Governor Jon Huntsman addresses leading Technology and Life Science executives at Utah Technology Council roundtable event-

SALT LAKE CITY–May 3, 2007 –Governor Jon Huntsman, Jr. addressed Utah’s greatest economic milestones and the state’s continuing growth challenges in a roundtable discussion with leading Utah executives. Huntsman met with executives at a CEO Roundtable discussion hosted by the Utah Technology Council (UTC) at the law firm of Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll earlier this week in downtown SaltLake.

Together with Jason Perry, Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, Huntsman reviewed recent milestones in economic development, which has been one of his highest-stated priorities for his current term in office.

Huntsman cited recent results from the Pollina Corporation, which produces the nation’s most respected work on economic development.

“This year, Utah was ranked Number 5 in its 2007 list of Top Pro-Business States,” Huntsman noted. “We’ve never before come close to the Top Ten. Our trajectory is certainly right. We are creating a buzz in the marketplace.”

The Pollina Study, according to the www.pollina.com website, is limited to factors over which state government has control. The list reflects state leadership that truly understands the importance of producing the best job opportunities available for their constituents.

“In the future, our biggest issues will be around managing growth,” Hunstman continued. “How do we keep our communities small? How do we maintain our quality of life, and how do we keep from being overrun?”

In his remarks, Huntsman also noted the progress Utah has made in the area of income tax reform.

“In the past three years, we have moved from a tax burden of 7.3 percent to something that is substantially improved, that has put us neck and neck with the best of our neighboring states at 5 percent,” Hunstman said. “We’ve improved on some 20 points—and I am always going to be in favor of trying to incentivize innovation. We’re going to need to continue pressing the envelope.”

Huntsman cited the need to raise teachers’ salaries as one of his most pressing ongoing concerns. During the session, Huntsman also invited feedback from the assembled group of 35-plus CEOs.

In conclusion, Huntsman praised the role UTC plays in keeping him up to date on pressing issues, and encouraged executives to be very involved.

“UTC is an unbelievably powerful organization,” he said. “Of all the associations I come in contact with, this is the most powerful as far as I am concerned. You represent the industries that influence our future.”

About the Utah Technology Council

As the premier professional organization for more than 4,000 Utah 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.

Agency Contact:
Cheryl Snapp Conner
Snapp Conner PR
T) 801.994.9625
cheryl@snappconner.com

UTC:
Judy Young
T) 801.568.3500
jyoung@utahtechcouncil.org