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UTAH ON THE MOVE


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This is Chris Redgrave for Zions Bank Speaking on Business.

Utah-based companies in the Intermountain West are growing overseas. In 2012, Utah exports exceeded 19 billion, according to World Trade Center Utah. Almost 3,000 companies are involved in exporting, and 88 percent of these are small-to medium-sized businesses, according to the International Trade Administration which also notes Utah exports growth doubles the U.S. average. In fact, Utah exports have grown consecutively for the last 10 years, one of the only states to do so.

The tech sector in Utah remains a strong economic force. Over the past year IT employment in Utah grew 7 percent. Forbes Magazine 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.

Utah's 5 percent corporate tax rate has remained unchanged for the past 15 years. The Beehive State is also one of only 7 states to maintain a AAA bond rating, and is one of only four states with a positive net worth.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has named Utah third overall for entrepreneurship and innovation. Forbes Magazine has also called Salt Lake City the best commuter city in the nation. And why not, with Utah's forward-thinking approach to transportation, which includes the newly operating Commuter Rail, running from Provo to Ogden, and the Airport Trax line, which opened in April 2013.

Utah continues to have one of the lowest unemployment totals in the nation at 4.9 percent. Utah jobs in travel and tourism-related industries are creating 124,000 jobs, supporting the 22 million tourism visits we had in 2012.

Would you like a free presentation highlighting all the positive aspects of the Utah business climate? If so, please email speakingonbusiness@zionsbank.com or call 801-844-7929. The presentation highlights the many reasons why Forbes Magazine has named the Beehive State as the Best State for Business and Careers for the last three years.

For Zions Bank, I'm Chris Redgrave, speaking on business.

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