Why Locate in St. George/Washington County, UT?

A VIABLE ECONOMY

Washington County continues to be one of the fastest growing Metropolitan Statistical Area in the nation and growth continues at historical levels.

Job growth far outpaces both the nation and the state, while unemployment remains low.

Retail sales continue to soar… enjoying double digit percentage increases annually.

Commercial and residential construction and home sales continue strong.

St. George consistently ranks in the top ten among lists of the best places to live and it was recently ranked as the second best city in the nation for business.

Washington County is definitely the bright spot of Utah’s economy.

Here’s why: BIG DRAWS FOR BUSINESS

A highly productive, dependable labor force of more than 60,000 workers with diverse skills is the primary reason why the business climate is so great in Washington County.

In addition: the greater St. George area features a mild, snow-free climate; redundant fiber optic voice and data communications; interstate transportation; proactive, business-friendly government and a 4-year accredited state college in a recreational paradise offering some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.

Lifestyle, low cost of living and doing business, fully improved infrastructure, work force and climate put all the elements in place for a resilient economic future for new and existing businesses in the St. George area. Washington County enjoys a diverse, ever growing and robust economy. Electrical rates and worker compensation insurance costs are two elements that provide significant operating savings for local companies.

The Washington County Economic Development Council (WCEDC) is an active participant in support of value-added businesses. The county continues to see increases in employment from these industries as manufacturers, customer service centers, back office operations, distribution facilities and high-tech companies expand or relocate to the area.

The synergy of supportive local government, plus skilled design and construction teams, allow a company to go from concept to completion in the shortest time possible. New facilities are brought from the drawing board to production regularly in a matter of just a few months.

11.29.06
AllBusiness.com Announces“Best Metros for Women Entrepreneurs;” St George ranks # 1 in Metros from 75,000 to 150,000 for women seeking to start and grow a small to mid-size business. Click here for full report.

A VISION FOR THE FUTURE - NEW REGIONAL AIRPORT

St. George is currently well-served by SkyWest Airlines with daily non-stop flights to Los Angeles (2) and Salt Lake City (8) with connections to all major cities. The completion of the planned new airport will enhance even further Washington County’s aviation services.

The replacement airport is moving toward a 2010 completion. The Federal Aviation Administration-sponsored Environmental Impact Statement has been completed and construction could begin as soon as 2007. The new airport will provide safer, more convenient air travel. Jerry Atkin, CEO of SkyWest Inc., which is headquartered in St. George said, “A jet-capable airport allows us to serve destinations further away than we are capable of today.”

HIGH-TECH SMART SITES

TONAQUINT CENTER

A landing place for high-tech businesses, the business park is a designated “Utah Smart Site.” The Center provides upscale office space for a blend of high-tech development and technology-based companies including Steton Technology, Allconnect, the Washington County Board of Realtors, the Five County Association of Governments corporate office and headquarters for the Huntsman World Senior Games. Plans for the park envision 24 building sites on 66 acres with nearly 600,000 square feet of building space. All buildings will be equipped with redundant fiber optic access to the Internet with speeds of up to 45 Mbps.

Located in a worker-friendly environment, the Tonaquint Center is situated near the city trail system, parks, sports facilities and a nature center. Marketed by Stone Cliff Properties, Inc. For more information call Stan Perkins (435) 673- 8033.

WASHINGTON COUNTY BUSINESS & INDUSTRIAL PARKS

FT. PIERCE INDUSTRIAL PARK

Fort Pierce Industrial Park is St. George’s newest and most active industrial park. It is currently home to more than 50 local businesses including Deseret Labs, The Spectrum, Blue Bunny Ice Cream, Quality Excavation, Wilding Wall Beds, Bomatic, Slater Transfer and Storage and many others. Within the next several months there will be announcements by a few local companies of extensive expansion or relocation plans and also another new manufacturing plant that will be adding approximately 50 jobs to the local economy.

St. George has been discovered by many of the key site selection companies nationwide and Fort Pierce Industrial Park has played a major role in that happening. Ft. Pierce Industrial Park is serviced by Dixie Escalante Power and offers the most favorable electrical power rates in the West. The over-all package of low power rates, competitive workers’ compensation insurance, the close proximity to the new proposed airport and quick access to major highway systems leading to key population centers in the West makes it difficult for the site selection companies to ignore Fort Pierce Industrial Park.

The recent robust activity of land sales and leasing over the last two years has lowered the vacancy factor in the park to less than 2%. From the number of new building plans being approved, the park will be seeing a sizeable amount of “for lease” space becoming available. This will help satisfy the current pent-up demand for this type of space.

Ft. Pierce Industrial Park is marketed by Commerce CRG, a member of the Cushman & Wakefield Alliance. Phone: 435-673-7111

GATEWAY INDUSTRIAL PARK

The 400-acre Gateway Business Park located on I-15 and SR 9 in Hurricane is home to the 1.2 million square-foot Wal-Mart Distribution Center. The Orgill Company has a 520,000 square-foot Distribution Center to serve their western customers. Other occupants include DATS Trucking, Winkle Bottling and Mikohn Gaming.

New businesses are coming to the Gateway almost every month. Boulevard Furniture’s 28 acre, state of the art warehouse facility recently opened for operation. The Gateway is fully developed with all utilities in place. The pre-planning and zoning allows for speedy building permits.

Marketed by Winding River Realty Utah-435-703-5011

RETAIL OUTLOOK FOR THE COUNTY

With some of the highest growth rates in the nation (Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2004) and annual visitors numbering in the millions, the St. George area is developing into the primary metropolitan area for all of Southern Utah. The trade area services multiple outlying areas and goes far beyond the borders of Washington County.

Although the county’s population exceeds 140,000, the primary trade area in 2003 was estimated at 230,781 and is forecast to reach 303,346 by 2012. The trade area extends to the south and includes the Nevada communities of Glendale, Overton and Mesquite and part of the Arizona strip; northern reaches include the towns of Beaver and Fillmore; to the east, rural communities along Highway 89 including Kanab and Fredonia, Ariz., rely on St. George and Washington cities for most amenities. Washington County’s placement in the Southwest adds a large and growing component of retirees with significant assets.

Retail growth has been robust with the influx of multiple national retailers including 2 Super Wal-Mart’s, Lowe’s, Target, Home Depot, Best Buy, TJ Maxx, Costco, and Big Lots. Many others are currently in development or are evaluating the market.

According to the Utah State Tax Commission, gross taxable sales for the fourth quarter 2003 were $434 million, an 11.9 percent increase over the previous fiscal year.

Retail sales greater than Utah communities four times the size of Washington County mean visitors and residents alike have responded favorably to a greater variety of shopping options. Contributed by Kemp Griffin Commercial Real Estate 435-688-8886.

Go to Sites for more information about new developments...

RETAIL & DEVELOPMENT OUTLOOK FOR NEIGHBORING CITIES

HURRICANE CITY

McNeil Development of Idaho Falls, Idaho has purchased approximately 2,300 acres in the Hurricane area and is currently beginning the project-planning phase. With a destination resort community and approximately 300 acres of commercial being planned, there will be many exciting business opportunities available in the future. They can be contacted at 1-208-524-3341 x13

IVINS CITY

The Smart Site at Tuacahn Performing Arts Center opened to the public in May 2003. The site is a joint venture between Tuacahn High School, the Learn Key Corporation, Ivins City and the Utah Department of Community and Economic Development. The purpose of the site is to provide a venue where both students and other members of the community can learn new computer skills and upgrade existing ones. Training is done on a self-paced basis and employs LearnKey training software including independent courses on Word, Excel, Power Point, Illustrator and Page Maker among others.

For more information, call 435-652-3201

SANTA CLARA CITY

Santa Clara City is stepping ahead by turning the clock back. It is capitalizing on the unique environment of its historic main street. Already known as an oasis with cool shade, a new streetscape design will firmly capture the respite appeal that always has welcomed visitors to Santa Clara.

Recognizing the opportunity, local merchants have begun to set up shop in several historic homes along tree-lined Santa Clara Drive. Others are poised to follow. The new streetscape design (beginning implementation in fall of 2006) will further enhance the Historical District by adding brick-lined paths, more trees and flowering plants, historical markers, kiosks highlighting self-directed tours, new street lighting, park benches, designated pedestrian crossings and separate biking paths.

This ambitious project ensures that for years to come you will be able to take a break from your busy life by visiting, shopping, recreating or living in Santa Clara.

For more information about business in Santa Clara’s historical district or business opportunities in the commercial area on the city’s east end, call (435) 673-6712 or visit http://www.santaclaracityutah.com/.

St George Websites Site Map

St George Area Chamber of Commerce
97 E St George Blvd, St George, UT 84770
Phone: 435-628-1658