Think Upton First 2.0

Background

In 2016, Upton High School Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) partnered with the Upton Economic Development Board and the Upton Chamber of Commerce to develop and implement the “Think Upton First” campaign, to educate citizens on ways to support the community by shopping locally. June 2022, the Chamber of Commerce started to develop Think Upton First 2.0, to build upon the original campaign, and create strategies to help businesses grow, develop a stronger workforce, and to revitalize downtown Upton. 

Overview

The overall purpose of Think Upton First 2.0 is to bring the community together and to create lasting tools that provide residents, businesses and stakeholders with opportunities to develop a thriving Upton for the future. Currently, small towns in America, including Upton, have seen a shortage in housing, decreases in a skilled workforce and a lack of community involvement. Think Upton First 2.0 is geared toward taking action on the emerging issues faced by small-towns to make a lasting change for future generations in Upton. 

Goals

The main goal of Think Upton First 2.0 is to improve the quality of life for all in Upton. Entrepreneurship, and business attraction and expansion are high priorities of Think Upton First 2.0. Two objectives that Think Upton First 2.0 will work to achieve is to create a workforce that keeps people in Upton to live and work, and to increase business development with well-paying jobs in the community. 

Project Process

Workforce and business development are two important aspects of a community that must be present for a community to succeed. With this in mind, a team of Think Upton First 2.0 volunteers will work on creating tools to provide residents and prospective residents with opportunities for business growth and job creation.

The Upton Chamber of Commerce has started a team of volunteers to begin developing strategies and plans to meet the goals and objectives of Think Upton First 2.0. Initial team meetings will be held June and July 2022.  All are welcome to join the Think Upton First 2.0 team.  Join now by contacting Kade McMillan at office@uedb.org, or call (307) 391-0114.