Utah State University Eastern News Release

Doug Miller will speak at the final lecture in the Utah State University Eastern Speaker Series.

The event will be at 6 p.m. March 25 in the Central Instruction Building, room 101, and is in conjunction with America250 Utah, an initiative commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States.

Miller’s presentation, “Legacy in the Balance: Utah’s Mighty 5 and the Economic Impact of National Parks,” will explore the role national parks play in shaping local and regional economies. With Utah’s “Mighty 5” attracting millions of visitors each year and generating billions of dollars in economic activity, the parks have become a driving force for tourism, job creation and business growth throughout the state.

At the same time, this success raises an important question: How do we balance economic opportunity with the original mission of the National Park System to preserve America’s most treasured landscapes for future generations?

Miller’s talk will examine how communities can benefit from the economic influence of nearby parks while maintaining the commitment to conservation and stewardship that defines them.

Miller serves as the executive director of the Southeastern Entrepreneurial Network and director of the Economic Development Center at USU Eastern, as well as a professional practice associate professor in marketing and strategy. His work focuses on strengthening rural communities across southeastern Utah by helping them leverage tourism, entrepreneurship and public lands to create sustainable economic growth.

This presentation will provide insights for students, business leaders, outdoor enthusiasts and community members interested in the future of Utah’s public lands and rural economies.

The event is free and open to the public.