OGDEN — It may be the land and business that is already here that shapes the economic growth of the Top of Utah, not what new industry is yet to come.
While Weber County officials are looking to develop an agritourism ordinance directed at diversifying a farm's income through broadening its offerings and adding value to its products, Davis County economic gurus are marshaling resources to preserve strategically located land banks that can be used to provide space to existing businesses needing to expand.
Weber and Davis county economic officials share the same belief that it is government's role to facilitate commercial growth, not pay for it.
"Davis (County) is looking to expand our manufacturing, distribution, Hill Air Force Base support businesses and services, as well as our information technology and communications," says Kent Sulser, county director of Community and Economic Development.
"We are seeking growth in various clusters of advanced composites, aerospace, manufacturing, digital media, financial services, sports and outdoor products.
"This is where our strengths are located, and this is where most of our future growth will occur."
Those with Weber County Economic Development are doing some clustering of their own.
"With respect to industry clusters, manufacturing will continue to be a key economic target," says Douglas S. Larsen, county director of Economic Development.
"Weber (Economic Development) plans to broaden our attention to other areas, such as life sciences, software and IT development, financial services, energy, and of course, we'll continue to embrace the momentum behind the outdoor-recreation market."
Part of the plan will be to foster business that is already in place, he says.
One way the county can achieve its goal is through a "side-lines" approach, bringing groups together rather than being a direct participant.
One example is the agritourism ordinance creating opportunities to convert an old farmhouse into a small bed-and-breakfast and to provide some glamping (glamorous camping) opportunities for both tourists and locals, Larsen says.
"By creating the opportunity (ordinance), the free-enterprise system has another prospect for growth, and at the same time, the opportunity helps to preserve our farms and open space, a critical asset to the quality of life in Weber County," he says.
Land is also a valuable commodity in Davis County, the state's smallest county by size at 634 square miles, of which 329 are under Great Salt Lake.
What may be missing from the state's successful economic equation is the opportunity to provide existing businesses the land needed for expansion, Sulser says.
"One key is to focus on the retention and expansion of local businesses and to assist them in the availability of land sites."
He says those sites must offer access to transportation corridors, a workforce and supply chain companies.
To address the concern, Davis County, in partnership with its municipalities, has identified about 3,000 acres in 12 locations to be considered, set aside and zoned for future work centers, Sulser says.
"Without land, where would business development occur?" Sulser says.
"Growth is going to come largely from existing businesses that are already in the marketplace. There will be expansion and new developments that need to consider larger facilities that can manufacture, assemble and distribute their products in a more effective fashion."
For that reason, county officials are focused on knowing about businesses in their region in order to help facilitate growth in a cost-effective way, Sulser says.
Larsen agrees effective economic development will move forward through a partnership of communities.
"(With) the current plan of the state of Utah, we're doing pretty well," he says.
However, Larsen adds, if business is to flourish, government needs to remain on the sidelines and facilitate economic growth by providing the private sector with an educated workforce and the transportation infrastructure and facilities that provide effective access for commerce.
"The key to economic growth and prosperity is the private sector," he says.
Sulser agrees that economic development is going well in Utah, with the state having a lot of the puzzle pieces figured out.
National publications and organizations have recognized Utah and its cities with significant awards and accolades, which Sulser says showcase the state as the place to develop and grow a business.
cmiller 18 Sep, 2012
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