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Show HILLTOP TIMES Davis chamber ranks Hill mission high on its agenda in TIMES I U October 11,2007 BY TOM BUSSELBERG Standard-Examiner staff tbusselberg@standard.net L AYTON — "We maintain the vitality of Hill Air Force Base as one of our top five items during the year," says Chins Dallin, chairman of the Davis Chamber of Commerce Legislative Affairs Committee. That near-the-top ranking of a long list is part of the Public Policy Agenda of the committee, which meets monthly. The base figures prominently in the Public Policy Agenda, reflecting its major role in the community. That includes action strategies that promote the development of aeronautical industries surrounding Hill AFB, programs that support and advance the base mission and promotional programs that allow educational institutions to train workers in trades needed for the base. The agenda cites a desire to continue development of the aerospace industry and federal government contracting. "As Davis County grows and develops, HAFB continues to provide high paying jobs and generates local business both through direct contracting and 'ripple effect' economic progression," the policy agenda states. "However, approximately $3 billion of contracts with HAFB are awarded to companies outside Utah. Contracts that clearly could be accomplished by local businesses often do not stay in the local area," it says. The committee's role includes seeking •federal contracts local companies can fill, seeking funding for the Davis Applied Technology College's Simmons Entrepreneurial Center to encourage "such new businesses. It also includes working with Weber State University, Management Training Corporation (that operates Clearfield Job Corps Center) and the DATC to support initiatives to develop aerospace and defense clusters. The chamber also backs efforts of the Utah Defense Alliance to promote statewide military installations, including HAFB. "Within economic development, we continue to support and encourage development of East Side development and West Side (on base-owned land) development," Dallin said. Both projects could bring thousands of new jobs to the area. "I think our intent is threefold: First, many thousands of people work at the base. That is crucial to the area's economy," Dallin said. "When you're putting together an economy, you want to make sure you complement your strengths wherever you can," he said. "Hill Air Force Base is certainly one of our strengths. We want to encourage development that supports, encourages Hill Air Force Base." Dallin said the base is a great community partner. "In another community, I think they would be happy to have Hill Air Force Base as a great community partner. We want to do whatever we can to shore that up." John Pitt, CEO of the Chamber of Commerce said the base is the largest employer in the county, even without private contractors. "Then you add on the hundreds and thousands of other businesses in Northern Utah that the base impacts directly, by the people they (HAFB) bring in who shop at the stores, buy food, etc. It's far and away the key player in the economy. "We recognize that, support the base whole-heartedly, as they support us," Pitt said. Chamber leader and former military man praises community support BY TOM BUSSELBERG Standard-Examiner staff tbusselberg@standard.net O GDEN — The chairman of the Military Affairs Committee of both the Davis and Qgden-Weber Chambers of Commerce is no stranger to Hill Air Force Base. Stephen P. "Pat" Condon was commander of the Ogden Air Logistics Center prior to retiring about a decade ago. He continues to be involved in supporting the base's mission in a variety of ways. Beyond that, he is a former national president of the Air Force Association and a member of NASA's advisory council. "He was a wonderful commander, has been an advocate for all of the Ogden-Davis County community," said Jewel Lee Kenley, a strong defender of the military mission, HAFB and a recent Wingman Award recipient. "There are clearly a number of organizations interested in promoting economic development, including the chambers of commerce," Condon said. The Utah Defense Alliance, of which he is a member, "is interested in supporting the base mission in any way it can. "One of the ways they do it is to encourage and promote those conditions that are conducive to the defense industry in this part of the state," Condon said. "There are a number of initiatives that are aimed at determining what the skills and needs are at HAFB as well as for the supporting defense industry in this area." UDA members, he said, work with the state Legislature, and some independently "to try and make sure this area is conducive to growth and development of defense-related companies in the area." "It was a great feeling to see the community stand and clap, when we went by in recognition of all military members." COL SCOTT CHAMBERS DAY From page 1 them on the spot. * "If I see someone throw a cigarette butt, or use a cellphone while driving and I don't say anything about it, I'm not sending the right message. I need to set the example," he said. His day was comprised of dealing with issues ranging from personnel administrative actions, attending a Prisoner of War/Missing in Action ceremony, occupational safety incidents, receiving an update on on-going investigations pertaining to Hill, several staff meetings and all the while he still made time to swing by one of the group's picnics for a meet and greet with the airmen. Sometimes commanders get to do some interesting things while in command. During Chambers' tour here he mentioned one of his most memorable events was participation in one of Utah's parades. "My most memorable experience at Hill Air Force Base was being given the opportunity to participate in a few parades with my family," said Chambers. "It was a great feeling to see the community stand and clap, when we went by, in recognition of all military members." The day in the life of a commander is not easy, according to Chambers, but having a great Air Force team and the support of his family makes his day easier to swallow. "I am the luckiest commander in the world," Chambers said. "I have the most understanding and supportive family possible. Without their support, I would simply fail to lead." "One of the things I've found very gratifying about Utah — observed this immediately when I was commander of ALC at Hill — this is an incredibly supportive area of the country for our military. This is a wonderfully patriotic part of the country." PAT CONDON Condon has a part-time job with LSI, Logistic Specialties Inc., a Davis County firm which works to develop contracts for companies in the area, and across the country, related to the defense industry. Condon said the military affairs committee "is more oriented toward supporting military men and women in Northern Utah. We are very supportive of all of our military as well as our Department of Defense civilian employees in this part of the state. That's where most of our focus is, rather than business or economic development. "One of the things I've found very gratifying about Utah — observed this immediately when I was commander of ALC at Hill — this is an incredibly supportive area of the country for our military. This is a wonderfully patriotic part of the country." Condon said residents love having the base here. "From a military standpoint, as a uniformed member, as I was, it was most gratifying to enjoy the support of the community. That was not unique. It continues on." believes him and he's pretty much on his own. That is, until the animals start showing up — you know From page 1 — two by two. You'd think that would have raised or family-oriented. some eyebrows, but even If you recall, Evan Baxter (Steve Carell) became a that doesn't convince the gawkers. Buffalo TV anchorman as Jim Carrey had bigger fish By now, the whole proto fry in "Bruce Almighty." cess has become a media Since then, he ran for circus, especially when Congress under the pledge he starts growing instant • that he would "change the facial hair* (like Tim Allen's world." How cute. Has he Santa Claus) and wearing seen our Congress in acthe old-timey robes. tion? He's become an embarSo now he's saying good- rassment in the halls of bye to Buffalo and moving Congress. His now seemhis family to a posh Viringly hippie attire is comginia suburb near Washplemented by a menagerie ington, D.C., to assume his of critters following him new mantle as a freshman everywhere he goes. congressman. His co-sponsoring of There, he promises a shady bill put forth by to not only work hard at powerful Congressman "making a difference," Long (John Goodman) serves as the arc of his but to be a better father to his three sons, who have growing understanding, as missed spending time with he slowly realizes something insidious is underdad. In a humble moment, he foot. asks for divine guidance I was wondering why and just like that, God (the this simple story had such always enjoyable Morgan a bloated budget (apFreeman) appears to him proaching $200 million), with a special request. He and then came the last 15 wants Evan to build an ark, minutes. You'll see what just like Noah's. He's told I mean if you give Steve that, on a specific day, a Carell's much tamer and great flood will come. calmer "Almighty" movie a chance. Well, of course, he initially dismisses this old I think you'll be pleasman as a loon, but soon antly surprised, unless you realizes that this is no joke. were hoping for bigger Unfortunately, no one else laughs. REVIEW Condon added that senior members of the Air Force who come to the base are instantly struck by how supportive the community is. "It's hard to communicate effectively how much that support means. It is incredibly helpful, not only from a morale standpoint, but from a mission accomplishment standpoint," Condon said. The base is a significant economic development driver in the community, Condon said, adding that the support goes beyond just the money. "It's a genuine feeling of support," he said. "I think it derives largely from the patriotic feel of people in this country. There are a number of individuals — either through military affairs, through the AFA (Air Force Association), or other vehicles here in place to be supportive of the military." "It's amazing those who have come into those organizations, with no military background. They see what goes on at the base, the opportunity to interact with young men and women. They come away incredibly impressed with the defenders of our country, and they want to do more," he said. <a's Best Warranty grican's Best Value! Military Discounts on all Suzuki's In Stock! 2007SaznH Grand VI Lease or 48 mo., 0% OAC Suzuki XL7 msmsf Lease or 48 mo, 0% OAC to www.mysu2ukiteam.com or see dealer for complete details. 8O1-G14-3OOO 1711 NORTH MAIN • LAYTON www.MYSU2UKITEAM.com |