Davis and Weber counties: the top of Utah survives slowdown and prepares for growth.

• Author: Olson, Adam C.
• Position: Northern Utah Guide

The old saying goes: No man is a island. The same is true for Davis and Weber countres. Though there's actually an island in Davis County. Salt Lake County's two neighbors to the north sometimes feel isolated, but to say they haven't skinned a knee in the national economy's stumble, just like everybody else, would be stretching the truth.

"Utah is a little insulated from the world economy," admits Kent Sulser, manager of Davis County Community and Economic Development. "But what's going on in the U.S. has a big impact on us. We're not an island." Far from it. The national downturn's effect on the local marketplace has caused some concern for four economic health watchers who spent time with Utah Business magazine discussing Davis and Weber counties' vital signs.

DAVIS COUNTY--LOOKING FOR BALANCE

When it comes to "economic physicians" keeping a finger on the pulse of Davis County, Chamber of Commerce President Chris Dallin is on 24-hour call. At the moment, he's keeping his patient under close observation: "Overall, I think our economy is a little fragile right now."

Dallin is concerned about the county's economic balance. "We're a little heavy on the retail edge. We're looking for manufacturing and light industrial. A lot of businesses felt the heat from the downturn prior to 9/11. Then there was 9/11 itself; everybody felt that. That being said, we're doing well right now," he concludes.

What's Right in Davis

When it comes right down to how Davis is doing, the first indicator is Hill Air Force Base (HAFB), the state's second-largest employer, just behind state government.

"With 26,000 employees, that's a lot of doughnuts and erasers consumed every day," Dallin explains. "A lot of retail businesses exist because of Hill Air Force Base."

Sulser agrees, "The county is okay overall because of Hill Air Force Base. If they were to go through tough times, that would have a huge impact on both (Davis and Weber) counties."

That possibility isn't so far off. The next round of U.S. Air Force base closures will come before Congress in 2005. Hill's survival has been all but guaranteed in the past by the seniority of 11-term veteran Rep. Jim Hansen. As a senior member of the Armed Services Committee, he has garnered enough support to save HAFB through three rounds of base closures. But with Hansen retiring, his successor will have to hit the ground running or HAFB could be in trouble.

At least for now, "Hill Air Force Base is booming, people are going out to eat, movie theaters are full," Dallin says. "Things must not be so bad."

Retail--A shaky foundation

Davis County's economy relies heavily on retailers such as WalMart, Super Target, JC Penney Company's Catalog Call Center, and grocers such as Smith's, Albertson's and a number of independents. "Retail is a big generator for us," Dallin says. "But retail suffers when the economy hurts. Right now there are pockets that are doing well and pockets that aren't doing well. We just hope that balances out."

Manufacturing--A solid start

According to Dallin, "Those industrials we have in Davis are very strong." Some of those manufacturers include ICON Fitness, Lifetime Products and Utility Trailer.

ICON is a worldwide giant in fitness products with a 50-plus market share internationally in products such as treadmills. The $841 million privately held company, started 24 years ago in Logan, employs almost 600 at its five Davis County facilities, which according to ICON Marketing Director Colleen Logan, doesn't begin to indicate the facilities' tremendous importance to the entire corporation. "Davis County is part of the world leader in fitness," Logan explains. The Davis manufacturing facility is one of three producing treadmills. Central warranty repair is located in Davis and two warehouses make up central distribution for worldwide shipping. ICON manufactures products under the brand names Nordic Track, Pro Form, Health...