DAVIS COUNTY — Brad Wilson, CEO of Destination Homes and chairman of the Davis County Economic Advisory Council, has been selected to chair the Davis County Chamber of Commerce in 2009.

Wilson is replacing the current chair, Todd Weiler, and will be recognized in his new position on Friday, Jan. 16.

“I expect great things to come of his leadership,” said John Pitt, president and CEO of the Davis Chamber of Commerce. “He knows how to manage people, projects and money.

“All of those things are leadership qualities the board looks to in him.”

Each year, the Chamber of Commerce’s 25 member board of directors selects a new Chair based on their leadership capabilities, visions and experience. In 2008, Wilson served as the Chamber’s Chair Elect and directed the establishment of four permanent executive volunteer committees to oversee governance, budget, membership and events.

Wilson, along with serving as CEO of Destination Homes in Layton, actively serves in the community helping to map a county business plan to improve the residents’ quality of life in Davis County and to attract lasting businesses.

“Our goal is to help people help themselves,” said Wilson. “I believe the chamber helps each member find vital connections and gain valuable skills to steer them through these rough economic times.

“It is a resource all can benefit from.”

sgillet@davisclipper.com

Centerville officials visit schools

CENTERVILLE — Get them young, and you won’t have to remind them again when they’re older.

That’s the philosophy behind Centerville’s current plans for school presentations as part of the “Making Life Better” campaign, a program designed by the Utah League of Cities and Towns designed to inform residents of the services and benefits provided to them by cities. However, the council also decided not to go with the campaign’s suggestion of changing the city’s motto or logo, in large part because of the financial ramifications.

“If we changed the logo and motto, we’d also have to replace everything that the logo and motto get printed on,” said Centerville City Manager Steve Thacker. “As an expense, it’s low on our priorities list.”

None of the school presentations have been organized or scheduled yet, but when they do happen the current plan is to have the mayor and council members talk to local elementary schools about the city government and what it does. Possible specific topics may also include the city’s trails and the planned South Davis Cultural Arts Center.

Developed in late 2007 by the Utah League of Cities and Towns, the “Making Life Better” campaign was created in response to surveys that suggested that most residents weren’t aware of what services are provided by city governments, or which of those services was funded by tax revenue.

Centerville was chosen as one of the test cities for the campaign, as well as one of the even smaller group of cities to have a PR person — Aaron T. Walker of The Summit Group — provided for them to help implement the campaign.

jwardell@davisclipper.com