management have been analyzing the land’s utility capabilities, and the consensus is that water, sewer, power, and all that is needed to ensure businesses have what they need are in good supply. As the City’s tourism efforts ramp up,Warren Unsicker, Director of Economic Development, in addition to working with the airport to develop unused land, has been actively trying to entice manufacturers, retailers, and wholesalers of outdoor equipment to establish themselves in the area. With the wide range of outdoor recreational opportunities it would be simple to add local facilities for development, manufacture and testing of all kinds of outdoor recreational equipment. We are not very far from alpine skiing and have some good-sized lakes, the San Juan River Gold Medal Trout Waters, as well as all kinds of bike trails. We also host an annual rock crawling championship event in one of our parks in the city. “We have the capability to work in some of those niche areas for attracting companies that are already part of the outdoor experience sector,” he outlines. Lewis is also quick to add that “There is also always a niche for somebody who needs access to the airfield, whether it be an air freight, aircraft overhaul, manufacturing, or repair company.” WORKFORCE NEEDS AND NAVIGATING AHEAD With all that is going on at the airport and the direct economic spinoffs that this entails, Lewis has not lost sight of the continuing need to encourage young people to develop a keen career interest in the many areas of the aviation sector. 185 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 08 FOUR CORNERS REGIONAL AIRPORT
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