Kanab is planning education, arts center

Kanab's economic future could be revitalized under a long-term strategic plan geared to add value to the town's existing, unique resources, according to a group of local business leaders.

"We are combining an economic model for rural Utah with education, business development, entrepreneurship training and the cultural arts," said Christina Schultz, who chairs the executive steering committee for the Center for Education, Business and the Arts.

The committee includes representatives from Utah's Department of Workforce Services, Kanab city, Kane County, Kane Schools Foundation and other community economic development professionals.

The state Legislature appropriated $50,000 toward the effort this year, with Kanab, Kane County and Dixie State College each kicking in an additional $10,000.

So far, the funds have been spent on a business plan and architectural renderings for a multiple-use building where seminars, conferences and retreats can be offered.

"This will really change the whole scope of the region," said Schultz, who lives in Kanab and works at Dixie State College in St. George as the vice president of institutional advancement. "This concept actually came out of the master plan for Kanab."

Residents attended various open houses and replied to a survey that focused on what residents liked, disliked, needed and wanted from their town, said City Councilman Jim Sorenson.

"We had a lot of good input, and the result showed that the community was really interested in putting together a center like this," he said. "It was at the top of the list and always popped up."

The building would include the latest technology, classrooms, labs, meeting spaces, offices and a large assembly hall for regional performing groups and the visual arts.

"We'll have collaboration between the schools and really do something that's never done before," Sorenson said. "We'll have everything in one building for the prospective student. We're interested in putting together an entrepreneur, business incubator program. We'll capitalize on the visual arts and on the history of the movie industry here. It's all tied to things that have happened in and around Kanab."

Kanab's history as a popular location to film Western movies, its famous red rock vistas, archaeological treasures and recreational opportunities are well known to the tourism trade and could be capitalized on with the center, he noted.

The inspiration for the Center for Education, Business and the Arts came from Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr.'s 10-point plan to revitalize Utah's economy, Sorenson added.