25,000 jobs. 25 counties. Four years: state and community agencies are working to bring employment to rural Utah.

• Author: Miller, Derek B.
• Position: Worldview

Utah's economy is thriving. It is consistently recognized as one of the top economies in the nation by well-respected organizations like Forbes magazine, Pollina Corporate and CNBC. The Wasatch Front is experiencing the benefits that come with a top-tier economy such as low unemployment, high job growth and improved quality of life.

While communities located along the Wasatch Front are reaping the rewards of a booming business environment, some communities off the Wasatch Front are feeling isolated from this economic success.

In an effort to remedy this problem, Gov. Gary Herbert issued a challenge in his 2017 State of the State Address to create 25,000 jobs in the 25 counties off the Wasatch over the next four years. And just like that, the 25k Jobs Initiative was born.

25k Jobs Initiative

While the measurable goal of the 25k Jobs Initiative is to create 25,000 jobs in 25 counties in four years, the overall goals of the initiative are more far reaching. One of these goals is to help communities clear roadblocks that are impeding economic progress, whatever they may be. Not all of Utah's communities are experiencing the same challenges. One community may be struggling with lack of employment opportunities while another may be suffering from insufficient infrastructure. Locally driven solutions are needed for the unique challenges.

The governor announced the 25k Initiative in his State of the State, but needed a point person to get the ball rolling. He turned to his lieutenant governor, the state's go-to rural aficionado. The Lt. Governor's Office teamed up with World Trade Center Utah (WTC Utah) to kick off the initiative with the 25k Jobs Launch Tour.

On the road

The 25k Jobs Launch Tour is no small feat. The tour brings resources that are typically housed along the Wasatch Front to each of the 25 counties off the Wasatch Front for a couple of hours. More than 20 economic development organizations and business service providers are participating in the tour.

The family-friendly tour stops provide networking opportunities for local representatives from business, education and government. Business owners or managers can connect with service providers to learn how to find new customers, be more efficient with their time and possibly even expand internationally.

Tour stops also include a component for job seekers. Attendees can meet with employment specialists and, at certain stops, local companies that can help prepare them for and land a...