Nexeo Staffing

Human Resources outsourcing company Nexeo Staffing provides local and large clientele with the complete HR solution.

“Recruiting, payroll training and employee benefits are our primary areas of business,” said chief operating officer Scott Vest.

“We deal with clients from fortune 500 companies to mom and pop shops,” Vest said. Typical clientele for Nexeo Staffing includes Information Technology companies as well as industrial companies or manufacturers.

“We customize a solution for the client based on their business type and needs,” Vest said.

“One of the smaller companies we work with is Silicone Plastics,” said manager of business development Kristina Peterson. Peterson manages the Logan-based office for local and nationwide clientele. She said one of the larger companies Nexeo Staffing has worked with is Allegiant Airlines.

Peterson is also responsible for organizing leadership training events that the company holds on different dates and times throughout the year. These events are $50 per person with lunch provided.

Businesses are invited to obtain a custom HR assessment at no cost.

Since the company’s 2002 debut, offices have been opened throughout the state of Utah.

Other local companies Nexeo Staffing has worked with include: Jack’s Tire & Oil and Gossner Foods.

Local ice creamery prides itself on pleasing tummies and impacting startups.

Aggie Ice Cream at Utah State University has a lot to offer students, the Logan community and groups interested in product development.

“Our primary focus is serving the students and people on campus,” said professor of Dairy Foods, Donald McMahon.

The Logan-based ice cream and cheese parlor not only provides delicious dairy products to those of the Logan community, but is a full-service product development center for teaching and research.

“We use the facility for research projects,” said McMahon. “Students are offered a program within the College of Agricultural Sciences to participate in labs where they make cottage cheese and ice cream.”

The Western Dairy Center is the facility located directly behind the store and is 1 of 6 research and outreach centers that McMahon directs.

Big businesses also utilize equipment within the facility.

“TCBY recently came and utilized the facility to develop a complete line of frozen yogurt that will be sold in supermarkets,” McMahon said.

The company website credited Gustav Wilster, creator of Aggie Ice Cream, for “not only the creation of Aggie Ice Cream, but also the birth of the Utah ice cream industry.” Wilster was a professor of Dairy Foods at Utah State University in the 1920s.

“We have followed the same philosophy for hundreds of years,” said McMahon. “We use high quality milk, premium ingredients, good flavors, we make the ice cream right there—everything is very fresh.”

McMahon said many Utah ice creameries trail back to Utah State University. The website validated his statement by listing a few Utah companies that were founded by Wilster’s students: Caspers Ice Cream, Farrs Ice Cream and Snelgroves Ice Cream.

Local boutique moves to Cache Valley Mall

Violet Hill Boutique, a chic and trendy shop, recently moved its headquarters from a standalone address on Main Street to a space in the Cache Valley Mall.

Owner Alexandrea Museus said foot traffic was one of the advantages that inspired the move.

The juniors and misses boutique got its name from a Coldplay song and was opened in 2010 by Museus and business partner, Courtney Packer. It remained at its standalone location until July.

Despite the move, Museus said she did not fear losing loyal customers.

“The number one thing that brings customers back is the original content we have for sale.” She said. “We only have a few of each item, so you can stand out.”

The original items she referred to are supplied by local artisans.

“We found many of our designers on Etsy and at local farmers markets.” Museus said. “It was a good way to build the store.”

Orange Owl Designs is a local clothing brand that is available exclusively at Violet Hill Boutique.

Amaloo, a local jewelry designer, creates hand painted wooden earrings, another Violet Hill Boutique exclusive item.

In preparation for the high volume traffic expected on "Black Friday," Museus said she will be "ordering a lot of stuff in."

Customers do not have to live in Logan to enjoy the unique creations offered at Violet Hill Boutique. According to their website, the Logan-based shop does process orders internationally.

When asked, “If fashion big names such as Nordstrom and Forever 21 came into town, would Violet Hill Boutique be in trouble of losing customers?”

She replied, “I wouldn’t be too worried about Nordstrom, but Forever 21 would be a threat because of our similar styles and competitive prices—that’s how we stay in competition with the department stores now—original, trendy designs and good prices.”

Museus said she and Packer are now looking at prospective locations in Salt Lake City, Utah to open an additional boutique.