Mountain Luxury Real Estate Challenges Businesses to Give Back to the Community by Donating 1% for Open Space
Brandi Hammon of Eden has been serving the real estate needs of her clients for six years. Raised in Ogden Valley, she says she is dedicated to ensuring that Ogden Valley retains its grace through change. Thus, in 2008 she joined the board of The Ogden Valley Land Trust. Recently she, like many other realtors in Ogden Valley and across the nation, has felt the impact from one of the deepest recessions our nation has experienced.
Reflecting on the situation she states, “It was funny, I don’t think real estate could have been much worse, but I was on a trail run one day, looking around at the amazing surroundings we live in and it hit me; the absolute best thing that could have happened to Ogden Valley was this recession. The idea sounds counter to my business, but I believe strongly that the recession has offered a second chance for organizations like The Ogden Valley Land Trust to get involved in grass root conservation efforts and thoughtful development. I also realized that it is one thing to think about making a difference, and another to actually make a difference. I decided right there I would contribute 1% to open space and hopefully inspire others to follow.”
Importance of Open Space:
Open space is something that is very hard for most people to understand, because open space, as a phrase, means very little. Hammon sums it up, “Open space contributes to the sense of a town, the presence of nature and space, a rural peacefulness that has left places like Park City. Open space provides a balance between development and nature, and is the only way to preserve what almost every individual who has come to this Valley has felt when they arrived. I want to put effort into, not only protecting land, but also planning in thoughtful ways that maintain the inspiration and personality of this valley.”
Importance of Contributing
“Every person can make a difference, whether through The Ogden Valley Land Trust or in other ways. If you have a passion or really believe in something, it’s important that you act on it . . . anything, because even the smallest assistance or donation to The Ogden Valley Land Trust truly helps. Non-profit organizations are so often ran by volunteers with families and jobs, and they still go the extra mile for something they believe in; thus, anything you can contribute to the Land Trust is immensely appreciated,” Hammon adds.
The Challenge
“There are a lot of great agents and developers in this valley. I challenge each of them, beginning January 1, to join the OVLT and the 1% for Open Space program and start making a difference where it matters most—at home in Ogden Valley. As real estate agents and developers, it is akin to replanting a tree. The challenge to business owners, local residents, and visitors is to both support and join The Ogden Valley Land Trust in its mission to preserve land and open space. Anyone can join and business owners can contact the land trust to see how they can implement a 1% for Open Space program in their establishment and start making a difference now. It is time for those of us who are passionate about this valley to step up and start making a difference. Log on to OgdenValleyLandTrust.org to learn more and to join now. If one person can truly make a difference, just imagine what a thousand or more can do? Local brokerages are especially encouraged to make this part of their commitment to the community they serve; it is actually a very small contribution that will have a very large impact over time.”
For more information about The Ogden Valley Land Trust, or about donating, visit www.ogdenvalleylandtrust.org where you can view a the Land Trust’s new website and video, which is full of valuable information. You may also donate to the Land Trust by mail at:
THE OGDEN VALLEY LAND TRUST
PO BOX 412
HUNTSVILLE UT 84317
For more information, or to receive a brochure about The Ogden Valley Land Trust, you may also call 801-745-2688.
Mountain Luxury recently donated $1,470, and continues to contribute 1% of its net commissions to The Ogden Valley Land Trust, paid quarterly.
Mountain Luxury is a local real estate brokerage located in Eden, Utah. Owner and broker Brandi Hammon spent her childhood in Ogden Valley, wandered and adventured for eight years, then moved back to raise her children in one of the few places she could call home.
Mountain Luxury represents most developments in Ogden Valley including Rivers Edge, The Preserve at Sheep Creek, Edgewater, Lakeside Village Condominiums, Trappers Crossing, the Reserve at Crimson Ridge, the Ranches of Monte Cristo and Hawkins Creek; thus, Hammon says she feels like it is the company’s responsibility to take a lead in the 1% for Open Space initiative.
Mountain Luxury is located in the Elk Run Commercial Center across the street and north of the Eden Post Office, and is opening a second branch on January 3 at 119 25th Street in Ogden. Call 888-9MY-UTAH or visit www.MountainLuxury.com for further information.