ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Prepared by: Ruby Ward, professor, and Tatiana Drugova, postdoctoral fellow, Department of Applied Economics, Utah State University

Contact author: Ruby Ward 4815 Old Main Hill Logan, Utah 84322-4815 ruby.ward@usu.edu

Utah State University Economic Research Institute Report

Utah State University Economic Research Institute (USUERI) is part of the Department of Applied Economics at Utah State University (USU), wherein faculty research applied economic issues. Ruby Ward, Ph.D. is a full professor in the Department of Applied Economics at USU. Ward has completed many projects that measure economic impacts and given presentations at various conferences. Tatiana Drugova is a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Applied Economics at USU.

In its programs and activities, Utah State University does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation or gender identity/expression, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy or local, state, or federal law. The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Executive Director of the Office of Equity, Alison Adams-Perlac, alison.adams-perlac@usu.edu, Title IX Coordinator, Hilary Renshaw, hilary.renshaw@usu.edu, Old Main Rm. 161, 435-797-1266. For further information on notice of non-discrimination: U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, 303-844-5695, OCR. Denver@ed.gov. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Kenneth L. White, Vice President for Extension and Agriculture, Utah State University.

This report was researched and produced by the Utah State University Economic Research Institute (USUERI) at the request of the Utah Manufacturing Extension Partnership (UTAH-MEP). The UTAH-MEP was founded as a collaboration effort between the following entities who comprise the founding members:

• Utah State Uni versity’s Utah Manufacturing Extension Service (UMES),

• Impact Utah

• The Uni versity of Utah Manufacturing Extension Partnership (UUMEP)

The services of the UTAH-MEP are identical to and replace those previously offered through the Utah Industry Resource Alliance (UIRA). As such, the UTAH-MEP enhances the partnership that previously existed between UTAH-MEP partnering resources.

The UTAH-MEP is dedicated to the success of Utah businesses in the manufacturing sector and all other businesses in rural Utah. Statewide economic growth is the primary focus of the collaboration.

The UTAH-MEP provides outreach, value-added training, education, workforce development, certifications, and needs-driven services to Utah manufacturers and rural Utah businesses. UTAH-MEP is aligned with Utah’s Economic Development Strategy.

Through 2022, the UTAH-MEP membership is comprised of the following manufacturing ecosystem resources:

• Utah State Uni versity’s Utah Manufacturing Extension Service including the Manufacturing/Outdoor Products Support Hub

• Impact Utah

• The Uni versity of Utah Manufacturing Extension Partnership (UUMEP)

• Utah Advanced Manufacturing & Materials Initiative (UAMMI)

• Utah Manufacturer s Association (UMA)

• World Trade Center of Utah (WTC Utah)