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Hosting
Executive Director’s Message
2002 was an amazing year for the Department of Community and Economic Development. Employees from our seven divisions mobilized to host dignitaries, hundreds of corporate guests, and reporters from around the world for the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. DCED established the Utah Business Club at the Devereaux to network with business executives, facilitated the establishment of 20 Country Centers for international guests, organized a series of business receptions in cities along the Torch Relay route, and provided facilities for print and broadcast journalists at the Utah Media Center. It was an Olympic effort! Coverage of the games put Salt Lake City and Utah on a worldwide stage. Our Division of Indian Affairs helped stage an unforgettable performance highlighting the state’s Native American heritage during the Opening Ceremonies. Thousands of flag waving Americans were exposed to the Utah! Where Ideas Connect brand as the brightly colored Utah van rolled through the streets of 46 states along the Torch Relay route.
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Our efforts to leverage the games continue while the awareness of Utah remains high. Hundreds of new high-tech jobs have been created since Governor Leavitt launched his 1000-Day Economic Plan in February, including high paying positions at Smart Sites in rural Utah. The post-Olympic momentum continues in FY 2003 with the Utah! Trade Missions that take business leaders to more than 20 domestic and international cities, in addition to our ongoing advertising and marketing efforts.
We are also proud of our recent efforts to improve the state’s quality of life as we look for ways to enhance the arts, preserve Utah’s history, attract more out-of-state visitors, expand library services, provide more affordable housing and assistance to communities. Our department continues to provide taxpayers with a high level of service, even in these challenging budget times. Many people have asked us if we’re glad the Olympics are over. Our response is that we’ve never been busier as we continue our efforts to turn the rings into business links.
Dave Harmer Executive Director
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