Josh Carpenter, Director of Mountain West Partnership, discussed how infrastructure supports the industries already existing in the region. He said that the topography itself presents somewhat of a hindrance to local companies’ expansion. “There are many great businesses in the area with no place to grow into,” Carpenter said. “They either move out of the region or stay here and never grow, which is really a shame.” 

The role of Mountain West Partnership, a division of the Southwestern Division Council of Government, is to mitigate risk for local businesses’ growth as well as for new industry opportunities in the area by providing not only workforce development support, but also providing support to area infrastructure.

“We mitigate a company’s risk and reduce costs by creating sites that are ready to move into,” he said. “Clearing, grading, building retaining walls, as well as connecting water, sewer, fiber, and electricity are all key elements that proactively attract companies to do business in our region, and allow the ones already existing here to expand and reach their potential.”