The Economic Development Corporation of Utah (EDC
Utah) is partnering with the Department of Workforce Services (DWS), the Salt Lake Chamber, and the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) to develop the Rural Workforce Network initiative. Alan Rindisbacher, EDC
Utah’s Director of Community Strategy, expressed appreciation for the participation of San Juan County’s economic development team as the program gains momentum.
As part of this program, the DWS plans to list remote work opportunities using the hashtag #ruraljobs. Additionally, Utah State University’s (USU) Rural Online Initiative (ROI) is established to certify companies and potential employees for remote rural work.
EDC
Utah and the Salt Lake Chamber have identified dozens of Utah companies that could potentially employ rural workers remotely and are working to engage them in the program. A California-based healthcare company that recently expanded customer service operations in Salt Lake County has already begun hiring and training remote workers in Iron and Sevier counties.
A site selection company noted that Utah is ahead of other states in establishing a proactive program for remote rural workers.
While many companies are adopting work-from-home strategies, office and technology-based projects have slowed due to changes related to COVID-19. Of the 85 currently active projects, 50 percent are in manufacturing, 15 percent are in information/technology, and smaller percentages exist in sectors such as distribution, food service, service, and arts, entertainment, and recreation.
In July, a new prospect selected San Juan County as the top Utah contender for an agribusiness expansion. Natalie Randall was recognized for her role in presenting the county during the RFI response, which has moved to a second-stage review.
