The regional economic development initiative launched by Weber and Davis counties last June has a new name — the Northern Utah Economic Alliance (NUEA) — as well as a new logo, according to the organization’s president, Chris Roybal.
NUEA’s core mission is to create high-paying jobs in targeted industries to sustain long-term growth, Roybal said. NUEA will brand and promote the Northern Utah region, which represents a residential and business base of nearly 20 percent of Utah’s total population and economy. NUEA’s goals include assisting local businesses with expansion and retention initiatives, and showcasing Davis and Weber Counties to attract new businesses in aerospace, technology, outdoor products and other high-growth industries. The organization will highlight the region’s strong labor pool and commercial real estate opportunities, according to the organization.
“This joint effort between the two counties started more than two years ago,” said Weber County Commissioner Gage Froerer. “Both county commissions recognized that by working together, we can grow the Northern Utah economy more quickly and effectively than if we worked separately.”
The two counties and the Economic Development Corporation of Utah (EDCUtah) contracted with Method Communications, a Utah-based marketing and public relations firm, to conduct research and engage focus groups to develop NUEA’s name, brand and messaging platform.
“NUEA is leading out in creating a regional economic development strategy,” said Davis County Commissioner Bob Stevenson. “It’s coordinating with municipalities and businesses and providing organizational structure and resources to implement and deliver on strategy.”
NUEA was approved by the county commissions on June 18, 2019. Prior to those approvals, the commissions awarded a three-year contract to launch and support the new entity to EDCUtah.
“With our new name and branding, we are moving forward with efforts to promote the region nationally and internationally,” said Roybal. “We recently launched a direct mail campaign to more than 800 site selection consultants, and we expect to have our website up and running in a matter of weeks. These marketing milestones are important and indicative of the region’s growing momentum.”