The Park Record has shared that Deer Valley announced their plans to open for summer June on 26th, offering lift-served mountain biking, hiking and scenic chairlift rides, albeit with significant protocols in place to guard against the spread of COVID-19. The resort indicated in a press release it will take “extensive measures to comply with COVID-19 cleaning, operating procedures and guidelines” and will adhere to the safety mandates imposed by Summit County. It will also limit the number of guests allowed on the mountain at any one time, with day lift tickets being sold on a first-come, first-served basis. The resort will allow outdoor dining at three restaurants this summer — Deer Valley Grocery-Cafe, Royal Street Cafe and Silver Lake Snack Shack.
Judy and I truly enjoy living in Utah and were excited when we read Why you should bet on Utah right now, a story by Peter Reichard. As the nation struggles to recovery from the COVID-19 economic decline, Utah is poised to make a strong comeback. Any major economic crisis has a tabula rasa effect, with businesses, investors and individuals pausing to consider big changes. Some will roll out a map of the United States to seek greener pastures. Some of them will decide to place their chips on Utah. Many current Utah residents will just double down. This makes sense, because this state is among the safest of bets. Here are 10 reasons why.
1. Utah has strong social capital.
2. This remains the land of opportunity. Research from Harvard economists put the Salt Lake metro as No. 1 in the nation in terms of intergenerational upward mobility.
3. Utah is a safe port in stormy waters. Utah offers predictability, stability and a business-friendly policy environment and transparency.
4. We have a smart, young population. Not only is Utah the nation’s youngest state, it is also one of the most highly educated, per capita — providing a highly skilled workforce for businesses looking to relocate or expand. A recent Forbes analysis put Utah at No. 1 in the nation for entrepreneurs.
5. We’ve taken hits and are standing tall. Utah had the lowest proportion of unemployed as a percentage of its workforce by mid-May.
6. We’re planning smart and thinking big. At the dawn of the crisis, the state launched the Utah Leads Together effort. There was no infighting or chaos, and planners immediately recognized the need to form a baseline plan, then adjust to a rapidly changing situation.
7. We have a diversified economy. The latest analysis using the Hachman Index of economic diversity put Utah at No. 1 in the nation.
8. Small businesses (and lenders) are taking care of business. Survey data collected by the U.S. Census Bureau reveals Utah small businesses have been the least affected in the nation. As of May 16, Utah ranked No. 1 in federal Payroll Protection Program loans as a percentage of payroll.
9. We aren’t shooting ourselves in the foot. Other state governments have become engulfed in paralyzing political division and crippling financial mismanagement. Utah has managed its finances and public pensions fairly well, and has managed to get important things done.
10. The quality of life is excellent. Utah is situated in a Goldilocks location — not too cold and not too hot with low humidity. It’s one of the sunniest places in the U.S., with endless opportunities for exploration across four seasons — from National Parks to ski resorts. And there is still a comparably reasonable cost of living. Article - peter@utahfoundation.org.
rgomez@bhhsutah.com - www.realtorramoninparkcity.com
