Tag Archives: Economy

Escalante’s High Unemployment

Posted on February 6, 2012 by Jana| Leave a comment

According to an article in the February 2nd edition of “The Insider”, Garfield County has the 3rd highest unemployment rate in Utah, just behind our neighbors in Wayne and San Juan counties – 10.4%.  It goes on to explain –

“Garfield County exhibits one of the highest unemployment rates in the state due to the seasonal nature of the tourist economy.  Almost 40 percent of Garfield County’s nonfarm employment can be categorized in the leisure/hospitality industry – in vivid contrast to the statewide figure of only 9%.”

In contrast to other Utah counties, the tourist season is barely 6 months of the year.  The public perception of Escalante is we’re desert and it’s too hot to visit in July and August.  The article states “Governor Herbert has outlined an action plan for 2012”, unfortunately tourism marketing for highways 12 and 24 wasn’t one of them.

Three first steps could be taken by Escalante City Council to start the process of expanding the tourism base to eight months. 

  • ·        First, they could create a marketing piece that invites people to “Explore Escalante” year round and spell out what is available to do and when. 
  • ·        Second, the state Office of Tourism could promote the 65 fishable lakes of the Dixie National Forest in Escalante’s backyard (we are the second largest city in Garfield County and should get some special attention).
  • ·        Third, The City Economic Development Committee could work with all the major news stations to get Escalante on the weather map and get a weather cam installed at the airport.  Cheap year-round access to Escalante that reminds people of the Salt Lake Region we’re here and open for business.

These are baby steps compared to what could be done – but it would be a start.  If tourism could be consistent for the entire 8 months instead of on for three months, off for two and on again for two +, retailers could build inventories, for the fall season and build resources to survive the winter months.  That would help rehires occur earlier because there would be funds available from the previous season and more retailers would encourage more tourism which could bring a new use to the old sawmill property – but that’s for another time.

 

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Headwaters

Posted on September 25, 2011 by Jana| Leave a comment

The recent debate between Mayor Taylor and Headwaters resulted in several Headwater supporters wearing pins during the recent art festival that read  ”Tourism Works”.

The most interesting version of that pin was the one that had been modified.  It read

“Tourism Works – For minimum Wages!”

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Escalante Town and Its Future

Posted on April 30, 2011 by Jana| Leave a comment

Civics 101

 Ever played the game of Sim City?  It’s a great lesson in governmental oversight and planning and zoning.  Why should we care about how our city runs and what effects it’s success? – because it affects our property values, the makeup of our blocks and the importance of open and honest government.  Government is not here to dictate what we do with our lives, it’s here to establish a level playing field and a set of rules that everyone plays by.  There should not be special rules for special segments of the population – that was Martin Luther Kings premise – equality.

 How Cities (known as political subdivisions of the states) manage those responsibilities determines the quality of life for the residents of the town, the future development of the town, and how the town grows (if it does).  Escalante has experienced a decrease in population due to the lack of employment.  Not an unusual issue for a small, extremely rural town.  There seems to be pressure to throw away all the rules in order to attract new residents and new companies providing more jobs.  You don’t do that by throwing away all the rules.  And you can’t do it as long as you have an official city controlled by the State Statutes. 

 Escalante City Council members, Mayor, City Recorder and Treasurer have taken an oath of office to “uphold the laws of the State of Utah”.  Attempting to disregard planning and zoning requirements, Business Licensing requirements and City Ordinances is in violation of State Law.  I’m going to do a four-part series, of which this is the first, on these issues.  I’ll provide you with state laws and where you can find and read them for yourself.  I’m not going to interpret them for you – you’re smart enough to do that yourself.  But you’ll have the information you need to decide if your elected officials and hired staff are adhering to the scope and spirit of the laws.  And at the end of each edition I’ll offer my own suggestions on what can be done to address these seemingly thorny issues (from totally my perspective).

 I welcome your comments.  I’ll post anything in the way of comments as long as they do not attack any one person individually.  Thanks for reading.

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Escalante Business Council

Posted on April 13, 2011 by admin| 1 Comment

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.

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Escalante Business 2011

Posted on April 7, 2011 by admin| Leave a comment

 A great article by Randy Slaven in the current edition of “Art Business News” defined sales in the gallery business “as good news and bad news – this is the recovery”.  He related it to the recovery of an addict, “it has no end.  The patient ends up healthier but has to continuously guard against relapse”.

 We were all riding on easy money high, not just art galleries.  “No Vacancy” signs were becoming the norm and waiting at restaurants normal.  Artists were everywhere and so was the money to buy their work.  And in Mr. Slaven’s words, “the art business boomed because of (wealth and liquidity) and that boom led to a widespread tolerance for mediocrity”.

 His prediction is now the need for excellence in order to survive and thrive.  Excellence from owners in every business, and “artists now need to be exceptional creators”.  Owners of all stores will need to find their niche and perfect it.  Over the next 2-5 years you’ll see slow but steady sales increases.  But the boom is gone.

 And that is true for every other sector of the economy.  So what will that do for Escalante?  Slowly but surely the “No Vacancy” days will return ,but excellence will matter. 

 Restaurants that provide wonderful service will survive as customer satisfaction comes first, not just trading a plate of food for folding green.  The same is true for lodging.  There are lots of choices in town and the region, but decisions won’t all be based on price.  Creature comforts are important but cleanliness and courtesy will determine where people choose to stay.

 We’ll know in December how we did in 2011.  And for those that continuously guard against mediocrity, you’ll get to increase your quarterly tax payments.

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