Lakeshore Learning, a well-known provider of educational materials and furniture, is broadening its reach, most recently marked by a significant expansion into Box Elder County, Utah. This strategic move is not just about geographical growth; it represents Lakeshore Learning’s ongoing commitment to supporting education and families across the nation. The expansion is underscored by a post-performance tax reduction awarded by the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, highlighting the state’s welcoming environment for educational businesses.
This expansion initiative is projected to inject considerable economic benefits into rural Utah over the next decade. Lakeshore Learning anticipates creating over 540 new, well-compensated jobs and investing approximately $62,000,000 in the region. Furthermore, the company is set to receive an Industrial Assistance Account grant, up to $1,000,000, to bolster infrastructure and talent development. Ryan Starks, executive director of the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, expressed enthusiasm about Lakeshore Learning’s arrival, noting the company’s alignment with Utah’s focus on education and family values. He anticipates a positive influence on the educational landscape within and beyond Utah.
Since its inception in 1954, Lakeshore Learning has established itself as a leader in the educational sector. They develop and retail high-quality learning resources and innovative furniture tailored for early childhood programs, elementary schools, and home learning environments. Educators are integral to their product design process, ensuring materials effectively aid students in achieving developmental and academic milestones. Artin Ghazarian, chief distribution and logistics officer at Lakeshore Learning, emphasized the sense of community and support for education in Utah as key factors in their decision to expand, expressing eagerness to integrate into the local community.
Beyond products, Lakeshore Learning offers a comprehensive suite of services to support educators. These include professional development for teachers, classroom design and setup services, and customized product solutions for school districts and specialized programs. This multi-channel organization effectively reaches its audience through a strong online presence, specialized catalogs, and a widespread network of 62 retail locations, complemented by a dedicated sales team. Box Elder County Commissioner Stan Summers welcomed Lakeshore Learning, emphasizing the family-friendly nature of the county and expressing gratitude for their choice of location. Scott Cuthbertson, president and CEO of EDCUtah, lauded Lakeshore Learning as an ideal partner for Utah, highlighting its economic contributions and commitment to manufacturing educational products that benefit communities nationwide.
Lakeshore Learning’s expansion reflects a strategic growth trajectory, enhancing its ability to serve the educational community through various channels and locations. This Utah facility joins a network of locations designed to support educators, parents, and students with top-tier resources and services. The commitment to both physical and digital accessibility ensures that Lakeshore Learning Locations, whether brick-and-mortar stores or online platforms, remain a vital resource for educational needs across the country.
