The Utah Technology Council Hosts Annual Members’ Meeting

Utah Governor Jon Huntsman, Jr. addresses members on technology’s vital role in Utah’s future economy

Salt Lake City, UT– April 10, 2006 – The Utah Technology Council (UTC) recently held its Annual Members’ Meeting with remarks by Governor Jon Huntsman, Jr., who spoke about "Technology's Pivotal Role in Utah's Future." The meeting also provided a forum to discuss successes over the last twelve months and to present a forward-looking agenda that included the USTAR economic development initiative, launch of the Fund of Funds program, and the recent merger of Utah Information Technology Association (UITA) and Utah Life Science Association (ULSA) into the newly-announced Utah Technology Council.

“Our Annual Members’ Meeting allows us to lay out an agenda for a unified organization that drives economic growth, policy development and executive networking,” said Will West, chairman of UTC and CEO of Control4. “By combining the most important technology industries, the UTC has become an even more essential driver of economic development in the region. By partnering with government and education, the UTC will play a leading role in Utah’s future.”

The Governor’s remarks focused on the current state of economic development worldwide and Utah’s growing potential to compete globally. Other key points discussed by the Governor were the importance of the USTAR initiative, an aggressive plan to strengthen Utah’s economy with high-paying jobs and keep the state vibrant in the Knowledge Age, the $100 M Utah Funds of Funds to help attract capital to Utah’s start-up sector, how Utah is quickly becoming a “safe haven” for capital, and the effectiveness of Utah’s new marketing and branding campaign.

The meeting agenda highlighted the importance of the information technology and life science industries in Utah, underscoring the value of the UITA and ULSA merger into UTC, a premier regional organization designed to support growth in Utah. In the months ahead, UTC will host a range of educational programs, industry events, and networking initiatives that reflect the new organization's mission.

“The Utah Technology Council includes industry leaders and entrepreneurs, visionaries and proven business executives that reflect the unique characteristics of our state’s IT and biotech community,” said Richard Nelson, president and CEO of UTC. “In merging two major technology associations and their strengths, we are better able to address issues that relate to the development of innovative technologies and their commercialization in business, government and educational research institutions.”

About UTC
As the premier professional organization for Utah’s more than 3,700 technology companies, the Utah Technology Council (UTC) exists to form closer relationships with industry and community leaders, develop superior management talent, sharpen professional skills and help gain access to capital. For more information on UTC, please visit www.utahtechcouncil.org.