Nominate Your Company for the UVEF Top 25 Under 5

Top 25 Under Five spotlights outstanding Utah entrepreneurs and emerging companies from across the state. Award recipients will be recognized at ceremonies on July 12^th.

“UVEF Top 25 Under Five provides a launch pad for rising Utah startup successes,” stated Matt Bowman, UVEF Chair. “Last year’s winners added more than 800 jobs in Utah. We look forward to celebrating job creation and revenue generation by this year’s winners.”

—You are invited to nominate your company, or any another company.
—In order to qualify, the company must have no revenues prior to January 1, 2007.
—All information that is submitted will be treated confidentially.
—Nomination Deadline: Monday, June 18, 2012

Recipients will be announced at the annual UVEF Top 25 Under 5 Awards Ceremony, to be held this year on Thursday, July 12, 2012. Mark your calendar.

UVEF’s Top 25 Under Five Awards have recognized the development of more than 200 individuals and companies, including Skull Candy, Imagine Learning, Agel Enterprises, Lendio (Funding Universe), Simply Mac, Entice Labs, Kynetx, ZAGG, and InterbankFX among many others. Companies five years old or younger throughout Utah are invited to apply at www.UVEF.net . Applicants are judged based on revenue and job creation.

The Utah Valley Entrepreneurial Forum (UVEF) is a volunteer non-profit support group linking entrepreneurs to Money, Markets, and Mentors. Celebrating 23 years of new business success, UVEF empowers current and future business leaders to thrive in today’s competitive market. UVEF provides real-world, practical education and valuable resources on how to access needed capital, attract new customers and tap into industry experts. For information on upcoming meetings, speakers and exclusive membership benefits visit www.UVEF.net.

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Press Contact:

John Pilmer

PilmerPR

(801) 369-7535

jpilmer@pilmerpr.com

Best Kept Entrepreneurial Secret

We regularly hear a compelling story about a company that seems to come out of nowhere to grab headlines and inspire entrepreneurs, making us think, ‘now why haven’t we noticed them before?’

This year we learned of a local company on a path to success when ‘disaster’ struck; a majority investor pulled out, leaving the company in a sudden bind. Not willing to be sold or to risk being disbanded, the company worked to secure an enterprise loan, which took nearly six months to close and at the ‘zero hour’ came through for $500,000 less than the company needed to close. The company’s own executive team stepped up; pulled out checkbooks and credit cards; and took voluntary pay cuts. Together they closed the gap, finalizing the loan and full company buyback in May of this year.

With new funding, the employee-owned company continued its record growth and accumulated enough revenue to pay the loan off in full on the date of the first payment. Employees and their families are planning a group march to Zions Bank to deliver the payment in person later this month.

For their remarkable turnaround and expansion story and continued success, we recognize Fishbowl Inventory as Utah Valley’s Best Kept Entrepreneurial Secret.

Most Innovative Product

With so many innovations coming from our Utah Valley Entrepreneurial Community, it is often hard to determine which to recognize as our ‘most’ innovative. This year the decision was equally tough with several nominees taking our breath away as we pondered their ground-breaking work.

One, however, shines through as a remarkable breakthrough that has the potential to literally change the world for everyone in it.

RiverRock Bioscience has the Exclusive, worldwide rights to what is arguably the most transformative technology ever developed by Brigham Young University. This broadly patented, game-changing technology mimics the innate immune system of plants, animals, insects and humans, and possesses remarkable antimicrobial, wound healing and other properties.

Whereas typical antimicrobial and wound healing agents are oftentimes toxic, ineffective against bacteria in a biofilm structure, and rapidly lead to bacterial resistance known as ‘superbugs’, the CSA technology has been shown to be just the opposite, and more effective.

Among the many industries being pursued by RiverRock that can clearly benefit from this technology are: animal healthcare; commercial disinfection; consumer personal care products and cosmetics; food safety; and household and hospital sanitation. The first of these opportunities, animal healthcare, has already resulted in a significant financial partnership and will soon be commercialized by RiverRock.

For this remarkable innovation, we recognize RiverRock Bioscience for their commercialization of this year’s Most Innovative Product.

Ron King Social Entrepreneur of the Year

The UVEF Ron King Social Entrepreneur of the Year is awarded to an entrepreneurial company that demonstrates outstanding success in a socially beneficial market. We look for companies who have built a sustainable and profitable business in an area that demonstrates an overarching benefit to the greater human community.

This year’s recipient collects food waste, which would otherwise be thrown away, and through a completely organic process turns it into a high quality soil conditioner. Through a proprietary process they are able to reduce landfill waste and methane emissions while producing a viable product that they literally can’t keep on the shelves.

The resulting soil conditioner provides the same nutrient values as chemical based soil amendments yet is completely organic. Their products are composed of ingredients selected and combined in scientifically determined proportions to produce ideal nutrient and organic content to the soil, all while helping to reduce waste and better the environment.

Please congratulate EcoScraps, our 2011 Ron King Social Entrepreneur of the Year.

Greatest Contribution to Entrepreneurs

With a remarkable number of outstanding individuals in this category, we find it hard to select just one individual who has given more of their time and talent to mentor, support or grow the Utah Entrepreneurial Community. From this year’s field of outstanding candidates, one individual stood out through his consistent dedication and innovation.

With a passion for sharing his own entrepreneurial experience and a talent for adding excitement and enthusiasm, Jeremy Hanks has assembled an active and thriving community around LaunchUp, his virtual business barn-raising forum. Under Jeremy’s direction, LaunchUp has become an entertaining and informative must-attend meetup for young entrepreneurs looking to learn from others who are forging their own path.

Jeremy Hanks relentlessly shares his time and talent, and has earned the respect of entrepreneurs with an honest and practical approach to mentoring. For his remarkable work in building LaunchUp, and for his continued service to the Entrepreneurial community, The Utah Valley Entrepreneurial Forum recognizes Jeremy Hanks.

Please join us in congratulating Jeremy Hanks for his Greatest Contribution to Entrepreneurs this year.

Entrepreneur of the Year:

Each year we accept nominations for the most outstanding entrepreneur of the year. We seek that one individual who has achieved the highest degree of success, measured both in the success of the company, and the contribution to the local economy through employment and opportunity.

For leading his company to remarkable growth, outstanding innovation and worldwide recognition as a leader in their category, The Utah Valley Entrepreneurial Forum is proud to announce Brad Caldwell as our Entrepreneur of the Year Recipient for 2011.

Brad Caldwell is chief executive officer and founder of SecurityMetrics, Inc. Under Caldwell’s leadership, SecurityMetrics has grown from a small security company specializing in vulnerability assessment scans to a global leader in providing PCI compliance, data security, and organizational security solutions. Spanning it’s 11 years in operation, SecurityMetrics has helped more than 1 million organizations, from Fortune 500 businesses to small retailers.

With a broad portfolio of products, services and expertise, SecurityMetrics has become the leader in helping acquiring banks and their merchants secure and manage their information assets. Brad Caldwell has worked successfully to grow Security Metrics from a cramped townhouse office to a towering new 5-story building, already expanding into areas originally designated for sub-leasing. He has assembled a 400-person world class team of local talent and established SecurityMetrics as a foundational standard in digital data security.

Please congratulate Brad Caldwell of SecurityMetrics, our 2011 Entrepreneur of the Year!

Congratulations to all the UVEF award recipients this year!

—Cary Snowden

PS: The Provo Daily Herald ran a story on the event.

PSS: Here is the story on the Utah Business Wire

Here is the official press release from UVEF:

The Utah Valley Entrepreneurial Forum (UVEF) today announced winners for its 2011 Annual UVEF Awards. The annual event recognizes Utah companies and leaders for innovation, business growth and contributions to the entrepreneurial community. Award recipients were honored today at ceremonies held at the Provo Novell Campus.

“Utah continues to chart the nation’s course to better times through its entrepreneurs,” said UVEF chairman Cary Snowden. “UVEF Award winners are on the leading edge of this prolific success .”

Award recipients will be named in the following categories:

• Most Innovative Product: RiverRock Bioscience
• Ron King Social Entrepreneur of the Year: Ecoscraps
• Greatest Contribution to Entrepreneurs: Jeremy Hanks, LaunchUp
• Utah Valley’s Best Kept Entrepreneurial Secret: Fishbowl Inventory
• Entrepreneur of the Year: Brad Caldwell, Security Metrics

YouTube Video: What makes Utah a Hotbed for Entrepreneurs.

Biographies on winners may be viewed at www.uvef.net .

UVEF is a volunteer non-profit support group linking entrepreneurs to Money, Markets, and Mentors. Celebrating 20 years of new business success, UVEF empowers current and future business leaders to thrive in today’s competitive market. We provide real-world, practical education and valuable resources on how to access needed capital, attract new customers and tap into industry experts. For information on upcoming meetings, speakers and exclusive membership benefits visit www.uvef.net. Linkedin Facebook

Press Contact:

John Pilmer, APR

PilmerPR

801-369-7535

jpilmer@pilmerpr.com

www.pilmerpr.com

MWCN chose BoomStartup for their outstanding contribution to Utah’s deal flow in 2010, the most successful year for business deals in four years, according to MWCN’s most recent report.

“We are honored to be recognized by the MountainWest Capital Network,” said Robb Kunz, co-Managing Partner of BoomStartup. “The credit goes to our tremendous investor-mentors who give of their time and knowledge to help these companies thrive and secure deals for years to come.”

Each year, BoomStartup accepts ten technology startups from around the world for a three-month summer program. Each company receives up to $15,000 in seed capital, free office resources, professional services and mentoring from a group of seasoned and successful entrepreneurs. The three-month program concludes with an Investor Demo Day in August, hosted by BoomStartup, which allows interested investors to meet with each company. More information about the event is available by contacting BoomStartup at info@boomstartup.com.

Earlier this year, BoomStartup opened a second campus at the Miller Business Innovation Center in Salt Lake City. The new campus is in addition to the Canyon Park Technology Center campus in Orem.

BoomStartup’s 2011 companies are: ChampionVillage, CircleFive, Explorer.io, FaceTags, Golf Compete, Jumbas, OER Glue, PromoKube, Proz and VuTherapy. More information about them is available at BoomStartup.com.

The MountainWest Capital Network was founded in 1983 to “Inspire, Inform, Instruct and Connect Utah dealmakers and entrepreneurs to facilitate business growth.”*

About BoomStartup

Based in Salt Lake City, Utah, BoomStartup is a mentorship-driven seed accelerator focusing its efforts on providing seed capital, mentors, and markets for its energetic tech entrepreneur participants. BoomStartup is a three-month, summer program (May-August) that mentors tech startups from ideation through execution. For more information, visit www.boomstartup.com.

*http://www.MWCN.org

Check out the flyer below and please pass the word to your associates.

Nominate a Top 25 Under 5 Company!

Top 25 Under Five spotlights outstanding Utah entrepreneurs and emerging companies from across the state. Award recipients will be recognized at ceremonies on July 8th, with sponsors including Omniture, Silicon Slopes and InnoVentures.

UVEF’s Top 25 Under Five Awards have recognized the development of more than 200 individuals and companies, including Utah success stories like ZAGG, Agel Enterprises, Interbank FX, Seastone, Altiris, Omniture, and Xango among many others.

Companies throughout Utah, five years old or younger, are invited to apply electronically. Applicants are judged based on revenue and job creation.

The Utah Valley Entrepreneurial Forum (UVEF) is a volunteer non-profit support group linking entrepreneurs to Money, Markets, and Mentors. Celebrating 21 years of new business success, UVEF empowers current and future business leaders to thrive in today’s competitive market. We provide real-world, practical education and valuable resources on how to access needed capital, attract new customers and tap into industry experts. For information on upcoming meetings, speakers and exclusive membership benefits visit www.uvef.net.

Press and interested media companies can contact Andon Carling at PilmerPR, (801) 368-7249.

Questions about Top 25 Under 5 or UVEF? Contact michelle@uvef.net

LunaWebs.com

“We are thrilled and honored to have our quality work recognized and so widely publicized by Forbes Magazine. The Luna team’s diligent efforts and dedication to every client of ours, continues to bring new opportunities like this our way.” Shad Vick, CEO

“Those selected provide extensive client service that exceeds the industry standard,” said Dana Mahoney, Analyst, Goldline Research. “We believe that they are setting the benchmarks for the industry as a whole.”

Goldline Research recently completed its annual evaluation of independent web design professionals in the Western United States. Our research study was conducted from May 2009 through early June 2009.

About LunaWebs.com

LunaWebs.com is a thriving web design firm based in Salt Lake City, UT dedicated to developing “Clean, Simple and Easy” websites. In addition, they provide a variety of competitive services including: online marketing, print design, multimedia and video production. Their success is driven by a passionate team, who continually seek improved client services, innovation, and truly customized applications.

About Goldline Research

Goldline Research (www.goldlineresearch.com) is an independent market research firm that specializes in evaluating professional services providers to help consumers identify and select leading services firms. Goldline Research’s proprietary research process includes market analysis, individual company interviews and, in many industries, interviews with consumers of those services to gain feedback on market conditions and provider service levels. Goldline Research’s lists have been published in leading publications including local, regional and national magazines.

“These recipients demonstrate the power of ideas coupled with sound management,” stated Shauna Theobald, chairman of the board, UVEF. “These companies and individuals represent the highest character and spirit that personify the term – entrepreneur.”

2008 Winners include:
Utah Entrepreneur of the Year – John Edwards, Move Networks
Most Innovative Product – Hand-held X-Ray, Aribex
Ronald K. King Social Entrepreneur of the Year – Warner Woodworth
Community Service Award – Todd Manwaring
Greatest Contribution to Entrepreneurs – Paul Allen, Provo Labs
Utah Valley’s Best Kept Secret – Reflect Scientific

At ceremonies held last month, UVEF named Dr. Bill Jordan Pope and BYU Center for Entrepreneurship as 2008 Hall of Fame Inductees.

The UVEF is a non-profit support group working to share knowledge and experience. As a nonprofit organization founded in 1989, the UVEF promotes the development and growth of entrepreneurial ventures by: providing networking opportunities, promoting recognition of business accomplishments and contributions, sharing business experiences, and by encouraging free enterprise.  Information on upcoming meetings, speakers, and membership can be found at www.uvef.net.

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Press Contact:
John Pilmer, APR,
PilmerPR
801-369-7535
jpilmer@pilmerpr.com
www.pilmerpr.com

PilmerPR announced today it is gaining momentum as a top Utah public relations firm for emerging companies, being recognized by national, state and local organizations with four awards in as many weeks.

“We’re pleased to be recognized by multiple organizations as a successful public relations firm,” said John Pilmer, President of PilmerPR. “Receiving these awards aligns with our commitment to offer best-of-class results for our clients. This increases our positive outlook for continued growth, as our award winning PR campaigns are bringing new businesses to the forefront, despite current economic storms.”

In one month’s time, PilmerPR received recognition from the following organizations.

• Nov. 19: The Golden Spike Awards recognized PilmerPR as a finalist in the Corporate Media Relations and Public Service/Advocacy categories. The Golden Spike is the premier public relations in Utah, as awarded by the Public Relations Society of America and the International Association of Business Communicators.

• Nov. 14: The Society for New Communications Research (SNCR), named PilmerPR a recipient of a 2008 Commendation of Excellence in Blogger Relations. SNCR is a global nonprofit foundation dedicated to the advanced study of the latest developments in new media and communications.

• Oct. 23: The Provo Orem Chamber of Commerce named PilmerPR the Home-based Business of the Year. PilmerPR received a Sen. Arthur Watkins award honoring top business owners and community leaders.

Beginning its sixth year in operation, the staff at PilmerPR stays current on emerging trends like social media, search engine optimization (SEO), and environmental sustainability.  PilmerPR has become a trusted adviser in the areas of clean technology, social responsibility, and green PR, while sharpening relevant skills.

About PilmerPR, LLC
The PilmerPR team has more than 75 years of collective experience in marketing and public relations with specific backgrounds in high-technology, engineering, retail, print journalism, social media, search engine optimization, travel, music and rapidly rising area of green PR.  The team includes active PR professionals Accredited in Public Relations (APR) by the Universal Accreditation Board. APR is a mark of distinction for public relations professionals who demonstrate their commitment to the profession and to its ethical practice.

Press Contact:

John Pilmer, APR, MBA
PilmerPR
801-369-7535
jpilmer(at)pilmerpr.com
www.pilmerpr.com

The annual public service awards are named for Sen. Arthur V. Watkins, who was a former U.S. Senator for Utah. This year is the 30th Anniversary of the Award, and a particularly special event featuring the award of Citizen of the Year to Tye Noorda, who is Ray Noorda’s widow, and a remarkable philanthropist.

Nicke Brown and husband Kurtis Brown together own and operate Let’s Logo, a corporate embroidery and promotions company they started together as a ‘dream business’. An accomplished networker, Nicke is a member of Corporate Alliance, BNI, and the Chamber of Commerce. She credits her emphasis on relationship building and strong focus on customer service as her secrets to success.

Other notable Utah Valley businesses in the spotlight included:

Dexter & Dexter, who received the Business of the Year award.

Culinary Crafts, taking home the award for Small Business of the Year.

Our local Timpanogos Harley-Davidson shop received praise for Business Beautification (which I personally think is well deserved).

The Environmental Quality Award goes to the Utah Flash.

The Businessman of the Year award went to Keith Tintle, CEO of Timpanogos Regional Hospital in Orem.

The Business Education Partnership award was presented to SCERA for their dedication to “Build the body, enrich the mind, touch the soul and unify the family.”

As we have already covered, John Pilmer’s PR group received the best Home-Based Business of the Year award. Way to go PilmerPR!

The Community Service Award went to Kena Jo Mathews for her work as the executive director for Habitat for Humanity of Utah County.

The Chamber Chairman’s Award went to William Sederburg, president at UVU.

And finally. the Entrepreneur of the Year award went to Jeremy Hanks for creating Doba, one of Utah Valley’s most successful companies with growth of over 8,000 percent. Yes, I said ‘eight thousand’. Doba has been ranked No. 23 on the Inc 500 list of the fastest-growing privately held companies in America, and numer one on the Utah 100 list of fastest-growing companies in Utah.

Congratulations to all of you!