Goode Ski Technologies will move its headquarters from Michigan to Ogden, exemplifying what Ogden Mayor Matthew Godfrey said is a growing movement by outdoor retailers to Weber County.
"This is the second major ski company to move to Ogden," Godfrey said. "They moved here to be part of the 'Ski Hub.' They think that other companies will be moving here, and there's evidence to support that."
Goode will bring 50 jobs — 25 will transfer from Michigan, 25 will be new — to Ogden, Godfrey said. The company will be looking to fill executive, administrative, marketing, research and development, warehouse, distribution and assembly jobs, he said.
Goode officials could not be reached for comment. However, on the company's Web site, www.Goode.com, founder Dave Goode wrote in a letter to customers, "I have selected Ogden, Utah, as the new home for my family and companies. Utah offers an unmatched combination of water and mountains which will aid in the development of my water-ski and snow-ski products."
According to the Web site, the company will move its personnel and equipment in early 2005.
Promoting Ogden as the "Ski Hub of North America" because of the city's proximity to Snowbasin, Powder Mountain, Ogden Hinckley Airport and Salt Lake City International Airport, Godfrey said recreation companies like Goode are also finding that relocating to Ogden makes good business sense.
"It's affordable and cost-effective," he said. "It's close to airports, rail and highways. It's a great place to do the things you love to do. For a ski company, it's perfect. We have an urban center, and within 20 minutes you can be skiing. We have two rivers. We're five minutes from trails."
For Ogden, and for Utah, the economic impact of Goode's move is "millions of dollars every year, many millions," Godfrey said.
"It's significant for the state, in terms of taxes," in addition to salaries, facilities and the other ripple effects of added jobs, he said. "Their impact will be felt."
Founded in 1975 by former U.S. Ski Team member Dave Goode, Goode Ski Technologies specializes in carbon composite ski poles, snow skis and water skis.
In June 2004, Descente North America became the first upper-tier outdoor retailer to join the "Hub," announcing its plans to relocate to Ogden.
In 1989, Descente, citing favorable
regional economic factors in the Rocky Mountain region, moved its New York offices to Englewood, Colo. In October 1996, the Canadian and U.S. Descente operations merged into one company to form Descente North America Inc. Then, in June 2004, the company unveiled its plans to move to Ogden, saying it recognized the need for the company to be closer to ski venues.
With Descente and Goode, Godfrey said the wave of recreation companies making their way to Weber County is building.
"We're talking with other ski companies, and they're showing interest," he said. "We think this will be the first of many ski companies to move here."
The city may have another announcement regarding a smaller recreation company within the next month, he said.
E-mail: jnii@desnews.com