S.L. AMONG TOP 5 HOT SPOTS IN SALES MAGAZINE'S RATINGS
Sales & Marketing Management magazine has named Salt Lake City as one of the top five U.S. hot spots for selling in 1999.The April issue looks at the top 20 places in the nation and discusses why those markets are faring well.
Austin, Texas, ranked No. 1 because of its low unemployment, strong job growth, quality of life and healthy economy. The other cities in the top five were Des Moines, Iowa; Boulder, Colo.; and Sioux Falls, S.D.
The magazine examined 50 markets with populations over 200,000. The list was trimmed by evaluating population, building and retail sales increases, job growth, effective buying income and tax rates.
The 20 leading cities all have one thing in common -- a strong high-technology presence.
MEETING WILL GIVE LOWDOWN ON OBTAINING A MICROLOAN
The Utah Microenterprise Loan Fund has scheduled applicant orientation sessions for two Wednesdays -- March 31 and April 14.
Both free hourlong meetings will begin at 3 p.m. at the organization's offices, 3595 S. Main.
The loan fund is a nonprofit corporation providing financing and management support to small-business entrepreneurs, especially those who are socially or economically disadvantaged. The loan fund offers small-business loans of up to $10,000 to applicants unable to access traditional forms of financing. Businesses must be in Salt Lake, Tooele, Summit, Morgan or Davis counties to qualify.
For session registration, call 801-269-8408.
AUTHOR TO GIVE FREE LECTURE THURSDAY AT WESTMINSTER
Paula Nelson, an entrepreneur and author of four books, will give a free lecture at Westminster College at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 1, in the Bill and Vieve Gore School of Business.
Nelson is known for her television commentary on "CNN Business News" and the "Today Show." Her book, "The Joy of Money," sold more than 500,000 copies. Her latest book is titled "Soar With Your Strengths."
INETZ MEDIA CHIEF TO SPEAK AT HILTON TO MARKETING GROUP
The Salt Lake Chapter of the American Marketing Association will hold its luncheon on Thursday, April 1, at the Downtown Hilton Hotel, 150 W. 500 South.
Josie Gay, president and chief executive officer of iNetz Media Group, will speak on "The Power of Internet Marketing."
Cost is $13 for members and $16 for nonmembers. For reservations, call 801-442-3630.
ENTREPRENEUR SCHOOL TO OFFER BUSINESS CLASSES
Business Beginnings, a Utah-based firm, will open a new Entrepreneurial School in Salt Lake Valley to help students develop business ideas into reality. Classes are designed for new and existing small businesses facing growth challenges.
Classes start Tuesday, April 6, at the Roadway Inn and Suites, 3500 South and I-215. A free open house presentation will be offered at 6:30 p.m. with registration for classes that evening at 7 p.m.
Classes will run 7-9 p.m. on Tuesdays through May 11. For more information, class prices and seat reservations call 1-800-292-2831.
SCOTTISHPOWER HIRES ADVISER TO HELP WITH MERGER DETAILS
ScottishPower has appointed Merrill Lynch & Co. as a financial adviser to help with the British utility company's proposed $12 billion merger with Utah Power parent company PacifiCorp.
Merrill Lynch will provide advice to ScottishPower in relation to the U.S. equity markets.
Ian Russell, ScottishPower deputy chief executive and finance director, said adding Merrill Lynch "underlines our commitment to maintaining a significant U.S. shareholder base upon completion of the PacifiCorp transaction."
IOMEGA SELLING ITS RIGHTS TO DITTO PRODUCTS TO TECMAR
ROY -- Iomega Corp. is selling rights to its Ditto family of tape backup products to Colorado-based Tecmar for $3 million.
Being sold are Iomega's 2GB and Ditto Max lines, including the 10GB Ditto Max Pro and the 7GB Ditto Max drives. No Iomega facilities or employees are being transferred to Tecmar in connection with the transaction, Iomega said.
"The portable storage market has changed. We've seen our Zip and Jaz drives rapidly replace personal tape storage," said Jodie K. Glore, Iomega's chief executive officer and president. "It is a strategic asset sale for Iomega, which will allow us to focus on our core Zip, Jaz and Clik! branded portable storage solutions."