2024 Big Chamber Magazine

For more information or to join the chamber, visit bigchamber.org, send an email to office@bigchamber.org, call the Cedar City Chamber of Commerce at (435) 586-4484 or reach out to the Beaver County, Iron County or Garfield County tourism bureau.

THE B.I.G. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Serving Beaver, Iron & Garfield County

In the past, communities in Beaver, Iron and Garfield counties have attempted to organize Chambers of Commerce to represent and act as an advocate for their local businesses. A major hurdle these small communities encountered during these efforts has been maintaining the organizational and legal structure of their organizations.

With the hope of aiding these efforts, county and tourism representatives from Beaver, Iron and Garfield counties met in early 2022 and agreed to form a tri-county Chamber of Commerce. The Cedar City Chamber of Commerce, which has a full-time staff that can help with administrative duties and logistics, agreed to help support this effort.

As a result, the new BIG Chamber of Commerce was formed, with the letters “BIG” representing its member counties: Beaver, Iron and Garfield. The purpose of this organization is to sup-

port businesses in the tri-county area through providing tools and resources to help owners grow and strengthen their companies.

The BIG Chamber of Commerce meets monthly, with the meeting rotating between different locations in each county. Presenters at these meetings provide insight to help businesses improve and address challenges they are facing. Business owners from the three counties are encouraged to share their concerns and needs with the BIG Chamber so the Chamber can bring in presenters to address their issues.

These meetings also provide an opportunity for business owners to network, get to know one another and share their challenges and successes.

Another large part of the BIG Chamber’s mission is connecting businesses with organizations that provide resources supporting a wide range of business needs, from starting a business and creating a business plan

to obtaining training and education for employees. These resource providers include:

• The Business and Innovation Center: Education, resources, mentoring and a makerspace.

• The Small Business Development Center: Business evaluation, marketing assistance and money management training.

• The Women’s Business Center: Business counseling, training, networking, workshops and technical assistance.

• World Trade Center Utah: Expansion into international markets.

Joining the BIG Chamber of Commerce is easy and extremely affordable. The fee schedule for joining the BIG Chamber is as follows:

• $100 per year for businesses with a storefront

• $50 per year for home based or nonprofit organizations

Photo by Sandra Salvas

B.I.G. CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Kaden Figgins Chair

Alison Webb Vice Chair

Tara Tucker Members Relations Coordinator

Kaylee Pickering Media Coordinator

Mike Bleak

Marc Henrie

Dave Kerksiek Kaden McBride

Falyn Owens Scott Symond Adam Wakeland

Ralph Perkins Not Pictured

MEETING YOUR CHAMBER: TARA TUCKER

Tara Tucker grew up in Salt Lake County, an urban community opposite of the rural atmosphere and open space found in Beaver County. A job offer to her husband, however, drew the Tucker family to Beaver, where they discovered the beauty and lifestyle Southern Utah has to offer.

Seven years ago, they started a business centered on sharing Beaver County’s outdoor beauty with others. Now, in her new role as member relations coordinator for the B.I.G. Chamber of Commerce, Tara is working to assist other businesses in Beaver, Iron and Garfield counties to grow and thrive.

“We want the Chamber of Commerce to be a trusted place where you can find what you need, whether it’s building relationships, connecting with resources, or increasing visibility of your business in the community.” Tara said. “I would love to see the three counties grow. The hope is to have the Chamber of Commerce be a place where businesses flourish.”

Tara graduated from Utah Valley University with a bachelor’s degree in business management and community health science. She was working as an associate support department supervisor (human resources) for Home Depot when her husband, Lane Tucker, was offered a job as the rental shop supervisor at Eagle Point Resort in Beaver County. He took the job, moving to Beaver in 2010, and she followed in 2011.

“He ended up moving up in the com-

pany and became the manager of the whole resort,” Tara) said. “Then, while he was there, he noticed how alluring the outdoors are in Beaver County. He started recognizing all the beauty that is here.”

In 2017, the Tuckers opened a side business called Tucker High Adventure Tours, which guides people into the Tushar Mountains to participate in rock climbing and other recreational activities. That business venture proved successful enough that her husband left Eagle Point at the end of the 20192020 ski season to devote himself to their business full-time.

They opened a storefront in Beaver in early 2020 — just as the COVID-19 pandemic hit — but managed to weather that crisis. Today, they offer multiday guided outdoor excursions, such as UTV adventures, backpacking and rock climbing, as well as bicycle repair and rental of equipment such as Polaris RZRs, snowshoes, skis, snowboards and paddle boards.

Being a newcomer to the tightknit community of Beaver took some adjustment on her part, Tara said, as she attempted to learn about activities and events that people who had grown up there just seemed to know. She decided to start a Facebook group called Busy Beaver Mamas where new and long-time residents could join together to gain information about goings-on in the area.

Having been a stay-at-home mom since the birth of her third child, Tara

has been slowly rejoining the workforce working part-time. When she was approached about the possibility of joining the B.I.G. Chamber as a staff member, she saw it as a great opportunity. She began working in her new position in February.

She and her husband are members of the Chamber and personally experienced the benefits of Chamber membership. “It has been great. There are different trainings that have been offered and they’re always asking what they can do to help you,” she said.

Tara is now helping other business people leverage their chamber membership to take advantage of all the benefits the chamber offers. Those benefits include training in various business skills, advocacy with government agencies and networking with other business leaders.

A new effort underway by the chamber is arranging business tours so members can tour other businesses and see what they do.

“Networking and making those connections is just huge,” Tara said.

Ultimately, she believes the chamber serves as a trusted resource businesses can turn to if they have questions, are seeking resources or need specific training for their employees.

“Every day is a chance to be better,” she said. “Let’s better ourselves every day. Let’s better our businesses every day. Let’s better our community every day. We’re all in this together; let's be better together.”

Tara Tucker, shown with her family, is the new member relations coordinator for the B.I.G. Chamber of Commerce

NETWORKING:

By being a part of the Chamber, you are opening your business to countless opportunities for growth, connections and increasing your credibility and following in the community through our member benefits and events.

CREDIBILITY:

Consumers tend to view businesses that are members of their local Chamber of Commerce as more reputable because they are involved with an organization dedicated to improving business practices.

ADVERTISING:

New members are introduced to Chamber affiliates by being featured in our monthly E-News. Members will be featured on our website, in our Chamber Directory and on our social media pages.

REFERRALS:

Each year, the Chamber receives inquiries from individuals seeking information regarding local services and products. When recommending businesses, we prioritize our Chamber members by promoting their business and connecting them with clients whenever possible.

EXPOSURE:

The Chamber strives to promote our members via social media, E-News, referrals and our website. Members can also participate in Chamber events, which helps them gain additional exposure for their business.

Photo courtesy Visit Cedar City · Brian Head

BEAVER COUNTY

Beaver County has a vast wealth of natural resources. On the county’s eastern side, the Tushar Mountains rise up to more than 12,000 feet. Blanketed by the majestic Fishlake National Forest, these mountains offer hiking, skiing, fishing and many more types of recreational opportunities. The county features areas with cultivated fields of grain and alfalfa, and its soil and rock have served as rich sources of metals and minerals. To the west is the great West Desert, home to excellent hunting grounds, herds of wild horses, fascinating ghost towns and rock-hounding opportunities.

HISTORY OF BEAVER COUNTY

Named for the many beaver inhabiting the Beaver River when settlers first arrived in the area, Beaver County has a rich history in both the farming and mining industries. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as part of creating settlements throughout the area that would become Southern Utah, arrived to create the first permanent settlement in the Beaver Valley in February 1856. The town of Beaver was incorporated in January 1867.

These first settlers intended to established an agricultural community. The land was fertile and promised excellent opportunities for farming and stock grazing. Herds of cattle were soon being raised in various areas of the county. Farming families worked hard to plant and cultivate their fields, sometimes battling grasshoppers that threatened to destroy entire crops. Irrigation companies were organized to extract and regulate water from nearby rivers and streams.

It wasn’t long, however, before the area’s mineral resources became evident. In the fall of 1858, a rich lode of lead ore was discovered in the county. In 1859, settlers arrived and began

farming and raising livestock to support what would become Utah’s first permanent mining-based settlement: the town of Minersville. A smelter built in the area became the first lead furnace built west of the Rocky Mountains.

Subsequent discoveries of rich deposits of minerals ranging from gold and silver to zinc, copper, bismuth and sulphur as well as excellent construction materials such as marble, granite and sandstone began attracting nationwide attention to the area, and Beaver County became one of the most important mining centers in the West. Multiple mining districts were created

between 1870 and 1900.

Towns were created to house workers flooding into the area and provide needed services. In 1875, a major deposit of silver ore was discovered at the southern tip of the San Francisco Mountains in Beaver County, and the Horn Silver Mine was established. One mining publication called the mine “unquestionably the richest silver mine in the world.” The town of Frisco rose up around this mine and eventually was home to 6,500 residents.

Frisco, and many other area boom towns, were eventually left empty when mining efforts dwindled, but some survived. Today’s town of Milford

The Newhouse Mill and mining area in Beaver County is shown in 1917. The Newhouse mine was also known as the Cactus mine.

Used by permission, Utah State Historical Society

The Wah-Wah Mining Camp, located 60 miles west of Milford in Beaver County, is shown circa 1936-37.

began as a supply station for the mines and their workers. Utah Central Railroad tracks were laid as far south as Milford by 1880, making the town a major shipping locale, including for local ranchers looking to transport cattle and sheep to market. Railroad interests expanded in the area, and local mining companies were able to transport ores to distant markets.

Mining continued to be an important part of the Beaver County economy in the early 20th century, with mines producing millions of pounds of ore. After World War I, development of new mines began to slow, but companies continued prospecting for new mineral deposits. By 1931, the Fortuna Mine was producing significant amounts of lead, and, in 1935, a new vein containing gold, silver and lead was discovered at the Horn Silver Mine. In 1940, rich deposits of scheelite (tungsten) were discovered at the Old Hickory Mine. Mining continued to be a crucial part of Beaver County’s economy through the 20th century. This included uranium mining. In the late 1950s, red beryl was discovered in Beaver County, and

the resulting mine became the only area in the world producing gem-quality red beryl.

Over time, the industry experienced some decline as costs increased, surface ores were depleted and metal prices lessened. Local residents began placing a greater emphasis on growing tourism as a segment of the economy. In the 1990s, a major hog-producing company opened in Milford, bringing hundreds of jobs to the area.

Today, mining and the railroad continue to be important parts of the county’s economy. The Union Pacific

Railroad route through Beaver County is becoming an increasingly important thoroughfare for moving goods and natural resources, especially for moving Utah coal to California for export to Pacific Rim countries.

The Milford Mining company is expanding its operations to Beaver County and plans to invest more than $20 million in rural Utah during the next five years.

Sources:

“A History of Beaver County” by Martha Sonntag Bradley, Utah Centennial County History Series beaver.utah.gov business.utah.gov

Used by permission, Utah State Historical Society

Mining production buildings, charcoal kilns and a smelter are shown in Frisco, Beaver County, in 1883. Frisco was settled in 1876 after the discovery of silver and lead ore.

Used by permission, Utah State Historical Society

Workers at the blacksmith shop at the Cactus mine in Newhouse, Beaver County, are shown circa 1905-10. Settled in 1905, the town of Newhouse lasted five years during a mining boom.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT CONTACT INFORMATION

BEAVER COUNTY

105 E. Center

Beaver, UT 84713 (435) 438-6464

beaver.utah.gov

County Commissioners: Wade Hollingshead, Tammy Pearson and Brandon Yardley

Strategic Development (this office facilitates economic development & tourism): 435-438-6490 ramblersutah.com

CITIES & TOWNS

BEAVER CITY

30 W. 300 North Beaver, UT 84713 (435) 691-0468 beaverutah.net

Mayor: Matt Robinson

MILFORD 26 S. 100 West Milford, UT 84751 (435) 691-9111

milfordcityutah.com

Mayor: Nolan Davis

MINERSVILLE TOWN 60 Main Street

Minersville, UT 84752 (435) 386-2242

Mayor: Ward Dotson

Photo Courtesy of Beaver City

INLAND PORT AREA TO BENEFIT BEAVER COUNTY ECONOMY

In October 2023, Beaver County became home to Utah’s sixth inland port, a decision meant to encourage economic growth in the area and establish the area and the state as leading trade and logistics hub.

The Utah Inland Port Authority Board of Directors unanimously approved the Mineral Mountains Park Project Area in Beaver County on Oct. 4, 2023, following similar approvals of the project area by Beaver County, Milford City and Beaver City officials.

The UIPA was established in 2018 by the Utah Legislature. In an effort to capitalize on Utah’s unique position as a central hub in the western United States, this organization reaches out to domestic and global entities to recruit them directly into the regional inland port project areas.

Known for its rich history in rail, mining and agriculture, Beaver County is uniquely positioned to harness the potential of the Mineral Mountains project area, leveraging its rugged geography and diverse natural resources.

The Union Pacific Railroad’s presence in Beaver County dates back to 1880. Today, Milford serves as an important node in the Union Pacific system, facilitating essential rail traffic between the California Coast and the Intermountain West.

Beaver County’s population is anticipated to grow and the county’s economy is poised to diversify, with a strong focus on renewable energy resources and enhanced transportation accessibility.

”While the county has had its share

of private sector growth and contractions, without question both the Utah Inland Port Authority and Beaver County will be better off joining forces to economically empower the community,” states the “Mineral Mountains: A Utah Inland Port Project Area Draft Project Area Plan & Budget” document dated Sept. 22, 2023 and issued by the UIPA.

“This new project area will benefit from synergized resource investments, targeted economic growth, and logistics development. The Port Authority will be working closely with the county to identify infrastructure opportunities, durable businesses, grant opportunities, and other efforts that will strengthen the county. As Beaver County and the Port Authority work together, we are creating a partnership that will create generational economic growth through targeted investments and logistics development,” the project area plan document states.

“Establishing the Mineral Mountains Project Area is a significant milestone

in Beaver County’s economic development journey,” said Ben Hart, UIPA executive director. “This project is a testament to our commitment to sustainable growth and harnessing the potential of regional natural resources.”

The Beaver County project area consists of three distinct zones. The Beaver City zone, located near Interstate 15, falls directly between Salt Lake City and Las Vegas, Nevada, and is suited to trucking logistics. The Milford Valley & City Center zones will be central hubs for fueling, logistics, and emerging industry growth.

“These zones possess a unique blend of historical expertise and natural resources that position Beaver County for success in emerging and diverse industries,” said Wade Hollingshead, chair of the Beaver Board of County Commissioners. “The collaboration between Beaver County and the Utah Inland Port Authority is a powerful partnership that will fuel generational economic growth through targeted investments and logistics development.”

Photo Courtesy of the Utah Inland Port Authority

The Mineral Mountains Park Project Area, Utah’s sixth inland port, is expected to encourage economic growth in the Beaver County area.

THINGS TO SEE & DO TOURISM HOT SPOTS

THE CREAMERY (DAIRY FARMERS OF AMERICA) 165 S. 500 West, Beaver

In 1952, dairy farmers in Beaver County built a plant to supply cheese to the community. Shortly afterward, the facility began selling cheese curds out of a store on the side of the plant, and the location became popular with people traveling through the area.

Approximately 60 years after the plant opened, the owners decided to turn the store into a grand experience for their customers. They

EAGLE POINT RESORT

Perched high in the Tushar Mountains, Eagle Point Resort is southern Utah’s steepest and deepest ski and snowboard resort. This independently owned resort is a scenic 17-mile drive from downtown Beaver via Route 153; it averages 350 annual inches of snow across 650 skiable acres and over 1,500 vertical feet. There is also a professionally designed terrain park with man-

MINERSVILLE STATE PARK

Boating, year-round fishing and camping make Minersville Reservoir a popular getaway. Minersville Reservoir (aka Minersville Lake) covers more than 900 acres when full.

The lake is known for its trophy-sized trout. In order to grow them big, special fishing rules apply, which include the use of flies and

envisioned creating a building that not only served as a high-quality, locally produced dairy store but also as an educational journey, a dining establishment and more.

Their vision became reality when The Creamery opened in 2018.

Housed in a distinctive building designed to reflect the area’s architecture, The Creamery features an experiential space provides a cheesemaking table with touchscreen

cheesemaking activities, brightly colored and illustrated walls, and a life-size cow named Lily who can be milked via a real milking machine with a digital representation of the milk.

A cafe area provides a dairy-inspired menu, while another area served hand-dipped ice cream. Of course, customers can still purchase cheese curds as well as other cheeses and unique food products.

made design features to maximize creativity.

Canyonside Lodge Bar & Grill, with its high ceilings and rustic mountain ambiance, offers casual and fine dining as well as live music on weekend evenings. In the heart of the village is plentiful ski-in/skiout lodging. Guests of the resort often note its lack of lift lines, uncrowded slopes and friendly staff on

and off the mountain.

During the summer months, Eagle Point transforms itself into a mountain getaway where alpine air provides a respite from the heat at lower altitudes.

Among the stunning alpine peaks, guests enjoy mountain biking, hiking, fishing, canoeing, paintball, disc golf and access to world-class ATV trails.

lures only and a restricted harvest of only one trout over 22 inches in length.

The rules were established in the 1990s to correct biological problems and maintain a quality fishery — and it’s worked.

Adjacent to the lake is Minersville Lake Park, which offers a camp-

ground and restrooms with showers as well as a walking trail with stations around the way designed for adults and children alike.

There is a paved boat ramp where you can rent pedal boats and life jackets. The park is located 12 miles west of Beaver off State Route 21.

Photo Courtesy of Adam Clark/Utah Office of Tourism

THINGS TO SEE & DO

MORE TO EXPLORE

RECREATIONAL AREAS

TUSHAR MOUNTAINS

Rising to over 12,000 feet in elevation, the Tushars are the third-highest mountain range in Utah. The Tushars offer an incredible alpine experience which rivals some of the more famous destinations in the West. There’s high peaks, alpine forests and fascinating volcanic geology. These mountains contain several loop roads with spots for camping, fishing, hiking and mountain biking. Keep your eyes open for mountain goats.

FISHLAKE NATIONAL FOREST

fs.usda.gov/fishlake

The Fishlake National Forest in central Utah features majestic stands of aspen encircling open mountain meadows that are lush with a diverse community of forbs and grasses. The mountains of the Fishlake are a source of water for many of the neighboring communities and agricultural valleys in the region. Elk, deer, black bear, cougar and moose can be found in the Forest as well as wild turkey and mountain goats.

MINERAL MOUNTAINS

The Mineral Mountains offer 28 miles of spectacular outdoor adventure. They may look unassuming from the east, but the western side’s cracked and jagged granite forms what looks like the ruins of an ancient city of giants. From rockhounding to rock climbing, bouldering and mountain biking, it’s worth the extra effort to discover these hidden gems.

BEAVER BENCH TRAIL SYSTEM

This mountain biking trail system is located close to Beaver City and offers fun trails for beginning to intermediate riders.

WATER RECREATION

Tushar Lake (aka Lower Kents Lake) - Fishing, hiking, canoeing and wildlife viewing. Adjacent to a county-run campground with canoes, life jackets and picnic area.

Upper Kents Lake - Located just past Tushar Lake, has a campground and is a popular fishing spot for locals.

Three Creeks Reservoir - Perfect for swimming, fishing and rock climbing. ATV access here onto the famous Paiute Trail.

Puffer Lake - Stocked with rainbow and brook trout, one of the most scenic fishing destinations in the region. Paddle boarding in summer, snowshoeing and cross country skiing in winter.

LeBaron Reservoir - Non-motorized lake, excellent fishing and scenery. Great for wildlife viewing, camping, picnicking and hunting. Campground with 12 sites. ATV trailhead with ATV parking.

Anderson Meadow Reservoir - Stocked with rainbow trout and is wake-free, making it great for paddle boarding. Nearby campground.

Blue Lake - Accessible by hiking or horseback riding. Fed by melting snow, which creates its azure blue color.

Photo by Jay Dash

Photo by Jay Dash

HISTORICAL ATTRACTIONS

BEAVER COURTHOUSE MUSEUM

Built in the Late Victorian architectural style, the Territorial Courthouse, located at 90 E. Center in Beaver City, was completed in June 1882. This building features a second-story courtroom where the flag from the USS Utah, which sank during the attack on Pearl Harbor, is on display. Also displayed are re-created judges’ chambers, court recorders’ and sheriff’s offices, and several 19th-century items. Be sure to check out the new jail off the back of the courthouse as well as the original jail in the basement which was in use through 1976.

FRISCO GHOST TOWN

Drive west from Milford about 25 miles and you will find the Frisco town ruins. Located at the base of the San Francisco Mountains, Frisco is the remains of an old mining town. After the discovery of silver in 1875, Frisco was created in just a few weeks, and it quickly earned the reputation as one of the West’s toughest mining camps. Legend has it that murders occurred daily — which might explain why the Frisco cemetery became the biggest in the state at the time.

DAUGHTERS OF UTAH PIONEERS MUSEUM

See pioneer relics, learn about the judicial system and catch up on Beaver’s history at the free Daughters of Utah Pioneers Museum located inside Beaver City’s historic courthouse. Dating back to 1882, this late Victorian building is on the National Register of Historic Places and is one of the town’s most beautiful structures, boasting red brick and whitewashed sandstone foundations. The museum is open all summer; appointments are required after Labor Day.

SCENIC DRIVES

BEAVER CANYON SCENIC BYWAY (HIGHWAY 153)

KIMBERLY/BIG JOHN BACKWAY

The Beaver Canyon Scenic Byway runs up and into the Tushar Mountains and offers abundant pull-offs for enjoying the grand views. The state-designated Kimberly/Big John Backway is a turnoff from Highway 153; this gravel road provides views of the highest peaks in the county.

THE PASS ROAD

The Pass Road was originally created to transport cattle raised on the verdant meadows of the Beaver Valley across the Mineral Range to Milford to be sold and shipped off by train. Today, this Scenic Backway provides spectacular scenery of the Granite Peaks in the Mineral Mountains. At the top cattle guard crossing, there’s a pull-off for a short hike to Granite Peak Reservoir.

SNOWMOBILE & ATV TRAILS, ROCK CLIMBING AND MORE

For trail maps and location suggestions, visit ramblersutah.com.

BEAVER COUNTY ANNUAL EVENTS

MAY

STETSON WRIGHT BULL RIDING INVITATIONAL

Held in May at the Beaver County Fairground in Minersville, the Stetson Wright Bull Riding Invitational features 30 of the world’s top bull riders competing for tens of thousands of dollars in prize money.

JUNE

SUMMER SMASH

SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT

Softball teams from all over the western states gather to participate in this two-day tournament.

JULY

CRUSHER IN THE TUSHAR BIKE RACE tusharcrusher.com

This uniquely-formatted race held each July begins in historic downtown Beaver and finishes at Utah’s newest ski and summer resort, Eagle Point. Featuring a 60/40 split of gravel to tarmac gravel sectors, it affords riders the opportunity to explore the stunning backcountry of Utah’s little-known Tushar Mountains and Fishlake National Forest.

JULY

SOUTHERN UTAH AMATEUR GOLF TOURNAMENT

beaverutah.net/community/city-golfcourse/

This event is held at Canyon Breeze Golf Course, a nine-hole, tree-lined course in Beaver.

TUSHARS MOUNTAIN RUNS

aravaiparunning.com/tushars/

This is one of the toughest, most spectacular mountain races in all of North America. The Tushars Mountain Runs, which feature 100K, 70K, marathon and half-marathon distances, are staged out of Eagle Point Resort at an elevation of over 10,000 feet. All race distances climb to the highest point in the Tushar range, Delano Peak at 12,174 feet.

AUGUST

BEAVER CANYON MARATHON beavercanyonmarathon.com

This marathon race held each August start runners at 10,000 feet above sea level. Participants then run downhill past pristine scenery that includes lakes, forest, wildlife and Eagle Point Ski Resort. The marathon ends at 6,000 feet in the welcoming Beaver Valley.

BEAVER COUNTY FAIR beavercountyfair.com

Held each August at the Beaver County Fairground in Minersville, this multi-day event brings the community together to enjoy exhibits, rodeos, a carnival, a demolition derby and other family-friendly events.

OCTOBER

BEAVER COUNTY TRAILS ATV JAMBOREE

Bring the family and enjoy multiple days of OHV/ATV fun on the fantastic trails of Beaver County. There will be drawings and prizes, ice cream and a delicious BBQ at the end.

TOURISM RESOURCES

BEAVER COUNTY TOURISM OFFICE

105 E. Center, Beaver (435) 438-5438 ramblersutah.com

U.S. FOREST SERVICE BEAVER OFFICE INTERPRETIVE 575 S. Main Street, Beaver (435) 896-9233

IRON COUNTY

People around the nation are discovering Iron County’s favorable business climate as well as its beautiful natural surroundings. It’s favorable location — within one day’s drive of 48 million people — is getting noticed by major manufacturers, and Cedar City was declared the 2024 Best Small City for Starting a Business in the United States by WalletHub. As Utah’s fastest-growing county by population (up 3.7% from 2022 to 2023), Iron County offers its residents stunning red rock and forest landscapes as well as highmountain skiing and hiking within minutes of their front doors.

HISTORY OF IRON COUNTY

INDUSTRY

When founded in 1850, Iron County was set to become the center of mining operations in southern Utah. Thirty-five men sent from Parowan to Cedar City were tasked with establishing an ironworks to provide much-needed iron to share with others throughout the state.

While the iron mining proved difficult and operations eventually ceased, the industrious communities of Iron County found other avenues to economic prosperity. The introduction of the railroad allowed easier access to and transportation of goods in and out of the community.

Manufacturing companies found a dedicated workforce and excellent location here and have provided jobs to many Iron County residents through the years. Recently, the development of the Utah Inland Port (west of Cedar City) and the increasing presence of aerospace technology companies exemplify the continued industry opportunities in the area.

AGRICULTURE

When early mining operations ended, Iron County residents turned to sheep and cattle to provide trade goods and needed economic avenues. Looking across the valley now, you can still see pockets of agricultural land maintained by local families. A thriving small-farm scene and farm-to-table offerings attract visitors and locals to gather at local farms. Several year-round farmer’s markets provide community connections and agricultural/artisan goods.

However, the best example of the continued agricultural spirit in Iron County occurs at the end of every October in downtown Cedar City. The annual Sheep Parade (part of the Cedar City Livestock & Heritage Festival) sees nearly 1,000 sheep strutting their way down Main Street to their winter homes while cheered on and adored by large gathered crowds.

An iron ore shovel is shown on display at Frontier Homestead State Park in Cedar City.

A pioneer wagon is shown on display at Frontier Homestead State Park in Cedar City.

TOURISM

In 1923, the economic landscape of Cedar City celebrated a new arrival that would prove to have a lasting and positive impact on the communities throughout Iron County. With the introduction of the railroad, new opportunities came to town in the form of industry, tourism and even Hollywood.

Cedar City was quickly coined the “Gateway to the Parks” as visitors from all over the world arrived by train before boarding buses with the Utah Parks Company to set out for some of the country’s most scenic destinations. Outdoor recreation opportunities in the county continued to grow along with visitation as Brian Head Resort opened in 1964.

While many sought adventure in the great outdoors, the creation of the beloved Utah Shakespeare Festival in 1961 introduced a vibrant art scene to the area as well. With additions like the Southern Utah Museum of Art in 2016, nationally recognized mountain bike trail systems and a new visitor center at Cedar Breaks National Monument, both outdoor recreation and the arts continue to grow in Iron County.

EDUCATION

Pairing perfectly with the historic buildings and vibrancy of Historic Downtown Cedar City, the campus of Southern Utah University is a beautiful space in its own right. It has also been a crucial piece in the continued economic growth and development of Iron County.

Since 1897, Southern Utah University (formerly Branch Agricultural School) has helped shape the community and further business opportunities throughout the area.

Alongside SUU, the education opportunities at Southwest Tech provide important resources and opportunities for local business owners and entrepreneurs. Through the development of an educated workforce, offering small business training opportunities, branding research, access to mentors and opportunities, and continued community partnerships, the opportunities in Iron County continue to grow.

A caboose is shown on display at Frontier Homestead State Park in Cedar City.

Used by Permission, Utah State Historical Socitey

LOCAL GOVERNMENT CONTACT INFORMATION

IRON COUNTY

Multiple office locations, visit ironcounty.net

County Commissioners: Mike Bleak, Paul Cozzens & Marilyn Wood

Economic Development: (435) 586-2770

Building & Zoning: (435) 865-4519

Tourism: (435) 586-5124, visitcedarcity.com

CITIES & TOWNS

BRIAN HEAD TOWN

56 UT-143

Brian Head, UT 84719 (435) 586-0346

brianheadtown.utah.gov

Mayor: Clayton Calloway

CEDAR CITY

10 N. Main

Cedar City, UT (435) 586-2953

cedarcity.org

Mayor: Garth O. Green

ENOCH CITY

900 E. Midvalley Road

Enoch, UT 84721

cityofenoch.org

Mayor: Geoffrey Chesnut

KANARRAVILLE TOWN

40 S. Main

Kanarraville, UT 84742 (435) 867-1852

kanarraville.org

Mayor: Betty Gould

NEW HARMONY TOWN

133 Center St. New Harmony, UT 84757

newharmonyutah.org

Mayor: Lowell D. Prince

PAROWAN CITY

35 E. 100 North

Parowan, UT 84761 (435) 477-3331

parowan.org

Mayor: Mollie Halterman

Photo Courtesy of Cedar City

IRON SPRINGS INLAND PORT

In April of 2023, Iron County made history as the location of Utah’s first rural inland port.

“We are excited to announce the approval of the Iron Springs Project Area, which will provide a significant generational economic boost to Cedar City and surrounding areas,” said Ben Hart, Utah Inland Port Authority executive director, when the project area was first established. “The project area will serve as a sustainable industrial park and transportation hub, brining new jobs and opportunities to the region. This is a historic moment for Utah, and we are grateful for the community’s support and collaboration throughout this process.”

Known as the Crossroads of the West, the state of Utah is located in the center of the western United States, making it a natural hub for freight transportation between large markets such as Denver, Phoenix and seaports of the Pacific Coast.

In an effort to capitalize on Utah’s unique location, the Utah Inland Port Authority was established in 2018 by the Utah Legislature to encourage and assist with the creation of “inland port” areas within the state. These inland ports serve as logistical hubs where multiple methods of transportation merge, making it easier for goods to be transferred from one method of transportation to another and strengthening the entire supply chain.

These ports also strengthen and assist businesses, both those shipping

materials into their area and those needing to ship their goods to global markets. Funding for the port initiative comes from state appropriations and the property tax differential as property values increase due to development.

Multiple inland port areas have been established in Utah since 2018, but the first rural inland port was designated in Iron County in April 2023. Iron County is within a day’s drive of 48 million people, or 86.5% of the Western metropolitan population, including Los Angeles, Las Vegas, San Diego, Phoenix and Denver, according to the Utah Inland Port Authority website.

The Iron Springs Inland Port Project Area encompasses more than 800 acres located along a length of Union Pacific Railroad track west of Cedar City.

Included within the Iron Springs area is the BZI Innovation Park, an area projected to eventually include 8.5 million square feet of rail-served industrial and warehouse space, 1 million square feet of commercial office space and more than 200 affordable multi-family housing units.

Already operating in the Iron Springs project area is BZI’s RailSync transloading facility, which allows for the transfer of goods from train to truck or truck to train. A second transloading facility is being built in the area by Savage, with its opening scheduled in June.

These facilities will establish Iron County as a major transport hub. Rail

Phase one in the Iron Springs Inland Port Project Area includes a transloading facility, which became operational in 2023. The photo shows a transloader, which assists in the movement of goods.

transport is significantly cheaper than truck transport, and the transloading facilities will allow companies to ship their products by rail to Cedar City, then move the goods to trucks to complete their journeys.

Other businesses will be locating in the inland port area as well, said David S. Johnson, director of the Cedar City-Iron County Office of Economic Development. BZI will be building its new corporate offices there.

Photo courtesy of the Utah Inland Port Authority

THINGS TO SEE & DO TOURISM HOT SPOTS

CEDAR BREAKS NATIONAL MONUMENT

Home to curious wildlife and Bristlecone pines that have been hanging around since the last millennium, time seems to stand still at Cedar Breaks, and that’s really not a bad thing. Situated about 2 miles south of the town of Brian Head, this giant natural amphitheater sits high atop the Markagunt Plateau. It’s over 2,500 feet deep and more than 3 miles across.

The spectacular colors of Cedar Breaks are breathtaking to behold in any season, and the views only get

better at night! Cedar Breaks National Monument is a designated International Dark Sky Park. This recognizes Cedar Breaks as a night sky sanctuary, the first of its kind in southwest Utah.

While the road through Cedar Breaks (Hwy. 148) is closed during winter, this doesn’t mean the monument is inaccessible. Snowmobile tours, cross-country skiing and snowshoe hikes lead visitors to a spectacular view. With a dusting of snow, the crimson formations of Cedar Breaks come alive!

THE UTAH SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL

While walking the tree-lined courtyard of the Utah Shakespeare Festival, lively music beckons you like the Pied Piper. Taking your seat in the grand outdoor Engelstad Shakespeare Theatre, the spotlight gleams and Elizabethan-costumed actors take to the stage. Beneath the stars, you’re whisked away into a world and time outside your own.

Founded in 1961 by a young theater professor named Fred Adams, the Utah Shakespeare Festival is one of North

America's oldest and largest Shakespeare festivals. Every year the festival presents eight plays in three theaters along with all the extra festival experiences, traditions and activities that guests love.

Enjoy the free Greenshow, backstage tours, repertory magic, play orientations, seminars and more before sitting down for a stunning performance. The season runs from mid-June to early October.

BRIAN HEAD RESORT & TOWN

The best snow on Earth, a family environment and stunning views make Brian Head Resort ideal for everyone. Covering more than 650 acres, the resort has two connected mountains, Giant Steps and Navajo, which offer 71 runs and 8 chair lifts — two of which are high-speed quads!

Beyond the resort, grab snowshoe rentals from Georg’s Ski Shop to explore the surrounding Dixie National Forest or step beyond the ordinary with a guided snowmobile tour.

Gear up for a 3-hour guided tour through the forest to unique views of

Cedar Breaks National Monument from the High Mountain Overlook before traversing the meadows into the monument itself.

During the summer months, entertain your inner adrenaline junkie with a zip line, scenic chairlift rides, disc golf or alpine tubing.

While the season is short but sweet, the mountain biking at Brian Head is not to be missed. Fly down gravity-fed flow trails in the lift-serviced mountain bike park or enjoy scenic backcountry trails with the help of a local shuttle service.

All photos courtesy Visit Cedar City • Brian Head

IRON COUNTY ANNUAL EVENTS

LARRY H. MILLER UTAH SUMMER GAMES

Every year, the Utah Summer Games bring athletes, stunning fireworks, live music and thousands of people to Cedar City. This event is held in June. A schedule of events and additional information can be found at utahsummergames.org.

UTAH SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL

A Tony Award-winning theater experience with eight plays performed annually in repertory in one grand outdoor theater and two indoor theaters. The festival also offers a free nightly Greenshow performance. Season: June through October. More information: bard.org.

SIMON FEST THEATRE CO.

“We bring Broadway comedies and musicals to the West. Simple.” The Simon Fest Theater Company works to preserve and present the works of American contemporaries. Season: July. More information: simonfest.org.

CEDAR BREAKS NATIONAL MONUMENT WILDFLOWER FESTIVAL

During this spectacular display, visitors to Cedar Breaks will be able to see a spectrum of wildflowers in the meadows, marshes and woods around the rim of the natural amphitheater. This event occurs in July. Learn more at nps.gov/cebr/.

JULY JAMBOREE CAR SHOW

Classic cars, great food, music and vendors … what more could we want from a street festival? The July Jamboree is a great opportunity to visit Historic Downtown and experience a classic Cedar City event. This event is held during the second week of July.

FESTIVAL OF FLAVORS & CLASSIC ROCK FESTIVAL

Beat the heat and enjoy beer, wine, spirits, live music and vendors at this summer event at Brian Head Resort! This event is held on the first weekend of August. More information: brianhead.com.

IRON COUNTY FAIR

A parade, carnival, car show, rodeo and demolition derby all in one place. The Iron County Fair is always a great time! This event is held on Labor Day Weekend. More information: ironcountyfair.net.

THE UTAH WINE FESTIVAL

The Utah Wine Festival was created in 2019 to bring light to the many incredible wineries and beautiful vineyards that Utah has to offer. This event includes tastings and a farm-to-fork dinner on Labor Day weekend. Learn more and reserve tickets by calling (435) 867-9463.

BRIAN HEAD R’OKTOBERFEST

Enjoy drinks from local breweries, authentic German cuisine and live music throughout at the day surrounded by the stunning scenery of Brian Head Resort. This event happens in September. More information: brianhead.com.

PAROWAN FALL FESTIVAL AND CAR SHOW

Enjoy a wonderful day of entertainment, vendors, games and cars during the second weekend of October. Also, don’t forget to drive Main Street to see the variety of scarecrows designed by local businesses and organizations throughout the month of October.

CEDAR LIVESTOCK & HERITAGE FESTIVAL

While it might sound like smalltown Utah shenanigans, the annual Cedar Livestock & Heritage Festival kicks off with a very unique event, the Sheep Parade! It is held during the last weekend of October. More information: cedarlivestockfest.com.

IRON MISSION DAYS

Celebrate Cedar City’s birthday with a day of hands-on activities and living history demonstrations at the Frontier Homestead State Park museum during the second weekend of November. More information: frontierhomestead.org.

CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY

From a holiday bazaar to the official lighting ceremony and a special appearance from Santa Claus, enjoy two days of celebration and unwrap the magic of Christmas. This event is held on Thanksgiving weekend in Parowan.

DOWNTOWN LIGHTING CEREMONY

Downtown Cedar City is where the holiday magic begins! Festivities include the Holiday Market, activities for children, photo opportunities, a program showcasing local talent, the Holiday Tree Jubilee and a visit from Santa before the lights are turned on. . This event is held during the last week of November.

PAROWAN WINTER WONDERLAND

Through the month of December, the Parowan Main Street Park is transformed into a winter wonderland. With holiday lights twinkling about, a miniature gingerbread village and a large arch of brilliant Christmas lights, it's the perfect place for a wander and a holiday picture. The Winter Wonderland opens during the last week of November.

Rock

Island Armory

Armory Manufacturing

MORE TO EXPLORE

IRON

COUNTY RECREATION AREAS

DIXIE NATIONAL FOREST

Scenery here ranges from desert canyon gorges of amber, rose and sienna to high mountain forests, plateaus and alpine lakes. Nationally recognized highways and trails travel through the forest and provide ready access to the distinctive natural highlights of the forest landscape.

NAVAJO LAKE

This beautiful lake created when a lava flow dammed the eastern end of its valley offers boating, fishing, hiking and camping opportunities. There are about 120 improved campsites near the lake, and a boat launch is available. Commercial boat rental and launching are available, as are lodging and groceries at nearby Navajo Lake Lodge.

THREE PEAKS RECREATION AREA

This area is host to many outdoor activities, including mountain biking, hiking, disc golf, OHV and ATV riding, RC car driving, model plane flying, camping and horseback riding. With more then 6,000 acres of land to explore, there is sure to be something for everyone.

WOOD RANCH & KIDS

POND

Wood Ranch is located about 12 miles up Cedar Canyon on State Route 14, one of Utah’s Scenic Byways. The area is great for outdoor activities and sports, and pavilions are available. A short hike takes visitors to Kids Pond, which is stocked with rainbow trout and kids under 12 fish free when accompanied by a licensed adult.

YANKEE MEADOWS

This area, with its campground and lake, offers fantastic scenery with the towering volcanic cliffs of Sydney Peaks rising in the distance. Trout fishing and boating are the most popular activities. There are several ATV routes in the area as well as hiking, biking and horseback riding trails.

BRIAN

HEAD RESORT

329 Utah Hwy. 143, Brian Head (435) 677-2035 brianhead.com

CEDAR BREAKS NATIONAL MONUMENT (435) 986-7120 nps.gov/cebr/

UTAH SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL

195 W. Center St., Cedar City (435) 752-9849 bard.org

SOUTHERN UTAH MUSEUM OF ART

13 S. 300 West, Cedar City (435) 586-5432 suu.edu/suma/

FRONTIER HOMESTEAD STATE PARK

635 N Main Street, Cedar City (435) 586-9290

stateparks.utah.gov/frontierhomestead/

KOLOB CANYONS (ZION NATIONAL PARK) (435) 772-3256 nps.gov/zion/kolob-canyons/

SIMON FESTIVAL THEATER CO.

105 N. 100 East, Cedar City (435) 357-4666 simonfest.org

KANARRAVILLE FALLS (435) 590-7490 kanarrafalls.com

SOUTHERN UTAH UNIVERSITY

351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City (435) 586-7700 suu.edu

I/G WINERY

59 W. Center St., Cedar City (435) 867-9463 igwinery.com

POLICY KINGS BREWERY

223 N. 100 West, Cedar City policykingsbrewery.com

OUTDOOR RECREATION

MOUNTAIN BIKING

Iron County is home to a variety of mountain bike trail systems and opportunities. In Cedar City, visitors can experience single-track flow trails on one of three trail systems: the Iron Hills Trail System, the Three Peaks Mountain Bike Trail System and the Thunderbird Canyons Trail System.

During the summer months, the slopes of Brian Head Resort transform into an unrivaled gravity-fed mountain bike park.

HIKING

Hiking in Southern Utah is a great way to explore the region and experience the beautiful scenery. You can find everything from arches and waterfalls to ancient forests, narrow canyons and majestic overlooks.

WINTER ACTIVITIES

Beyond the slopes and champagne powder of Brian Head Resort, the town of Brian Head is a great hub for winter recreation. Enjoy a snowshoe hike through Dixie National Forest, cross-country ski into Cedar Breaks National Monument or take a guided snowmobile tour. Tours and rentals are available from local businesses.

NIGHT SKIES & STARGAZING SPOTS

• Cedar Breaks National Monument

• Three Peaks Recreation Area

• Parowan Gap Petroglyphs & Historic Site

• Brian Head Peak

• Kolob Canyons, North Zion National Park

DISC GOLF

In Iron County, there are five courses accessible year-round in Cedar City, Enoch and Parowan and one summer course available in Brian Head.

ART & CULTURE GALLERIES & MUSEUMS

Iron County is home to an unexpected art scene. From the state-of-the-art exhibit space at the Southern Utah Museum of Art to local galleries and pop-up art walls, our communities love the arts!

Find local scenery and prints at Your Story Utah in Parowan, fine art and handcrafted pieces at Artisans Gallery in Cedar City, and rotating exhibits at Frontier Homestead State Park, the Kolob Gallery and the Art Wall Gallery at Groovacious Records.

THEATER & PERFORMING ARTS

• Utah Shakespeare Festival

• Simon Fest Theatre Co.

• Parowan Concert Series

• Iron Springs Resort Concert Series

• Orchestra of Southern Utah

• Brian Head Resort Events

DINING & DRINKS

A full list (updated frequently) is available at visitcedarcity.com/fooddrink/

TOURISM RESOURCES

VISIT CEDAR CITY · BRIAN HEAD, IRON COUNTY TOURISM BUREAU

581 North Main Street, Cedar City, UT (435) 586-5124

visitcedarcity.com

(Lodging, dining, events and outdoor recreation/attractions)

CEDAR CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

510 W. 800 South, Cedar City, UT (435) 586-4484

cedarcitychamber.org

CEDAR CITY REGIONAL AIRPORT

2560 Aviation Way St., Cedar City, UT (435) 867-9408

cedarcity.org/airport/

PAROWAN VISITOR CENTER

5 S. Main Street, Parowan, UT (435) 477-8190

parowan.org

PAROWAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (435) 590-7417

parowanchamberofcommerce.com

CEDAR BREAKS NATIONAL MONUMENT (435) 986-7120

nps.gov/cebr/

KOLOB CANYONS, NORTH ZION NATIONAL PARK (435) 586-9548

nps.gov/zion/kolob-canyons

KANARRAVILLE FALLS TRAIL

40 S. Main St., Kanarraville, UT (435) 590-7490

kanarrafalls.com

GARFIELD COUNTY

With an average of one resident per square mile, Garfield County is Utah’s least densely populated county. Within its 5,200 square miles of land, however, is a stunning collection of natural wonders. Garfield County is home to portions of three national parks as well as three state parks. Nearly 1.9 million acres of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument are found here along with miles and miles of hiking, biking, horseback riding and ATV trails. Endless outdoor adventures await visitors and residents alike.

Photo by Sandra Salvas

Main Street in Panguitch in 1938.

HISTORY OF GARFIELD COUNTY

Garfield County stretches from the eastern edge of the Great Basin on the west to the Colorado River on the east. With 5,100 residents, it is the fifth-least populous county in Utah. Much of the county is situated at a high elevation; the average elevation is 6,260 feet, and the county’s highest point reaches 11,860 feet.

Traces of three major prehistoric cultures — the Sevier, Fremont and Anasazi — have been found in Garfield County. These ancient people left behind reminders of their life such as structures, tools, arrow points, rock art and ornaments made of shell and turquoise. Later, the Southern Paiutes and Utes moved into the area where they hunted and gathered for their food.

In 1864, a group of 54 families left the towns of Beaver and Parowan and traveled 40 miles to build a new community. They reached the Panguitch Valley on March 16, 1864, and began the work of building a settlement. They named it Fairview, a name that would later be changed to Panguitch.

They found ample water and began

planting crops. The high elevation of the area meant a short growing season and long winters, including the first winter the settlers endured, which was exceptionally harsh. Through the heroic efforts of men who went to Parowan seeking supplies for the starving town,

all the settlers survived that first winter season.

In 1866, the town was abandoned due to clashes with Native Americans as part of the Black Hawk War. Few of the original settlers would return. A new group of settlers arrived in 1871

Used by permission, Utah State Historical Society

A man cooks food near a wagon and horses in Red Canyon in 1916.

and began re-establishing the community of Panguitch.

Agriculture was the basis of the Panguitch economy, although the types of crops settlers could grow was limited by the high altitude. Potatoes, grains, meadow grass and alfalfa proved to be successful crops. Stock raising was also a dominant occupation as well as dairy farming.

In March of 1882, the territorial legislature formally designated the area a county with Panguitch as the county seat. At the suggestion of Utah Gov. Eli H. Murray, the name “Garfield” was chosen to honor U.S. President James A. Garfield, who was assassi-

nated six months earlier. The border with Iron County was adjusted in 1884, and Garfield County's boundaries have remained intact since then.

A gold rush drew prospectors to the Henry Mountains in the 1890s. In 1889, settlers established the town of Boulder, which was only accessible via a road over Boulder Mountain. The road was closed each winter, making Boulder the most isolated town in Utah. In the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps built a road from Escalante to Boulder, blasting through rock and working on the sides of cliffs to do so.

Vast rangelands and large forest reserves have made cattle ranching

and lumber some of Garfield County’s most important industries since its settlement. In 1928, the county’s tourism industry received a boost when Bryce Canyon National Park was created. Today, tourism is one of the county’s dominant industries. Oil is also produced in Garfield County, and the area has large coal fields, tar sands and uranium deposits.

Sources:

“A History of Garfield County” by Linda King

Series ilovehistory.utah.gov uen.org en-us.topographic-map.com

Newell and Vivian Linford Talbot, Utah Centennial County History

Used by permission, Utah State Historical Society

Photo of an automobile on a dirt road in Red Canyon west of Bryce Canyon.

NEW MOUNTAIN BIKE COURSE TO HOST COMPETITIONS AND PUBLIC RIDING

When Eric Fawson’s daughter was in sixth grade, she decided she wanted to race mountain bikes.

That desire led Fawson to take on the role of head coach of the Panguitch Bobcats Mountain Bike Team, which has now been in existence for six seasons. However, the dream of encouraging mountain biking in Garfield County grew bigger than just one team.

Through the efforts of Fawson and others in the county, a new 5.8-milelong mountain bike race course has recently opened in Red Canyon that is anticipated to bring hundreds of thousands of dollars in visitor revenue to Garfield County.

Mountain biking as a high school

sport is incredibly popular in Utah. It’s not a Utah High School Activities Association-sanctioned sport, but it is the fastest-growing high school sport in Utah, Fawson said. Utah students in seventh through 12th grades compete through the Utah High School Cycling League, a nonprofit organization affiliated with the National Interscholastic Cycling Association.

The UHSCL held its first race in 2012, and, by 2014, it had grown to become the largest mountain biking league in the nation. By 2022, the Utah League had grown from one competitive region to six regions statewide, and it conducted 25 races that year, according to utahmtb.org.

Thousands of students in Utah

schools travel to mountain biking courses throughout the state to compete each year. The racing season begins in June and continues through the state finals in October, Fawson said.

Chris Best, league director with the UHSCL, said the Utah league expects more than 7,300 riders to participate during the 2024 season and more than 4,000 volunteers to act as support for these riders.

“We are always pursuing new venues to race. With the size of our events, logistics becomes key as we need trails in communities that can support lodging, parking, etc., as well as have cool trails to ride,” Best said.

The new Red Canyon course will be the highest-elevation course in use by

Workers groom a new mountain biking trail in Red Canyon.

the UHSCL this year. “With the beauty of the (Garfield County) area, this should be a very popular venue for our riders,” he said.

As Fawson’s local Bobcats team began and grew, so did the idea of creating a course of their own.

“My goal was not to get a race course when I started this team. My goal was simply to get kids on bikes,” Fawson said, who gained a passion for riding bikes while growing up in Hawaii. “We just wanted to be able to host a race, and in order to host a race, you have to have a race course.”

He and his coaching staff approached Garfield County officials about the idea, and the county began seeking approval from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management to create the new course on BLM land. The process took four years, said Kaden Figgins, Garfield County planner and economic development director.

When approval came, Figgins and Garfield County Public Works Director David Dodds went to Red Canyon during a break in the winter weather last January and, with the assistance of a mountain bike trail designer and utilizing some county equipment, they roughed in the new trail in about three days.

The trail then had to be shaped and finished with hand tools. A crew from the county jail assisted in the work, as did members of the Bobcats mountain bike team.

A large area was also cleared of brush near the beginning of the mountain bike trail to provide parking, Dodds said. The parking lot is located near the Casto Canyon trail head.

“It’s honestly a beautiful trail. It goes through red rock, through ponderosa trees, out over flatland and then through juniper trees,” Dodds said. Most of the labor involved was provided through volunteers, said

Figgins, who estimated the overall cost of the new trail at between $40,000 and $50,000. Funding came primarily through rural county grant funds provided by the State of Utah.

Each UHSCL race held at the new Red Canyon trail is expected to draw from 3,000 to 5,000 people. “It’s estimated that a race can bring in $250,000 to the community,” Fawson said.

When not in use by the high school riders, the riding trail will be open to

the public. “It will absolutely be premier when it comes to the scenery and the beauty. It will absolutely be unmatched in the state,” Fawson said. “It’s just going to be unbelievable.”

“We’re super supportive of it and excited,” Figgins said. “It’s a long time coming. I can’t wait to stand with 5,000 people there and just kind of know that what we’ve been working on for so long is worth it, and I know it will be. I’m just excited to see it all come to fruition.”

A small bulldozer is used to create a new mountain bike trail in Red Canyon.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT CONTACT INFORMATION

GARFIELD COUNTY

55 S. Main, Panguitch (435) 676-1100

garfield.utah.gov

County Commissioners: Leland F. Pollock, Jerry A. Taylor and David B. Tebbs

Planning & Economic Development: (435) 676-1157

Building: (435) 676-1111

Tourism: (435) 676-1160, brycecanyoncountry.com

CITIES & TOWNS

ANTIMONY TOWN

120 N. Main

Antimony, UT 84712

435-624-3488

Mayor: Kaymar Willis

BOULDER TOWN

351 N. 100 East

Boulder, UT 84716 (435) 335-7300

boulder.utah.gov

Mayor: Judy Drain

BRYCE CANYON CITY

70 W. 100 North

Bryce Canyon City, UT 84764 (435) 231-3950

brycecanyoncityut.gov

Mayor: Shiloh Syrett

CANNONVILLE TOWN

15 S. Redrock Drive Cannonville, UT 84718 (435) 679-8784

Mayor: Bill Scoffield

ESCALANTE CITY

56 N. 100 West Escalante, UT 84726 (435) 826-4644

escalantecity-utah.com

Mayor: Melani Torgersen

HATCH TOWN

49 W. Center Hatch, UT 84735 (435) 735-4364

hatchutah.org

Mayor: Kerry Barney

HENRIEVILLE TOWN

70 W. Main

Henrieville, UT 84736 (435) 679-8581

Mayor: Dale Pollock

PANGUITCH CITY

25 S. 200 East

Panguitch, UT 84759 (435) 676-8585

panguitch.com

Mayor: Kim Soper

TROPIC TOWN

20 N. Main

Tropic, UT 84776 (435) 679-8713

townoftropicut.gov

Mayor: Travis LeFevre

Photo courtesy of Jay Dash/Utah Office of Tourism

THINGS TO SEE & DO TOURISM HOT SPOTS

BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK

One of the most iconic tourist destinations in Garfield County is Bryce Canyon National Park. As one of Utah’s most unique national parks, it features hundreds of red rock formations known as hoodoos and spires and is dotted with alpine forest landscapes. In fact, Bryce Canyon has the highest concentration of hoodoos in the world.

Bryce Canyon’s elevation ranges

DIXIE NATIONAL FOREST

The Dixie National Forest spans thousands of acres in Garfield County, offering robust outdoor recreation and exploration opportunities. One overlooked gem is Red Canyon, which features rock spires similar to those in nearby Bryce Canyon. Red Canyon is pet friendly and

from 7,000 to 9,000 feet, meaning when Southern Utah is hot, Bryce Canyon remains cool and comfortable. It’s an excellent place for escaping the summer heat. There are multiple ways to explore this iconic park, including on horseback, by foot or enjoying a scenic flight. As cliché as it is to say, there truly is something for everyone at Bryce Canyon.

entry is free of charge.

Multiple lakes offering excellent fishing lie throughout the Dixie National Forest. Visitors can hike, ride horses and enjoy OHV rides on the miles of trails winding throughout the forest.

GRAND STAIRCASE-ESCALANTE NATIONAL MONUMENT

A portion of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument lies in Garfield County, with the rest located in Utah’s Kane County. Its natural wonders include Grosvenor Arch, a massive sandstone formation more than 150 feet high with a span of 92 feet, and Devil’s Garden, an area of sandstone hoodoos, domes, narrow passages and small arches.

The Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is an excellent destination for outdoor recreation enthusiasts. Hiking, biking, backpack-

ing and canyoneering are just a few of the ways people can experience this beautiful area. Meander through the sandstone desert or cool off at nearby Calf Creek Falls for a different experience.

The sheer size of the GSENM can be a bit overwhelming; one of the best ways to explore the area safely is by hiring a knowledgeable local guide. This might be one of the most rewarding ways to experience this national monument as you are led to hidden viewpoints that few get to see.

Photo by Jay Dash

Photo by Sandra Salvas

Photo by Sandra Salvas

THINGS TO SEE & DO

MORE TO EXPLORE

For more information, visit brycecanyoncountry.com

NATIONAL PARKS

CAPITOL REEF

NATIONAL PARK nps.gov/care/index.htm

Located in south-central Utah in the heart of red rock country, Capitol Reef National Park is a hidden treasure filled with cliffs, canyons, domes and bridges in the Waterpocket Fold, a geologic monocline (a wrinkle on the earth) extending almost 100 miles.

CANYONLANDS

NATIONAL PARK nps.gov/cany/index.htm

The northeast corner of Garfield County encompasses part of Canyonlands National Park, where rock has been sculpted by the elements into colorful canyons, mesas, buttes, fins, arches and spires. Its four districts offers a myriad of opportunities for exploration and adventure.

STATE PARKS

ANASAZI MUSEUM

STATE PARK

stateparks.utah.gov/parks/ anasazi/

Ancient Ancestral Puebloan village was once home to one of the largest Anasazi communities west of the Colorado River. 460 N. Hwy. 12, Boulder, UT. (435) 335-7308

ESCALANTE PETRIFIED

FOREST STATE PARK

stateparks.utah.gov/parks/escalante-petrified-forest/

Hike along park nature trails through a petrified forest, camp along the shores of Wide Hollow Reservoir, or rent a canoe, kayak or paddleboard to enjoy its clear waters. Visitor center features petrified wood, plant and marine fossils, and fossilized dinosaur bones. (435) 826-4466

KODACHROME BASIN

STATE PARK

stateparks.utah.gov/parks/kodachrome-basin/

Kodachrome Basin State Park contains many unique spires and chimneys that take on an ethereal glow at sunrise and sunset. It’s an ideal place to relax, hike, mountain bike, enjoy a picnic, camp, horseback ride, shoot photographs or even paint a picture.

RECREATION AREAS

BOULDER MOUNTAIN

An angler’s haven with about 80 lakes, most of them fishable. Also a popular camping and hiking area, including extended backcountry trips. High-clearance, four-wheel drive vehicles recommended for the mountain’s rugged back roads.

CALF CREEK RECREATION AREA

Campground, day-use picnic area and trailhead to reach Lower Calf Creek Falls and Upper Calf Creek Falls. Located between Escalante and Boulder on Byway 12.

DIXIE NATIONAL FOREST

Scenery ranges from desert canyon gorges of amber, rose and sienna to high mountain forests, plateaus and alpine lakes. Highways and trails provide ready access to this forest landscape.

GLEN CANYON NATIONAL RECREATION AREA

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area offers unparalleled opportunities for water-based & backcountry recreation. It encompasses scenic vistas, geologic wonders and a vast panorama of human history.

RED CANYON

Located 12 miles outside of Bryce Canyon National Park and features similar red rock landscapes. A wide variety of trails accommodate hikers, mountain bikers and ATV vehicles. A visitors center is open from spring through fall.

Photo by Jay Dash

Photo by Sandra Salvas

MUSEUMS

BRYCE WILDLIFE ADVENTURE MUSEUM

(Wildlife, historic artifacts)

1945 W. Scenic Byway 12, Bryce, UT (435) 834-5555

brycewildlifeadventure.com

CANNONVILLE VISITOR CENTER MUSEUM

(Native American & pioneer history)

10 Center St., Cannonville, UT (435) 679-8981

blm.gov/visit/cannonville-visitor-center

ESCALANTE INTERAGENCY VISITOR CENTER

(Ecology, insects, local plants)

755 W. Main, Escalante, UT (435) 826-5499

blm.gov/visit/escalanteinteragency-visitor-center

ESCALANTE HERITAGE CENTER

(Local history)

1285 E. Hwy. 12, Escalante, UT (435) 826-4787

escalanteheritagecenter.org

TROPIC HERITAGE CENTER MUSEUM

(Paleontology, geology, archeology, history)

20 N. Main, Tropic, UT (435) 679-8713

townoftropicut.gov/heritage-museum

DAUGHTERS OF UTAH PIONEERS MUSEUMS

(Local history)

• 65 S. Center, Escalante, UT

• 71 W. Center, Hatch, UT

- 105 E. Center, Panguitch, UT

WATER RECREATION & FISHING

BOULDER MOUNTAIN

A high-elevation fishing area known for its dozens of fishable lakes. Alpine creeks and streams are abundant with wild trout populations. Boulder Creek on the mountain’s east side offers various varieties of trout.

ESCALANTE RIVER

Flows through the Grand Staircase-Escalante Monument. Offers hiking, fishing and slot canyons to explore amidst breathtaking scenery.

PANGUITCH LAKE

At an elevation of 8,400 feet, surrounded by pines, aspens and spruce. 10-mile shoreline. Fishing, boating, hiking, mountain biking, ATVing and winter sports. 18 miles southwest of Panguitch.

PINE LAKE

Located at 7,500 feet, offers a cool refreshing contrast to the hot arid conditions of red rocks and white cliffs surrounding it. Ideal for fishing, hiking, and camping.

TROPIC RESERVOIR

A small but scenic lake of 180 acres popular for fishing, boating, hiking and camping. 25 miles southeast of Panguitch.

WIDE HOLLOW RESERVOIR

This lake is well stocked with rainbow trout and bluegill, and its clear blue waters are a favorite local destination for boating, canoeing and water sports.

SCENIC DRIVES

SCENIC BYWAY 143, UTAH’S PATCHWORK PARKWAY

A 55-mile course between Panguitch and Parowan. While in Panguitch, take a walking tour of its historic red brick homes and enjoy its Pioneer Museum and Quilt Walk Park.

HOLE IN THE ROCK ROAD

Early pioneers followed this path, blasting and carving their way through a notch in the canyon wall in order to reach the Colorado River.

SMOKY MOUNTAIN SCENIC BACKWAY

Winds for 78 remote miles connecting Scenic Byway 12 and Highway 89, offering unparalleled views of Lake Powell, the Navajo Mountains and the Kaiparowitz Plateau.

SCENIC BYWAY 12

Spanning a route of more than 120 miles, travels through some of the most diverse and ruggedly beautiful landscapes in the country.

EAST FORK SEVIER RIVER SCENIC BACKWAY

The East Fork of the Sevier River Scenic Backway follows the river southward along the western edge of Bryce Canyon National Park.

MOUNTAIN BIKING

THUNDER MOUNTAIN MOUNTAIN BIKING TRAIL

One of the premiere spots for scouting some of Utah’s desert wilderness by bike.

RED CANYON MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL

A new 5.8-mile, family-friendly trail requiring less technical expertise than the Thunder Mountain Trail.

TOURISM RESOURCES

GARFIELD COUNTY OFFICE OF TOURISM

55 S. Main, Panguitch (435) 676-1160 or (800) 444-6689 brycecanyoncountry.com

BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK VISITOR CENTER (435) 834-5322

Hours: Open daily. Summer: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Spring and fall: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Winter: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. nps.gov/places/000/visitor-center.htm

CANNONVILLE VISITORS

CENTER

10 Center Street, Cannonville (435) 826-5640

Open from mid-March to mid-November. Hours: Five days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed Mondays and Tuesdays).

blm.gov/visit/cannonville-visitor-center

ESCALANTE INTERAGENCY

VISITOR CENTER

755 W. Main Street, Escalante (435) 826-5499

Summer hours: Open six days a week (closed Wednesdays) from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

blm.gov/visit/escalanteinteragency-visitor-center

RED CANYON VISITOR CENTER

Scenic Byway 12, about 3.5 miles from the intersection of Scenic Byway 12 and Highway 89 (435) 676-2676

Hours: Friday through Monday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

fs.usda.gov/recarea/dixie/recarea/ ?recid=24942

Photo by Jay Dash

GARFIELD COUNTY ANNUAL EVENTS

FEBRUARY

Bryce Canyon Winter Festival

MAY

Bryce Canyon Mule Days

Bryce Canyon Ultra Marathons

JUNE

Bryce Canyon Astronomy Festival

Bryce Canyon Geology Festival

Panguitch Quilt Walk

Panguitch Valley Balloon Rally

JULY

Bryce Canyon Half Marathon and 5K

Panguitch Chicken Lights and Chrome Truck Show

Old Skool Panguitch Bike Rally

Bryce Canyon Color Me Fun Run

AUGUST

Bryce Canyon Fly-In & Car Show

Canyon 2 Canyon Bike Ride

Moqui Motor Madness

Bryce ATV Rally

SEPTEMBER

Escalante Canyons Art Festival/ Everett Ruess Days

Cruisin’ 89 Classic Car Show

OCTOBER

Escalante Canyons Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K

NOVEMBER

Rally in the Bullfrog Valley/ Ticaboo ATV/UTV Rally

Bryce Canyon Mule Days

BUSINESS IN B.I.G. COUNTRY

The rural nature of Beaver, Iron and Garfield counties and the countless recreational opportunities found within their borders provide an unparalleled quality of life for residents. The business opportunities found here are equally as exciting. Whether working at home using high-quality internet service is your dream or you’re a major corporation seeking a place with hard-working employees and access to major transportation resources, this tri-county area can make it happen.

From agricultural production to financial services, manufacturing to aerospace, tourism to construction — it’s all found here, along with the resources to help businesses begin, grow and prosper.

BEAVER COUNTY BUSINESS OUTLOOK

One segment of Beaver County’s economy may be shrinking, but other segments are ramping up as major companies recognize the opportunities offered by the area.

“I think the economic climate in Beaver County is doing very well given the blows that we have sustained the last few years,” said Jen Wakeland, strategic development director for Beaver County. “We’re on the verge of real growth and we have really good, positive momentum building at this time.”

Hog producer Smithfield Foods, once the largest employer in the county, announced two years ago it was reducing its production by two-thirds, and in December the company announced it would cut even more jobs.

GEOTHERMAL ENERGY

However, in September 2023, Fervo Energy held a groundbreaking ceremony in Beaver County marking the start of its exploration drilling campaign at Cape Station, a next-generation geothermal energy project set to deliver 400 MW of 24/7 carbon-free electricity. Cape Station will begin delivering around-the-clock, clean power to the grid in 2026 and reach full scale production in 2028.

Cape Station will provide roughly 6,600 jobs during construction and 160 full-time jobs throughout its operations, generating more than $437 million in earned wages.

Unitech Manufacturing, a division of Midgley-Huber, is also expanding its business operations in the South Peaks

in Beaver along the

corridor. Unitech is one of the largest suppliers of HVAC equipment and air handling systems in the Intermountain West. Their products cross a large segment of private, public and nonprofit entities.

Unitech’s 50,000-square-foot building is expected to open in the summer of 2024.

Milford Mining Company Utah is increasing production and is expected to hire on another 150 employees within the next year and a half, Wakeland said.

Beaver County’s new Mineral Mountains Inland Port Project Area was established in October 2023 as Utah’s sixth official inland port. These project areas have been established with the goal of encouraging the growth of transportation, shipping and manufacturing industries, taking advantage of Utah’s central location in the western United States.

With this new business growth comes the need for housing, and Wakeland said her office is working to encourage the construction of all types of housing in the area, from starter homes to larger homes for families and smaller options for those looking to downsize. There are a couple of housing projects currently underway in Beaver City, she said.

NEW WELLNESS CENTER

More positive news for Beaver County residents was the announcement of a new wellness center planned for construction near the Beaver Valley Hospital. This facility is anticipated to include a recreation pool, a lap pool, a kids’ aquatic area, an indoor walking track, exercise studios and a weights/ functional fitness area.

While new business growth is exciting, Wakeland said her office also works with existing businesses to help them grown and develop through grants and other resources. “We are doing a really good job of trying to help those existing businesses get access to capital through my office,” she said.

There are a couple of restaurants currently for sale in the county, creating an opportunity for entrepreneurs who want to experience the quality of life Beaver County has to offer, Wakeland said.

“The best part of it is the local elected officials are working with with the local county elected officials, and we have a real synergy between the governing bodies and the economic development office,” Wakeland said. “Everybody’s working together to create meaningful change that doesn’t trample the culture of this place.”

Industrial Park

I-15

IRON COUNTY BUSINESS OUTLOOK

When it comes to opening a business, Iron County is number one.

In April, Cedar City, the largest town in Iron County, was declared the 2024 Best Small City for Starting a Business in the United States by WalletHub. The ranking was based on a set of 18 key metrics ranging from growth rate to investor access and labor costs.

“Cedar City, UT, is the best small city to start a business. It has one of the highest rates of startups per capita, as well as the fourth-highest growth in the number of small businesses between 2015 and 2021, at over 33%,” states WalletHub on its website. “This growth is significant because it shows that the city has the conditions to keep small businesses afloat even during this period of economic difficulty.

“Cedar City has the fourth-lowest average commute time, too, at just 13 minutes, so people can spend less time sitting in traffic and more time being productive. It ranks in the top 100 cities (out of more than 1,300) when it comes to annual employment growth and working-age population growth. There will be plenty of people for new businesses to hire in the future.”

“We have a lot going on here in Iron County and Cedar City,” said David S. Johnson, director of the Cedar City-Iron County Office of Economic Development. “The great thing about this area is just the really diverse economy that we have. … We’re growing economically with new businesses, new jobs and new projects. We’re being approached on a regular basis from various sectors.”

Cedar City is experiencing “nice, steady, moderate growth” in a number of sectors ranging from employment opportunities to new businesses, housing options and its student population. Enrollment at Southern Utah University recently topped 15,000.

“One of the great things about Cedar

City and Iron County is the level of collaboration here to help businesses,” Johnson said. “The quality of life that current and future residents can enjoy is what makes us the number one city in the nation to start a business.”

NEW DEVELOPMENT

The Iron Springs Inland Port Project Area, established a year ago west of Cedar City next to a Union Pacific Railroad track, is already attracting new ventures. BZI’s transloading facility, where freight can be transferred from trains to trucks and back again, has already opened there, and Savage’s transloading facility will open there this summer.

Other businesses also have plans to locate in the inland port area, Johnson said. BZI will be building its new corporate offices there.

Cedar City is home to Port 15, an 800-acre industrial area where plastic products manufacturer GOEX and American Packaging Corp., a leader in the flexible packaging industry, have recently opened their doors.

Even with these additions, there is still plenty of room to grow a company in Iron County; Johnson said the county has approximately 3,000 acres available for distribution and manufacturing projects.

GREEN ENERGY

Green energy has become a large part of the Iron County economy in recent years. More than a dozen projects are currently in operation and more are in the planning stages.

“Right now, Iron County is home to the largest collection of operating solar projects in the state of Utah, and we have several more in process,” Johnson said. “According to some unofficial calculations by the county, we have enough currently operating solar projects and future projects that are in the

queue to power half of the homes in the state of Utah.”

Earlier this year, renewable energy asset manager Greenbacker Capital Management and rPlus Energies announced that their Appaloosa Solar I project began commercial operations in Iron County. The facility has more than twice the power generation capacity of a sister project in Carbon County.

These energy projects generate property tax that greatly benefits Iron County’s local economy.

TOURISM & RETAIL

Known as “Festival City USA” as well as the “Gateway to the Parks,” Cedar City is central to Utah’s tourism industry. The annual Utah Shakespeare Festival in Cedar City has a $35 million impact on the local economy annually, Johnson said, and the city hosts many other festivals and events throughout the year.

Tourism continues to grow in the area, with hotel occupancy increasing almost 8% during the last year. Construction of a new multi-story Hampton Inn hotel is planned in the heart of Cedar City’s historic downtown area, a project that will include a multi-level parking garage with an area designated for pubic parking.

“This will really benefit downtown businesses. It will drive a lot more synergy downtown as well as piggy-backing and leveraging the Shakespeare festival and the Beverley Center (for the Arts) in the downtown area,” Johnson said.

Residents have expressed interest in seeing additional grocery options open on the north end of Cedar City, and the city is working with developers to encourage interest in placing a grocery store and other retail offerings in that area, Johnson said.

GARFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS OUTLOOK

Garfield County’s beautiful scenery and incredible geographical features mean much of its land is protected from development - but that’s also what draws people into its borders.

Covering more than 5,000 square miles, the county is larger than the state of Connecticut, and its border encompasses portions of three national parks: Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands and Capitol Reef. A total of 92% of the state is managed by the federal government; only 5% of the county’s land is privately owned.

Between 2 to 2.5 million visitors are currently coming to Bryce Canyon each year, said Kaden Figgins, Garfield County planner and economic development director. Those numbers have been steadily increasing by about 100,000 a year, meaning it won’t be long before the park tops 3 million visitors per year.

“I see that as a good thing,” Figgins said. “We’re always going to have the demand there. With all the different activities and destinations that we have in this county, it’s never going to be a question of whether or not people are coming here. It’s just a question of whether we’re going to welcome them when they do come.”

HOTELS & ‘GLAMPING’ RESORTS

Accommodations are needed for these additional visitors, and developers are responding. New hotels and “glamping” opportunities are opening in the area. These include three new

hotels under construction near the entrance to Bryce Canyon that are 4-star properties from well-known franchises.

Under Canvas Bryce Canyon, which offers a high-end camping experience in tents, opened last August in Widtsoe, and Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon in Cannonville, which offers accommodations in glass domes with modern amenities, is opening this year.

These types of accommodations bring people into the Garfield County community, and that means greater tourism spending as well as a greater tax base for the community, which benefits local residents, Figgins said. More than 80 percent of the county’s property taxes go to Garfield County School District, making the development of an empty lot into a $10 million property an enormous boon to local schools.

“The positive effect for these communities is massive,” he said.

BUSINESS EXPANSION

As investment in the Garfield County tourism industry continues, however,

the area is also seeing new business development. Thanks to a $250,000 grant from the federal government and a $25,000 grant from Garfield County through a rural county grant program, Nay’s Meats, a butcher shop/meat processing plant, is building an approximately 10,000-square-foot addition and seeking federal certification.

When that certification is obtained, the business will be able to sell meat to the public as well as grocery stores and restaurants, Figgins said.

This new facility will mean more jobs while also making locally sourced meat more accessible.

Another rural county grant application has been made in anticipation of creating a smaller meat processing facility in Escalante, Figgins said. Also, a uranium mine in Ticaboo is considering reopening.

“There’s a lot of demand and a lot of interest in this community,” Figgins said. “I’m optimistic about the future for Garfield County.”

Photo courtesy of Under Canvas Bryce Canyon

The new Under Canvax Bryce Canyon resort offers upscale "glamping" accommodations.

LOCAL CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE

IRON COUNTY

CEDAR CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

510 W. 800 South Cedar City, UT 84720 (435) 586-4484 cedarcitychamber.org

PAROWAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

P.O. Box 1598 Parowan, UT 84761 (435) 590-7417 parowanchamberofcommerce.com

GARFIELD COUNTY

ESCALANTE AND BOULDER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

280 W. Main Street Escalante, UT 84726 escalanteut.com

BUSINESS RESOURCE LISTING

APEX

business.utah.gov/apex/

The Procurement Technical Assistance Center, a program under the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, has helped Utah companies obtain hundreds of millions of dollars in government contracts. PTAC helps businesses navigate the maze of procedures and paperwork required to qualify for government contracts.

CEDAR CITY BUSINESS & INNOVATION CENTER innovationcenter.cc

The Cedar City Business and Innovation Center actively supports and promotes business creation, growth and retention through education, resources, mentoring and connecting people with the right resources at the right time. Its facility includes conference room and work space, makerspace and custom training.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION OF UTAH edcutah.org

A private, nonprofit organization founded in 1987, the Economic Development Corporation of Utah (EDCUtah) is a catalyst for quality job growth and increased capital investment in the state. EDCUtah is a statewide economic development organization specializing in corporate recruitment, economic research, site selector marketing and community development. A partner of the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity for corporate recruitment, EDCUtah is supported by state government, local governments and organizations from the private sector.

CENTER FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT

business.utah.gov/rural/

The Center for Rural Development, a program under the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, works with Utah’s rural counties, communities and businesses, providing economic development resources. The center is the home of the Rural Opportunity Program and assists with other programs to help local governments and businesses grow and prosper.

LAND USE ACADEMY OF UTAH

luau.utah.gov/home-landuse

Land Use Academy of Utah was created by a grant from the Utah State Legislature in 2014. Spearheaded by the Utah League of Cities and Towns, LUAU is made up of a consortium of Utah interest groups who support training and education in land use for our local elected and appointed officials. The goal is to create the first statewide uniform and comprehensive online land use website resource.

RURAL UTAH CHAMBER COALITION ruralutahcc.org

The Rural Utah Chamber Coalition is a partnership composed of chamber executives and board members, elected leaders and government liaisons. Its goals are to discuss issues affecting and advocate for rural chambers and communities, provide strategic programming to further meaningful economic development, support rural innovation, and create prosperity for the people of rural Utah.

BUSINESS RESOURCE LISTING

SCORE – SERVICE CORPS OF RETIRED EXECUTIVES

score.org

Service Corps of Retired Executives is a nonprofit association dedicated to educating entrepreneurs and helping small businesses start, grow and succeed nationwide. SCORE is a resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration and has been mentoring small business owners for more than 40 years. SCORE offers small business entrepreneurs confidential business counseling services at no charge.

SUU SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER

suu.edu/regional/sbdc/

The Small Business Development Center at Southern Utah University engages in numerous activities to help start-up and existing small businesses gain a competitive advantage. These include access to the latest technology for business planning as well as professional, experienced consulting during the planning process. Seminars and lecture series feature guest lecturers from various disciplines including marketing, management, finance, business planning and funding, taxes and more.

U.S. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

uschamber.com

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce advocates for policies that help businesses create jobs and grow our economy. It helps today’s businesses start, grow and thrive in a complex and constantly changing macro environment. It informs its members with timely policy analysis and legal advice, connects them with leaders in business and government through world-class events and intimate gatherings, and equips them with tools and resources to help them succeed. Above all, it serves as their ally and champion on Capitol Hill, in the courts, in state houses and in markets around the world.

USDA – RURAL DEVELOPMENT

rd.usda.gov/ut

USDA Rural Development’s programs for business and cooperatives work through partnerships with public and private community-based organizations and financial institutions to provide financial assistance, business development and technical assistance to rural businesses.

UTAH ASSOCIATION OF CHAMBERS

utahassociationofchambers.com

The Utah Association of Chambers serves as a coordinating entity for chambers of commerce throughout Utah. It connects Utah’s family of chambers into a “chamber of chambers” that promotes Utah’s business climate by sharing information and collaborating on business events, training and advocacy. The membership includes the broad array of chambers throughout the state. Each entity maintains its own identity, finances and services to members but shares resources, information and best practices to help achieve the common goal of a more prosperous Utah.

BUSINESS RESOURCE LISTING

UTAH DEPARTMENT OF WORKFORCE SERVICES

jobs.utah.gov

With more than 30 buildings all across the state, Workforce Services offers a unique network of workforce development specialists embedded in Utah’s local communities. With a strong focus on aligning workforce needs with talented labor, Workforce Services works in every corner of the state to support rural economic growth.

UTAH MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION

manufacturingutah.com

From aerospace, ammunition, turkeys, chocolates, automobiles, solar panels, packing, health products and machine shop detergent to windows & doors, the Utah Manufacturers Association focuses it’s efforts on the betterment of the entire manufacturing industry in the state of Utah.

UTAH RISING utahrising.com

Utah’s business community is coming together to create a statewide economic vision – “Utah Rising: A Free Enterprise Vision for Utah’s Economy” – driven by proven principles while outlining opportunities for ongoing success and sustainable growth. Spearheaded by the Salt Lake Chamber, in collaboration with the public and private sector across the state, the vision will address critical issues with innovative, long-term economic solutions for all who call Utah home.

WOMEN’S BUSINESS CENTER OF UTAH

wbcutah.org

The Women’s Business Center of Utah is a nonprofit organization located in Cedar City that helps Utah women build confidence, create opportunities and experience success in business ownership. We believe any woman can start and run a successful business with the right skills, resources and support. We provide free and low-cost services to women entrepreneurs in Utah.

WORLD TRADE CENTER UTAH

wtcutah.com

The mission of World Trade Center Utah is to help Utah companies think, act and succeed globally. It accomplishes this through three key objectives: Motivate & Educate, Build Capacity, and Expand the Global Network of Utah. WTC Utah is part of an international ecosystem of global connections and integrated trade and investment services. It is based on the belief that doing business around the world should be as easy as doing business across the street.