Emery County Business Chamber Updates Local Businesses on Tourism Efforts

The Emery County Business Chamber Lunch and Learn on Wednesday kicked off with the recognition of a few local businesses. Utah Power Credit Union was recognized as the local business of the month. Additionally, a donation from a fundraiser conducted on March 18 was given to the Children’s Justice Center. The Garden Café was recognized for catering the lunch. The new café in Huntington is open 8 a.m.- 8 p.m. and serves healthy, tasty meals all day.

The first guest speaker at the lunch was Tina Carter from the Emery County Travel Bureau. She introduced the tourism efforts that have begun throughout the county. Emery County was chosen by the state, along with Box Elder, Kane and Daggett counties, for an effort known as rourism (rural tourism). As part of this effort, Roger Brooks of Roger Brooks International has been hired for the year to coach committees from each town through the basics of building a tourism base.

Following Carter’s remarks, Amanda Letter reported on the efforts currently under way by Castle Dale City in regards to the rourism effort. The ultimate goal is to choose and promote a brand for each city, something unique that will draw tourists to the area. She talked about how accomplishing this task will require businesses to work together and that residents will need to take pride in their city. A visitor center in Castle Dale has been mentioned as a possibility to aid in the growth of tourism. Letter also invited all to “give us your input” through an online survey. Made up of nine questions, this survey will provide the Castle Dale City committee members information to help them make informed decisions as they decide on Castle Dale’s “brand.” The survey can be accessed at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/3LR526R. All are encouraged to participate and share their opinion.

The final speaker at the lunch was Emery County Commissioner Keith Brady. Commissioner Brady explained the efforts being taken by Green River in regards to the rourism effort. Green River conducted a survey similar to that which Castle Dale is conducting. From the 120 responses they received, they have come to a general consensus that combining the appeal of activities on the Green River with activities on the desert will be their best approach. They will run this idea by Roger Brooks when he comes to visit the county in June. Commissioner Brady’s final request was addressed to business owners and community members encouraging them to “Please get involved. We’d love to have you.”