Could Escalante benefit from a Business Council and how is that difference from what we currently have?
Usually, a Business Council is made up of equal number of people representing the business community of an area, focused on recruiting new businesses to an area. The members talk about what other businesses or services the community needs and seeks ways to bring them in.
That kind of group usually consists of business owners, a couple of City Council members, a banker and a community services person. They review the goods and services currently available and what else is needed.
For Escalante, we need to consider length of travel and declining population. If we’re going to be a resort, what do we need to make it successful? What goods are here that need upgrading? What services are lacking?
Then you look to possible City Taxation programs and see if they help or hinder. We have an Enterprise zone for Main Street. Anyone know what it is, how it works and how you benefit? Maybe there should be a flyer at City Hall to pass out to prospective buyers of Main Street properties.
Is there anyway to utilize our Municipal Bonding Authority to get our sidewalks repaired and water hungry plants replaced with natives? What our greatest asset?
Our historic homes and backhouses are one of our greatest assets. How can we help someone buy the Isaac Riddle House and create an authentic turn of the century Bed and Breakfast? And so many more things to consider.
Do we need a barber shop, a larger Laundromat, an ice cream shop, an auto/atv parts and repair shop, an internet café, country store for local crafts and craft supplies, and the list goes on.
How can the Chamber of Commerce help? By creating, printing and distributing a complete business/services guide to match their website. To work on getting support for Escalante flag banners for Main Street power poles using the colors of the Indian Rug that served as our fist flag. Advertise and promote the July 4th celebration and Clayte’s Run. Encourage every business in town to have a black metal cut-out with their sign similar to expand the Welcome Sign theme. Create a closer association with the Heritage Center by having a member on the Business Council.
The history of Escalante is one of its greatest assets. The backhouses make it different from every other historic district in Utah. The updated and corrected Historic Homes Guide should be available for Heritage Festival weekend. Perhaps Clayte’s Run should be moved to Memorial weekend.
As another new business gets ready to open, we must be sure our younger business owners are on the committee. They’re the future of Escalante.
