Scott Wolford, a representative of the Utah Inland Port Authority (UIPA), took center stage today as he moderated a breakout session at the One Utah Summit. The session brought together leaders from various counties across the state to discuss the significance of project areas and their implications for Utah’s future.
The panel, composed of county commissioners and officials, placed a strong emphasis on Utah’s rural communities and their collective commitment to meaningful and sustainable economic growth. These communities play a vital role in ensuring that Utah remains unified and collaborative in its pursuit of progress.
One notable highlight came from Tammy Pearson, a county commissioner from Beaver County, who shed light on the upcoming review of the Mineral Mountain Project Area by the UIPA Board in their monthly meeting. Commissioner Pearson stressed the importance of the infrastructure investments being made in her community, expressing a vision where future generations can thrive and choose to remain in their hometowns.
“Our most precious export is our kids,” Commissioner Pearson passionately remarked during the breakout session. “We want to have infrastructure and economic stability to take care of our kids and grandkids, and we need to be the people with the foresight and grit to make that happen.”
Stan Summers, a county commissioner from Box Elder County, echoed Pearson’s sentiment, focusing on the enduring impact of current economic and infrastructure decisions on future generations. He urged attendees to consider the legacy they were building, envisioning a future where subsequent generations could look back and say, “we’re here because of them.”
A recurring theme throughout the panel discussion was the importance of unity in rural Utah. Mike Bleak, a county commissioner from Iron County, emphasized the necessity of collaboration among counties.
“In rural Utah, we’ve got to be partners; we’ve got to work together on whatever the issue is,” Commissioner Bleak declared. “If we’re divided, then we’re just going to wither. I’m so excited because I’ve seen the optimism and everything that has come along with our project. It’s up and running, and to be able to have that enthusiasm in Beaver County and Box Elder County is just a really good thing for us in rural Utah.”
Travis Kylh, another panelist, echoed Bleak’s sentiments, concluding his remarks with the powerful statement, “What’s good for one county is good for all of us.”
The One Utah Summit breakout session underscored the importance of collaboration, infrastructure investment, and foresight in fostering sustainable economic growth across Utah’s diverse counties. It served as a reminder that by working together, these communities can secure a brighter future for generations to come.
“I am immensely proud to have facilitated this enlightening breakout session at the One Utah Summit,” said Wolford. “Today, we’ve seen firsthand the passion and commitment of our county commissioners to foster unity. This session exemplifies the power of collaboration, and I’m confident that the insights shared here will resonate as a driving force behind our state’s continued growth and success.”
