Cache Valley: Economic Success at the Top of the State

Cache Valley

Economic Success at the Top of the State

With an impressive 2.8% unemployment rate, currently the lowest in the state, Cache County has held strong during the COVID-19 pandemic. CNBC recently praised Logan City for having one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country at 2.4%, noting that it has maintained a “bulletproof job market.”

What’s the secret to Cache County’s economic success? It doesn’t boil down to just one thing. A well-educated workforce, surprisingly diverse economy given its size and location, a major university, and high quality of life are significant factors that contribute to the area’s success.

All these factors made 2020 a successful year for businesses relocating to and expanding in Cache County.

In May, Malouf, a bedding and furniture manufacturer and distributor, announced they would be expanding their corporate headquarters in Nibley, creating up to 1,195 jobs in the next 10 years. They also completed the acquisition of Downeast Home & Clothing, which has over 40 locations.

In December, Cytiva, a global provider of technologies and services that advance and accelerate the development and manufacture of therapeutics, announced it would be expanding its Logan location, creating up to 160 jobs in the next five years.

Other companies in diverse sectors expanding in Cache County include ThermoFisher, Roolee, ELITech, and Gossner Foods.

“We’re excited that these great organizations are growing and expanding in Cache Valley,” said Jamie Andrus, president and CEO of Cache Valley Chamber of Commerce. “We also see growth in the aerospace and tech sectors with the continued expansion of Electric Power Systems, Juniper Systems, and the Space Dynamics Lab at USU, to name a few.”

What’s prompting these national companies to make the northern tip of Utah home?

Cache County has immediate access to the outdoors, including hiking, fishing, hunting, and mountain biking in Logan and Providence Canyons. Beautiful Bear Lake offers nearby access to boating. Cache County also has two ski resorts, Cherry Peak and Beaver Mountain.

Logan, the county seat, provides various music and cultural attractions. The historic Ellen Eccles Theatre on Main Street hosts numerous musical and artistic performances throughout the year. Logan is also home to the American Festival Chorus and Orchestra. Cherry Peak resort’s summer concert series is fast-becoming known for its annual lineup of up-andcoming and well-known musical artists alike.

Cache County is also home to Utah State University, rated “The Most Beautiful College in Utah” by Travel + Leisure in 2019. The university provides a world-class education for students and a work-ready talent pool for businesses.

Short commute times, suburban living without suburban drawbacks, and a strong sense of community round out all the benefits Cache County has to offer. But all these successes don’t come without some challenges. For example, while a low unemployment rate is great news for job seekers, businesses can struggle to find the right talent. Cache County recently hired Shawn Milne as the new economic development director to find solutions to filling these jobs when the unemployment rate is down.

“There’s a wonderful environment for businesses in Cache Valley,” said Milne. “Our area’s successful employers are those that see the advantage in offering localized employment for such a desirable workforce. It’s a win-win-win for growing businesses, residents who would love to work closer to home, and a business-friendly community.”

The county hopes to continue bringing jobs to the area to sustain the local economy and create opportunities to entice residents to stay in the area. With these plans for sustainable growth and diverse opportunities, the future is bright for Cache County.