Lakeshore Learning, a leading name in educational materials, is set to expand its operations into Box Elder County, Utah, marking a significant step in the company’s growth and commitment to serving the educational community. This expansion is supported by a post-performance tax reduction from the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, highlighting the state’s dedication to fostering economic development and attracting businesses that align with its values, particularly in education. This strategic move not only promises to bring over 540 high-paying jobs to rural Utah but also reinforces Lakeshore Learning’s mission to provide top-quality resources, easily accessible through resources like the Lakeshore Learning Catalog, to educators and families nationwide.
Investing in Utah, Investing in Education
The incentive, part of Utah’s Rural Economic Development Tax Increment Financing (REDTIF) program, underscores the state’s commitment to strategic economic growth. Lakeshore Learning’s project involves a substantial investment of approximately $62 million in rural Utah over the next decade. Alongside the tax incentive, the company will also benefit from an Industrial Assistance Account (IAA) non-matching grant of up to $1,000,000. This grant is specifically earmarked for infrastructure and talent development, ensuring that Lakeshore Learning’s expansion is robust and well-supported.
Ryan Starks, executive director of the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, warmly welcomed Lakeshore Learning, emphasizing the company’s alignment with Utah’s core values. “We are thrilled to welcome a renowned company such as Lakeshore Learning to Utah,” Starks stated. He further noted the shared priorities focusing on education, the high value placed on teachers and schools, and the emphasis on families and their diverse needs, making Lakeshore Learning an ideal fit for Utah. This partnership is expected to positively influence the educational landscape both within Utah and beyond, enhancing access to crucial educational resources readily available through the Lakeshore Learning catalog.
Lakeshore Learning: A Legacy of Educational Excellence
Since 1954, Lakeshore Learning has been a cornerstone in the educational sector, renowned for developing and retailing high-quality learning materials and innovative furniture. Their extensive Lakeshore Learning catalog features a wide array of products designed for early childhood education programs, elementary schools, and home learning environments. What sets Lakeshore Learning apart is their commitment to designing products by teachers, for teachers, ensuring that every item effectively supports students in reaching their developmental and academic milestones.
Artin Ghazarian, chief distribution and logistics officer at Lakeshore Learning, highlighted the welcoming atmosphere of Utah and its alignment with the company’s values. “We are excited by Utah’s strong sense of community and the state’s deep-rooted tradition of supporting families, education, and businesses similar to ours,” Ghazarian commented. He expressed a sense of belonging and eagerness for Lakeshore Learning to become an active participant in the local Utah community. This expansion reflects not only business growth but also a genuine integration into a community that values education and family, principles mirrored in the comprehensive Lakeshore Learning catalog.
More Than Just Materials: Comprehensive Educational Support
Beyond the vast selection of furniture and materials available in the Lakeshore Learning catalog, the company offers a suite of services designed to bolster the educational community. These services include professional development training for teachers, expert classroom design and installation, and customized product design tailored to meet the specific needs of school districts and specialized education programs. Lakeshore Learning operates as a thriving multichannel organization, boasting a robust online presence, multiple catalogs for different educational levels, 62 retail locations, and a highly effective sales team.
Stan Summers, Box Elder County commissioner, echoed the enthusiasm for Lakeshore Learning’s arrival, emphasizing the family-friendly nature of the county and the company. “We’re excited to welcome such a wonderful family-owned company to family-friendly Box Elder County,” Summers stated, expressing gratitude for Lakeshore Learning’s choice of Box Elder County and Utah for their new location.
Scott Cuthbertson, president and CEO of EDCUtah, praised Lakeshore Learning as an exemplary partner for Utah’s economic vision. “Lakeshore Learning is an excellent example of the type of company we want to partner with to create lasting prosperity in Utah,” Cuthbertson remarked. He pointed out the dual benefit of stimulating the local economy through capital investment and contributing to the national education sector by manufacturing and distributing essential educational products, all accessible through their extensive Lakeshore Learning catalog.
Projected Economic Impact
The expansion is projected to have a significant positive economic impact over the next 10 years. Lakeshore Learning anticipates creating 540 jobs, contributing to a total of $303,577,605 in wages. This economic activity is expected to generate $18,934,522 in new state tax revenue. The REDTIF program supports this growth with a 30% new state tax credit, further incentivizing Lakeshore Learning’s investment and commitment to Utah.
| Timeline: | 10 years |
|---|---|
| Jobs: | 540 |
| Wages: | $303,577,605 |
| New state tax revenue: | $18,934,522 |
| REDTIF new state tax credit: | 30% |
Lakeshore Learning’s expansion into Utah is a testament to the company’s ongoing commitment to the education sector and Utah’s attractive business environment. Educators and parents looking for premier educational resources can explore the Lakeshore Learning catalog to discover a wealth of materials designed to inspire and support learning at every stage. This move not only strengthens Lakeshore Learning’s national presence but also significantly benefits Utah’s economy and educational community.
