plated jewelry, ceramic decor, knit blankets or bamboo baby clothes, this shop can meet your needs.

“I envision it as a gift shop. We’ll have gift bags and, eventually, more gift wrapping and cards. It’ll just be a place that you can stop by when you’re on the way to lunch with your girlfriend, and you need to get a present. So stop by, grab a necklace, some candy, maybe some home decor, and then you’re ready,” said Russell.

Russell runs the business alongside her husband, Kenric. She handles the creative vision and product selection, while Kenric handles more technical tasks, like permits, licensing and point of sale. 

The boutique’s name, “Benrik,” may sound Scandinavian, but it’s actually a combination of the couple’s first names, Becky and Kenric.

“It’s a little bit dorky, but it works,” shared Russell.

Benrik Boutique will open Friday, April 26, in the white brick building at 95 E. 100 N. in American Fork. Grand opening festivities will be held during store hours on Friday and Saturday. The weekend will be filled with store giveaways, cookies from Avenue Bakery, and shopping from the unique selection of goods. After the grand opening weekend, the store will be open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

For more information about Benrik Boutique, follow them on Instagram @benrik or visit their website at benrikboutique.com. 

In a comprehensive WalletHub study that ranked 1,334 small cities across the United States, American Fork has emerged as a standout location for starting a business, securing the 15th spot on the prestigious list. This recognition places it among eight Utah cities, including Cedar City, St. George, and Lehi, which dominate the top 20, underscoring the state’s burgeoning reputation as a hub for entrepreneurs.

Strategic Advantages in American Fork

American Fork’s strong showing in this national ranking is a testament to its dynamic business environment, which is a critical category in the WalletHub study. The city offers a compelling combination of a vibrant local economy and entrepreneurial opportunities, making it an attractive option for aspiring business owners.

Assessing the Key Metrics

The WalletHub rankings are based on a broad set of metrics across three key dimensions: Business Environment, Access to Resources, and Business Costs. American Fork scored exceptionally well in the Business Environment category (8th out of the 1,334 cities), reflecting its thriving startup scene, growth in small businesses, and overall business activity. The Business Environment category was calculated using several metrics. The average length of the work week and average commute time were each given full weight, reflecting their importance in the daily business operations. The growth in the number of small businesses and startups per capita were particularly emphasized, each receiving double weight, indicating their critical role in a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. Additionally, average revenue per business, growth of business revenues, and industry variety each also received full weight, showcasing their significance in assessing the overall health and diversity of a city’s business environment.

However, the study also highlighted areas where American Fork could improve. The city has room for growth in the Access to Resources (253 out of 1,334) and Business Costs (400 out of 1,334) categories. Enhancing access to investment capital, expanding the availability of skilled labor, and reducing overhead costs are areas that could further elevate American Fork’s attractiveness to new businesses.

A Supportive Environment for Startups

The supportive business climate in Utah is further enhanced by state-wide initiatives such as the recent launch of startup.utah.gov by Governor Spencer Cox. This platform is designed to help entrepreneurs develop robust business plans and connect them with essential resources for growth, which could help American Fork improve in the areas where it currently lags.

What Makes American Fork Stand Out?

Despite some challenges, American Fork offers a blend of affordability and strategic advantages that are difficult to find elsewhere. Its low commute times, competitive office space costs, and a supportive local government play significant roles. Positioned within the greater Salt Lake City area, businesses in American Fork can access a larger economic ecosystem while enjoying the benefits of a small-town atmosphere.

Conclusion

American Fork’s inclusion in the top 20 of WalletHub’s rankings of 1,334 small cities is a clear indicator of its potential as a prime destination for new businesses. This accolade reflects the community’s efforts to foster an environment where businesses can thrive, navigating the challenges of economic shifts and the demands of a global marketplace. For entrepreneurs considering where to start their journey, American Fork presents a balanced mix of opportunities and challenges, making it a promising location for launching innovative and sustainable businesses.

NarcX® is an innovative company founded in 2018 that is dedicated to mitigating drug misuse. It collaborates with healthcare and other professionals who are passionate about preventing drug diversion. The company offers an effective solution for various establishments, including hospitals, pharmacies, medical facilities, law enforcement, and government entities dedicated to the safety of the community. NarcX® is also available for residential use.

“For the first five years, we spent a lot of time on our IP side; it took four years for us to be granted the patent,” said Jordan Erskine, co-founder and chief innovation officer. “We developed a liquid solution that is biodegradable before and after extremely dangerous drugs are added. We found it to reduce and eliminate all the stockpiling and reverse distribution that is going on within the pharmaceutical world.”

NarcX®’s liquid solution is engineered to neutralize controlled and non-controlled substances rapidly. A specialized mixture of components allows even the most resistant, time-release capsules to be effectively dismantled in the solution. Upon contacting the solution, capsules, pills, and liquid medications are dissolved within minutes. The formula contains elements that render it inedible, discouraging any misuse. In addition, the substances are permanently irretrievable in less than two hours.

“We have 60 VA hospitals that we [currently] sell to,” Erskine added. “We have small sizes, down to 6 oz., that will handle 30-60 pills; we are going to relaunch on Amazon.

Created to thwart the misdirection of controlled substances such as narcotics, amphetamines, and opiates, NarcX® presents an accessible, cost-effective method for disposing of disused or expired pills and capsules. Featuring a unique, eco-friendly patented liquid solution and in compliance with DEA guidelines, it represents the on-site medication destruction method that doesn’t rely on incineration. This method significantly reduces costs and is a convenient and potent alternative.

“What a lot of people don’t realize is the biggest contributing factor to the opioid epidemic right now is still diversion, which means there are still tons of people going into their grandma’s house and taking drugs to sell or use them,” Erskine said. The DEA will tell you that accounts for seventy percent of the epidemic.”

American Fork’s very own Red Rider Creative has been awarded the esteemed title of Business of the Month by the Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce. In a city that prides itself on community and innovation, Red Rider stands out for its quarter-century legacy, dedication to excellence, and resilient adaptation through changing times, including the recent pandemic.

Clark and Ann Taylor, long-standing residents of American Fork, helm this dynamic company. Clark, as a part-owner and vital member of the creative brigade, and Ann, who expertly manages the financials, exemplify the power couple behind this thriving business.

Red Rider Creative is a full-service agency that has mastered the art of storytelling in branding. From website design to digital marketing, this company has been instrumental in propelling brands to new heights. They don’t just create content; they weave narratives that deeply connect with audiences, whether through graphic design, social media management, or video production.

Their work speaks volumes, and most recently, they have showcased their prowess by producing the program for the Pillar of the Valley event, which honored Gail Miller on April 10th. It’s these contributions that underscore their role not just as a business but as a cornerstone of the community.

“Their resilience and growth through the pandemic, their capacity to work with top-tier brands locally and globally, and their invaluable support at our Gala to honor Gail Miller, are just a few reasons why Red Rider Creative is beyond deserving of this recognition,” stated Curtis Blair, President/CEO of the Utah Valley Chamber.

Red Rider’s philosophy is rooted in the power of relationships. In an era dominated by digital interactions, they champion the irreplaceable value of human connection. Their ethos, as gleaned from their website, is about marrying the technological savvy of modern-day marketing with the authenticity of face-to-face interactions.

But what truly sets Red Rider apart is their dual perspective. They aren’t just a team of exceptional designers; they are seasoned professionals who understand the business world inside and out. This balance ensures that their designs are not only visually stunning but also strategically effective, always prioritizing the client’s needs.

As we celebrate Red Rider Creative’s success, it’s clear that they are not just a business that serves the community but one that is integral to its very fabric. Congratulations to Red Rider Creative, a beacon of creativity and a testament to the enduring power of genuine relationships in business.

By: Skyler Beltran

Chad Carr, a father of two in Lehi’s Holbrook Farms, and his wife Katie have launched a new book company, Mascot Tales. Inspired by their two sons’ love for BYU’s Cosmo the Cougar, the Carrs noticed a gap in the market for engaging children’s books centered around University mascots.

“My wife and I tried to find a good book about Cosmo but couldn’t find one our boys loved. So, I decided to create one,” said Carr. 

Drawing from his experiences as a former student at BYU, Carr sought to create stories that captured the tradition and uniqueness of the University’s spirit for young readers.

“Mascots hold a special place in children’s hearts, igniting their imagination and bringing a sense of magic to their experiences. I hope to infuse the wonder of mascots into captivating stories that help children learn about universities, organizations, and sports teams, all with the endearing companionship of their favorite mascots,” said Carr.

The book focuses on all the letters of the alphabet, with each letter representing a unique tradition or aspect of BYU, from “B” for Brigham Young to “J” for Jimmer, and “P” for Provo. And don’t forget “L” for Lavell Edwards Stadium. 

Teaming up with illustrator Amy Klegg, the Carrs are eagerly planning to broaden the book collection. Their vision includes featuring additional University mascots, a move that is sure to captivate a wide audience of young readers. 

“There has been a lot of interest from fans of the University of Utah, Utah State, and Boise State,” said Carr when asked what school’s mascot he would write about next. 

For parents like Chad and Katie Carr, Mascot Tales is more than just a book company. It’s a labor of love that brings the magic of childhood and the pride of community together.

To learn more or to order “C” is for Cosmo, visit https://mascottales.com/ 

By: Brynn Carnesecca 

Recently, Saddle House Books on American Fork Main celebrated its opening. Created and owned by husband and wife Caitlan and Aaron Gray, Saddle House is the culmination of years of teaching and family experiences. 

Saddle House Books’ foundation began in 2018 with the Grays’ son. Growing up, their son was always an avid learner. He adored preschool, learning and books. However, his parents noticed a polarizing shift in his love of learning once he entered kindergarten. As Caitlan and Aaron discussed the change, they realized that they needed to make a change in their son’s education. 

“We had never even considered homeschooling. We were both publicly educated, so it was never even on my radar,” Caitlan said. After switching to homeschooling, the Grays witnessed his interests return to knowledge. “His love of learning came right back. We said, ‘Let’s see where this takes us.'”

After watching their son’s journey through education, the Grays became more aware of the community of current and prospective homeschooling families. Many families weren’t quite sure where to start. A few months later, Caitlan discussed the topic with a family member who had been an educator for years. 

“She told me, ‘It doesn’t matter if you homeschool your kid or if you have them in public education. As the parent, you are the ultimate teacher no matter what,” Caitlan said. That comment acted as the catalyst for the Grays’ decision to open Saddle House Books. 

Saddle House’s goal is to provide resources and a space where parents can help their children connect with reading and books and to develop a strong love of learning, all while forming bonds between parents and children. The name Saddle House has multiple meanings, all linked to the ultimate goal. Saddle stitching is a popular way to bind a book; saddles are important to the Grays’ three sons—who love all things cowboy and adventure—and the name also encourages parents to be in the saddle and take charge of their children’s learning. 

Parents and kids can find books, homeschool resources, and educational workshops at Saddle House. On the main floor, families can find beautifully printed classics, favorite stories and adorable nooks, all set to charming instrumental music. The family holds educational workshops in the basement. Currently, the workshops are geared towards elementary and middle school children and pre-teens. However, they may also be open to high school students in the future. 

Workshops will begin in April and range from creative writing, storybook art, color theory, art, science and everything in between. Saddle House is an excellent community for little thinkers and their ideas. 

Saddle House also hosts free daily story time at 11:15 a.m. and monthly book clubs, and they will soon be releasing storybook kids to connect young readers and their families to the books they are reading. Ultimately, Saddle House hopes to “create a space where families can come together through learning and education,” Caitlan explained. 

On March 30, Saddle House will host a grand opening. Parents and kids can stop by to win prizes, enter free workshops and browse books. 

Saddle House Books is located at 154 W. Main St. in American Fork. Store hours are Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information or to hear about Saddle House Book’s upcoming events, follow @saddlehousebooks on Instagram or visit www.saddlehousebooks.com.

Old Mill Building Products has announced the grand opening of its new headquarters and showroom located at 42 E. 1100 S. STE 6 in  American Fork. The company feels that this relocation signifies a leap in the company’s growth trajectory and commitment to innovation in building solutions.

The facility stands at 45,000 sq. ft., including a 1,000 sq. ft. showroom. The new headquarters are larger to accommodate more products and more customers, including contractors and DIY-ers. 

“This move is a strategic alignment with our vision to lead and innovate in the building products industry. Our new facility is not just a physical expansion; it’s a leap into new possibilities and an opportunity to further commit to delivering exceptional quality and innovative solutions to our customers,” said Tyler Webster, CEO of Old Mill Building Products.

“This space is designed to be more than just a display of our products; it’s a narrative of our brand and a testament to our commitment. Here, customers can experience the story behind each of our products and see how Old Mill Building Products is shaping the future of building solutions,” said Kirk Harris, Vice President of Sales & Marketing.

By: Madelyn Wilson

Renewed Vintage Market on American Fork Main has been in its current location for just over two years, but its story started a decade ago. Amy Rowbury, owner of Renewed, began painting thrifted furniture as a way to make her home look beautiful on a budget.

“We had just moved to Utah from Indiana, and money was tight, so learning how to repaint furniture was a huge deal for me. We had gotten rid of a lot of stuff just because of the cost of moving, so when we got here, we would go to D.I. and find whatever we needed, and it looked cheap. So I thought I would try painting the furniture, and I did,” said Rowbury.

As the hobby began growing on her, she realized she wanted to help other people accomplish the same thing, thus RenewedVintage Market was born.

Well, not quite. She first became a retailer for her favorite furniture paint brand, Rethunk Junk. When she realized nobody in the area was selling it, she rented a booth at Quilted Bear and started selling the paint as she continued restoring furniture in her free time. Six years ago, she transitioned from a booth rental to running her own shop, originally known as Renew & Re-Do Vintage Market, where she sold painted furniture and other products. 

“I got my own shop about six years ago, and it’s just grown from that. It’s been really fun to give things new life,” said Rowbury.

When a space on American Fork Main became available two years ago, she took the opportunity and has been there ever since. The shop is decked out in whimsy and vintage vibes, complete with oldies music and vintage decor on every wall.

Last year, the neighboring shop moved out of state, so she was met with another opportunity. She took the chance to expand and invite in vendors to sell their own handmade and vintage goods. The 60 local vendors at Renewed carry everything from homemade treats and crochet goods to baby clothes and vintage Pyrex-inspired embroidered tea towels. 

At the time of the expansion, Rowbury decided it was also time for a rebrand that better encompassed the shop’s purpose.

“I started out with the name Renew and Re-Do because it was focused on furniture, so when we did a logo and branding, it was just furniture and primary colors, very focused on paint. The longer we’ve gone on and the more we’ve kind of evolved into a market, I thought we really need to change things a bit because our name doesn’t reflect who we are anymore. We had added ‘Vintage Market’ to the name as we moved over here and haveadded a lot of vintage. I wanted to keep the name really close, so I just shortened it to Renewed,” she said. 

With giving new life to old things being the mission behind the business, Rowbury also wanted the rebrand to help communicate that. The logo was changed to include a botanical element to symbolize growth and new life.

“I feel like we’re giving things new life, whether it’s furniture or vintage stuff. We’re saving it from the landfills, saving it from the dump, so I really liked incorporating that symbol of life because that’s what we’re all about,” she added.

A big part of Rowbury’s business is holding classes. She originally introduced classes in her space to teach people how to give new life to thrifted furniture, and she since has brought in all kinds of craft classes, including jewelry making, floral arrangement, painting and more. 

“We’re trying to have a place for the community to have something fun to do, whether it’s just strolling around the shop or coming to classes and learning something new,” said Rowbury.

She has a local maker come in a few times each month to lead a craft workshop open to the public. Class admission is generally $30-70 and includes most, if not all, materials needed to complete the craft. 

The next class at Renewed is a “Paint Your Date” night, where people can participate in the viral trend of painting their partner or friend and see what they come up with. This class costs $30 for two people and will include materials, as well as a soda bar and treats.

To sign up for Renewed Vintage Market’s classes and events, or to apply to be a vendor, visit renewmyfurniture.com.

In an event marking a significant intersection between technology innovation and national economic policy, Ryan Porter, the Founder and CEO of American Fork-based LiveView Technologies (LVT), took part in a pivotal White House roundtable this month. The discussion, convened by the White House National Economic Council (NEC) and the Small Business Administration (SBA), centered on the role of new reforms in fostering investments in underserved and financially constrained markets.

The roundtable brought together an exclusive group of business leaders to delve into strategies that could enhance government backing for companies in sectors critical to national security and community safety. Among the attendees was Steve Glover of Pelion Venture Partners, highlighted by Porter for the firm’s crucial support in LVT’s expansion journey.

“Startups are wells of innovation, providing new-age solutions that can significantly change the nation’s approach to critical technology and manufacturing,” Porter remarked. His sentiments underscored the importance of nurturing startups, especially those like LVT, which have been instrumental in advancing technological solutions for safety and security across various sectors.

LVT’s journey from its inception in 2005 to becoming a leader in cloud-based video surveillance is a testament to the impact of SBA funding and governmental support in scaling businesses. The company has notably contributed to enhancing security measures across diverse sectors, including construction, education, government, retail, and transportation. A notable study by the Loss Prevention Research Council (LPRC), the ACCESS Taskforce, highlighted LVT’s significant achievement in reducing shoplifting by 40% through its units and community-wide collaborations.

Recognition of LVT’s rapid growth and contribution to the security industry is evident in its consecutive appearances on the Inc. 5000 list, with a 395% growth rate over three years as of the 2023 list. This accolade is a reflection of the company’s commitment to innovation and excellence in the field of intelligent safety and security solutions.

LiveView Technologies stands as a prime example of how private sector companies, with support from governmental programs, can drive significant advancements in national security and community safety. The company’s focus on solar-powered mobile surveillance units and its comprehensive software-as-a-service (SaaS) and platform-as-a-service (PaaS) solutions demonstrate the potential of technology to address critical challenges in today’s society.

As LVT continues to develop its offerings and expand its impact, the recent White House roundtable signifies a broader recognition of the essential role that innovative companies play in shaping a secure and prosperous future. For more information about LiveView Technologies and its intelligent safety and security solutions, visit www.lvt.com.