From Deseret News archives:

Kanab is planning education, arts center

Published: Thursday, Aug. 23, 2007 12:17 a.m. MDT
 |  E-MAIL | PRINT | FONT + - 
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."

Story continues below
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.

Recent comments

Kanab with its natural beauty, proximity to our natural wonders-...

Milda Nordens | Aug. 30, 2007 at 6:45 p.m.

previousnext

Latest comments

Skateboarder stabbed at park

Whatever happened to curfews for kids? I'm not blaming the victim. But why do...

Obama, Biden, Reid, Pelosi, Barney the Frank, all....allllll.... all are...

TCU moves into 4th place in BCS

That is exactly what you zoobs were saying last year. Somehow, you think that...

Away in a manger

If you believe that God is the almighty then why worry about disbelievers? ...

@lesson one: I do not trust any politician of either party to tell the...

Becky Thomas: Find the cheese!

The article deals with the need to be flexible when crisis comes. The...

5A football: Darts edge PG

I just want to brag about something.....check out my prediction I posted on...

Jobless husbands help at home?

Though having the housework done is nice, it means much more to have my...

The only game that I have missed this year, due to my brother getting married...

What 3A team are we talking about? and what does that have to do with this year?

Advertisements
Advertisement