San Juan County is part of the first group of eight Utah cities and counties to graduate from the EDC
Utah Development Ready Communities (DRC) Program. A virtual graduation ceremony was held during an EDC
Utah Investor town hall on Friday, October 23.
The five-stage program, which launched in April 2019, is designed to prepare community partners to attract competitive companies and support the expansion of local businesses, according to Theresa Foxley, president and CEO of EDC
Utah.
Natalie Randall, director of the San Juan County Economic Development and Visitors Services office, noted that the process helps align local strategy with how EDC
Utah conducts business recruitment. Randall stated that the Community Assessment SWOT analysis has been a particularly useful tool for local businesses in remote and rural San Juan County.
Similarly, Elaine Gizler, the economic development director for Grand County, said the program connected her with the experience and knowledge necessary to advance her region. She noted the value of EDC
Utah's support in raising the bar for economic development within rural communities.
According to Alan Rindlisbacher, EDC
Utah director of community strategy, the program has led to dramatic improvements in the quality of responses to Requests for Information and better preparation for site visits. He also noted increased engagement with EDC
Utah's private sector partner companies.
The eight participants that completed the program include Box Elder County, Brigham City, Cedar City, Grand County, Orem City, San Juan County, South Jordan City, and Syracuse City.
The DRC Program utilizes a structured methodology involving stages such as Community Assessment, Planning, Community Marketing, Training and Preparation, and EDC
Utah Integration and Support. The training sessions involve both public and private sector partners to assist in instruction.
