Letter from the Executive Director

S t a t e o f U t a h

G A R Y R . H E R B E R T Governor

G R E G B E L L Lieutenant Governor G o v e r n o r ’ s O f f i c e o f E c o n o m i c D e v e l o p m e n t

S P E N C E R P . E C C L E S Executive Director

Dear Legislator and Business Leader:

In his economic plan, Governor Gary R. Herbert reiterated his vision for our great State of Utah:

Utah will lead the nation as the best performing economy and be recognized as a premier global business destination.

The team at the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) is committed to making this vision a reality. A year ago, the Governor directed our office to focus on four objectives:

1.Strengthen and grow existing Utah businesses, both urban and rural. 2.Increase innovation, entrepreneurship and investment. 3.Increase national and international business. 4.Prioritize education to develop the workforce of the future.

In the spirit of “unprecedented partnerships,” we continue to work closely with our Board, the business community, the Legislature, state agencies, city and county officials, academia and other economic development partners on accomplishing the four objectives. I have seen many examples of how Utah’s key stakeholders work together to move the State forward and I consider it Utah’s ‘secret sauce’ for success.

Our team has redesigned this Annual Report for FY 2009 – 2010 to serve as a report and a convenient resource guide. It is a small example of how we are working to make our team more accessible.

I remain confident that innovative, entrepreneurial and hard working Utahns will continue to strengthen Utah’s economy. Utah is poised to lead and we look forward to working with you.

Thank you,

Spencer P. Eccles Executive Director

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