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This is Chris Redgrave for Zions Bank Speaking on Business.
Utah is catching everyone's attention, and we have been for some time. We have it in spades for attracting and retaining businesses because of Utah's stability, good government, balanced budget and talented workforce.
The Wall Street Journal ranks Utah as the No. 1 Pro-Business State and labeled it as the "brightest star" on the American flag. Salt Lake City was recently named as one of the top 10 cities in the nation for economic optimism. This is based on job growth, low unemployment and a highly educated workforce. Utah continues to have one of the lowest unemployment totals in the nation.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has named the Beehive State 4th in the talent pipeline. Utah also secured the No. 1 spot on the Pollina Top 10 this year, the first state west of the Mississippi to do so. For three years running Forbes Magazine has named Utah as the Best State for business. They've also called Salt Lake City the best commuter city in the nation. And with Utah's forward thinking approach to transportation, including 70 miles of rail in the next 7 years, it's no wonder why.
Downtown Rising is a $5 billion capital city project — the largest in the United States. City Creek Center recently celebrated their first anniversary with over 16 million shopper visits in the first year. It's already grown from 95 to 109 stores and secured the No. 1 spot on the Best Malls in the Americas from International Property Awards.
The tech sector in Utah remains a strong economic force. Over the past year IT employment in Utah grew 7 percent. Forbes Magazine also listed Salt Lake City fourth in the nation for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics jobs. Utah and surrounding states are expected to lead out in the nation for hiring tech employees in 2013.
If you'd like to schedule a free presentation highlighting the positive Utah economic climate, please email speakingonbusiness@zionsbank.com or call 801-844-7929.
For Zions Bank, I'm Chris Redgrave, speaking on business.
