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Creating Our FutureA Strategic Plan for Sevier County Economic DevelopmentIntroductionSevier
County is poised for economic growth and community development.
With the foundation of an interstate, an airport, and
institutions of higher education and applied technology, we can
anticipate opportunities for business growth. This plan has been
prepared by both public and private representatives to outline how that
growth can occur to benefit the current and future residents of our
community. A Public/Private PartnershipTo
make this strategic plan a reality, it is important to understand the
role and responsibilities of each sector.
The
Public Sector
It is the role of the public sector to help create an environment where private sector activities can take place and flourish. It should be clearly understood that the public sector does not create jobs. That goal is best accomplished as a result of the private sector’s decision to invest the capital and resources to open or expand business operations. The public sector should provide the basic infrastructure and systems to ensure that private investment will be facilitated, protected, and supported as it risks financial and human resources. The Private SectorThe private sector’s role involves communicating what business needs are and how public agencies can support business growth efforts. This sector has invaluable insight on how resources can be used to create a business climate that will enable existing companies to grow and how to attract new industry. The private sector should influence public decisions and not wait for government to initiate business growth efforts. The Sevier County PartnershipIt is the intent of this partnership to freely discuss ideas, develop a vision for economic development, implement activities that will enable both sectors to realize the mission statement outlined herein. It is acknowledged that competing interests will often affect the dialogue and how decisions are ultimately made. Our InvitationYou are
needed! Everyone has an
interest in a healthy economy. Whether
you’re a business owner, a school teacher, a builder, or involved in
human services, you can contribute to this vision and see it become a
reality. Join those working
for future generations and future opportunities. |
1.Organization and Structure of the Economic Development Council |
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What We Want To Do |
We’ve Succeeded When |
How to Get There |
Whose Job Is It? |
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Establish an organization to drive economic development that is adequately funded |
A functioning organization that is funded and identified as the “go to” group for economic development in Sevier County is established. Appropriate changes to this plan are identified and incorporated into this document. |
1.2 Increase membership |
EDC Executive Committee |
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1.3 Process articles, elect directors, adopt by-laws |
EDC Executive Committee |
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1.4 Identify funding sources including state, federal, grants, private, and foundations |
EDC Executive Committee |
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1.5 Sponsor annual ED Summit |
Sevier County EDC |
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1.6 Partner with other ED related organizations including cities & towns |
Sevier County EDC |
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1.7 Establish an EDC relationship with EDCU and State |
Sevier County EDC |
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2.
Business
Development
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What
We Want To Do
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We’ve
Succeeded When
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How
to Get There
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Whose
Job Is It?
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Attract
business and provide opportunities for existing businesses to
expand that will strengthen local economy. |
The
number of permanent jobs within Sevier County has been increased
by 300 positions within 5 years. The
per capita wage of Sevier County jobs is at or above the level of
the Utah State average. |
2.1
Complete an industry survey to identify sectors that can be
supported and fit county characteristics |
Sevier County EDC |
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2.2
Identify infrastructure and resources in communities with
business development interests |
Sevier County EDC |
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2.3
Streamline permitting process and provide assistance to new
businesses. |
Sevier County EDC |
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2.4
Work with DCED, EDCU, commercial developers to let them
know what we have. |
Sevier County EDC |
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3.
Natural
Resources
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What
We Want To Do
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We’ve
Succeeded When
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How
to Get There
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Whose
Job Is It?
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Pro-actively
influence planning and environmental policy. Utilize
natural resources as an economic development tool |
Representatives
from Economic Council are on public lands committees or advisory
councils. |
3.1
Obtain appointment to Sevier County Public Lands Committee |
Sevier County EDC |
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3.2 Invite PLC member to participate in EDC related activities. |
Sevier
County EDC |
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3.3
Develop “users group” of public lands related
businesses as a interest group within EDC |
Sevier County EDC |
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4.
Development
of Industrial Properties
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What
We Want To Do
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We’ve
Succeeded When
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How
to Get There
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Whose
Job Is It?
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Complete
existing industrial park space development. Identify
additional industrial park space for future development. |
The
Council actively participates on Salina City’s Economic
Development Committee as appropriate. Existing
industrial properties within the County are inventoried |
4.1
Develop marketing materials |
Sevier
County EDC / Salina City / Richfield City |
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4.2
Post data on appropriate web sites. |
Sevier County EDC |
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4.3 Host Board of Realtors, EDCU, DCED, et. al. at sites. |
Sevier County EDC |
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4.4
Identify industrial associations for targeted marketing
efforts. |
Sevier County EDC |
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5.
Community Development
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What
We Want To Do
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We’ve
Succeeded When
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How
to Get There
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Whose
Job Is It?
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Support
cities and towns in completion of improvement projects |
Projects
that increase business infrastructure, community livability, and
smart growth are completed. Council
members from each interested community are on the
Council Board. |
5.1
Support and drive efforts of communities in infrastructure
development. |
Sevier
County EDC |
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5.2
Create project list so Council knows how and where to put
support. |
Richfield
City / Salina City Sevier
County EDC |
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5.3
Participate in CIB applications where appropriate. |
Sevier County EDC |
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6.Enhance
Educational Opportunities
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What
We Want To Do
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We’ve
Succeeded When
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How
to Get There
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Whose
Job Is It?
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Coordinate
targeted business activities with education leaders to develop
applicable curriculums. |
Curriculum
is being established to assist targeted industries, both existing
and recruited. Courses
are re-offered or new courses developed in conjunction with
business and corporate needs. |
Representatives
from Snow College, the Central Applied Technology College, and
Sevier School District are on Council Board. |
Sevier
School District Central
Applied Technology College Snow
College–Richfield |
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"You
can have anything you want if you want it bad desperately enough. You
must want it with an exuberance that erupts through the skin and joins
the energy that created the world —Sheila Graham Appreciation is expressed to Utah Power for making available the time and resources of their Community and Economic Development Office. Specifically, we express sincere gratitude to Mrs. Julie Brewster who facilitated and guided the many discussions that resulted with this plan. Printing of this plan was made possible by a donation of the Sevier County Special Service District for Economic Development. |