TODAY IN ROTARY Scott Hirschi, Executive Director of Site
Select Plus, updated members and guests of SGR on the status of Washington
County’s economic development. Noting
SGR is “the premiere civic club in the county due to its quality of
membership,” he graciously accepted the club’s 2014 Vocational Service Award
for his efforts to bring jobs and careers to the citizens of the Washington
County. His presentation then shifted to a “shameless promotion” of What’s Up Down South, upcoming on January 15, 2015 at the Dixie Center. Scheduled presenters include Utah Lt. Governor Spencer Cox, U. S. Olympic Gold Medalist in Skeleton Noelle Pikus-Pace and breakout sessions including the business of import/export, residential real estate, social media and marketing.
He noted “the first economic development project in the
county was the Cottonmill.” In modern
times, a sleeping bag company provided over 100 jobs at a time when Washington
County was struggling to keep its young people employed here. He spoke of the importance of having healthy
value-added manufacturing companies here (“those which manufacture products
here which are purchased elsewhere”) such as Virocon and the Walmart
Distribution Center – at one time the largest building in the state of Utah. He also stated the importance of diversity in
the marketplace which strengthens economic health. “Washington County is decidedly diverse with
no dominant industry in a community which has consistently maintained a 6%
growth rate for the past 45 years … and is expected to have 650,000 residents
by the year 2060."“There is lots of interest in Washington County by businesses looking at us. There are also lots of businesses we will be announcing soon.” When asked about the loss of such businesses as Blue Bunny, he noted, “our diverse economy will help us address those step backs, but our future is very, very encouraging. Family Dollar is still hiring and expects to reach 400 employees soon. Viracon is back ‘with a vengeance’ and the Industrial Brush Company has 22 employees (they brought with them) who are making 175% of the average wage in our community. All of that is good for all of us!”
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