Davis and Weber counties have joined forces with the Economic Development Corporation of Utah (EDCUtah) to announce the formation of a new regional economic development entity that will brand and promote the Northern Utah region. Chris Roybal, former president and CEO of EDCUtah, has been named executive director of the yet-to-be-named organization.
“We’re excited to launch this initiative and pleased that an experienced professional such as Chris Roybal will lead the effort,” said Davis County Commissioner Bob Stevenson. “He knows the people, process and potential of our counties.”
Roybal’s experience in developing the local economy includes a stint as former Gov. Jon Huntsman’s senior advisor for economic development. Since leaving Huntsman’s office, Roybal was president and COO of a 400-employee logistics company in Utah.
The new organization was approved by the county commissions of both counties on June 18. The commissions had previously awarded to the Economic Development Corporation of Utah a three-year contract to launch and support the new entity.
“I look forward to working with Davis and Weber county stakeholders and leveraging the resources of the state and EDCUtah to help bolster the economy in Northern Utah,” Roybal said. “The two-county region has considerable assets to help attract and retain businesses.”
“The Davis and Weber counties region is business-friendly and boasts a high-quality workforce,” said Theresa Foxley, president and CEO of EDCUtah. “We’re ready to provide the new entity with the marketing, research, community development and administrative resources needed to succeed.”