Pomp, fanfare greet opening of Neways

SPRINGVILLE — With much pomp and fanfare, the two founders of one of Utah's fastest-growing businesses held hands at the podium to celebrate the realization of their dream.

"This is really the culmination of the American dream," said Neways co-founder Thomas Mower Sr., standing next to his ex-wife and co-founder Leslie Dee Mower.

Hundreds gathered Monday to celebrate the grand opening of Neways' new $14 million world headquarters. An impressive two-story Neways logo caps the building, which dominates the west side of Springville near I-15.

Gov. Mike Leavitt said there was no more important place for a governor to be than at Monday's event. "This is an important day for Neways. This is an important day for Utah," Leavitt said, adding Neways is prominent in Utah's role in the national and international communities — and, as employer to some 425 people, important to Utah's economy.

For new Neways CEO Michael Cunningham, Monday was a day to celebrate the company's explosive growth. The 11-year-old company, which markets everything from skin creams to health supplements through "distributors" worldwide, now draws in half a billion dollars in business annually.

Neways can be found in more than 35 countries, including Malaysia, Australia and the European Union.

"It is an exciting day for this company. It's kind of a crossroads," said Cunningham. "We have gone from an entrepreneurial company to stretching our legs and growing and becoming a worldwide operation."

Corporate heads use the motto "word of mouth is a great form of advertisement," and it appears to work. Neways general manager Chandler Bates III estimates the company has grown between 12 and 13 percent annually and has never suffered a loss in profits.

"We're debt-free," Cunningham said, adding the $14 million building was paid in full with no loan.

"In these rather turbulent economic times, we think that's worth touting," said company spokesman Richard Evans.

Recently, Neways executives have found themselves dealing with insulating their company image from the Mowers' federal indictments.