BEAVER COUNTY

In the spring of 2022, Smithfield Foods, Beaver County’s largest employer, announced it was significantly scaling back its production. While this was a significant blow to the county’s employment base, it also kicked county economic development efforts into high gear, resulting in opportunities for other employers.

“Our county has been aggressively pursuing new businesses that want to settle in the Beaver County area,” Wakeland said. “There are a couple of regions that are particularly ripe for development right now.”

One of those areas is South Peaks Industrial Park in Beaver City. The city was awarded a $300,000 state grant for infrastructure in the park, and the area is ready to accommodate new construction on lots ranging from 1 to 15 acres.

“We have great employees here, and we want to retain that talent here and grow our businesses to a point that allows our children to stay here,” said Jen A. Wakeland, strategic development director for Beaver County. “We’re really interested in getting the kinds of jobs that those kids can come back to.”

Traditionally, the county has been home to agriculturally based indus- tries. One example is Dairy Farmers of America, which built The Creamery, a popular business offering cheese, ice cream and other foods that attracts tourists traveling the Interstate 15 corridor.

However, innovative technology companies have also found a home here. For example, Phone Skope, a producer of optical devices for phones and GoPro cameras, is located in Beaver City.

Having a location in a county that still offers a small-town atmosphere is a huge perk for Beaver County businesses. Quality of life in Beaver County is second to none, Wakeland said; mom-and-pop businesses outnumber chain stores, the school system is superb and the recreational opportunities are nearly limitless.

“Within 10 minutes, you can be on top of a mountain, or in 15 minutes, you can be paddleboarding, fishing, boating, even ice fishing,” Wakeland said. “We have everything from high mountains to the high desert …. The ability to recreate is exceptional.”

More tourists will be brought to the area through a new National Interscholastic Cycling Association bicycle course the county is creating.

When completed, the course is anticipated to attract high school competitors from across the nation. When not in use for competitions, the course will be open for public use.