Letter from the Executive Director

State of Utah GARY R. HERBERT Governor

GREG BELL Lieutenant Governor Governor’s Office of Economic Development

SPENCER P. ECCLES Executive Director

Dear Legislators and Economic Development Partners,

The Governor’s Office of Economic Development continues to consistently execute the Governor’s Vision: Utah will lead the nation as the best performing economy and be recognized as a premier global business destination.

These efforts have met with great success due to the Governor’s leadership and the partnership with our legislature, local leaders, public and higher education representatives, and the most important ingredient, the private sector.

As we execute on the fundamentals of economic development, Utah’s economy and our residents continue to reap the benefits of living and working in Utah. As we grow, we are keeping a good balance; our economy is strong and our quality of life is among the best in the world.

The accelerating expansion of Utah companies has increased our economic vibrancy, which has further enhanced our ability to attract more and more, innovative global businesses to Utah. We continue to receive consistently high third party ratings, earned by maintaining our focus on the fundamentals: • AAA bond rating • Well-educated and productive workforce • Low tax rates • Sensible regulatory environment • Quality of life

Just this year Governor Gary R. Herbert, oftentimes in partnership with the legislature, established the STEM Action Center program, fully reorganized the rural development program and enhanced the State’s emphasis on outdoor recreation by establishing the Outdoor Recreation Office. The new outdoor office will take a long-term strategic approach as the team partners with key stakeholders to improve outdoor business and recreational opportunities in Utah.

In the coming year GOED is committed to developing and executing: • The Governor’s vision and four key economic development objectives. • A coordinated global branding and marketing strategy in order to leverage Utah’s many accolades and positive reports. • An increase in the global mindedness of all Utah residents and continue to diversify and grow our export base. • The unprecedented partnerships forged over the previous years.

I encourage you to use this report as a resource — it is designed to help you navigate through our economic development toolbox. Also, I urge you to explore the many ways that we can partner together to foster growth and success in your areas of influence.

I know that as we work together to refine and execute our strategic plans that we will continue to be in a position of strength and Utah will continue to capitalize on the wave of opportunities moving toward our great State.

Thank you,

Spencer P. Eccles

To contact the Executive Director about GOED visit www.business.utah.gov or contact Mindy Vail, Executive Assistant to Spencer P. Eccles at mvail@utah.gov or 801-538-8769.