Articles
3 September 2010

Davis and Weber Counties Work Through Economic Struggles with a Positive Attitude

by Jared Preusz

03 September 2010—

Davis and Weber counties, like all areas of Utah, are feeling the pinch of the nation’s economy, but with some positive energy and perseverance, this section of the state is still experiencing record growth in tourism, outdoor recreation and education. Business leaders in these counties met to discuss economic issues at Utah Business’ annual northern Utah economic roundtable yesterday.

Ogden, the largest city in northern Utah, is experiencing some economic struggles. Matthew Godfrey, mayor of the city, said the unemployment rate in November rose to new heights at 4.4 percent, which is well below the national average. Despite this challenge, Godfrey said companies are still attracted to the area and are providing jobs. Major businesses, including Hershey’s, Southern Classic and US Foods have together provided more than 500 jobs for the city and its surrounding areas. “We are not changing strategies, but we are keeping an eye out for opportunities,” said Godfrey.

Travel and tourism in Davis and Weber counties is facing some difficulties, but also record growth. Barbara Riddle, president and CEO of the Davis Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, said the skiing business led to more hotel bookings than in the past, though revenues for the area’s popular Lagoon amusement park have slightly decreased. She also said that Davis County is trying to expand its international market with the attractions of Antelope Island and the Great Salt Lake.

Sara Toliver, president and CEO of the Ogden/Weber Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, echoed Riddle’s comments, saying that the skiing industry is one of Weber County’s greatest strengths. “Skiers tend to view skiing as a right, not a privilege,” Toliver said. “Luckily, we are an area that is affordable.” She said skiing in Ogden and northern Utah has attracted a lot of attention in the media with high ratings by major publications like National Geographic and USA Today. She also said the number rooms booked in hotels in the area has increased by 15 percent.

While the skiing industry seems to be one of northern Utah’s major strengths, the real estate and housing markets have seen a dramatic decline. Brandon Wood, principal for NAI Utah, said commercial real estate transactions have experienced a 70 percent drop, due to a huge disconnection between buyers and sellers. Still even with these struggles, Wood has an optimistic outlook. “We are really well positioned to attract companies that are coming to Utah,” he said. “There is still a lot of inventory.”

Along with commercial real estate, Vicki McCall, realtor for ERA Webber, said there has been a 15 to 20 drop in home prices. She added, though, that low interest rates coupled with falling prices are giving people the chance to move into their dream home. “We’ve got opportunities with these great rates and especially with what’s happening here in Utah, to be the leader and actually pull out sooner than the rest of the nation,” McCall said.

Education has also presented new opportunities for people in the region. Colleges have experienced record growth in rates of enrollment over the last year. Mike Bouwhuis, campus president for Davis Applied Technical College said even people who have received bachelors degrees in the past are now pursuing technical degrees there, which is something he has not seen before. Collette Mercier, campus president for Ogden/Weber Technical College said the current economic situation is motivating people to complete their degrees and take their education seriously, instead of settling for a quick fix provided by desperate businesses.

Despite economic hardships, business leaders generally expressed an optimistic view of recovery at the roundtable. The leaders agreed that more jobs in the area will be available in the future. Dave Hardman, president of the Ogden/Weber Chamber, said Hill Force Air Base will likely add about 5,000 more jobs and about 2,500 acres will open up in Davis Country for a business park, which will house about 100,000 square feet of office space.

John Pitt, CEO of the Davis Chamber of Commerce said, “We are on the verge of tremendous growth and are waiting for those doors to open up and we want to be prepared to make certain as they do, as these hundreds of acres of business parks become ready to fill up, that we have the businesses lined up to do that.”

 


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