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Volume 11, Issue 45, 2008-12-10
U of U Expanding in St George
College to Offer Programs for the Working Professional
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ST GEORGE - With the opening of the new Graduate Center at St. George, The University of Utah is poised to offer several graduate and professional degrees in southern Utah beginning in January 2009. This collaboration between The University of Utah's College of Education, the College of Nursing and the David Eccles School of Business will bring over 15 University of Utah degrees and certificates to the St. George area.
"We're very proud of the new graduate center and the possibilities it brings," said Chuck Wight, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs and Undergraduate Studies at The University of Utah. "We're working with ...
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Volume 10, Issue 32, 2007-10-12
U of U Graduate Nursing Programs Launch in Dixie
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ST. GEORGE — The University of Utah now offers at Dixie State College three graduate nursing programs and a Masters certificate in Gerontology. Applications are being accepted for the spring and fall 2008 classes.
Interested potential students should attend one of two upcoming information sessions to learn more about the programs and discuss questions with U of U faculty and staff. The first session will take place on Nov. 2 at 3 p.m. in the Udvar-Hazy classroom (#105) on the Dixie State College campus.
On Dec. 3, faculty and staff will be available ‘virtually’, via an online Information Session, at 3 pm in the Jennings building (110-north) o...
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Volume 10, Issue 34, 2007-10-26
U of U Graduate Nursing Programs Launch in Dixie
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ST. GEORGE —The University of Utah at Dixie State College now offers three graduate nursing programs and a Masters certificate in Gerontology in St. George.
Interested potential students should attend one of two upcoming information sessions to learn more about the programs and discuss questions with U of U faculty and staff.
The first session will take place on Nov. 2 at 3 p.m. in the Udvar-Hazy Building Room 105 on the Dixie State College campus. On Dec. 3, faculty and staff will be available ‘virtually’ via two online information sessions, at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. in the Jennings Building Room 110-North on the Dixie State College campus.
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Volume 7, Issue 12, 2004-06-28
U of U Invites Nominations for Annual Veterans' Day Commemoration Program
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The University of Utah will host its seventh annual Veterans' Day Commemoration Program on Thursday, November 11, 2004 honoring all Utah veterans who have served our country in military service. Again this year, the U is inviting members of the Utah community to submit nominations for honorees. Eleven veterans will be selected to receive an honorary medallion at a full-dress military ceremony in their honor on Veterans' Day on the University of Utah campus.
The University has deep respect for all veterans and has special compassion for the men and women currently serving in the Middle East and their families. The University also acknowledges the recent opening of the new World War II National Memorial in Washington D.C. and is aware that nearly 1500 WWII veterans are dying in this country each day. The selection committee will pay special attention to nominations from this group. However, veterans from all conflicts will be considered.
The nominee must be a Utah resident and be willing to talk about his/her wartime experience. In addition, the committee is especially looking for veterans whose stories have not been told - who have received little or no recognition by the Utah community. The selections will be made by a committee based on the information submitted on the nomination form.
Nominations and supporting materials are due July 12, 2004. The nomination form is available online at www.veteransday.utah.edu, or by calling 801-581-6773, or by sending an e-mail request to ashields@ucomm.utah.edu. Requests may also be sent by mail to the Veterans' Day Committee, 201 S Presidents Circle, Room 308, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112.
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Volume 11, Issue 42, 2008-11-12
U. of Phoenix to Hold Scholarship Workshops
Free events open to the public
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ST. GEORGE - University of Phoenix St. George Learning Center is holding a scholarship workshop at the St. George campus, 965 East 700 South.
The workshops are open to the public
According to "We hold these workshops periodically and have a good turnout," said Jonathan Noel, MBA, Enrollment Manager for the University of Phoenix St. George Learning Center. "Anyone who is interested in searching and applying for scholarships and grants is welcome to attend.
"Those who will find this workshop most beneficial would include college students, parents, current students, potential students, and...
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Volume 11, Issue 32, 2008-09-03
U.S. Consumer Spending
Quarterly growth projection thrrough 2009
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Source: Thredgold Economic Associates ...
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Volume 11, Issue 32, 2008-09-03
U.S. CPI Increase
Quarterly projection thrrough 2009
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Source: Thredgold Economic Associates ...
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Volume 12, Issue 34, 2009-11-02
U.S. Economic Growth!
By Jeff Thredgold, CSP
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The American economy returned to growth during 2009's third quarter, a welcome departure from an extended period of painful economic contraction. While the return to growth is obviously a positive development, it does not suggest that problems with housing, commercial real estate, rising unemployment and continuing job losses are behind us.
The Bureau of Economic Analysis released its "advance" estimate of GDP October 29, 2009. GDP, or Gross Domestic Product, is the most complete measure of...
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Volume 10, Issue 11, 2007-05-07
U.S. Economy Shows Sluggish Growth
President, Thredgold Economic As
By Jeff Thredgold, CSP
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U.S. economic growth recorded its slowest growth pace in four years during 2007's first quarter. Friday, April 27 saw the U.S. Commerce Department's first official estimate of economic growth (GDP), which came in at a 1.3% real (inflation adjusted) annual rate. By comparison, the financial community had expected growth closer to a 1.7% pace.
Note: updated construction data released on Monday, April 30 suggests the 1.3% growth pace could be revised closer to 1.5%-1.6%. The U.S. Commerce Department will revise the current estimate in both late May and late June.
It was no surprise that weakness in the nation's housing sector contributed to the soft ec...
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Volume 10, Issue 36, 2007-11-09
U.S. Gas Prices Average $3
Utah's 18 cents higher than month ago, but below $3 mark
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The Deseret Morning News reports Utah gas prices are 18 cents higher than one month ago, but unlike much of the rest of the nation, the average cost for regular unleaded fuel in this state is still below $3 per gallon.
AAA reported Monday that the average cost per gallon of gasoline was $2.97 in Utah. The national average was at $3 per gallon - two cents higher than Sunday's national average of $2.98, according to AAA.
Retail gas prices have been slow to catch up with soaring crude prices, which have gained nearly 39 percent since late August to a trading high of $96.24 on Thursday. Gas prices only started rising steadily in mid-October.
The natio...
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Volume 10, Issue 36, 2007-11-09
U.S. GDP Growth
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GDP annual growth by quarter....
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Volume 8, Issue 11, 2005-06-06
U.S. Supreme Court Rules Beef Checkoff Program Constitutional
Business in Agriculture
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WASHINGTON - By a vote of 6-3, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the Beef Pro-motion and Research Act of 1985, overturning lower court decisions by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit and the U.S. District Court for South Dakota, which ruled the measure unconstitutional.
As a result of this decision, the Beef Checkoff Program will continue without interruption. USDA is re-viewing this decision to determine its implications for other first amendment challenges to checkoff pro-grams.
Under the Beef Promotion and Research Act of 1985, the Cattlemen's Beef Promotion and Research Board develops budgets and awards contracts to carry out a coordinated program designed to stre...
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Volume 11, Issue 31, 2008-08-27
U.S. Unemployment Rate
Quarterly projection thrrough 2009
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Source: Thredgold Economic Associates ...
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Volume 8, Issue 9, 2005-05-09
UAF Honors Fessenden with Its Highest Honor
Business Elsewhere
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Salt Lake City - Television news isn't what it used to be - nor is television advertising. In 1963, fresh out of college, Ron Fessenden became the first on-location stand-up reporter in Utah. He was his own news writer, cameraman and film runner. In the last 45 years, he has been sports information director for the University of Utah, account manager and local and general sales manager at KTVX, retired, un-retired, and is now TV newcomer KUWB's general manager. Fessenden's leadership has firmly planted KUWB on the map with leading advertisers and smaller businesses looking for affordable yet effective ways to impact the market through broadcast television.
Utah Ad...
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Volume 12, Issue 13, 2009-04-13
UAMPS Launches Smart Energy Efficiency Program
By Lisa Davis
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Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems (UAMPS) recently announced it has launched the Smart Energy Efficiency Program. The program is open to all UAMPS members and is designed to lower energy demand and cut costs for both electric utilities and consumers.
UAMPS’ Smart Energy Efficiency Program will help members track and improve energy efficiency for their own municipalities, identify and apply for local and federal grants, utilize Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), evaluate and adopt appropriate net metering policies, and monitor SO2 emission allowances. The program will also include consumer education and incentives to...
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Volume 12, Issue 30, 2009-10-05
UAMPS Offers Energy Efficiency Programs
UAMPS Members Can Offer Their Customers More Cash Incentives for Energy Efficiency
By Lisa Davis
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UTAH! - Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems (UAMPS) is introducing two new consumer efficiency programs modeled after Rocky Mountain Power's Cool Cash and See Ya Later Refrigerator programs. These initiatives, along with Home Energy Savings, which was launched in May, are part of UAMPS' Smart Energy Efficiency Program, an effort aimed at reducing energy consumption.
Beginning immediately, UAMPS members who sign up for the new programs can offer their residential electric utility customers cash incentives, and long-term energy and cost savings for participating.
Cool Cash: Evaporative coolers use as much as 75 percent less electricity as central air conditioning. Plus, they act as air filters, trapping some dust and pollen. High efficiency central air conditioners can reduce cooling costs by as much as...
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Volume 8, Issue 14, 2005-08-22
UAR Reports 14 Percent Increase In Second Quarter Housing Sales
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Second quarter 2005 home sales in Utah were up 14 percent compared to second quarter 2004, according to the Utah Association of Realtors, and the average Utah home price increased about 13 percent.
This quarter, Utah Realtors sold 12,529 homes and condominiums, compared to the 10,959 homes sold second quarter 2004, at an average price of $194,993. The average price does not include statistics from Park City, which tend to inflate the average. Including Park City, home prices average $213,685.
“These statistics are showing that Utah has realized another strong quarter of real estate appreciation, which is continuing to allow for affordable housing in Utah and at the sa...
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Volume 8, Issue 11, 2005-06-06
UAR Reports Increase in First Quarter Housing Sales
Economic Trends
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First quarter 2005 home sales in Utah were up 23 percent compared to first quarter 2004, according to the Utah Association of Realtors (UAR), and the average Utah home price increased about 12 percent.
This quarter, Utah Realtors sold 8,765 homes and condominiums, compared to the 7,119 homes sold first quarter 2004, at an average price of $183,297. The average price does not include statistics from Park City, which tend to inflate the average. Including Park City, home prices average $206,544 up about 16 percent from last year.
“First quarter 2005 results show us that Utah's economy has turned around,” said UAR President Jaren L. Davis. “These positive numbers show the first of a healthy appreciation that I expect will continue over the next several years.”
In Salt Lake County, home sales increased nearly 18 percent compared to the number of homes sold last year at the same time. Also in Salt Lake, condominium sales increased more than 42 percent. The average home price was $189,013, which is about eight percent higher than last year. The average condominium price was $142,864, up nearly six percent from last year's average price.
Utah County reported a 15 percent increase in the number of homes sold. Condominium sales increased almost 23 percent. Home prices increased about 19 percent, and condominium prices rose nearly 15 percent.
Juab County home sales fell about 28 percent, and home prices increased nearly 60 percent to $139,900.
In Weber County, home sales increased about 14 percent. The average home price rose almost 18 percent to $141,468. Condominium sales increased nearly 20 percent. Condominiums sold for an average of $109,544, a price increase of about 18 percent.
Davis County reported an increase in home sales of 27 percent and an increase in condominium sales of 26 percent. Home prices increased about 10 percent and condominium prices increased more than 14 percent.
Home sales in Morgan County rose more than 137 percent, and the average home price increased 47 percent to $293,580.
In Park City, home sales increased nearly 54 percent and condominium sales increased 76 percent. The average price of a home was $711,000 which is about 19 percent higher than last year at this time. Condominium sales were up more than 15 percent with the average price being $462,000.
Tooele County reported a 39 percent increase in home sales, with a three percent increase in average sales price. The average price was $127,462.
In Washington County, home sales were up 17 percent, with the average price increasing almost 21 percent to $240,685. Condominium sales rose almost 18 percent, with the average price increasing about 16 percent to $143,064.
The Cache/Rich area reported a 25 percent increase in the number of homes sold, with the average price up about seven percent from last year. In the Brigham/Tremonton area, sales were up about 15 percent with the average home price at $123,279, which reflects an increase of nearly nine percent compared to first quarter 2004.
In the Carbon/Emery area, home sales were up about 25 percent with an average home price of $91,962, up eight percent. In Central Utah, home sales were the same as first quarter 2004. Prices increased 21 percent to $113,069.
The Grand/San Juan area reported a 105 percent increase in homes sales with an average home price of $159,116, up more than 34 percent when compared to last year at this time. Condominium sales were up 157 percent, and the average price increased about 11 percent to $191,255.
In Iron County, home sales increased about 35 percent, with an average price of $181,519. The area also reported a seven percent decrease in condominium sales with an average price of $112,138 up about 66 percent compared to first quarter 2004.
In the Uintah Basin area, home sales increased 27 percent, with the average home price increasing nearly ten percent to $119,815. Wasatch County saw an increase of nearly 55 percent in home sales. The average home price was $328,475, an increase of almost 61 percent from last year.
For a complete listing of first quarter statistics and reports from previous quarters, visit the UAR Web site www.utahrealtors.com. The Utah Association of Realtors is the official trade organization for real estate in Utah and represents over 11,000 Realtor members.
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Volume 12, Issue 41, 2009-12-22
UCAT Appoints Robert O. Brems as President
By Jared Haines
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SALT LAKE CITY - After reconsidering action taken in October, the Utah College of Applied Technology (UCAT) Board of Trustees appointed Robert O. Brems as president of UCAT this afternoon in a special meeting.
The board considered public input on the presidential selection and interviewed Michael J. Bouwhuis and Brems, the two finalists identified by the board’s selection committee. After more than three hours of interviewing and deliberation, the Board voted to...
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Volume 13, Issue 2, 2010-01-19
UCAT Board Meets Tuesday
By Jared Haines
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Utah College of Applied Technology Board of Trustees Executive Committee to meet Tuesday
The Executive Committee of the Utah College of Applied Technology (UCAT) Board of Trustees will hold a special meeting Tuesday, January 19, 3:30 p.m. in Salt Lake City. The agenda, location, and details are outlined below...
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Volume 13, Issue 1, 2010-01-12
UCAT Colleges Accommodate Enrollment Surge
By Jared Haines
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UTAH! - Adding to a trend from last year, students in record numbers are filling the enrollment offices, labs and classrooms of Utah’s applied technology colleges (ATCs), seeking skills to prepare them for the workforce.
“Several of our campuses have reported double-digit enrollment increases the last six months,” said Robert Brems, president of the Utah College of Applied Technology (UCAT) which governs the ATCs. “This is on top of a full year of record-breaking growth in the 2008-2009 year. They are finding even more students at their doors with the turning of the new year.” Brems and ATC campus presidents will update the UCAT Board of Trustees on growth and other issues at Wednesday’s board meeting in his president’s report.
UCAT officials attribute the...
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Volume 12, Issue 21, 2009-06-15
UCAT Trustees Meet
By Julie R. Simmons
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A UCAT Board of Trustees meeting is scheduled for Thursday June 18 at UCAT Administration, Board of Regents Building, The Gateway. The meeting begins at 10:00 am and is expected to end at 2:00 pm. For an agenda, you can also access the agenda at...
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Volume 7, Issue 21, 2004-11-22
UDAF to Distribute Powdered Milk to Utah Livestock Producers in Drought Hit Areas
Kane, Iron and Washington Amongst 10 Counties Qualify For Program
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Utah Commissioner of Agriculture and Food, Cary G. Peterson has announced that qualifying livestock owners in Utah will again be eligible for surplus USDA non-fat dry milk (NDM) in areas hardest hit by continuing drought.
“I am happy to announce that the USDA is again extending a valuable feed supplement program to ranchers suffering through another year of drought,” said Commissioner Peterson. “Many Utah ranchers are taking advantage of this program that offers needed nutrition for their herds,” he added.
Owners of the following livestock, located in the 10 qualifying counties, are eligible for the program: foundation herds of beef cattle, sheep, goats and bison. Owners of such herds are encouraged to contact their local USDA Farm Service Agency office to confirm their eligibility.
Ten of Utah's 29 counties qualify for the program. Those counties are: Beaver, Box Elder, Cache, Garfield, Iron, Kane, Rich, San Juan, Summit, and Washington.
An estimated six million pounds of non-fat dry milk will be distributed through area feed dealers who will be contacted to determine whether they wish to participate in the program. The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) will also contact qualifying livestock owners in the 10 eligible counties to alert them to the program.
The Non-fat Dry Milk made available will be based upon 75 percent of the size of foundation livestock herds of beef cattle, sheep, goats, and bison in such counties. A 30-day supply of NDM will be calculated at the rate of two pounds of NDM per eligible bovine and bison per day, and one-half pound of NDM per sheep and goat per day.
The U.S. Drought Monitor is used to determine which counties are eligible to ensure the initiative is targeted to producers in greatest need. To be eligible, counties must have been designated either “extreme” or “exceptional” drought areas during the past six months.
To date, USDA has provided almost 400 million pounds of nonfat dry milk in 10 states and 85 counties to supplement the feed for 2.3 million head of beef cattle, sheep, goats and bison.
The non-fat dry milk initiative is in addition to emergency grazing that the USDA announced June 24 on Conservation Reserve Program Acres to provide relief for farmers and ranchers in qualifying areas.
Approximately 95 counties in nine states currently meet the initial eligibility criteria for the NDM program. The states with eligible counties are: Arizona, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah and Wyoming.
The current program specifies that:
USDA will denature the NDM before shipment to the feed dealers to prevent human consumption.
This is the second year of the program in Utah. In 2003 approximately 16-million pounds of the powdered milk was distributed to about 1,300 qualifying ranchers statewide.
More information about the programs is available at the following Internet web sites: www.ag.utah.gov
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Volume 12, Issue 38, 2009-11-30
UDOT `Snow Show` Highlights Technologies
By Adan Carrillo
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SALT LAKE CITY - UDOT officials recently organized a 'Snow Show' to demonstrate critical components of their winter operations and snow removal fleet. UDOT has added new advanced technologies and proactive practices to increase efficiencies and cost saving measures during the snow removal season.
The Snow Show includes the state's first TowPlow (capable of...
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Volume 12, Issue 25, 2009-07-13
UDOT (Southwest) Weekly Construction Report
Status Report as of Thursday, July 09, 2009
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Carbon County
S.R. 10, Ridge Road to South Price
Location: S.R. 10 South end of Price
Impact: Traffic control procedures will be in place and traffic control personnel will be on hand to...
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Volume 8, Issue 6, 2005-03-28
UDOT and High Country Fuels Strike Partner in Scipio
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The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) and the owners of a new Eagles Landing convenience store in Scipio met today to celebrate the opening of a new public/private partnership that provides a safe and accessible rest area along I-15.
In the new partnership UDOT has agreed to place signs along I-15 to point motorists to a new rest area west of Scipio's Exit 188. In exchange, owners of Eagles Landing have agreed to keep restrooms open, clean, safe, and free, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The agreement saves UDOT the cost of building and maintaining a rest area, while business owners benefit from additional traffic through their facility.
On-the-road rest areas are popular, and are greatly needed by the motoring public. Rest areas increase safety on the highway by providing drowsy or weary travelers a place to stop and rest. However, since rest areas are a challenge for UDOT to own and operate, partnership agreements are being developed with private business owners to create new public/private rest areas in strategic locations throughout the state.
The new rest area in Scipio is anticipated to increase safety to motorists who would otherwise need to stop at remote locations. This rest area also improves the proximity of janitorial services, provides access to telephones, and meets all handicap accessible standards.
Mark Yardley, president of High Country Fuels, said the new Eagles Landing store sports a Dairy Queen restaurant, Chevron fueling station, restrooms, convenience store, gift shop, truck parking, and will soon have an additional parking lot with picnic tables and a pet relief area. The new store was annexed into Scipio town and is anticipated to enhance commerce in the small town along I-15. Greg Smith will manage the store and Jenny Warwood will manage the Dairy Queen.
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Volume 8, Issue 10, 2005-05-23
UDOT Extends Public Comment Period on the Southern Corridor Study
Government & Business
By Myron W. Lee
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In response to requests for more time to review the Southern Corridor Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) have extended the public comment period for the project an additional 30 days, from May 23 to June 22, 2005.
The Utah Chapter of the Sierra Club and the Utah Native Plant Society requested the extension. Both groups explained that they needed more time to review the complex information contained in the document.
The Southern Corridor is a proposed regional highway that would connect Interstate 15 south of St. George with state Route 9 in Hurricane. UDOT has been studying the project to determine how the proposed new road would impact the surrounding natural and built environments. UDOT released the Southern Corridor Final EIS for public review and comment on April 23, 2005. Federal law requires the study be available to the public for a minimum of 30 days. At the close of the public comment period, the document and any comments received are sent to the Federal Highway Administration for a decision on how to proceed with the project.
UDOT Project Manager Tamerha Maxwell said that the extension is not anticipated to greatly impact the project schedule.
“We want to make sure that the public has every opportunity to review the document and submit their comments,” said Maxwell. “We understand that this is a complex project and we want the public to feel comfortable with the Preferred Alternative. We were hoping to submit this study to FHWA for their decision this summer and we still anticipate that to be the case.”
The document is still available for review at the following locations: Dixie College Library, 225 South 700 East, St. George, UT; Washington County Library-Hurricane Branch, 36 South 300 West, Hurricane, UT; and the Washington County Library-St. George Branch, 50 S. Main Street, St. George, UT.
Comments on the document can be submitted online at www.udot.utah.gov/sc, e-mailed to Nicole.Donegan@hdrinc.com, or mailed to Nicole Donegan, HDR Engineering, 3995 South 700 East, Suite 100, Salt Lake City, UT 84107.
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Volume 12, Issue 26, 2009-07-20
UDOT Names Transportation Commissioners
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Salt Lake City - The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) announces two recently appointed commissioners to the Utah Transportation Commission. Jeffrey D. Holt and Wayne K. Barlow were appointed by the governor and sworn-in by the state legislature in June 2009. Mr. Holt will serve as a commissioner-at-large and Mr. Barlow will represent Box Elder, Cache, and Rich counties.
Mr. Holt is originally from Salt Lake City and lives with his family in Huntsville, Weber County, Utah. He graduated from the University of Utah with a bachelor's degree in Finance in 1983. He has worked as an investment banker for the past thirty years, specializing in transportation finance. Mr. Holt currently works for the Bank of...
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Volume 12, Issue 24, 2009-07-06
UDOT Opens Newest Highway
First four miles of a new four-lane divided highway running along the Utah/Arizona border opens this week
By Kevin Kitchen
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ST. GEORGE, UTAH - The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) will open the first four miles of a new four-lane divided highway running along the Utah/Arizona border Tuesday, July 7, 2009.
The four-mile stretch of highway designated as state Route 7 and also known as the Southern Parkway begins at Exit 2, Utah's southernmost interchange, extending eastward toward St. George City's River Road, which serves as the connector to the city's Fort Pierce Industrial Park.
The next phase of the highway, extending to the city's new airport is currently under construction with later phases intended to eventually circle through...
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Volume 10, Issue 5, 2007-03-26
UDOT Plans Widening of SR-11
Information meeting scheduled March 28
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KANAB - The Utah Department of Transportation plans to widen State Route 11 from Ranchos Road to the old Landfill Road in Kanab, adding a center turn lane to the route to improve mobility and safety. UDOT invites members of the community to learn more about the project at a meeting on March 28.
The widening project, set to begin this summer, will require no additional right-of-way and should only cause minor traffic impacts. Once complete, the roadway will more safely accommodate turn movements in this rapidly developing area.
UDOT will hold an informational meeting Wednesday, March 28, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the multipurpose room of the Kanab City Library, 34...
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Volume 6, Issue 21, 2003-11-24
UDOT to Add Left Turn Lane on Boulevard
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ST. GEORGE, UTAH - The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) has repainted the travel lanes of St. George Boulevard to add a second left-turn lane where eastbound traffic enters Northbound Interstate15 on November 18 and 19.
Repainting the travel lanes will double the queue length for left-turning traffic, thus reducing the congestion west of the intersection. UDOT and St. George City have worked closely on the revisions in a continuing effort to increase the efficiency of current roadways.
“We are trying to do more with what we have,” said Troy Torgersen of UDOT Region Four. “There is sufficient pavement width on the I-15 Bridge and on the northbo...
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Volume 8, Issue 7, 2005-04-11
UDOT To Suspend Use Of Howitzer Cannon In Provo Canyon
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Following an investigation into last month's incident in which an avalanche control shell missed its target, the Utah Department of Transportation today announced it will suspend use of its Howitzer Cannon in Provo Canyon for the remainder of the season.
UDOT's investigation found there was a breakdown in the procedure that is followed prior to firing avalanche control shots from the 105mm cannon.
"I'm confident that had our procedure been followed properly, this incident would not have occurred," said UDOT Deputy Director Carlos Braceras.
UDOT avalanche control workers follow a step-by-step procedure prior to firing each shot. One of the steps calls for the assistant gunner to observe the loader "prepare the round by removing the correct number of (propellant) bags" from the shell. In this case, the loader did not remove the correct number of propellant bags from the shell. Additionally, the assistant gunner was not observing the loader.
"We will continue to evaluate our avalanche control procedures to ensure safeguards are implemented that will prevent this type of incident from happening again," Braceras said.
UDOT officials are confident those safeguards will be implemented in time to resume use of the Howitzer Cannon for avalanche control work next season.
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Volume 8, Issue 10, 2005-05-23
UDOT Using Goats To Control Noxious Weeds
Government & Business
By Tom Hudachko
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Yes, UDOT is employing the services of a herd of more than 750 goats in its effort to control invasive and noxious weeds on the Legacy Nature Preserve.
While the Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement process continues for the Legacy Parkway project, UDOT officials are moving ahead with work in the 2,098-acre Legacy Nature Preserve. Part of that work requires the control of noxious weeds in the Preserve, a task that usually includes the use of chemical weed-killers. Instead, UDOT is using a herd of goats to eliminate vast quantities of these weeds.
The goats specifically target and eat the flowering portions of the invasive weeds, largely ignoring the native plants growing in the area. The animals crush about 99 percent of the seeds as they chew; as a result the seeds aren't spread through the digestive process.
The Legacy Nature Preserve is an unprecedented mitigation effort focused on enhancing, restoring and preserving the diverse wildlife habitat of the Great Salt Lake. Once the Legacy Parkway and Preserve are in place, they will serve to curtail intrusive development along the eastern shore of the Great Salt Lake.
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Volume 13, Issue 6, 2010-02-18
UEG Ballot Initiatives to be Aired
Initiative would establish a non-partisan citizen ethics commission to govern the ethical behavior of Utah legislators
By Jen Burt
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CEDAR CITY, UTAH - Southern Utah University’s Michael O. Leavitt Center will present an informational session on the Utahns for Ethical Government ballot initiative and the Fair Boundaries initiative on Tuesday, Feb. 23, at 5:30 p.m. in the Whiting Room of the Hunter Conference Center. The speakers will be Doug Hall, Iron County representative for UEG and Curtis Haring, Director of...
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Volume 7, Issue 17, 2004-09-27
UESP Kicks Off New Lower Income College Matching Program
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Recognizing that it is difficult for families who live paycheck-to-paycheck to have money to pay for their children's college education, Utah Educational Savings Plan (UESP) has established a pilot matching program for lower income Utahns. Governor Olene Walker recognized one of the families who are the recipients of this newly formed program to help kick it off and will declared September as College Savings Month.
In 2004, a four-year education at a state college or university will cost approximately $32,000, but in 20 years that same education could cost more than $80,000. As the costs of a college education continue to rise, starting a savings account early in a child's life to pay for their future education is critical.
The state of Utah offers families a safe, easy, low-cost savings option through UESP, a college savings plan offering both federal and state tax incentives and other benefits, which has been ranked as one of the best in the nation. UESP plans may be established with no start-up fee and with an investment as low as $25 per family.
To help lower income Utahns, UESP recently established a pilot matching program. The program provides a matching incentive of up to $300 a year for four years each for the first 50 children of Utah families meeting income requirements who apply, open an account, and commit to saving at least $25 per month for children who have not yet graduated from high school.
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Volume 13, Issue 1, 2010-01-12
UESP Reaches $3 Billion in Total Investments
Preparing for the Cost of Higher Education Ranks Higher in These Economic Times
By Christi Scow
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SALT LAKE CITY - The Utah Educational Savings Plan (UESP) has reached more than $3 billion in assets, showing a growing commitment by families to financially prepare for the future cost of a higher education for their child or grandchild. From January through December 2009, the total number of UESP accounts increased 12.53%.
“Families are preparing for the growing financial challenge of funding a...
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Volume 12, Issue 17, 2009-05-18
Ugly...Less Ugly
Make no mistake about it ...
By Jeff Thredgold, CSP, Thredgol
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...the loss of 539,000 net jobs in April was terrible.
However, when compared to even greater job losses in prior months, April's decline-the smallest since last October-was one more minuscule sign of impending life in the American economy.
The 539,000 decline in U.S. employment in April was slightly less than economists had projected. It was, however, the seventh worst monthly job loss of the past 50 years. Five of the six worst months for U.S. job losses were in recent months.
On another dismal note, job losses of the two prior months were revised higher (meaning worse) by 66,000 jobs. An estimated 72% of private industry sectors reported job losses in ...
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Volume 9, Issue 6, 2006-04-10
UHC Releases $30 Million for Lower Income Families Purchasing Homes
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SALT LAKE CITY, UT -- Utah Housing Corporation (UHC) announces that it is offering $30 million of mortgage funds at a low 5.87 percent interest rate (1/2 percent below market rate) to assist low- to moderate-income families purchase a home.
In addition to the 30-year fixed rate mortgage moneys, UHC can also provide to these families financing for all of the down payment and closing cost moneys needed to buy their home. It is expected that 200 lower-income families across Utah will be able to purchase a home with the assistance offered under this program.
The low interest rate under the UHC home-buying program is expected to save the typical Utah lower-income household as muc...
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Volume 7, Issue 18, 2004-10-11
ULCT Board Appoints Council Member Allen to Second Term
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St. George City Council Member Suzanne Allen was recently re-appointed to the Board of the Utah League of Cities and Towns (ULCT) as the South-Western Utah Representative. Allen was first elected to the board in 2002 and continues to carry the torch for St. George and the region on legislative issues of statewide concern.
She follows in the footsteps of former St. George Mayor, Karl Brooks and current Mayor Dan McArthur, both past presidents of ULCT. Allen is the ULCT board representative for all 36 cities and towns in Beaver, Garfield, Iron, Kane and Washington counties. She was recently appointed as a member of the ULCT tax team, which has been working closely with the governor's office and the legislature on issues concerning the current taxation and expenditure patterns for all cities and towns in the State.
Allen has also been working with Utah's Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel, the Legislature, and the Utah League of Cities and Towns to rewrite the state code governing municipal and county land-use decisions. ULCT Legislative Policy Analyst, Lincoln Shurtz said, “Suzanne is a seasoned representative for the cities and towns in South-Western Utah. We are extremely pleased to have her back on the ULCT Board for two more years. ULCT is excited to continue the long-standing and close working relationship with the City of St. George.”
Between her position on the city council and ULCT Board, Allen finds very little quiet time. As part of her responsibilities as a ULCT Board Member, Allen is frequently traveling to and from Salt Lake City. During the state legislative session she spends every Monday meeting with legislators and ULCT members and staff to discuss issues for the coming week. Allen's experience with the ULCT coupled with her seven years of dedicated service on the city council make her an asset to St. George and the Southern Utah area. Allen's current term with ULCT expires in 2006.
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Volume 7, Issue 7, 2004-04-12
ULCT Spring Conferences Offer Training for Municipal Officials and Employees
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‘Tis the season - for Utah League of Cities and Towns conferences, that is. Over 600 municipal officials will meet in St. George April 15 - 16 for the 2004 ULCT Midyear Convention where they will participate in workshops dealing with issues such as land use, housing, and water. There will also be a newly elected official's workshop that will cover topics such as employment law, ethics, financial planning, land use, and leadership.
On April 16, ULCT delegates will hear from Senator Bob Bennett on Federal Priorities, and Dr. Gary Cornia on the Governor's Tax Reform Effort. The conference-goers will also have an opportunity to meet a number the the 2004 Gubernatorial Candidates. Each Candidate has been invited to take a few minutes to address the delegates.
The Mid Year Covention is not the only ULCT conference held this month, however. Approximately 350 city, county and state public works employees and supervisors from across the state of Utah will convene in St. George Wednesday, April 28, 2004 for the Utah League of Cities and Towns City Street & County Road School Convention.
This three-day conference is designed especially for public works employees and will cover a variety of topics. Workshops will deal with such issues as crack sealing, pavement markings, gravel road maintenance, residential street traffic calming and Management. Other workshops will cover safety and employment law issues.
In addition to 42 scheduled workshops, more than 90 vendors are scheduled to attend this conference to give participants the opportunity to see state-of-the-art materials and equipment.
In conjunction with the Road School Convention, a truck “roadeo” will be held on Thursday (28th). This annual event gives participants an opportunity to sharpen their driving skills and engage in some “friendly competition” with their counterparts from around the state.
The Utah League of Cities and Towns is a nonpartisan, nonprofit association that works through cooperative efforts to strengthen the quality of government and administration in Utah's 237 cities & Towns. It represents municipal government at both the state and federal levels of government and provides information, training and technical assistance to local officials throughout the state.
For further information contact Michelle Reilly (ULCT) 328-1601 or 800-852-8528.
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Volume 13, Issue 1, 2010-01-12
UMA Adds Regional Manager
Owen Olsen Takes on role of UMA regional manager for Southern Utah
By Teresa Thomas
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ST. GEORGE, UTAH - Beginning last January Utah Manufacturers Association (UMA) initiated a plan to better deliver programs to members throughout the state by hiring a regional manager for Northern Utah. Now, the second stage of that plan has begun with the hiring of Owen Olsen of St. George to fill the new role of UMA regional manager for Southern Utah.
UMA regional managers live in...
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Volume 9, Issue 5, 2006-03-20
UMA Holds Annual Meetings in St. George
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St. George, Utah - The Utah Manufacturers Association has planned its annual spring meeting series in Southern Utah this year on March 20 & 21, 2006.
“The UMA has a commitment to the Southern Utah manufacturers to host UMA gatherings at least quarterly”, says UMA president Tom Bingham. “This is an opportunity for Southern Utah Manufacturers to gather and learn more about the Utah Manufacturers Association and receive valuable information helpful to them in their individual businesses”, he continued.
As is customary for the Southern Utah meeting series, golf is first. UMA participants tee off at noon on Monday at the Sunbrook Golf Course in St. Geo...
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Volume 12, Issue 32, 2009-10-19
UMA Publishes 2010 Manufacturer's Directory
UMA's annual survey discloses interesting manufacturing statistics for Utah
By Howard Dubin
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UTAH! - UMA's annual survey for the 2010 Utah Manufacturers Directory is now complete and here are some highlights:
There are now 4,595 manufacturers and industrial distributors in Utah. The Directory lists 263 companies for the first time and 291 out-of-business manufacturers were deleted. Reported jobs decreased 4% over the past two years, with the state currently home to 157,375 industrial jobs.
The number of websites and email addresses reported by Utah manufacturers increased 13% from 5,545 a year ago to 6,272 in the latest survey.
The number of executive contacts listed in the company profiles increased from 12,485 last year to 13,277 this year. Among the titles are 2,251 presidents, 1,463 owners and partners, 935 vice-presidents and 1,036...
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Volume 11, Issue 1, 2008-01-01
UMA Schedules Annual Membership Meeting - Jan. 28
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SALT LAKE CITY - The 2008 Annual Utah Manufacturers Association Membership Luncheon will be held at Little America Hotel, 500 S. Main, Salt Lake City, on Monday, Jan. 28, from 12:15 to 1:45 p.m.
This traditional luncheon features opportunities for UMA members to have lunch with their legislators during the legislative session, meet with other UMA members, receive reports on what has happened throughout the past year and get a glimpse of expected activities and issues for 2008.
Jason Perry, Executive Director of the Governor's Office of Economic Development, will be the featured speaker. Perry will update manufacturers and legislators on the progress of the Hunt...
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Volume 11, Issue 2, 2008-01-15
UMA Schedules Annual Membership Meeting - Jan. 28
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SALT LAKE CITY - The 2008 Annual Utah Manufacturers Association Membership Luncheon will be held at Little America Hotel, 500 S. Main, Salt Lake City, on Monday, Jan. 28, from 12:15 to 1:45 p.m.
This traditional luncheon features opportunities for UMA members to have lunch with their legislators during the legislative session, meet with other UMA members, receive reports on what has happened throughout the past year and get a glimpse of expected activities and issues for 2008.
Jason Perry, Executive Director of the Governor's Office of Economic Development, will be the featured speaker. Perry will update manufacturers and legislators on the progress of the Hunt...
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Volume 11, Issue 3, 2008-01-22
UMA Schedules Annual Membership Meeting - Jan. 28
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SALT LAKE CITY - The 2008 Annual Utah Manufacturers Association Membership Luncheon will be held at Little America Hotel, 500 S. Main, Salt Lake City, on Monday, Jan. 28, from 12:15 to 1:45 p.m.
This traditional luncheon features opportunities for UMA members to have lunch with their legislators during the legislative session, meet with other UMA members, receive reports on what has happened throughout the past year and get a glimpse of expected activities and issues for 2008.
Jason Perry, Executive Director of the Governor's Office of Economic Development, will be the featured speaker. Perry will update manufacturers and legislators on the progress of the Hunt...
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Volume 7, Issue 14, 2004-08-16
Unanswered Questions Expected To Impact Utah
By Jeff Thredgold
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Highlights
The Zions Bank Small Business Index for Utah rose to 101.6 in July 2004 versus a revised 100.3 in June 2004 Utah's unemployment rate was estimated at 4.7% in the latest month, up from the prior month's 4.6% rate. Total Utah employment is up an estimated 20,900 jobs during the past 12 months. A series of unanswered questions are slowing U.S. economic growth and job creation. Until answered, these questions will also impact Utah's small businesses. The nation's unemployment rate was 5.5% in July - - down slightly from June's 5.6% rate - - while net U.S. employment rose by a meager 32,000 jobs
Economic Anxiety
America's businessmen and businesswome...
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Volume 12, Issue 4, 2009-02-02
Understanding Gen Y
Source:
Color Country Human Resource Association
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By the time a current college student reaches the age of 38 they will have had on average of 10 to 14 jobs. They are comfortable with job changes do not expect job security.
They require the following:
Opportunities to learn and acquire new skills
Immediate feedback and rewards
Control over their time (flexible work hours, work-life balance)
Find out what motivates the 20-something population, and what their impact on the workforce is, and ...
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Volume 11, Issue 41, 2008-11-05
Understanding Today's Economy
Federal Funds Target Rate At Its Lowest in 50 Years
Jeff Thredgold
President, Thredgold Economic Associates
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As expected, the Federal Reserve's Open Market Committee (FOMC) lowered its federal funds target rate today from the 1.50% rate in place since October 8 to a new level of 1.00%. The 1.00% rate matches the level between June 2003 and June 2004...and is also the lowest in 50 years.
The federal funds rate, the overnight rate on excess funds between financial institutions on an unsecured basis, remains arguably the most important interest rate of all...and is the rate upon which all other domestic short-term interest rates are based.
The Fed noted in its accompanying statement that it stands ready to provide additional liquidit...
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Volume 9, Issue 16, 2006-12-18
Unemployment Insurance Rates Drop
Many Utah employers will see lower premiums
By the Utah Taxpayers Associatio
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In December 2003 Utah employers received notices of unemployment insurance rate increases of 300 to 400 percent from the Department of Workforce Services. The shock was felt throughout the state as employers contacted their legislators to find out what had happened and what could be done about it.
They learned that the increase was a result of state law which required the state to restore Utah Unemployment Trust Fund balances back to an actuarially sound position. The economic downturn which followed 9-11-2001 had produced unemployment claims which were depleting the fund.
Coincidentally, the state fund had received several million dollars in federal Reed Act mo...
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Volume 11, Issue 6, 2008-02-12
Unemployment Rate Grows as Job Growth Slows
But Fed rate cuts to benefit small businesses
Thredgold Economic Associates
By Jeff Thredgold, Pres.,
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Washington County payrolls expanded by 2,100 jobs (4.0 percent) in the past year, but the unemployment rate in the county was up to 2.8 percent in the latest month, from 2.5 percent one year ago.
Utah's unemployment rate was estimated at 3.2 percent in January, up sharply from the 2.8 percent rate of the two prior months. Total Utah employment is up an estimated 44,800 jobs during the past 12 months.
The U.S. economy lost an estimated 17,000 net jobs in January, sharply below expectations. The U.S. unemployment rate moved from a two-year high of 5.0 percent to 4.9 percent.
Factoring in all these data, the Zions Bank Small Business Index for Utah w...
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Volume 10, Issue 28, 2007-09-14
Unemployment Rates
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Unemployment figures for selected Utah counties. Source: Thredgold Economic Associates...
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Volume 13, Issue 5, 2010-02-10
Unemployment Rates Hurt Small Businesses
By Jeff Thredgold, CSP
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HIGHLIGHTS
- Washington County payrolls declined by 2,900 jobs (-5.9%) in the past year. The unemployment rate was 8.7% in the latest month, up from 6.1% one year ago
- The Zions Bank Small Business Index for Utah was 88.7 in January 2010, up from a revised 82.5 in December 2009
- Utah’s unemployment rate was estimated at 6.7% in the latest month, up from the 6.3% rate of the prior month. Total Utah employment fell an estimated 34,700 jobs during the past 12 months
- Utah’s small business sector has seen business conditions deteriorate since the Great Recession began in December 2007, with a sharply higher jobless rate and weaker consumer spending. Neighboring states have experienced similar business challenges
- The U.S. economy lost an estimated 20,000 net jobs in January, worse than the slight gain expected. November’s estimated job gain was revised higher, while December’s estimated loss was revised to reflect a greater job loss. The U.S. unemployment rate dropped to 9.7% in January
REGIONAL UNEMPLOYMENT HIGHER
Severe U.S. economic weakness during...
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Volume 11, Issue 7, 2008-02-19
Unemployment Trend
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Source: Utah Department of Workforce Services...
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Volume 12, Issue 4, 2009-02-02
Union Memberships Increasing ...
By Michael Patrick O'Brien, Esq.
Utah State SHRM legal director
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The Washington Post reports that the percentage of American workers in unions has increased at a statistically significant rate for the first time in twenty-five years. In 2008, 12.4% of workers belonged to unions as opposed to 12.1% in 2007. Some 16.1% of workers now belong to unions in the United States. Union organizers hope to further increase their numbers with the passage of the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA). The EFCA, now pending in Congress, would allow workers to form a union by...
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Volume 12, Issue 27, 2009-09-07
Union organization bill revamped
By Michael Patrick O'Brien, Esq.
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Democratic senators have decided to revise the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) in hopes of bolstering the chances it will be enacted. Senators will drop the provision allowing union organization by signatures on a card instead of by secret ballot. The revised bill will require shorter unionization campaigns and faster elections (i.e. within 5 or 10 days after 30% of workers sign authorization cards, instead of within 6 to 8 weeks).
Although disappointed by the changes to the bill, union leaders have said the new bill is still good for them bec...
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Volume 10, Issue 26, 2007-08-31
United Way Campaign Kicks Off
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ST. GEORGE - United Way Dixie will officially kick off their ‘2007 United Way Day of Caring’ campaign on Sept. 6 and 7.
All volunteers will register and enjoy a breakfast donated by Staheli's Catering, on Thursday and Friday at 8 a.m. at Vernon Worthen Park, located on 400 East in St. George. Volunteers from local businesses and the community partner to do projects for local non-profit agencies in our area.
This year we are in need of volunteers that have skills in laying linoleum, sub flooring, fence construction, drywall, and concrete. Please contact United Way Dixie at 674-5939 to volunteer your time, talents and/or materials....
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Volume 12, Issue 3, 2009-01-26
University Awards 600 Degrees to Graduates
Sun Microsystems Chairman Scott McNealy and Former Governor Mike Leavitt Speak at Winter Commencement
By Joan Mitchell
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SALT LAKE CITY -- Western Governors University (WGU), a nonprofit university based in Utah, recently awarded degrees to more than 600 graduates from 45 states at its winter commencement. While WGU students earn their degrees entirely on line, more than 80 graduates from 20 states assembled at Kingsbury Hall to participate in the graduation ceremonies.
Sun Microsystems Chairman and Co-founder Scott McNealy delivered the commencement address. In one of his first public appearances since returning to Utah, Michael Leavitt, departing Housing and Human Services Secretary and former Utah Governor, introduced McNealy and gave a brief...
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Volume 13, Issue 19, 2010-06-10
University of Phoenix Employee Volunteers for Art
By Brian Tenney
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ST. GEORGE, UTAH - Greg Robinson and his wife Debi vacationed in southern Utah because they loved the red rocks, wide-open spaces and especially, Zion National Park. Four years ago they made their visits permanent when they moved from Orange County, California. They now live in Ivins and share their home with their little Westie-mix dog, Rayna Rose.
Greg has a long history of volunteer work. He was a docent in Southern California at the Bowers Museum of Cultural Art in Santa Ana. He wanted to help the community in St. George and his next door neighbor Valerie Sullivan, museum receptionist, gift shop manager and exhibit installer, asked for his help with a large shipment of incoming artwork and thus began his volunteer relationship with the Art Museum.
In the three years since, he has also helped out at the Front Desk but his specialty is rigging the lighting for new shows once the art is installed. His willingness to climb up the tall ladder to adjust the lighting on the second floor is especially appreciated by the Museum staff. Greg says, “I enjoy setting the lighting for the art because it makes such a difference in how the art appears. Everyone is so appreciative and I enjoy being in the know about what’s next in the St. George art world.” He is also serving on the Board of Directors of Leadership Dixie and is a member of the Dixie Sunshiners, an ambassador group for the St. George Area Chamber of Commerce.
Greg and his wife both work for the University of Phoenix. As the Operations Supervisor, Greg assists students, staff and faculty and is involved with community outreach and networking. The University is very supportive of volunteer efforts, which makes getting involved in the community very accessible.
With all he does it’s hard to believe that Greg has...
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Volume 8, Issue 2, 2005-01-31
University of Phoenix Expands
Southern Utah Now Has Masters of Counseling Program
By Jeri Cartwright
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Enrollment reached the maximum 20 students last October when word quickly spread that University of Phoenix would bring its Master of Counseling program (MC-MHC), to St. George, beginning on January 22, 2005. A waiting list was established for future classes because of demand.
This is the first Master of Counseling degree offered in Southern Utah. In the past, residents had to commute to Salt Lake or UNLV in Nevada to obtain it. Classes will be held at the Southwest Behavioral Center.
“We are thrilled that there is now a local program,” said Sandra Harmon, specialty director of the Southwest Behavioral Center which provides mental health services to a five-county region. “The professional licensing has changed and many of our services now require a master's degree. We've had some employees quit and leave the area for three years to get the needed education.”
“Ms. Harmon can be credited for bringing the program to St. George after alerting us to the needs of the community,” said Darris Howe, MPA, vice president and director of the University of Phoenix Utah Campus. “It will provide a steady stream of qualified counselors to a rapidly growing population. “
In addition to the Southwest Behavioral Center, a number of youth corrections facilities are also nearby, further fueling demand for mental health services. University of Phoenix enrollment officials indicate that once they have enough students on the waiting list, a second course will open uppossibly by spring.
University of Phoenix is Utah's second-largest private university and America's largest private accredited university, specializing in high-quality education for working adults. There are four Utah locations: Murray (main campus), Taylorsville, Provo and Ogden - plus a learning center in St. George.
Founded in 1976, University of Phoenix currently serves 230,180 students as of November 30, 2004. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs in business, information technology, management, e-business, education, marketing, health sciences, nursing, social and behavioral science, counseling, and criminal justice. The University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association.
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Volume 10, Issue 12, 2007-05-14
University of Phoenix Expands
By Brian Tenney
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ST. GEORGE ‒ Darris Howe, Vice President and Director of the University of Phoenix Utah Campus announces an expansion of its St. George Learning Center located at 965 East 700 South. Greg Robinson, Operations Supervisor with over ten years experience with the University of Phoenix, is now using his expertise to coordinate the expansion build out.
"In growing the St. George campus, University of Phoenix is thinking ahead in becoming an integral part of the future of education in Washington County,” Robinson said.
When the St. George campus opened in September 2006, it consisted of almost 3,500 square feet, which included 3 classrooms, 2 study r...
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Volume 11, Issue 41, 2008-11-05
University of Phoenix Grants Scholarships to Utah Residents
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St. George, UT, October 30, 2008 -There are 30 scholarships available nationwide each year, and during the last round, four of the 30 were from Utah. Referred to as "Paying It Forward" scholarships, they are applied to the tuition and resources needed to complete an associate's or bachelor's degree program at University of Phoenix. The value of the scholarship will vary based on the degree program selected and transfer credits of each recipient.
"During this economic downturn, a scholarship could well be a lifeline to someone worried about the security of their job. Employers react very positively when they see their employees go back to school to improve th...
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Volume 10, Issue 8, 2007-04-16
University of Phoenix Hires New Enrollment Counselor
By Brian Tenney
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ST. GEORGE - University of Phoenix has announced that Christopher Jorgensen has been hired as an Enrollment Counselor for the St. George campus of the University of Phoenix.
Chris Jorgensen was born and raised in Thatcher, Ariz. He received his Associate of Arts degree from Eastern Arizona College and later attended Arizona State University where he received a Bachelors degree in Science and Wellness.
Jorgensen worked for Intermountain Health Care for three years. While working for IHC, Jorgensen realized that he wanted to further his education so he could do more to help others in both the healthcare and education fields.
"I chose the University ...
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Volume 12, Issue 15, 2009-04-27
University of Phoenix Honors Largest Graduating Class
Twenty-five Percent of 1,550 Diploma Earners Attended Classes Online
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St. George, April, 2009 - Utah's University of Phoenix Campus breaks a record this year. The largest-ever graduating class of 1,550 students will receive degrees in the 2009 Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 2 at the E Center in West Valley City.
The St. George Campus will see the largest number of individuals to receive degrees during these graduation exercises. The graduates are residents of the following southern Utah communities: Cedar City, Hurricane, Ivins, Nephi, Richfield, St. George, and Washington City.
Degrees Summary:
Total - 1,550 graduates
Associate's - 148 graduates
Bachelor's - 688 graduates
Master's - 714 graduates
The Top Ten Degrees...
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Volume 11, Issue 45, 2008-12-10
University of Phoenix in the Christmas Spirit
Canned Food Drive To Benefit Local Shelter
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The University of Phoenix St. George Campus is holding a canned food drive to benefit Dixie Care and Share, a local shelter. The promotion is called "Send Spencer Home for Christmas" food drive. Spencer Kohler, a University of Phoenix staff member has volunteered his cubicle to be the food storage area. The more food the campus receives the harder it will become for him to work, to the point that his cubicle is full and he has to go home for Christmas. Please help make it hard for Spencer to work and get him sent home as soon as possible. Canned items, along with requests for canned meats, veggies, and fruits, as well as ramen and mac and cheese can be dropped off at the ...
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Volume 10, Issue 26, 2007-08-31
University of Phoenix Names New Counselor
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ST. GEORGE - Jonathan Noel of the University of Phoenix St. George Campus has announced Spencer Kohler is the new Enrollment Counselor. Kohler is originally from Midway, Utah, but has lived in St. George since 1997.
He received an Associates Degree from Dixie State College in 2002 and a Bachelors Degree in Family Consumer and Human Development from Utah State University. He is currently finishing a Masters Degree in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Phoenix.
Kohler enjoys meeting new people and is looking forward to helping students discover their educational and vocational pathway through life.
"I keep an eye on the current econom...
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Volume 12, Issue 22, 2009-06-22
University of Phoenix Offers Scholarship Workshops
By Brian Tenney
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ST. GEORGE, June, 2009 —tthe University of Phoenix free Scholarship Workshops are being held on Tuesday, June 30, from 6:00-7:00pm or a second workshop from 7:00-8:00pm. These workshops are pointed at learning how to find and apply for scholarships and grants, receive tips on writing scholarship essays, and talk with representatives about transcript and transfer evaluations
The workshops will be held at the University of Ph...
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Volume 9, Issue 14, 2006-10-30
University of Phoenix Opens
New St. George campus offers degrees for working adults
By Brian Tenney
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ST. GEORGE - The University of Phoenix has opened its St. George Campus in the 700 South Building (965 East 700 South). For the last two years, the University has been holding classes in a number of interim meeting rooms.
The new University of Phoenix learning center is located just off I-15, offering easy access for the school's working students. With 3,800 square feet of space, the University can quadruple its current enrollment. Classes are available on campus, online or through a combination of online and classroom settings.
Programs offered now include bachelor's degrees in business and health, master's degrees in business and counseling, as well as general...
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Volume 10, Issue 7, 2007-04-09
University of Phoenix Promotes Noel
Named manager for St. George Campus
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ST. GEORGE - Melanie Behunin, Director of Academic Affairs, Utah Campus, University of Phoenix has announced that Jonathan Noel has been promoted to Learning Center Manager and Corporate Relations Manager for the St. George campus of the University of Phoenix.
Noel was born and raised in Salt Lake City and following a two year degree at Salt Lake Community College, he began attending the University of Phoenix. Noel enjoyed the flexibility of taking courses through the University of Phoenix while maintaining his full-time job with Zion's Bank.
After a few months of classes, Noel sought a position with the University of Phoenix in the Enrollment Department. After ...
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Volume 12, Issue 13, 2009-04-13
University of Phoenix Recycles
By Brian Tenney
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St. George - If you have a drawer full of old cell phones, an old analog TV, old computers, or even a small appliance...like a toaster, you can drop it off for free recycling at the University of Phoenix St. George Campus, located at 965 East 700 South Suite #304, during the week of April 13-17, (Monday - Friday) from...
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Volume 9, Issue 3, 2006-02-20
University of Phoenix To Open First St. George Location
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Salt Lake City, February 10, 2006- The University of Phoenix will open its first St. George learning center this spring in the 700 South Building (965 East 700 South). For the last two years, the University has been holding classes in a number of interim meeting rooms.
Washington County is one of Utah's fastest growing counties, and shows no sign of slowing in the near future, according to recent economic reports. With this growth comes an increased need for specific professional services, from business and healthcare, to education. Demand for university-level instructors to train workers in these areas is also on the rise.
The new University of Phoenix learning cente...
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Volume 11, Issue 10, 2008-03-18
University Women Schedule Fundraiser
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ST. GEORGE - The American Association of University Women will sponsor their annual Bridge Luncheon at noon Saturday, March 29th, at Grace Episcopal Church.
This fundraiser provides scholarships for local students. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased from AAUW members. Or call Becky Fellows at 656-1032 or Laurie Anderson at 627-1526 to make a reservation.
Find a partner and plan to play with them the entire event. This is a very popular fundraiser and for the last few years AAUW has hosted over 70 bridge playing participants. Enjoy a great afternoon of bridge, and support students who plan to further their education....
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Volume 10, Issue 37, 2007-11-16
University Women Schedule Holiday Events
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ST. GEORGE - The American Association of University Women membership meeting will be a Holiday Tea Luncheon at the home of Sharon Nielson on Dec. 3 at 11:30 a.m.
The speaker, DeAnne Stahli, is from the Doctors Free Clinic. The luncheon costs $15. Donations of stuffed animals or a small gift for the clinic will be appreciated.
Call Chris Wheeler at 674-9887 for reservations and directions by November 28th. Guests are welcome. For information about membership, contact Pam Layton 673-7727.
The AAUW will sponsor an Author's Luncheon & Book Sale on Saturday, Dec. 8, at 11 a.m. at the Dixie State College Gardner Center. This event is a fundraiser for "A...
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Volume 11, Issue 32, 2008-09-03
University Women Schedule Luncheon
Sept. 8 at Gardner Center
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ST. GEORGE - The American Association of University Women (AAUW) membership meeting will be held at the Dixie State College Gardner Center on Sept. 8 at 11:30 a.m.
Launie Schmutz, Director of Transportation for the Washington County School District will speak to the members and guests on "Attitude Equals 100 Percent."
Call Chris Wheeler at 435-674-9887 for reservations. The luncheon costs $16. Guests are welcome. For information about membership, contact Bobbie Sylvester at 435-656-0414. ...
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Volume 10, Issue 38, 2007-11-26
University Women Schedule Luncheon - Dec. 3
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ST. GEORGE - The American Association of University Women membership luncheon meeting will be held at Dec. 3 at 11:30 a.m. The Holiday Tea Luncheon at the home of Sharon Nielson will feature speaker DeAnne Stahli of the Doctor's Free Clinic.
Instead of a luncheon fee, donations of stuffed animals or a children's gift for the clinic waiting room will be appreciated. Call Chris Wheeler at 674-9887 for reservations and directions by November 28th. Guests are welcome. For information about membership, contact Pam Layton 673-7727.
...
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Volume 11, Issue 29, 2008-08-13
University Women Schedule Meeting
Sept. 8 at Dixie State
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ST. GEORGE - The American Association of University Women membership meeting will be held at the Dixie State College Gardner Center on Sept. 8 at 11:30 a.m.
Launie Schmutz, Director of Transportation, with the Washington County School District will speak to the members and guests about "Attitude Equals 100 Percent."
Call Chris Wheeler at 674-9887 for reservations by Tuesday, Sept. 2. The luncheon costs $16. Guests are welcome. For information about membership, contact Bobbie Sylvester at 656-0414.
...
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Volume 11, Issue 3, 2008-01-22
University Women Schedule Meeting - Feb. 4
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ST. GEORGE - The American Association of University Women membership meeting will be held at the Dixie State College Gardner Center on Monday, Feb. 4 at 11:30 am.
The speaker, Susan Wiltsey will discuss the topic "Staying Connected to Your Larger Self." Call Chris Wheeler at 674-9887 for reservations by Tuesday, Jan. 29. The luncheon costs $15. Guests are welcome. For information about membership, contact Pam Layton 673-7727....
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Volume 11, Issue 4, 2008-01-29
University Women Schedule Meeting - Feb. 4
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ST. GEORGE - The American Association of University Women membership meeting will be held at the Dixie State College Gardner Center on Monday, Feb. 4 at 11:30 am.
The speaker, Susan Wiltsey will discuss the topic "Staying Connected to Your Larger Self." Call Chris Wheeler at 674-9887 for reservations by Tuesday, Jan. 29. The luncheon costs $15. Guests are welcome. For information about membership, contact Pam Layton 673-7727....
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Volume 11, Issue 11, 2008-04-01
University Women Set Annual Meeting
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ST. GEORGE - The American Association of University Women will hold their annual business meeting, a salad potluck luncheon, April 7 at 11:30 a.m. in the home of Gloria Prahl.
Call Chris Wheeler at 674-9887 for reservations by Tuesday, April 1. The luncheon costs $15. Guests are welcome. For information about membership, contact Pam Layton 673-7727.
...
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Volume 11, Issue 6, 2008-02-12
University Women Set Meeting
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ST. GEORGE - The next American Association of University Women membership meeting will be held at the Dixie State College Gardner Center on Monday, March 3 at 11:30 a.m. Aurora Taylor-Rojas will speak about her journey toward the American dream and what others may learn from her experiences as a woman competing in a male dominated profession.
Taylor-Rojas is an electronics engineer in Salt Lake City. She is also an accomplished pianist, karate champion, rock climber, marathon runner and project manager for development of classified strategic communications assets critical to national security.
She was born in Durango, Mexico. Growing up she attended schools in...
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Volume 11, Issue 7, 2008-02-19
University Women Set Meeting - March 3
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ST. GEORGE - The American Association of University Women membership meeting will be held Monday, March 3 at the Dixie State College Gardner Center at 11:30 a.m. Aurora Taylor-Rojas, an electronics engineer, will speak to the members and guests about her journey toward the American dream and what others may learn from her experiences as a woman competing in a male dominated profession.
Call Chris Wheeler at 435-674-9887 for reservations by Tuesday, Feb. 26. The luncheon cost is $15.00. Guests are welcome. For information about membership, contact Pam Layton at 435-673-7727.
...
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Volume 10, Issue 33, 2007-10-19
University Women to Meet - Nov. 5
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ST. GEORGE - The American Association of University Women membership meeting will be Nov. 5 at the Gardner Center on the Dixie State College campus at 11:30 a.m. Lunch is $15. The speaker, Kayla Koeber, will address this topic Making Your Money Last. Call Chris Wheeler at 674-9887 for reservations by Oct. 31. Guests are welcome. For information about membership, contact Pam Layton 673-7727.
...
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Volume 10, Issue 34, 2007-10-26
University Women to Meet - Nov. 5
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ST. GEORGE - The American Association of University Women membership meeting will be Nov. 5 at the Gardner Center on the Dixie State College campus at 11:30 a.m. Lunch is $15. The speaker, Kayla Koeber, will address this topic Making Your Money Last. Call Chris Wheeler at 674-9887 for reservations by Oct. 31. Guests are welcome. For information about membership, contact Pam Layton 673-7727.
...
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Volume 10, Issue 29, 2007-09-21
University Women to Meet - Sept. 25
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ST. GEORGE - The next American Asssociation of University Women membership meeting will be Oct. 1 at the Gardner Center on the Dixie State College campus at 11:30 a.m. The speakers are from Millcreek High School - Terry Ogborn, principal, and Heidi Tasso, counselor. They will provide an overview of the school and its student body.
Please call Chris Wheeler at 674-9887 to make reservations by Sept. 25. Lunch is $15. For information about membership contact Pam Layton at 673-7727.
...
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Volume 11, Issue 35, 2008-09-24
University Women's Group Schedules Meeting
AAUW to meet Oct. 6 at DSC
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ST. GEORGE - The American Association of University Women (AAUW) membership meeting will be held at the Dixie State College Gardner Center on Oct. 6th at 11:30 a.m.
The speaker, Penelope Eicher, will share information about her humanitarian project in Peru. Call Chris Wheeler at 435-674-9887 for reservations by Tuesday, Sept. 30. The luncheon costs $16. Guests are welcome.
For information about AAUW membership, contact Bobbie Sylvester at 435-656-0414. ...
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Volume 11, Issue 2, 2008-01-15
Upcoming Business Expo Highlight's What's New
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CEDAR CITY — Businesses are encouraged to reserve space now for the "What's New in Cedar City" Business Expo, scheduled May 9 - 10 at the Southern Utah University Sharwan Smith Center. For the first time ever, expo vendors will be allowed to sell products at this event.
The expo will be open 2:30-7 p.m. on Friday, May 9 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.
Sponsorships for the event are also available. For more information contact the Cedar City Area Chamber of Commerce, 581 N. Main, at 435-586-4484....
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Volume 10, Issue 15, 2007-06-04
Upcoming Chamber Events
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Cedar City
The June Cedar City Area Chamber luncheon will be Thursday, June 7 at Rusty's Ranchhouse up Cedar Canyon at noon.
Gary Tom travels the world playing Native American music on his flute. He is an education specialist when it comes to Native American cultures and will discuss the economic impact of Native American tribes in Southern Utah, the state and the nation.
Please make your reservation for lunch at Rusty's by sending an e-mail to rsvpchamber@infowest.com today. Lunch at Rusty's is $12 and $14 without an advanced reservation.
Kanab
The next meeting of the Kanab Chamber of Commerce is on Thursday, June 7 beginning at 8 a...
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Volume 13, Issue 2, 2010-01-19
Updating the Local Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan
By Darren Janes
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ST. GEORGE, UTAH - Five County Association of Governments is embarking on an update to the regional Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan (NHMP) and local participation in this process is vitally important. Information needs from both business and individual sources are being requested. We are now providing citizens and organizations with an opportunity to prepare for and minimize the impact of natural hazards.
A Natural Hazards Questionnaire for southwest Utah has been constructed and is...
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Volume 13, Issue 11, 2010-04-15
Upillar.com moves Corporate Headquarters ...
... to Tonaquint Business Park
By Brian Tenney
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ST. GEORGE, UTAH - Upillar.com has announced the relocation of their national corporate headquarters to the Tonaquint Center Business Park in St. George, Utah. Stan Perkins, director of marketing for the Tonaquint Center said, “We are pleased to announce that another successful high tech company has selected the Tonaquint Business Park for their...
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Volume 11, Issue 7, 2008-02-19
UPS Celebrates New Cedar Store
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CEDAR CITY - The UPS Store celebrated the opening of its new location at the corner of 600 S. and Main St. with a ribbon cutting last week. This store is a full service UPS location that can take care of all shipping needs both personal and business....
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Volume 9, Issue 3, 2006-02-20
Urquhart and Awerkamp to Open New St. George Office
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St. George, UT, - John Lund, president of the law firm Snow, Christensen & Martineau announced today that southern Utah attorneys Steve Urquhart and Scott Awerkamp have become shareholders of the firm and have opened a southern Utah office for the firm.  Snow, Christensen & Martineau is an independent, Utah-based law firm with over 50 attorneys. Urquhart and Awerkamp have established practices in St. George and will continue to offer comprehensive legal services to their clients in the southern Utah region.
Urquhart and Awerkamp provide a wide range of legal services including business transactions, litigation, and estate and tax planning. Â "We're excited to have two of sou...
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Volume 7, Issue 21, 2004-11-22
Urquhart Elected Majority Whip
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Steve Urquhart (R - St. George) has been elected by his peers to serve as Majority Whip in the Utah House of Representatives. The Whip is one of four elected leaders, who help direct the work of the Republican caucus in the House.
Rep. Urquhart said, “I'm excited about the opportunity to help shape the agenda and to work with my colleagues to see that we do good work.” As they begin the January general session in newly constructed temporary quarters while the Capitol is being remodeled, both the House and the Senate will have new leadership.
Rep. Urquhart, an attorney with offices in St. George, was first elected to the House in 2000, and has served as parliamentarian, chair of the public utilities and technology committee, and chair of the waste policy task force.
“More than anything about me, this position speaks to the strength of our Southern Utah delegation,” said Urquhart. “I have 2 very strong Senators and 4 outstanding Representatives who go far out of their way to make sure I succeed. I got this position because each of them has sacrificed in some significant way for the overall good of our small team and for our corner of the state.”
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Volume 12, Issue 35, 2009-11-09
US unemployment rate hits double digits
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The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported recently that October's national jobless rate was 10.2 percent -- the highest rate since April 1983.
The rate was 9.8 percent in September, 7.6 percent in January and 4.7 percent in November 2007.
The end of 2007 has been pegged as the start of the recession.
The U.S. lost...
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Volume 10, Issue 29, 2007-09-21
USA Today Lauds Cedar Breaks Fall Colors
Web updates provide latest info on colors
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CEDAR CITY - USA TODAY has rated this area as one of the top five places in the country to see brilliant fall colors as an alternative to the crowded fall color destination of New England. A USA Today article recommended ‘the uncrowded Cedar Breaks area, for its drop dead gorgeous scenery and fire-red aspen groves off Scenic Byway 143."
To help people plan their fall visit to southwest Utah, the Cedar City -Brian Head Tourism Bureau has come up with an updated fall color report for their website www.ScenicSouthernUtah.com.
‘It's been our experience that planning the perfect southern Utah fall color trip can be a little tricky, our fabulous fall c...
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Volume 8, Issue 14, 2005-08-22
USA's Fastest Growing MSA Is ...
By Ray Rosenthal, Commerce CRG
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As noted in previous market studies, Washington County has been one of Utah's fastest growing counties for a number of years. With the 2000 census we gained the status of a Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) and we are now the fastest growing MSA in the USA.
The positive publicity received from this rapid growth and the attention we receive is dulled somewhat by the accompanying rapid increase in housing costs and fast paced absorption of available land for both residential and commercial development. We do not foresee any slowdown in activity in the near future.
Retail Overview: There has been nearly 150,000 square feet of new retail space added in the county since our ...
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Volume 11, Issue 37, 2008-10-08
USANA Schedules Third Quarter 2008 Earnings Release
Executives Discuss Earnings
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USANA Health Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:USNA) today announced that third quarter results will be released after the close of market Tuesday, October 14, 2008. USANA executives will hold a conference call to discuss this announcement with analysts and institutional investors the following morning at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time.
The call will be broadcast over the Internet and can be accessed at
The states receiving the performance award ...
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Volume 7, Issue 13, 2004-07-26
USDA Awards $750,000 Environmental Quality Incentives Program Funds to Utah
By Karl Kler
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Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman announced $12 million in Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) funds rewarding 14 states (including Utah) for their high levels of performance efficiency in implementing the EQIP program.
The $750,000 awarded to the Utah office of USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), will help more farmers and ranchers in Utah improve soil, air and water resources on private working lands, said Sylvia Gillen, NRCS state conservationist. "This award recognizes the outstanding job done by NRCS and local conservation district employees in getting recent EQIP contracts signed and then implemented in a timely manner," she said.
It was noted that the national ranking showed Utah leading all states with the least amount of time taken between contract signing and on-the-ground implementation of the conservation practices called for in the contract. "We are proud of our employees and our partners for this accomplishment," said Gillen. Gillen said another factor that led to the recognition was the vision of local workgroups in keeping the cost share amount at 50 percent federal payment, as opposed to an optional 75 percent administered in some other states.
This action has made a greater number of incentive payments available to Utah agricultural producers across the state. She also noted that this program can also help producers alleviate drought impacts through the application of conservation measures.
Other states receiving the incentive award are Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming.
EQIP was reauthorized in the 2002 Farm Bill to provide a voluntary conservation program for farmers and ranchers that promote agricultural production and environmental quality as compatible national goals. EQIP offers financial and technical help to assist eligible participants install or implement structural and management practices on eligible agricultural land
The program provides for a performance incentive to optimize the overall environmental benefits of the program. In awarding the EQIP incentive bonus, NRCS considered factors such as effectively addressing national priorities, strategic planning and program implementation, addressing state and local resource concerns, program delivery effectiveness, use of technical service providers and contracts with limited resource farmers and ranchers. Additional information on EQIP can be found at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/eqip.
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Volume 7, Issue 18, 2004-10-11
USDA Funds Water Project for Kane County Water Conservancy District
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Office has approved a $2,500,000 loan and a $1,957,400 grant for the Kane County Water Conservancy District. This funding will be used by the District for improvements to the Meadow View Heights water project.
The project consists of drilling a culinary water well and equipping it, constructing a 160,000-gallon concrete water storage tank with appurtenances and chlorination facilities, and installing a new water distribution system with fire hydrants. This subdivision was previously a small non-profit system that has agreed to merge into a single larger facility administered by the District.
Kane County Water Conservancy District Executive Director Mike Noel explained at a recent board meeting that “the new project is Phase Five of a build-out that started in 1999 and will eventually bring all of the private water systems in the Duck Creek Village area under the management of the Kane County Water Conservancy District with potentially 2000 service connections.”
Conservancy District Trustee Dirk Clayson stated that: “The build-out, all of which has been funded by low interest loans, revenue bonds, and grants, is re-energizing the Duck Creek area and has spurred interest in additional residential and commercial development on the mountain. “ Noel emphasized that the project could not have happened without RUS and our congressional delegation's support. “As the chairman of the Agricultural Appropriations Committee, Senator Robert Bennett was extremely helpful in securing the funding for this phase of the project.
Support for the grant and loan was also received from Senator Orrin G. Hatch's office and Congressman Jim Matheson's and Congressman Chris Cannon's office. In the past five years a total of $5,032,400 in grants, $7,178,000 low interest loans secured by revenue bonds and $2,855,144 in self-participation from homeowners and businesses for a total of $15,065,544 has been obtained by the conservancy district for the Duck Creek Village Water Improvement District.
Noel reported that almost $60,000,000 dollars in real estate sales were made on the mountain this past summer, so much so that the real estate inventory of lots and cabins for sale is down to it's lowest level in years. There have also been over 80 new building permits issued on the mountain in 2004 which is contributing to the overall county tax base.
Conservancy Trustees and Noel emphasized that the county commission has been very supportive of the Conservancy District efforts by providing gravel sources and construction help with the roads throughout the area. Additional work in the Meadow View Heights area will include, widening existing roads to the legal platted boundaries, adding road base, and opening up intersections to improve visibility and safety. The project will allow for year round winter use of the area which will spur continued economic development on the mountain.
John R. Cox, Rural Development State Director stated, “The Bush Administration is committed to providing funding for water, wastewater, and solid waste projects to rural communities. Our agency was pleased to provide additional financial support to this project in partnership with the District. This new project will provide year around culinary water and fire protection to the residents of this community and assist in protecting their health and safety.”
Cox continued, “These improvements will be accomplished by completing these three tasks; drilling a well that will produce the quality and quantity of water needed; constructing a tank at the maximum elevation to provide the best water pressure, and by burying the distribution system and fire hydrants deep enough to keep from freezing during the winter months.”
The funding was approved by Rural Development's Rural Utilities Program. For information about this and any Rural Development program please contact the Rural Development office nearest you. A complete listing of these offices is available on our website at www.rurdev.usda.gov/ut.
USDA Rural Development's mission is to deliver programs in a way that will support increasing economic opportunity and improve the quality of life of rural residents. Rural Development provides equity and technical assistance to finance and foster growth in homeownership, business development, and critical community and technology infrastructure. USDA Rural Development serves as the lead Federal entity for rural development needs and administers financial and technical assistance through three agencies: Rural Housing Service, Rural Business-Cooperative Service and Rural Utilities Service. Further information on USDA Rural Development can be obtained by contacting any USDA Service Center or by visiting USDA's web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/
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Volume 8, Issue 7, 2005-04-11
USDA Opens 2005 Conservation Security Program Sign-Up
1,350 Farms in Three Utah Watersheds May Be Eligible For Enrollment
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Farmers and ranchers who operate on 1,350 farms and ranches in three Utah watersheds are among those invited to participate in the first national sign up of the historic new Conservation Security Program (CSP). The sign up, administered by USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), will be available in the Little Bear-Logan, San Pitch (Manti), and Montezuma (Monticello) Watersheds from March 28 to May 27.
“CSP is a whole new direction in the history of USDA conservation programs,” said Sylvia Gillen, state conservationist for NRCS in Utah. “While conservation incentive programs and technical assistance to farmers and ranchers date back to the Dust Bowl days of the 1930s, CSP represents the first time agricultural producers are being paid not just to fix a problem but in recognition of their ongoing stewardship and to maintain and further enhance that conservation commitment.”
Nationally, CSP is being made available on private agricultural land in 220 watersheds, covering about 185 million acres, in every state and the Caribbean. The national $202 million budget will allow NRCS to offer an estimated 12,000 to 14,000 contracts to eligible farmers and ranchers.
To prepare agricultural producers for this historical new program, Gillen says, they have been holding information meetings and self-assessment workshops in the three selected Utah watersheds. “We hope most of the eligible producers interested in CSP have had a chance to attend a workshop and get a first hand explanation of the new goals and requirements associated with the program.”
The workshops explain that CSP offers three levels or tiers of participation, depending on the amount of the farm enrolled and the current level of documented conservation. Payments will be made based on this tier level as well as the producer's agreement to do additional practices to further enhance the environment. Tier I contracts (covering part of a farming operation) run for five years while Tier II and III contracts (covering all of a farming operation) can extend for 10 years.
“All successful applications will have already applied practices that protect soil and water quality,” says Gillen. “This would typically mean managing a farm or ranch using a mix of practices such as pest and nutrient management, irrigation water management, crop rotation, grazing land management and wildlife habitat improvements.” However Gillen says that CSP participants will have the opportunity to go beyond the minimum and work to further enhance soil and water, improve wildlife habitat, or conserve or produce on-farm energy.
Payments will vary depending on the land use (e.g. cropland and rangeland/pastureland), the amount of land enrolled, the tier level and the enhancements undertaken. One-time payments for new practices can also be included in a contract.
More information about each watershed, including a map and contact information, is available on the Utah NRCS Web site at http://www.ut.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/CSP/index.html
To apply, interested applicants should first do a self-assessment of their farming operation. These are available at workshops or can be obtained in hard copy or CD version from USDA Service Centers in watershed areas. Additionally, the self-assessment and other program information may be accessed at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/csp.
Once applicants have filled in required information based on their records from the past two years, they may call their local office for an appointment. NRCS conservationists will then help them complete their resource inventory, determine their level of participation and determine possible payments.
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Volume 8, Issue 6, 2005-03-28
USDA Provides $3.2 Million for Natural Disaster Recovery Efforts in Utah
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WASHINGTON, March 22, 2005‒Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns today announced that $3.2 million in Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP) funds will help restore natural resources and protect property damaged by recent flooding in Washington County, Utah.
“The Bush Administration is committed to helping communities recover from devastating natural disasters,” said Johanns. “These funds will provide technical and financial assistance to undertake emergency measures to remove threats to lives and property and restore the environment.”
Earlier this year, heavy rains caused severe flooding along the Santa Clara River in southwestern Uta...
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Volume 9, Issue 9, 2006-06-12
USDA Provides $70 Million for Farm and Ranch Land Preservation
Daniel Gunderson
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WASHINGTON, D.C.-Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns has announced the availability of more than $70 million to protect agricultural land in 50 states and Puerto Rico through the Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program (FRPP) in fiscal year 2006.
"Preserving the nation's prime agricultural farm and ranch lands helps to ensure a vibrant future for American agriculture," said Johanns. "Once protected by conservation easements, this land will be shielded from development pressure and continue to support our safe and abundant food supply."
Since the program's inception in 1996, more than 277,811 acres of farm and ranch land have been protected in 43 states. FRPP protects productiv...
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Volume 9, Issue 8, 2006-05-22
USDA Provides $70 Million to Protect Farm and Ranch Lands
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WASHINGTON, D.C. - Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns has announced the availability of more than $70 million to protect agricultural land in 50 states and Puerto Rico through the Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program (FRPP) in fiscal year 2006.
"Preserving the nation's prime agricultural farm and ranch lands helps to ensure a vibrant future for American agriculture," said Johanns. "Once protected by conservation easements, this land will be shielded from development pressure and continue to support our safe and abundant food supply."
USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is seeking proposals from state, federally recognized tribal and local governments and ...
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Volume 12, Issue 6, 2009-02-23
USDA Signs Drought Disaster Designation For Utah
By Larry Lewis
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Salt Lake City -- U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary, Thomas J. Vilsack has signed a Secretarial Disaster Designation making19 Utah counties eligible for federal relief.
The declaration is in response to damage caused by extreme weather conditions such as drought, cold temperatures, high winds, fire, and freezing temperatures that existed in 2008 in the affected counties. The 19 counties are: Beaver, Box Elder, Cache, Carbon, Emery, Garfield, Iron, Juab, Kane, Millard, Piute, San Juan, Sevier, Sanpete, Tooele, Utah, Washington, Wayne, and Weber.
The vast majority of farmers and ranchers in these counties have suffered crop and forage production losses of at least...
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Volume 7, Issue 17, 2004-09-27
USDA To Fund Conservation Technologies
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Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman announced the selection of one project in Utah that will receive $369,000 for innovative technologies and approaches to cost effective and reliable anaerobic digestion for animal feeding operations. Research funds will go to Utah State University in Logan.
The grant is part of nearly $14,250,000 in grants that will fund the development and adoption of innovative technologies and approaches through pilot projects and conservation field trials, nationwide. Including the cost sharing from nonfederal partners, the total cost of the projects is more than $63 million.
“These grants provide opportunities for public-private partnerships to accelerate technology transfer and implement promising technologies and approaches that will help farmers and ranchers protect the environment and comply with federal, state and local regulations,” Veneman said.
Research has provided much information about converting manure into an energy source, with several different types of anaerobic digesters evolving for on-farm use; however, there has been a significant abandonment rate of these types of digesters. The purpose of this project is to further develop and demonstrate an economically-viable way to treat manure on a Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO), in order to reduce odor, kill pathogens, avoid soil or water pollution, and produce energy by using innovative anaerobic induced blanket reactor (IBR) technology.
“We are pleased to partner with researchers at Utah State University, who are leading the way in efforts to bring technology, conservation and effective farming practices together,” said Sylvia Gillen, Natural Resources Conservation Service State Conservationist. “This funding will help determine more cost-effective and reliable systems for converting livestock manure into a source of energy‒an issue that is gaining greater public support these days,” she added.
USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service administers the grants as part of the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Nationally, nearly 150 project proposals were submitted from eligible governmental and nongovernmental organizations and individuals for single or multi-year projects involving producers who qualify for EQIP. Selected projects address issues such as agricultural air emissions, water quality improvement, water management, livestock nutrient management and market-based approaches to conservation.
Grant recipients include 13 universities, 10 nongovernmental organizations, eight agribusinesses, four state governments, two resource conservation and development councils, two conservation districts and two individuals. Selected proposals receive grants for up to 50 percent of the total project cost and must provide nonfederal matching funds for at least 50 percent of the project cost. The federal contribution may not exceed $1 million for a single project. Information on Conservation Innovation Grants can be found at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/cig.
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Volume 8, Issue 12, 2005-06-20
USDA, USU Team Up To Produce Multi-Media History of American Ag
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INDIANAPOLIS ‒ Under Secretary of Agriculture Joseph J. Jen announced recently, in collaboration with Utah State University Extension, the release of “Growing a Nation: the Story of American Agriculture,” a CD-ROM for American history teachers. The announcement was made at the Agriculture in the Classroom National Conference in Indianapolis.
The interactive multimedia CD-ROM utilizes innovative technology that links to online teacher resources and complements existing American history textbooks and high school history curricula, said Debra Spielmaker, project director and associate Extension professor at USU.
Spielmaker said the program was carefully designed to support national standards for teaching American history. Educators can use the program to teach about agricultural innovations, research and inventions that have positively changed and influenced the lives of all Americans, their culture, economy and quality of life.
The project began when Joseph J. Jen, under secretary for research, education and economics for the USDA, saw a program on the history of Utah agriculture that Spielmaker collaborated on in 2002. Jen asked Spielmaker if the same type of program could be used to tell the story of American agriculture.
The result: the “Growing a Nation” project was conceived and now, 18 months later, is ready for classroom use.
“We thought we could go to USDA and just access print-based agricultural histories to give us a start on the project,” Spielmaker said. “But we found there were really no compiled resources. We realized we would have to start digging through hundreds of resources to get what we needed.”
The complex undertaking involved writing an original history of American agriculture, then illustrating it with hundreds of pictures from collections at the National Agricultural Library, the National Archives, Library of Congress and a multitude of other government agencies.
“We even bought old, out-of-print books on agriculture from eBay to find the pictures we needed,” Spielmaker said.
In order to make sure the immense project utilized the latest educational technologies, Spielmaker subcontracted the instructional design and multi-media development for the CD-ROM to LetterPress Software, an award-winning educational software company and technology partner located on Utah State University's Innovation Campus.
LetterPress developers built the program using an innovative, technology-based teaching template it had previously used to create a series of American history programs called “Exploring America.”
“This design for teaching history allows teachers to engage their students, through the use of essential historical questions, in exploring and discussing how agriculture has influenced important historical events,” said Mark Lacy, senior vice president of new product development at LetterPress Software. “As teachers present the program, they and their students gain enduring understandings of how agriculture has shaped our nation's history.”
The “Growing a Nation” project has the potential to reach up to five million students each year, said Spielmaker. Although the historical information is designed to coincide with 8th and 11th grade history curricula, one of Jen's goals for the project was to inform the general public about how Americans live differently, and how agriculture has made a tremendous contribution to the quality of American life.
Users can learn the history of America through the CD program. It is taught through agriculture, and since agriculture has a relationship to nearly everything, users will also learn the history of the United States, Spielmaker said. The USDA hopes the CD might eventually end up in the Smithsonian as a history-teaching resource, she concluded.
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Volume 13, Issue 13, 2010-04-29
Use Caution When Trimming Business Costs ...
Consider that not every activity involved in operating your business requires YOUR expertise
By Byron Theurer
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In a small business, unfortunately, you can’t do everything yourself and still plan to grow. If you’re not in a position to hire employees to share the work, chances are that sooner or later you’ll consider outsourcing.
Companies of all...
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Volume 9, Issue 16, 2006-12-18
Use This Time to Set Up 2007 Right!
Better Attitudes in the Workplace
By Matt Eschler, LMFT
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Live your life on purpose!
               - Matt Eschler
How many of you have heard someone say, “I don't set New Years resolutions any more because they never get accomplished!” Maybe you have even felt or exclaimed this same sentiment.
Think about these statements for a minute, “The goals never get accomplished,” or “I always fail at resolutions anyway.” These statements and many others are common themes endured by those that give up on the future planning and goal setting.
The problem is these statements treat goals and resolutions like third party e...
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Volume 12, Issue 8, 2009-03-09
USF Artistic Director to Lead New York Theatre Company
By Amanda Caraway
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Cedar City, UT-The Utah Shakespearean Festival is pleased to announce that J.R. Sullivan, Festival associate artistic director, has been named as the new artistic director of The Pearl Theatre Company in New York City. Sullivan has been with the Festival for almost ten years, and this appointment signals a new step in Sullivan's artistic career.
"My new role at The Pearl will give me a great opportunity to spend more time in New York City and to be a part of that vibrant theatre scene," said Sullivan. "One of the best things about this position is that I will have the freedom to work as a freelance director at the other...
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Volume 11, Issue 22, 2008-06-25
USF Celebrates Opening Night
100,000-plus projected to attend this season
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CEDAR CITY - Opening night Thursday at the 47th Utah Shakespearean Festival marked the start of this city's busiest tourist season, with tens of thousands of visitors projected to descend on this southwest Utah community over the next few months to enjoy Tony Award-winning theater.
Featured in the Adams Shakespearean Theatre this season will be The Two Gentlemen of Verona and Othello, as well as Edmond Rostand's Cyrano de Bergerac. The Randall L. Jones Theatre 2008 summer plays will be ...
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Volume 12, Issue 34, 2009-11-02
USF Delivers Food to Care and Share
By Amanda Caraway
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CEDAR CITY, UTAH - The Utah Shakespearean Festival has taken action to help families in need this holiday season. On October 22 the Festival delivered 2,176 pounds of food to the Iron County Care and Share. Volunteers from the Festival and the Care and Share loaded the food from the Festival truck into the Care and Share facility.
"It was exciting to participate in the food delivery this year," said Benjamin Tyrrel, Festival communications assistant. "It is wonderful to see the community become so involved in helping those in need. Every little bit helps, and I am glad that we are able to...
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Volume 10, Issue 19, 2007-07-03
USF Delivers Major Economic Impact
135,000 projected to attend this season
By Ken Perkins
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CEDAR CITY — Opening night at the Utah Shakespearean Festival last month marked the official start of Cedar City's busiest tourist season, with tens of thousands of visitors projected to descend on this southwest Utah community over the next few months to enjoy Tony Award-winning theater.
Patrons come from around the country and around Utah, bringing with them tourist dollars that are pumped into the local economy to multiply as they recirculate, and, of course, to be taxed by state and local government.
Just exactly how much money the festival brings into the Cedar City economy, first-year USF marketing director Kami Terry can't say. But she does have som...
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Volume 11, Issue 42, 2008-11-12
USF Helps Feed Families in Need
Donates more than one ton of food to Care & Share
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CEDAR CITY - The Utah Shakespearean Festival has taken action to help families in need this holiday season. On November 3, the Festival delivered 2,645 pounds of food to the Iron County Care and Share. Volunteers from the Festival and the Care and Share loaded the food from the Festival truck into the Care and Share facility.
"Every little bit helps," said Care and Share's executive director Bill Woods. "That's why the Festival's help is so important for us. Combine every little bit and it makes a big difference."
The food was gathered from southern Utah residents throughout the 2008 fall season as part of the...
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Volume 13, Issue 4, 2010-02-02
USF Musical Goes to London
“Lend Me a Tenor: The Musical” Slated for London Opening
By Amanda Caraway
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CEDAR CITY, UTAH - “Lend Me a Tenor: The Musical,” which premiered at the Utah Shakespearean Festival in 2007, is ready to take London by storm. The musical will have a private industry presentation and workshop in March of 2010. A full-scale production is slated for a West End run in fall of 2010.
"The Utah Shakespearean Festival is very excited about the success of...
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Volume 12, Issue 30, 2009-10-05
USF Organizes Food Drive
Local festival goers donating five items of nonperishable food get half priced tickets
By Amanda Caraway
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CEDAR CITY, UTAH - The Utah Shakespearean Festival is helping to feed less-fortunate families this holiday season with a food drive for the Iron County Care and Share. Local residents can get half-price tickets to any Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday performance throughout the fall season by donating five items of nonperishable food per ticket. This is the sixth annual food drive hosted by the Festival during the fall season.
"The Festival's annual food drive allows local residents to have a fun, affordable evening out while supporting the arts and helping families in need," said Kami Terry, Festival marketing director. "It is a win/win situation."
In the fall of 2008, the Utah Shakespearean Festival donated more than...
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Volume 13, Issue 2, 2010-01-19
USF Receives $3M from Eccles Foundation
By Amanda Caraway
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CEDAR CITY, UTAH - The Utah Shakespearean Festival is one step closer to reaching Founder Fred C. Adams’ dream of building a Shakespeare center in Cedar City, Utah.
On Thursday, January 14 Southern Utah University President Michael T. Benson announced a $3 million grant to the Festival from the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation, earmarked as the “lead gift” for the campaign to construct a new Shakespearean Theatre.
“This is the largest single...
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Volume 12, Issue 3, 2009-01-26
USF Tightens Belt
Festival Takes Steps To Ensure Artistic and Financial Security
By Amanda Caraway
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Cedar City, UT-With many theatre companies across the country closing because of the recent economic downturn, the Utah Shakespearean Festival is tightening its belt and making adjustments and cutbacks to its 2009 season to ensure its continued artistic and financial solvency.
"As we look ahead to the coming year and predictions of a furthering recession," said R. Scott Phillips, Festival executive director, "we want to be pro-active and guarantee that the Festival continues for at least another half-century." "Thus, we have taken a fine scalpel and carefully sliced away costs in ways that will not hurt our artistic product or the...
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Volume 7, Issue 15, 2004-08-30
Using Interns Reduces Recruiting Costs
By Michael Denning
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All businesses share one thing in common: they are only as good as the people they employ. Companies are always looking for new talent, but what is the best way to find it? Many businesses have found great talent by using interns, and have reduced recruiting costs at the same time.
Internships help employers by infusing energetic and young talent into their organizations, while allowing management to preview a potential full-time employee. They receive temporary employees with the current industry trends taught in universities, which allows professional staff to concentrate on projects that require more experience.
According to one employer in Indianapolis, "College interns and co-op students are our best pipeline for hiring new employees. We get to know them, they get to know us, and together we develop a win-win relationship. I hire as many of them as I can." Hewlett-Packard is another example of using internships for recruiting. In 2000, they recruited 70 percent of their workforce from their internship pool.
Financial savings come to the company as well because they use the trial employee without risking costs associated with a full-time hire. Thomas P. Miller & Associates found that companies could save as much as 20 percent of the first year salary of future employees by recruiting them through an internship capacity rather than a trial-employment function.
In addition, companies have found they greatly benefit from the youthful exuberance that comes with an intern. Richter 7, an advertising communications company in Salt Lake City, has found that using interns is an effective way to improve their image and benefit from quality work. “They [interns] provide an opportunity for us to serve the community,” says Aubrey Cichelli, Public Relations Account Coordinator for Richter 7. “Interns are invaluable to us because of the positive energy and excitement they bring.”
All Utah Colleges and Universities have “intern” programs. Utah Intern is a facilitating organization designed to assist in finding the best student interns at Utah's universities. You can reach Utah Intern by going to www.utahintern.org.
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Volume 9, Issue 5, 2006-03-20
Using the Right Tool and Using it Safely
By Linda Baker
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We have all likely been in a situation where we were in a hurry and grabbed the nearest tool or object to get the job done, even though it was not the proper tool needed‒a wrench for a hammer, a screwdriver for a chisel or a pocketknife for a utility knife, etc. Take the time to find the right tool for the job.
In addition to using the right tool, keep tools and equipment in good repair and maintain sharp cutting blades. Periodically inspect tools for cracks, wear, and proper function. Repair or replace worn or cut power cords. Tools such as sockets and wrenches that are worn should be replaced to prevent slippage.
Dull utility knives or saw blades take more effort and force to cut the material. This can only spell trouble if there is a slip or a kick back.
Keep blades sharp! Don't use broken tools!
Some of the other dos and don'ts to think about are: Do turn off power and do utilize lockout procedures where appropriate, especially when cleaning, repairing and inspecting machinery. Do use a push-stick when cutting on a table saw. Don't wear rings, watches or bracelets, especially around machinery. Don't grab for dropped tools.
It only takes a small distraction when using a tool or piece of equipment to lose concentration on what you are doing and the next thing you know you've cut yourself or smacked your thumb with a hammer. Focus on what you are doing and don't let yourself become distracted. A good rule of thumb to follow is: When engaged in an activity involving tools or equipment, don't talk to anyone until you're done. By the same token, don't interrupt your co-workers when you can see they are involved in an activity that demands their full attention, wait until they are done!
Editor's Note: Linda Baker is the Vice President of Workers Compensation Fund's St. George branch. The information in this article was obtained from one of WCF's sixty safety topics found at www.wcfgroup.com
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Volume 12, Issue 28, 2009-09-14
USTAR Announces Grants for Innovators
Typical Award of $30,000 Anticipated for Designing, Prototyping, Testing New Products
By Michael O’Malley
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SALT LAKE CITY - In an effort to bring innovative new technologies to market from Utah's public colleges and universities, USTAR has launched the Technology Commercialization Grant (TCG) program.
With a typical award size of $30,000, TCG grants will assist faculty at regional institutions to prototype, test, assess markets, and commercialize new products and services in high-growth markets. In addition, Utah-based companies and other organizations willing to sponsor technology development work at regional public institutions of higher learning may jointly apply with a faculty member.
USTAR TCG funds are intended for use by faculty at Applied Technology Colleges (UCAT), College of Eastern Utah, Dixie State College, Salt Lake Community College, Snow College, Southern Utah University, Utah State University Extension - Uintah Basin, Utah Valley University, and Weber State University.
The regional higher education TCG program is part of an overall strategy to promote commercialization of...
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Volume 12, Issue 41, 2009-12-22
USTAR Grants Go to Southern Utah
Rail & auto markets are targets of first technology commercialization grants in southern Utah
By Michael O’Malley
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ST. GEORGE, UTAH - Utah innovators are working on ways to make transportation more efficient and safer - for people and for the environment. Southern Utah University (SUU) and Dixie Applied Technology College (DATC) were awarded Technology Commercialization Grants in USTAR’s first round of regional awards, and the institutions will work with two southern Utah companies that are focused on the rail and automotive markets.
IDT – a company based in Cedar City that co-applied with...
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Volume 12, Issue 26, 2009-07-20
USU extension & GOED co-sponsor webcast on stimulus grants
By Julene Reese
Utah State University Extension Writer
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LOGAN - Recent stimulus grant money allocations have many wondering what these grants provide and how to obtain information on them.
To assist Utahns in learning more about stimulus grants available in the state, Utah State University Extension and the Governor's Office of Economic Development sponsor a webcast Thursday, July 30, from 9-10 a.m.
Presenters are Stan Nakano from the Small Business Administration, who will discuss small business loan opportunities; Perry Mathews from the United States Department of Agriculture, who will explain USDA loan and grant opportunities; and Theresa Foxley from the Governor's Office of Economic Development, who will present an overview of broadband funding opportunities as well as state and federal energy programs. Additional speakers include Jerrianne Ernstsen and Meghan Golden, both from the State Energy Office.
"The webcast will provide valuable information on available stimulus grant money," said Scott Boyer, USU Extension executive director of marketing. "Grant money is out there in...
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Volume 13, Issue 13, 2010-04-29
USU Names First Chancellor For USU-CEU Campuses
By Tim Vitale
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LOGAN — Dr. Joe Peterson, vice president for Instruction at Salt Lake Community College, was named chancellor today of the newly formed Utah State University-College of Eastern Utah. His appointment begins July 1, the date on which the merger becomes official.
USU President Stan L. Albrecht said Peterson is extremely well qualified to lead the institution as CEU and USU combine to serve the students of...
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Volume 12, Issue 34, 2009-11-02
USU VP Receives Nearly $1M for Research
By Julene Reese
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LOGAN, UTAH- Utah State University Vice President for Extension and Agriculture and Dean of the College of Agriculture Noelle E. Cockett received approval for a $930,000 grant to support her research on the sheep genome.
The funding is provided from the United States Department of Agriculture - Agriculture and Food Research Initiative competitive grants program, which awards funding for research, extension and education to address food and...
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Volume 13, Issue 8, 2010-03-11
USU, NFL Great Merlin Olsen Dies
Considered Greatest Athlete in USU History
By Tim Vitale
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LOGAN, UT – NFL Hall of Famer Merlin Olsen, the greatest athlete in Utah State University history, died at City of Hope Hospital near Los Angeles early Thursday morning after a courageous battle with cancer.
Olsen’s outstanding record on both college and NFL football fields was followed by successful careers as a beloved television actor and as a television sports commentator. He is remembered also as a tireless philanthropist, giving enormous amounts of...
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Volume 7, Issue 2, 2004-01-26
Utah
Dr. Kelly K. Matthews
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Utah's 2004 economic expansion is expected to achieve distinct improvement. Nevertheless, income, employment and sales growth rates will likely be less than half the pace considered “normal” in the 1990s. Mortgage delinquencies, foreclosures, and bankruptcies were all down in the second half of 2003. Following two years of negative job change, a 14,000-net-job increase in 2004 is anticipated. While interest rates are expected to rise modestly, housing and automobile sales are likely to remain solid.
Utah's construction industry in 2003 totaled a record $4.5 billion, exceeding the 1999 prior peak by 7 percent. Despite the increased supply, both residential and...
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Volume 10, Issue 33, 2007-10-19
Utah & U.S. Annual Job Growth
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Year over year change in Utah and U.S. employment from 1997 to 2007. Source: Utah Department of Workforce Services...
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Volume 10, Issue 36, 2007-11-09
Utah 18th in Small Business Climate
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The Deseret Morning News reports the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council ranked Utah 18th in its annual list of states with the best climate, based on public policy, for small business.
The ratings are determined by using 31 government-imposed or government-related costs and their impacts on the entrepreneurs.
Michael Sullivan, spokesman for the Governors Office of Economic Development, said that this ranking is just another on a long list of accolades the state has received. In many cases, such as a recently released Forbes report that ranked Salt Lake City as the best city for business, they are among the top areas.
"Anytime we're in the...
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Volume 12, Issue 23, 2009-06-29
Utah 4th Travel on the Rise
Mountain West Travel Numbers Bucking National Trend
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SALT LAKE CITY, June 29, 2009 - New research finds the Mountain West region is the only area of the country expecting an increase in the number of people expected to travel over the July 4th holiday weekend.
AAA's latest travel survey finds approximately 2.5 million people in the Mountain West states are expected to travel 50 miles or more over the holiday weekend. That's a 1.2 percent increase in overall travel from 2008. The vast majority of travelers, 2.1 million, will reach their destinations by car. That's just under a 1 percent increase from last year. The 200,000 Mountain West residents expecting to travel by other modes of transportation such as boats or trains is...
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Volume 11, Issue 28, 2008-08-06
Utah Again #2 in U.S. for Business
Virginia tops Forbes list
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Utah once again has been deemed to be the second-best state for business in rankings released last week by Forbes.com, the Deseret News reports.
The "Best States for Business" rankings put Utah behind only Virginia and ahead of Washington, North Carolina and Georgia. Forbes.com described Virginia's lead over Utah as "razor thin" and noted that the top five states were "all closely bunched together."
Utah also was second in the 2007 rankings. Virginia finished first for the third straight year. In this year's list, Utah neighbors Colorado was sixth, and Idaho was seventh. West Virginia was the ...
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Volume 9, Issue 16, 2006-12-18
Utah Agency Cites Local Company
State consumer protection division says law violated
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SALT LAKE CITY - Francine A. Giani, executive director of the Utah Department of Commerce, has announced that the Division of Consumer Protection has issued an administrative citation against SmartNet Development, LLC, and its Internet company, Fast Auction Profit for misleading consumers through deceptive sales practices which violated the Utah Consumer Sales Practices Act.
The St. George companies face a potential fine of $22,500 payable to the Division of Consumer Protection. The companies have denied doing anything deceptive or illegal.
According to the investigation, the Division of Consumer Protection received complaints from consumers around the count...
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Volume 10, Issue 20, 2007-07-13
Utah Among Best For Business
Forbes ranks the 50 states
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Utah is second-best among the 50 states when it comes to doing business, according to Forbes magazine.
Forbes ranks states using six categories including business costs, labor, regulatory environment, economic climate, growth prospects and quality of life.
Utah moved up two spots from fourth place in last year's Best States for Business rankings, coming in just behind top ranked Virginia.
To those who know business and know Utah, the ranking isn't surprising. Utah arguably has the strongest economy right now in the nation. Appreciating house prices, recreational activities and a younger work force are three fractors that draw businesses to the st...
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Volume 10, Issue 39, 2007-12-11
Utah Among Best States for Entrepreneurs, Start Ups
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Nevada, Florida, and Utah lead the United States and North America in encouraging entrepreneurs and the creation of new businesses, according to a new study released by independent research organization The Fraser Institute.
"Small and entrepreneurial businesses are key to creating new jobs, innovation and ultimately economic prosperity. Consequently, states or provinces with a high level of new business creation are going to have more dynamic and faster growing economies," said Jason Clemens, Resident Scholar with The Fraser Institute and co-author of Measuring Business Creation in Canada and the United States.
The peer-reviewed study finds that most new busine...
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Volume 11, Issue 12, 2008-04-08
Utah Among Business Friendly States
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A new study says Utah is one of the best states to live in nationally, the Salt Lake Tribune reports.
CQ Press ranked the state No. 2 based on 44 different factors, including economic development, crime, weather and median household income.
Gov. Jon Huntsman says the recognition is impressive. He attributes it to the state's economy and quality of life.
A separate report ranks Utah No. 9 on a list of business-friendly states. Pollina Corporate says Utah's infrastructure, employee quality and low corporate taxes make it a favorable environment for business.
...
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Volume 11, Issue 20, 2008-06-04
Utah Arts Council Honors Pair
Bunker, Holt recognized with Governor's Leadership In Arts Awards
By Terri Draper
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The Utah Arts Council recently recognized two southern Utah residents with Governor’s Leadership in the Arts Awards.
Gail Bunker and Ferron Holt accepted the awards at the recent Mountain West Conference of the Arts. Bunker and Holt are both Washington County residents - Bunker from St. George, Holt from Washington.
Bunker has devoted her career to expanding the performing arts in southern Utah. She has worked in cultural arts at Dixie State College since 1985 and currently works as the concert manager for the Celebrity Concert Series, the Tanner Amphitheater Summer Series, and executive director of the Southwest Symphony Orchestra and Chorale....
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Volume 7, Issue 5, 2004-03-15
Utah Assistive Technology Foundation Awarded Grant
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Logan, Utah ‒ The non-profit Utah Assistive Technology Foundation (UATF) was recently awarded a grant through the Center for Persons with Disabilities, Utah State University, from the U.S. Department of Education, National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research. This grant, in the amount of $254,196, will enable the growing number of people with disabilities in Utah to increase their independence by providing no-or-low-interest loans to purchase assistive technology.
The Foundation, in conjunction with Zions Bank, provides zero-interest loans to purchase assistive technology including wheelchairs, hearing aids, Braille equipment, communication systems, print...
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Volume 12, Issue 33, 2009-10-26
Utah Bank is Top 7(a) Lender to Small Business
Zions Bank maintains role as Utah's leading lender to Small Business for 16 years running
By Heidi Prokop
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UTAH! - Zions First National Bank recently claimed top lender status for U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 7(a) loans in Utah for 2009. Zions has ranked as Utah's No.1 SBA lender for the past 16 consecutive years. It has also ranked as the top SBA lender in Idaho's Boise District for the past eight consecutive years.
Zions Bank approved 869 SBA 7(a) loans in Utah totaling $58.7 million for the fiscal year ended Sept. 30, 2009. These loans represent 38 percent of the 2,247 SBA-backed loans approved in the state during fiscal year 2009.
"At a time when questions are being raised about banks' willingness to make loans, Zions Bank is proud to continue to demonstrate our institution-wide commitment to supporting small businesses as they build and drive our...
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Volume 9, Issue 15, 2006-11-20
Utah Bankruptcies Down
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SALT LAKE CITY - Only 461 Utahns filed for bankruptcy in October, according to U.S. Bankruptcy Court data released recently. While that number may seem like a lot of people, it's down more than 90 percent from the same month last year.
The current figure compares with 5,680 filings in October 2005 and 499 in September this year. High figures during the summer and early fall last year were attributed to people trying to beat the deadline before a new bankruptcy law went into effect Oct. 17, 2005.
The October 2006 figure included 264 filings for Chapter 7 and 197 for Chapter 13.
Through October, the 2006 year-to-date filing totals were down 80 perce...
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Volume 11, Issue 38, 2008-10-15
Utah Bankruptcies Jump
Filings through September top entire 2007 total
Courtesy of Deseret News
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Economic troubles are continuing to show up in Utah bankruptcy rates, which increased 42 percent through September this year, the Deseret News reports.
Through September, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Utah reported some 6,600 bankruptcy filings. That's more than the nearly 6,300 filed in all of 2007. All but 52 were Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings, typically used by individuals.
In September alone, filings were 53 percent higher this year than September 2007. However, filings did decline 5 percent between August and September.
The national data show a similar pattern. National consumer bankruptcies rose ...
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Volume 10, Issue 32, 2007-10-12
Utah Bankruptcies Rise
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Utah bankruptcies rose 23 percent over the last nine months, the Salt Lake Tribune reports, with most debtors seeking more time to pay what they owe rather than walk away from creditors.
Statistics from the U.S. Bankruptcy Court show 42 percent of the 4,633 filed petitions sought Chapter 13 protection between Jan. 1 and Sept. 30, 2007. That's an increase from 38 percent a year ago. Under Chapter 13, consumers are allowed to set up plans to repay their debts over time.
Fifty-eight percent of filed petitions sought Chapter 7 protection, which liquidates a debtor's property and distributes the proceeds to those owed money. During the same nine month-period last yea...
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Volume 11, Issue 3, 2008-01-22
Utah Bankruptcies Rise in 2007
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Bankruptcy filings in Utah were up 25 percent in 2007 from the previous year, according to the Deseret Morning News.
The U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Utah reported 6,284 bankruptcy filings in 2007, up from 5,031 in 2006. Even so, the increase was lower than the national average. And thanks to a change in bankruptcy law, Utah's filings are lower than in previous years.
The largest increases during 2007 were in filings of Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies, which can be filed by individuals.
Chapter 11 bankruptcies, which are usually business reorganizations, only increased by two new filings in 2007. And Chapter 12, filed by family farmers, did not...
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Volume 11, Issue 13, 2008-04-15
Utah Bankruptcies Up 44 Percent
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The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for Utah reported last week 1,964 bankruptcy petitions during the first quarter of 2008, a 44 percent increase from the same three-month period last year.
As many as 95 percent of the 805 filings in March alone were by consumers, according to figures supplied by the court. Consumers represented all but 27 of the 459 Chapter 7 filings last month. The court also reported 338 Chapter 13 filings, which are typically filed by individuals.
Included were 20 Chapter 11 petitions filed primarily by businesses that have run into economic problems and are hoping to reorganize their debts.
Many factors contributed to the increased numbers: Risin...
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Volume 10, Issue 16, 2007-06-11
Utah BLM Holds Geothermal Lease Sale
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SALT LAKE CITY - Utah BLM will offer more than 6,000 acres of land in Beaver County for lease of geothermal resources June 20.
The 3 parcels that will be offered for lease are located in the Cove Fort-Sulphurdale Area. This will be the first geothermal lease sale in the United States under the new regulations of the Energy Act of 2005.
"Leasing geothermal resources plays a key role in the National Energy Policy," said Kent Hoffman, Utah Deputy State Director of Lands and Minerals. "Since this renewable form of energy does not require burning of fossil fuels, it has minimal impacts on air quality."
Geothermal energy accounts for 8.5 percent of rene...
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Volume 11, Issue 5, 2008-02-05
Utah Business Conditions Improve
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Utah's business conditions for the next few months looks a bit rosier than before, based on a report released Friday. A monthly business-conditions index for the state rebounded to 54.2 in January after slipping to 50.0 in November and slight growth to 51.2 in December.
The Utah business-conditions index released Friday is based on a survey of supply managers and business leaders and compiled by Creighton University.
The index uses a range between zero and 100. A figure above 50 indicates an expansionary economy over the next three to six months. The survey methodology is the same as that of a national survey by the Institute for Supply Management.
...
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Volume 11, Issue 4, 2008-01-29
Utah Business Leaders Honor Gordon B. Hinckley
Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce
By Lane Beattie, President & CEO,
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Today we honor Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley's legacy of faith and service. As the prophetic leader of a worldwide church and head of one of the state's largest corporations, Pres. Hinckley stood tall for our community as a pillar of strength, a giant in spirit, an exemplar of humility, a mainstay of kindness, and an example of exuberance and energy in making this world a better place.
In all things, he stood on solid ground, lifting those of his faith and others to a higher level of human dignity. His energy in service, love for life, and commitment to goodness transformed us and contributed to the betterment of this world.
He was a builder and a visionary, working...
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Volume 11, Issue 5, 2008-02-05
Utah Business Owners Snub Insurance Exchange
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SALT LAKE CITY - A poll of small-business owners released last week by their leading representative group, the National Federation of Independent Business, throws a damper over the idea to create a Health Insurance Exchange.
Each year, NFIB/Utah polls its members on issues vital to entrepreneurial survival. Results from the polls are communicated to policymakers, many of whom consider them the official voice of small business.
When asked if the state should establish a not-for-profit corporation called the Utah Health Insurance Exchange and require all small businesses and individuals to purchase medical coverage from it, 78 percent of respondents said 'No;' 10 ...
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Volume 10, Issue 11, 2007-05-07
Utah Business Week Looking for Good Students
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Twenty years before “The Apprentice” turned private enterprise into popular entertainment, Utah Business Week was making corporate culture a real-world experience for local high school students. Several Washington and Iron County students have participated in the program in recent years.
Each year, more than 200 students are invited to spend a week at Utah State University. Once there, they are divided into competing companies that select CEOs and imaginary products complete with logos and radio commercials. Then the fun begins.
The heart of Business Week is a dynamic computer simulation students use to run their own imaginary businesses. In twice-...
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Volume 11, Issue 33, 2008-09-10
Utah Businesses Conditions Slide
But state so far avoids recession
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The Deseret News reports business conditions in Utah slipped a bit between February and August, according to a report released last week.
The Goss Institute for Economic Research said Utah's business-conditions index in August was 52.8, down from the institute's most recent figure for Utah, 53.9 in February. August's 52.8 index was a steep drop from the 71.8 in August 2007.
The index ranges from zero to 100, with a figure over 50 indicating an expansionary economy over the course of the next three to six months.
It uses the same methodology as the...
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Volume 12, Issue 31, 2009-10-12
Utah Campuses: Largest-Ever Enrollment Growth
Utah’s Public Colleges and Universities nearing capacity - quality could suffer in future as budget cuts are implemented
By Spencer Jenkins
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UTAH! - The Utah System of Higher Education (USHE) student enrollment for the Fall 2009 semester increased by 12,632 total students over Fall 2008, an 8.3% increase. This is the largest increase in USHE's 40-year history.
"Campuses are reaching a critical tipping point," reported William Sederburg, Commissioner of Higher Education, "Last year our universities and colleges effectively managed budget cuts amidst record enrollment increases thanks to one-time federal stimulus money. Our college presidents report to me that unless something changes, next school year will be far different."
Utah's colleges and universities were dealt an historic 17% budget cut in the 2009 legislative session. These cuts, along with increased enrollments, are making it increasingly difficult to expand capacity without needed state funding. The result is decreasing services, program eliminations, and less course availability, in effect creating a soft enrollment cap for...
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Volume 12, Issue 31, 2009-10-12
Utah College of Applied Technology Meeting
BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING AGENDA
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October 15, 2009 – 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (Working Lunch)
UCAT Administrative Offices
60 South 400 West
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
The Board of Trustees Executive Committee will meet at 9:00 a.m. to review preparations for the full...
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Volume 7, Issue 12, 2004-06-28
Utah Communities to Receive Community Development Block Grants
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Communities around Utah will receive $7.6 million in federal funds for local improvement projects.
The Utah Community Development Block Grant program, administered by the state's Division of Housing and Community Development, has disbursed the funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to Utah's seven regional Associations of Governments. The AOGs rank proposed projects based on local priorities and state and federal guidelines The funding is for the period of April 1, 2004 through March 30, 2005.
Funds may be used for a variety of community needs. They can include the operation of human-services agencies, the purchase and rehabilitation of ho...
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Volume 10, Issue 34, 2007-10-26
Utah Companies Make Fast-Growth List
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The Salt Lake Tribune reports six Utah companies are among the fastest-growing technology businesses in the U.S. and Canada, according to the 2007 Deloitte Technology Fast 500, a list that tracks growth in the sector.
Listed companies are ranked on percentage revenue growth from 2002 to 2006, according to accounting services giant Deloitte, which released the list Tuesday.
The Utah companies are:
- Doba LLC (No. 6), an Orem software company. Its revenues increased 16,543 percent during the five-year period.
- IMergent Inc. (No. 73), an Orem software company. Revenues increased 2,238 percent.
- NPS Pharmaceuticals Inc. (No....
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Volume 12, Issue 17, 2009-05-18
Utah Company Announces Genealogy Software
By Claire LaBeaux
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GenalogyCloud is a service that genealogy developer OneGreatFamily.com has recently announced. The company is based in Springville, Utah. While that's not entirely "local" to Utah's Southwest, any developers with a focus on genealogy will find this tool useful and time-saving
Genealogy is one of the most popular of hobbies, with tens of millions of people utilizing the internet for family research. OneGreatFamily provides family history enthusiasts with an online genealogy program for building a family tree, storing memories and facts, and extending family tree branches by connecting into research that has already been done by others.
This web-based functionality has recently been termed...
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Volume 8, Issue 11, 2005-06-06
Utah Company Expands to Manufacture Military Uniforms
Navasew to Employ Up to 100 in Southeastern Utah
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Montezuma Creek, Utah - A small Utah sewing plant in southeastern Utah is expanding its workforce to make military uniforms for the U.S. government. Navasew, a limited liability company located on the Navajo Reservation in Utah, is working with private and government partners to create up to 85 new jobs in rural Utah, bringing its total workforce up to 100 employees. The company has landed a sub-contract to produce tops for the new Army Combat Uniform at its facility in Montezuma Creek.
“Utah is excited to add these stable jobs to our workforce, especially in an area of the state that has 40 percent unemployment,” says Utah Governor Jon M. Huntsman, Jr. “This is a great example of a partnership between public and private entities.”
The estimated annual revenue will be in excess of $4.5 million, which includes materials costs. The wages paid to local workers annually is estimated at $1.5 million.
“This is economic development for the local community,” says Kenneth Maryboy, delegate for the Navajo Nation Council who explains local leaders have been trying to figure out for years what they can do for single mothers.
“This contract is a great example of the federal procurement process and how it can benefit small businesses in Utah,” says Fred Lange, director of the Utah's procurement program, which is part of the Governor's Office of Economic Development.
Navasew, founded in December 2003, originally employed 13 people who have been sewing Navy dress uniform skirts. A majority of the company is owned by the employees who are mostly women. The company is in the process of hiring and plans to be in full production in August 2005.
“People available for employment are wonderful,” says Dick Chase, plant manager and co-owner of Tennessee-based Omega Apparel, a minority owner of Navasew. “They are industrious, hard-working and highly-skilled.” He explains that the company hires employees who are anxious to learn and want to do something as part of a group.
Other partners involved in the contract include: the Navajo Nation; the ICA Group, a not-for-profit consulting and venture development organization based in Brookline, MA; Tullahoma Industries, Tullahoma, TN; USDA/Rocky Mountain Regional Development Agency; the Utah Navajo Trust; the Governor's Office of Economic Development; and the Custom Fit training program. Under the new contract, Navasew plans to make 171,000 garments per year over the next five years. The new Utah-made tops will hit the military market in October.
According to Chuck Spence, deputy procurement director for the state, Navasew plans to expand its operations to include a cutting room floor, a storage facility, and a shipping dock. The state also will assist Navasew in obtaining its Small Business Administration 8(a) certification that will increase the company's likelihood of receiving federal procurement opportunities.
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Volume 12, Issue 25, 2009-07-13
Utah Company Introduces Hybrid Race Car
Systems could lead to new products for transportation and alternative energy applications
By Michael O'Malley
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SALT LAKE CITY - On July 17,2009, viewers of the American Le Mans race series - some 600 million television households on five continents - will see a Utah company debut the first hybrid race car in competition.
Corsa Motorsports of Salt Lake City will strive for the checkered flag at Lime Rock Raceway in Connecticut with its gas/electric/energy recovery Prototype 1 race car. The vehicle's design enables the car to run on its alternative-fueled internal combustion engine, as a gas/electric hybrid or as a pure electric vehicle (EV).
In race course terminology, the GZ09-SH Hybrid race car is the first Le Mans Prototype 1 car capable of being powered by either a conventional 4.5 liter normally aspirated V8 internal combustion engine, as a gas/electric hybrid using a 35kw electric motor, or as a...
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Volume 12, Issue 4, 2009-02-02
Utah Company Rated More Reliable Host
World's Largest Hosting Companies: Second
Source: PRNewswire
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PROVIDENCE, Utah, - While other hosting companies may use massive advertising budgets and catchy branding to build recognition and customer loyalty, Utah-based WestHost has quietly used its own secret weapon to become a world leader in hosting reliability. In fact, according to a recent survey by Netcraft, no hosting company on the planet beats WestHost for reliability -- the single most important hosting metric.
Netcraft, which began analyzing Internet technology in 1995, publishes an independent, unbiased monthly survey of web hosting companies. It is the oldest and most respected web survey in the...
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Volume 12, Issue 20, 2009-06-08
Utah Connection to Tokyo Opens Trade throughout Asia
By Marty Carpenter
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SALT LAKE CITY- Delta Air Lines' non-stop service to Tokyo strengthens Salt Lake City's connection to Japan as well as other parts of Asia. The increased convenience of travel between the two countries positions Utah to further strengthen its booming international trade.
"Clearly this addition of the non-stop flight to Tokyo gives Utah businesses more convenient access to Japan," said Lew Cramer, president and CEO of the World Trade Center Utah. "When you consider the fact that you can get to Tokyo and then connect to China and several other destinations in Asia you start to get an idea of just how valuable this flight is."
By comparison, Delta Air Lines began operating non-stop service from Salt Lake City to Paris June 2, 2008. Overall, Utah exports to Europe increased by ...
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Volume 8, Issue 4, 2005-02-28
Utah Construction Career Days Planned for Fair Grounds
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This one-day event will be presented twice, on two consecutive days, on March 8, 2005, and repeated on March 9, 2005 at Washington County Fairgrounds in St. George, UT. Officials expect to see up to 2000 students within a 2 day period.
Organizations hosting this event include Utah State University, Utah State University Extension Services, the Utah Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) and the Utah Construction Career Days Committee. The event is directed toward high school and jr. high school students and is intended to give them an opportunity to explore the diverse career opportunities relating to the commercial construction industry.
This Career Days event will offer interactive exhibits, trade industry displays, and demonstration projects requiring student involvement. Supervised by construction professionals, students can participate in hands-on-activities, including operating heavy equipment such as bulldozers, excavators and rollers.
Skilled trades people will demonstrate crafts such as bricklaying, concrete finishing, welding, plumbing, electrical installation, materials testing and pipe laying.
If you would like more information please contact Dee Hadfield (435) 797-2410 or Keri Shoemaker (435) 797-2931. Information can also found at www.utahccd.usu.edu.
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Volume 9, Issue 4, 2006-03-06
Utah Construction Career Days Planned for Fair Grounds
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This two-day event will occur on consecutive days, on Tuesday, March 21, and Wednesday March 22, 2005 at Washington County Fairgrounds in Hurricane, UT. Officials expect to see up to 2000 students within a 2 day period.
Organizations hosting this event include Utah State University, Utah State University Extension Services, the Utah Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) and the Utah Construction Career Days Committee. The event is directed toward high school and Jr. High school students and is intended to give them an opportunity to explore the diverse career opportunities relating to the commercial construction industry.
This Career Days event will offer interactive exhibits, trade industry displays, and demonstration projects requiring student involvement. Supervised by construction professionals, students can participate in hands-on-activities, including operating heavy equipment such as bulldozers, excavators and rollers.
Skilled trades people will demonstrate crafts such as bricklaying, concrete finishing, welding, plumbing, electrical installation, materials testing and pipe laying.
If you would like more information please contact Vernon Parent (435) 634-5706 Ext 5 or Keri Shoemaker (435) 797-2931. Information can also found at www.utahccd.usu.edu. |
Volume 11, Issue 22, 2008-06-25
Utah Creating Fewer Jobs
Construction industry leads job losses
Utah Dept. of Workforce Services
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Utah's nonfarm wage and salaried job growth for May 2008, as compared with the May employment of 2007, is estimated at 1.4 percent. This is down noticeably from April's downwardly-revised employment growth rate of 1.9 percent. Approximately 17,900 new jobs have been created in the Utah economy over the past year, raising total wage and salary employment in Utah to 1,268,200.
Utah's other primary indicator of current labor market conditions, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate, measured...
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Volume 11, Issue 36, 2008-10-01
Utah Delegation Honored by NFIB
Named Guardians of Small Business
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The National Federation of Independent Business, the nation's leading small business association, yesterday named three Utah members of the U.S. House of Representatives and both the state's U.S. senators as Guardians of Small Business for their outstanding voting records on behalf of America's small business owners in the 110th Congress.
NFIB President and CEO Todd Stottlemyer praised the winners for "standing for small business." In presenting the group's coveted Guardian of Small Business award, Stottlemyer said, "Small business owners pay close attention to how ...
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Volume 11, Issue 37, 2008-10-08
Utah Delegations Do Not Support Wall Street Bailout
Bishop Joins Matheson in Opposing Bailout
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WASHINGTON - Despite the intense lobbying and pressure from party leaders, despite a load of goodies jammed into the bill, Utah's House members didn't budge on the $700 billion Wall Street bailout.
Reps. Jim Matheson, a Democrat, and Rob Bishop, a Republican, stood against the bill when the House rejected it on Monday -- and they did so again when 58 members switched sides and passed the Bush administration proposal on Friday.
"We are very pleased that retailers can now offer beautiful, high-end pink and yellow HPHT diamonds to their diamond clients at a ...
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Volume 7, Issue 6, 2004-03-29
Utah Division of Business & Economic Development Hosts technology@breakfast Meetings
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Salt Lake City - “Technology Transfer: Bridging Research and Industry” was the topic for the March DBED technology@breakfast meeting. It was held Friday, March 26th at the Alta Club in Salt Lake City.
Utah is a national leader in technology commercialization for economic development. Directors from technology transfer offices at Utah's research universities explained the role they have in creating high tech jobs and spin-out companies that grow our state's economy. Attendees were updated on the tech transfer and licensing processes as well as key intellectual property issues. They also heard about some of the new technologies at each university. Panel members...
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Volume 8, Issue 2, 2005-01-31
Utah Economic Trends
Job Growth, Retail Sales, New Construction and Real Estate
By Ray Rosenthal
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Job Growth
Job growth went up by three percent, or 32,200 new jobs. October 2004 was not as strong as September, which may mean slower growth in the near future when compared to the stronger growth months logged in late 2003 and 2004.
Unemployment remained stable at 4.8%. When fourth-quarter numbers are in, the overall 2004 job growth will probably finish at around 5.3%. Professional and business services led the way with 7,600 new jobs. In second and third place, education and health services had 4,500 and construction, 4,200.
Nearly 80% of new jobs in professional and business services were in the low-wage levels (call centers, document preparation servi...
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Volume 10, Issue 7, 2007-04-09
Utah Economy Among Best in Nation
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SALT LAKE CITY - The Utah economy continues to rank with the best in the nation, a position likely to be maintained over the next 18 months, according to a newly released Zions Bank publication.
The Utah economy ranks as one of the nation's top five job creators, says the Spring 2007 issue of Insight - Economic News of Utah and the Nation.
And while calendar year 2003 saw Utah homes rank dead last in the U.S. in average price appreciation, the 2006 average home price appreciation in Utah was 17.55 percent, No. 1 in the nation.
"One of the nation's tightest labor markets is forcing wages higher - good news for Utah workers," said Jeff Thredgold, ec...
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Volume 11, Issue 1, 2008-01-01
Utah Economy Heads for '08 Slowdown
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"Still weak" is how a monthly report projects Utah's economy for the upcoming months, according to the Deseret Morning News.
The Business Conditions Index for Utah, compiled by Creighton University and released Wednesday, was 51.2 in December, up from growth-neutral 50.0 in November but off from October's figure of 60.6.
Based on a survey of supply managers and business leaders, the index ranges from zero to 100. A figure higher than 50 indicates an expansionary economy over the next three to six months. The Utah and three-state Mountain States Business Conditions Index both use the same methodology as a national survey used by the Institute for Supply Management.
The national index registered 47.7 in December, ending a streak of 10 consecutive months of growth and sinking to its lowest point in almost five years, according to the ISM. The decline suggests that the overall economy may be weakening faster than some economists had predicted.
November's index in Utah was the lowest figure since April 2004. In December 2006, the figure was 53.6 but it jumped to 86.8 a month later.
Utah components of the overall December 2007 index were new orders at 47.9, production at 62.5, delivery lead time at 50.1, inventories at 37.5 and employment at 50.0.
"For more than four years, Utah's economy has been expanding at a breakneck pace," said Ernie Goss, a Creighton University economics professor who leads the university group that compiled the report. "Based on results from our survey over the past several months, I expect the expansion to slow significantly in the first half of 2008." |
Volume 11, Issue 4, 2008-01-29
Utah Economy No Reason to Panic
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Economists for Wells Fargo Bank forecast that neither the Utah nor the U.S. economies will tank, despite recession and housing market fears, according to the Salt Lake Tribune.
Utah should be able to rely on steady job growth, which has slowed from 4.5 percent to 3.5 percent but is expected to remain among the most robust in the nation. "It's much better than any other state, and we're a long way from a negative situation," said bank Executive Vice President Kelly Matthews.
It is hoped that strength will offset worrisome issues on the housing front, where Matthews is predicting a 7 percent to 10 percent correction in Utah residential prices in 2008. Even though...
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Volume 10, Issue 29, 2007-09-21
Utah Economy Still Tops for Job Creation
Utah Dept. of Workforce Services
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Utah's number of nonfarm wage and salaried jobs for August dropped just a bit, moving down to 4.5 percent growth over the past year. This is still a very strong rate of employment growth and continues to suggest a high level of in-migration is occurring to sustain this growth. As a result we have seen, and should continue to see, strong wage gains.
Growth remains well above the state's long-term average of 3.3 percent per year since 1950. Utah stands alone as the nation's best performing economy. Approximately 54,500 new jobs have been created in the Utah economy over the past year, raising total wage and salary employment in Utah to 1,262,800. This increase transl...
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Volume 10, Issue 2, 2007-02-19
Utah Employment Boom Continues
But job growth trend is slowing
Department of Workforce Services
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SALT LAKE CITY - Utah's number of non-farm wage and salaried jobs for January grew by 4.5 percent over the past year. Growth remains considerably above the state's long-term average of 3.3 percent, showing Utah still remains in a boom economy.
However, the growth rate has been trending downward over the past six months. Approximately 52,400 new jobs have been created in the Utah economy over the past year, raising total wage and salary employment in Utah to 1,215,300.
Even with the tempering in Utah's employment growth rate, Utah remains one of the best performing economies in the nation. Utah's December employment growth rate was revised down fr...
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Volume 11, Issue 22, 2008-06-25
Utah Employment By County
May 2007 - May 2008
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Source: Utah Department of Workforce Services ...
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Volume 11, Issue 29, 2008-08-13
Utah Employment by County
July 2007 - July 2008
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Source: Utah Department of Workforce Services ...
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Volume 8, Issue 19, 2005-10-31
Utah Employment Lawsuits Heat Up
By Michael Patrick O’Brie
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Normally, Utah courts and legislators do not have to deal with the same heavy load of employment issues that arise in other states, such as California. According to several recent stories in The Salt Lake Tribune and other news media, however, employment litigation and debates in Utah are heating up a bit. First, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has filed three lawsuits alleging that two Utah employers have violated the Equal Pay Act (EPA).
The EPA prohibits sex-based wage discrimination, meaning that men and women in the same establishment who are performing work which requires equal skill, effort and responsibility and are performing under similar working condi...
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Volume 7, Issue 8, 2004-04-26
Utah Entertainment Companies Take LDS MP3 Music Online
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Salt Lake City, UT --- LDSAudio.com, a new Web site dedicated to making LDS audio books, music, and other audio products available to Latter-day Saints in downloadable MP3 format, has announced a distribution agreement with LDS film and music distribution powerhouse, Excel Entertainment Group. The companies have joined forces to create the world's first pay-per-download site for LDS music. The MP3 music is the first major product addition for LDSAudio.com since the company launched its online catalog with the LDS scriptures and several other audio books in November.
"We are convinced that this is the way music will be distributed in the future" Says LDSAudio co-founder and Presi...
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Volume 12, Issue 34, 2009-11-02
Utah Entities Get Grants
Energy Grants to Accelerate Domestic Geothermal Development
By Mark Eddington
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WASHINGTON - Sen. Orrin Hatch recently announced that several Department of Energy grants will be awarded to Utah entities to accelerate domestic geothermal energy. The purpose of the new grant funding is for the development of new geothermal fields and research into advanced geothermal technologies.
"Currently 30 percent of our nation's electricity is produced from non-polluting sources," stated Senator Hatch. "However, about 20 percent of that comes from...
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Volume 11, Issue 20, 2008-06-04
Utah Execs' Optimism About Economy Falls
At the lowest level yet, survey shows
From Dan Jones & Associates
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SALT LAKE CITY - During the first quarter of 2008, local business leaders reported the lowest level of optimism about their companies' financial futures, according to Zions Bank's Utah Quarterly Economic Forecast - a study conducted by independent research firm Dan Jones & Associates.
Now in its eighth quarter, the study gauges the health of Utah's economy from the perspective of high-level executives throughout the state.
The first quarter 2008 survey of business leaders was conducted April 1 through 24. Responding panelists based their level of economic optimism on profits and losses over the past three months, rated on a scale of 1 to 10 (very pessimistic to very optimistic)....
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Volume 9, Issue 16, 2006-12-18
Utah Executives Cautiously Optimistic
Businesses likely to spend less on capital expenditures
Dan Jones & Associates
From Zions Bank,
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SALT LAKE CITY - The majority of executives in Utah believe their company's financial health in the upcoming quarter will be better or comparable to that of last quarter, according to Zions Bank's Utah Quarterly Economic Forecast, conducted by independent research firm Dan Jones & Associates.
The Utah Quarterly Economic Forecast tracks trends in the local marketplace and gauges the health of Utah's economy from the perspective of high-level executives throughout the state.
Earlier this year, 1,169 business executives were recruited to form the study panel and to complete an online survey October 2-13, 2006.
Based on profits and losses over the pas...
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Volume 10, Issue 14, 2007-05-28
Utah Executives Remain Optimistic
Gasoline prices, finding employees top concerns
Zions Bank, Dan Jones & Assoc.
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SALT LAKE CITY - Utah business leaders remain optimistic about their company's future, according to the latest results from Zions Bank's Utah Quarterly Economic Forecast, conducted by independent research firm Dan Jones & Associates.
The Utah Quarterly Economic Forecast tracks trends in the local marketplace and gauges the health of Utah's economy from the perspective of high-level executives throughout the state.
The first quarter 2007 survey of business leaders was conducted April 2 through 24. Responding panelists remain optimistic about their companies, as indicated by the mean score of 7.49 on a scale of 1 to 10 (very pessimistic to very optimistic). Base...
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Volume 11, Issue 29, 2008-08-13
Utah Executives See Gloomy Economic Outlook
Gasoline prices send optimism plummeting
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A quarterly economic forecast by Zions Bank shows high gas prices, inflation, and the cost of employee health insurance have put Utah executives' opinion of the financial future at its lowest level in two years.
Only 30 percent of survey respondents say their companies' economic health will be better during the next calendar quarter. That figure was at 51 percent in both the 2007 first quarter and the 2006 third quarter.
On a scale of 1 to 10, or "very pessimistic" to "very optimistic," optimism received a mean score of 6.45 for the second quarter among the executives who were surveyed...
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Volume 12, Issue 20, 2009-06-08
Utah Farm Bureau Federation Names New VP
By Matt Hargreaves
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SANDY, Utah - The Utah Farm Bureau Federation has named David Bailey as Vice President for Organization, replacing Sterling Brown. Bailey is moving from his position a Regional Manager for the agricultural organization.
The Utah Farm Bureau gets its strength from its individual County Farm Bureau organizations and depends on the work of several to get things accomplished.
Bailey will serve as a link between the state's regional managers and the state office, as well as advising the Young Farmer and Rancher program and the local collegiate chapters of the Farm Bureau.
"David brings a lot of experience working at the county level to ...
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Volume 12, Issue 37, 2009-11-23
Utah Farm Bureau Membership Hits All-time High
By Matt Hargreaves
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SANDY, Utah. November 17, 2009 - The Utah Farm Bureau has marked a membership milestone.
"I am both happy and proud to announce that the Utah Farm Bureau closed out its membership year Oct. 31 it was 27,313 member families strong-the most it has ever had," said Leland Hogan, President of the Utah Farm Bureau Federation (UFBF).
"This achievement is due to the combined efforts and hard work of our county Farm Bureau volunteer leaders, office and field staff, and our Farm Bureau insurance agents," Hogan said. "These 27,313 families believe in supporting agriculture by joining a membership organization that works to keep our farm and ranch families in business and keep safe, fresh, Utah-grown food on our...
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Volume 12, Issue 35, 2009-11-09
Utah Farm Bureau Sets Convention Date
Convention to Focus on Energy/Climate Issues & Economic Outlook for Agriculture
By Matt Hargreaves
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SALT LAKE CITY - The Utah Farm Bureau Federation's annual convention will focus on energy and climate issues, as well as the current economic conditions for agriculture at its annual convention, November 19-20, at the Davis Conference Center in Layton, Utah.
"We are really excited with the array of speakers and presenters we have at this year's convention," said Leland Hogan, President of the Utah Farm Bureau Federation. "The state of our local and national economy is certainly in the minds of everyone right now, and this convention presents the opportunity for great discussion on energy policy, animal agriculture, and private property issues and how we propose to go about solving these problems."
Thursday's agenda will feature reports from...
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Volume 7, Issue 20, 2004-11-08
Utah Files Petition over High-Level Nuclear Waste
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Utah is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to review the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals' decision against Utah's high-level nuclear waste laws. On Oct. 28, 2004, state of Utah officials petitioned for a writ of certiorari to review the judgment of the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals, which held that a range of state laws were preempted by the federal Atomic Energy Act. The decision to file a petition for cert was made by Gov. Olene S. Walker and Attorney General Mark Shurtleff, after consultation with Utah's legislative leadership.
“My first priority is the safety of Utahns,” Walker said. “I oppose high-level nuclear waste storage in Utah and hope the waste never comes here, that we never have to rely on these laws. But history has taught us that a strong framework of federal and state law is needed, especially when dealing with high-level nuclear waste. If it comes here, it will never leave.”
“I am adamantly opposed to the storage of high-level nuclear waste in Utah,” said Shurtleff. “The Legislature passed significant laws to protect our citizens should such a facility be sited in Utah. The lower court incorrectly struck down these laws, requiring us to petition the United States Supreme Court for review of this matter. I am committed to continuing the fight for this on all fronts.”
Earlier this fall, the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the District Court's finding against Utah's laws. The original lawsuit was brought by the Skull Valley Band of Goshutes and Private Fuel Storage, LLC (PFS). The suit challenged state laws regarding transportation and storage of high-level nuclear waste.
The petition addresses four specific aspects of the laws: county planning, unfunded potential liability, limited liability, and road control. As stated in the petition, Utah enacted “a whole range of state laws responding to problems created by [PFS'] proposed creation of a private, open-air storage facility for most if not all of the Nation's spent nuclear fuel, approximately 50 miles from Salt Lake City.
The Court swept aside the Utah laws even though the laws have not yet been applied, may never be applied because the project still lacks the needed federal approvals, and can be applied without regulating radiological safety aspects of the project, thus respecting the [Atomic Energy Act] limited preemption of state law.”
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Volume 8, Issue 2, 2005-01-31
Utah Film Commission Announces Commercial Contest Winners
Spots to Air at Sundance Film Festival
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Salt Lake City - Some Utah filmmakers will get a chance to get noticed by Hollywood producers, directors, writers and motion picture and television executives during January. The Utah Film Commission announced the list of winners of its 2nd Annual Commercial Contest during a luncheon today at the Embassy Suites in Salt Lake City. The winning television commercial entries will air during the 2005 Sundance Film Festival in Utah.
“Utah has a large, creative talent pool and the state is a premier place to shoot all filmed entertainment because of its scenic beauty and world-class locations,” says Leigh von der Esch, executive director of the Utah Film Commission. &ldq...
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Volume 8, Issue 16, 2005-09-19
Utah Film Commission Calls for Entries for the 3rd Annual Commercial Contest
Object: Produce and Direct a TV Commercial to Promote Filming in Utah
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Here's your chance to get noticed by producers, directors, writers and motion picture and television executives. The Utah Film Commission is calling for entries to produce and direct a television commercial that will air during the 2006 Sundance Film Festival in Utah.
“Utah is a premier place to shoot all filmed entertainment because of its world-class locations, talented crew base, and large talent pool,” says Aaron Syrett, director of the Utah Film Commission. “We thought it would be fun to give Utah residents and students a chance to help spread our messages and showcase their skills.”
Contestants can submit a campaign or individual commercial...
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Volume 12, Issue 13, 2009-04-13
Utah Film Commission Ready to Boost Utah's Film Industry
By Trevor Snarr
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Salt Lake City - The signing of Senate Bill 14 "Financial Incentives for Motion Picture Productions," has given the green light to the Utah Film Commission to start aggressively marketing the state for large budget films and studio productions. The Motion Picture Incentive Fund (MPIF) has now been restructured to be attractive to the major productions while still appealing to the smaller independent film companies. The MPIF will now be able to offer an incentive of up to 20% of the money spent in the State in the form of a cash rebate or refundable tax credit up to $500,000 for smaller films and as a tax credit when the incentive exceeds ...
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Volume 10, Issue 28, 2007-09-14
Utah Foreclosure Rates Among Lowest in U.S.
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The Deseret Morning News reports Utah had one of the lowest mortgage foreclosure rates in the nation last year, at 0.74 percent of all outstanding loans.
Despite rising foreclosure and delinquency rates nationwide, Utah has improved its foreclosure rates. The Mortgage Bankers Association reports that Utah's second quarter 2007 foreclosure rate fell significantly from the same period last year. During the second quarter of this year, Utah posted a 0.55 percent rate of loans in foreclosure. That's down 26 percent compared to the same time frame in 2006.
Nationally, six other states have lower foreclosure rates than Utah. But the nationwide average is 1.40 percent....
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Volume 11, Issue 7, 2008-02-19
Utah Foreclosures Drop 17 Percent
State bucks national trend
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The Beehive State is continuing to buck the national trend of rising home foreclosure rate. In fact, foreclosures in Utah declined nearly 17 percent in 2007 from 2006, according to the Deseret Morning News.
A year-end report released last week by RealtyTrac showed Detroit, Stockton, Calif., and Las Vegas as major U.S. cities with the highest foreclosure rates. The Salt Lake City area ranked 52nd in the survey, with 0.98 percent of homes entering some stage of foreclosure, down 16.96 percent from 2006.
"It's understandable, given the strength of our housing market," said Wells Fargo Bank economist Kelly Matthews. "There isn't very much evidence yet that we are s...
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Volume 11, Issue 5, 2008-02-05
Utah Foreclosures Drop in 2007
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The number of Utah homeowners entering the foreclosure process declined nearly 26 percent from 2006 to 2007. Some 7,438 homeowners entered the foreclosure process last year in Utah, which ranks No. 15 nationally in foreclosures, according to RealtyTrac Inc.
U.S. homeowners entering the foreclosure process climbed 75 percent in 2007 from a year earlier as mortgages became more difficult to refinance and falling property values made it tougher to sell.
More than 1 percent of U.S. households were in some stage of foreclosure during the year, up from 0.58 percent in 2006, RealtyTrac Inc. said last week.
Home prices nationally fell in 2007 for the fir...
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Volume 11, Issue 29, 2008-08-13
Utah Gas Price Is Nation's Fourth Highest
State's Gasoline Prices Slow to Drop, AAA Utah Reports
From AAA Utah
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SALT LAKE CITY - Motorists may find little comfort in Utah's slowly
dropping gasoline prices when they look to the rest of the country. According to AAA, which tracks prices as a service to consumers, since Utah hit its record average price on July 18, $4.22, prices have dropped so slowly that the state now has the fourth highest price in the country.
"The Intermountain States are considered a separate gasoline market from the rest of the country," said Rolayne Fairclough, AAA Utah spokesperson. "This has to do with our isolation from waterways and the grid of gasoline pipelines and, because...
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Volume 11, Issue 38, 2008-10-15
Utah Gas Prices Among U.S. Highest
State average ranks sixth
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The average cost of a gallon of unleaded gasoline in Utah has fallen 70 cents to $3.52 since mid-July, AAA Utah reported. But the state's average price remains 17 cents higher than the national average of $3.35, which is down 76 cents from its peak on July 17.
Only Alaska, Hawaii and California, states that always seems to have high gasoline prices, and North Carolina and Georgia, where gasoline supplies were disrupted by a hurricane, have higher average prices than Utah.
"It just seems odd that our prices are as high as they are," said Rolayne Fairclough, AAA Utah spokeswoman.
"We've passed through the s...
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Volume 10, Issue 37, 2007-11-16
Utah Gas Prices Continue to Climb
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Gasoline prices in Utah are on the rise, reports the Salt Lake Tribune.
AAA Utah, which tracks fuel prices throughout the state, said this week that Utahns are paying an average of $3.04 per gallon for unleaded regular gasoline - a 23 cent rise from last month and 70 cents higher than a year ago.
St. George's average price for a gallon of unleaded is $3.11. That's 25 cents higher than October's report. Only in Salt Lake City and Ogden is the average price still below the $3 mark, at $2.98 a gallon. In the Provo/Orem area it is $3.01.
Noting that gas prices normally dip this time of year, Rolayne Fairclough of AAA Utah said "this is not a typical ...
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Volume 10, Issue 2, 2007-02-19
Utah Gas Prices Defy National Trend
Statewide cost down 13 cents
Courtesy of AAA Utah
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SALT LAKE CITY - The cost of filling up in Utah has been going down steadily for the last month. At the same time, consumers in other parts of the country have seen their gas prices remain relatively flat.
According to a new report from AAA Utah, which tracks fuel costs as a service to consumers, the statewide average cost of a gallon of regular unleaded gas is now $2.15, down 13 cents per gallon from the last AAA price report on Jan. 16.
Several factors appear to be driving prices higher outside of Utah. Cold weather in many parts of the United States has increased demand for home heating oil, leading to higher costs for crude oil, the raw material from which g...
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Volume 13, Issue 2, 2010-01-19
Utah Gas Prices Drop
Utah Bucking National Trend: Only Colorado, Missouri, Oklahoma and Wyoming have Lower Prices
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SALT LAKE CITY – Utah seems to be bucking the national trend when it comes to gas prices. Utah is the only state to show a month to month decrease in price, according to the latest report from AAA Utah, which tracks gas prices as a service to consumers.
“Utah is really an anomaly right now as gas prices in the rest of the country have followed the price of oil rather than the fundamental supply and demand forces,” said Utah spokesperson Rolayne Fairclough. “The price of oil has risen roughly 20 percent over the course of this past month and gasoline prices have followed, even with the seasonal low demand and...
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Volume 8, Issue 2, 2005-01-31
Utah Gas Prices Drop for 3rd Straight Month - 12 Cent Drop since December
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Despite a third straight month of falling gas prices, the latest report from AAA Utah finds a gallon of gasoline is still more expensive than it was a year ago.
The report from AAA Utah, which tracks prices as a service to consumers, finds the average price in Utah for a gallon of regular self-serve gasoline is $1.80. That's a 12 cent drop from last month's AAA report, but it's still 22 cents more than Utah motorists were paying a year ago.
The national price dropped three cents over the past month to $1.81. A year ago the national average price was $1.60. Last month the barrel price of oil was in the low $40 range. Today, oil futures are over $48 a barrel.
“The mild start to winter created a lower demand for heating oil, allowing refiners to build up the reserves of gasoline,” said Rolayne Fairclough, AAA Utah spokeswoman. “These reserves may be the reason prices are dropping even with the recent decrease in production by OPEC.”
OPEC is scheduled to meet on January 30th. At that time, further cuts in oil production will be discussed which would tighten the worldwide oil market. A previous OPEC decision to cut production took effect on January 1st.
All of the Utah cities surveyed by AAA experienced price decreases. Ogden and Salt Lake City motorists enjoyed the largest decrease; 14 cents since last month. The current average price for regular, self-serve gasoline in Ogden is $1.74. Salt Lake City's average price is $1.72.
The average price in Logan dropped 13 cents to $1.86 per gallon. The average price in Provo is $1.78, a 12 cent drop from December. St. George motorists saw prices drop 11 cents, for a current average price of $1.90 per gallon. Vernal's price dropped three cents for a new average pf $1.97. Moab experienced the smallest drop, one cent, for a new average price of $1.95.
“While oil analysts cannot agree on the direction crude oil prices will go in 2005, they do agree this will be a volatile year,” said Fairclough. “Factors to watch are the impact of the economy, politics, worldwide industrial demand and the weather.”
The decline in prices continues throughout the Intermountain West. Idaho's average price is $1.86, a 12 cent drop from last month. The price in Montana fell three cents to $1.90 per gallon. Wyoming's motorist enjoyed a 13 cent decrease since last month. The current average price in Wyoming is $1.72. Colorado's average price, $1.78 is eight cents lower than last month. Arizona's price dropped 12 cents to $1.81 a gallon. Nevada's current price, $1.88 is 14 cents lower than last month. California's motorists enjoyed a whopping 22-cent drop for a current average price of $1.94.
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Volume 10, Issue 10, 2007-04-30
Utah Gas Prices Hit Record High
Average price at $3 per gallon, AAA Utah Reports
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SALT LAKE CITY - The cost of filling up has reached an all-time high in Utah. Drivers are now paying a record-breaking price for gasoline, according to AAA Utah, which tracks gasoline prices as a service to consumers.
The statewide average price for a gallon of regular, self-serve is now $3, an increase of 41 cents from a month ago. The average price of premium grade gas is now $3.05. The average price in the Salt Lake City - Ogden metro area is $2.95. The Provo-Orem metro area's average price is $2.97. The national average price is $2.97.
Utah joins 12 other states with average prices over the $3 mark. Motorists in California are paying the highes...
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Volume 11, Issue 22, 2008-06-25
Utah Gas Prices Hit Record Highs
22 States Have Lower Gas Prices Than Utah, Reports AAA
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SALT LAKE CITY - According to the latest report from AAA Utah, at $3.98 for a gallon of regular unleaded, motorists are now paying the highest average price ever reported in the state. With 22 states now paying less on average than Utahns, drivers here have the dubious honor of being in the top half of all the states' average prices.
Motorists have endured almost daily increases in gasoline prices throughout the country, and Utah is certainly no exception. According to AAA, which tracks gasoline prices as a service to consumers, Utah's average price of ...
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Volume 9, Issue 13, 2006-10-02
Utah Gas Prices Still Above Average
Only Four States Higher
Courtesy of AAA Utah
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SALT LAKE CITY - Utah's gasoline prices are still well above the national average despite a downward turn that has taken place over most of the country, according to AAA Utah, which tracks gas prices as a service to consumers.
The average price for a gallon of regular, self-serve gasoline in Utah is currently $2.94. This is a 4-cent drop from AAA's Fuel Gauge Report on August 15 and is 4 cents higher than last year at this time.
The highest recorded price in Utah was $2.99 on August 21, 2006. Only four states, Nevada, California, Idaho and Hawaii have prices higher than Utah. Hawaii's price is the highest at $3.28. Ohio's average price, $2.31...
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Volume 13, Issue 8, 2010-03-11
Utah Gas Prices Volatile
Gas Price Up 4 Cents After a Teeter Totter Month
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SALT LAKE CITY, March 9, 2010 – First they were up, then down, up again, and down. Gas prices in Utah fluctuated all month long, and are now 4 cents higher than last month.
Utah’s average gas price is up 4 cents to $2.78 a gallon since last month’s survey on February 9, according to AAA Utah, which tracks fuel costs as a service to consumers. Utah’s average is 98 cents higher than it was at this time last year. Last month Utah’s prices were the 10thhighest in the country. Today, Utah’s price is the...
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Volume 10, Issue 1, 2007-01-22
Utah Gasoline Prices Unchanged
But U.S. oil, gas prices fall
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SALT LAKE CITY - Even though the price of oil has remained in the low $50 range and the national average gasoline price is dropping, the latest report from AAA Utah finds the average gas price in Utah remains stable this month after several months of falling prices.
The average price of regular, self-serve gasoline in Utah is $2.28 a gallon. This is the same as the price during AAA's last survey on December 12. It is 16 cents higher than a year ago. The national average price is $2.23 a gallon. This is six cents lower than last month's average and nine cents lower than a year ago.
“The drop in oil prices in the past few weeks from above $60 to the ...
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Volume 11, Issue 21, 2008-06-11
Utah GDP Tops the Nation
Growth rate at 5.3% in 2007
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Utah’s gross domestic product was the highest in the nation in 2007 at 5.3%. New York was second at 4.4%, while Washington State was third with 3.5%. Only thirteen ...
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Volume 10, Issue 23, 2007-08-03
Utah Growth Triples Rest of USA
According to study by Creighton University research group
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Utah continues to lead the USA in business growth, especially in manufacturing, which grew nationwide for the sixth straight month in July.
Utah's growth this year has been more than triple that of the rest of the county, according to the Utah Business Conditions Index, a survey of managers and business leaders conducted monthly by Economic Forecasting Group at Creighton University.
This growth to continue through 2007, with manufacturing leading the way, according to survey results. Utah's unemployment rate is also expected to fall another 0.3 percent later this year, the Creighton group said in a statement.
The state's business conditions index ...
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Volume 10, Issue 28, 2007-09-14
Utah Has 4 of Nation's Fastest Growing Counties
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According to the latest census data, Utah has four of the top 100 fastest-growing counties in the United States. The Deseret morning News reports.
Tops for growth in the state is Utah's Dixie, where communities like St. George have helped Washington County grow a whopping 44 percent from April 2000 to July 2006 — ranking 16th nationwide over that period.
Also making the Census Bureau's top 100 are Wasatch County (53), Utah County (81), and Tooele County (84). The Census Bureau report ranks housing unit estimates for the 100 Fastest Growing Counties with 5,000 or more housing units in 2006.
The bureau's 2006 American Community Survey shows ev...
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Volume 10, Issue 4, 2007-03-19
Utah Has Most Dynamic Economy in the Nation
Report ranks all 50 states
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SALT LAKE CITY - Utah ranks first in the country in “economic dynamism,” according to a report issued following an extensive review of the 50 states by The Kauffman Foundation. The report focused on 26 factors in “Benchmarking Economic Transformation” in the United States.
The report pointed out that in the old economy there were stable markets and high barriers to entry. However, as reported in the research, “The New Economy is about economic dynamism and competition, epitomized by the fast growing, entrepreneurial companies that are one of its hallmarks.”
The report continued, “the ability of state economies to re...
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Volume 7, Issue 10, 2004-05-24
Utah High Schools Deploy Learnkey Online Courses
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LearnKey, an online learning systems provider, today announced nearly 100 high schools across Utah have successfully deployed the company's OnlineExpert® Web-based learning platform and are delivering courses via the Internet to more than 11,000 secondary students statewide.
Utah high school students and teachers have logged more than 26,000 hours of instruction on the system. Students use the online courses to learn computing and Internet fundamentals to meet the Utah computer literacy requirement for all graduating high school seniors. They also acquire skills with Microsoft Office software, learn computer programming, and prepare for national certifications as computer technicians and network specialists.
"The LearnKey system has been a tremendous asset to Utah's high schools," said Mary Shumway, State Director, Applied Technology Education Services. "We have been very pleased with how students are able to access this system and learn the technological skills needed to better prepare themselves for today's workplace."
Students learn by logging into the OnlineExpert® system from an Internet-connected computer, and watching video-based instruction from an expert. Teachers use the Web-delivered instruction in the classroom to augment traditional teaching methods like lectures, textbook readings, and class discussions.
"LearnKey's role is to bring technology and instructional content into the classroom to assist the teacher, not to take over," said John Clemons, LearnKey founder and CEO. "We create tools that teachers can use to help them be more effective at what they do best."
At Viewmont High School in Bountiful, teacher Shelly Iosefa integrates LearnKey instruction into the classroom curriculum by having her students go through the courseware one lesson topic at a time.
"I give students extra credit opportunities as they raise their hand and share new features they learned about in that topic," Iosefa said. "We quickly discuss the new concepts they have learned. Sometimes I will display the LearnKey course on my Smartboard with the projector while the students are actually working in the program being discussed. They can then follow along and try new concepts as they are being presented."
There are additional benefits! Because instruction is self-paced, students can repeat sections to master complex concepts, or skip over topics they already know. ” Project-based lab exercises help reinforce newly learned concepts. ” Pre-course and post-course tests assess a student's knowledge and document progression.
Students who miss class can quickly catch up. ” Motivated students can move ahead without waiting for the rest of the class.
Teachers have access to OnlineExpert courses for professional development training, allowing them to keep their own computer skills current.
Communities and schools districts can employ the online courses as part of distance learning, continuing education and adult education programs.
In addition, teachers can use the administrative features of OnlineExpert to make course assignments online and to monitor student progress, review learning activity and check test scores.
LearnKey, Inc. delivers Web-hosted and intranet-based online learning solutions and world class self-paced training courses to enterprise and individual clients around the globe. Available course titles include IT skills training for technical certification candidates and software developers, as well as business and interpersonal skills courses. LearnKey has been a recognized world leader in the e-learning industry since 1987.
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Volume 7, Issue 20, 2004-11-08
Utah Holds Top Entrepreneurial Spot Per Capita on Inc 500 List
Southern Utah's Café Rio Takes Nation's 368th Spot
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For the second year in a row, Utah is ranked as the top entrepreneurial state in the nation per capita. That's according to the 23rd annual Inc. 500 list of America's fastest-growing private companies compiled by Inc. magazine. According to the special issue that will hit newsstands on October 26, Utah has the highest number of Inc. 500 companies per capita in the U.S with 6.8 per million residents. Virginia is a distant second with 3.9 per million residents.
“Utah has a healthy business environment and well-educated workforce and we are proud of the entrepreneurial spirit of our companies,” said Utah Gov. Olene Walker.
Sixteen Utah companies made this year's list, compared to 14 companies in 2003 and four companies in 2002. The Inc. 500 ranks privately held companies according to averaged year-over-year sales growth over the past four years. Orem-based uSight, a company that sells do-it-yourself software programs to small and medium-sized businesses, ranked second on the list of the top 10 companies. It had an average annual sales growth of 3,283 percent and revenue in 2003 was $27.6 million.
”Placing second on the Inc. 500 is a great honor,” said Brandt Andersen, CEO of uSight. “This could not have been achieved without hard work from everyone employed at uSight.”
"We are honored to be ranked 189th on the prestigious Inc. 500 listing this
year,” said FatPipe Network's President and CEO, Ragula Bhaskar, Ph.D “The efforts of our talented staff, the response of our loyal, happy customers, and FatPipe's dynamic company culture have resulted in consistent growth in terms of market position, company size and revenue."
Utah companies making the list this year include: uSight, Orem, 2nd; Edge Products, Ogden, 30th; Hobbytron.com, Orem, 45th; iBoats Inc., Draper, 48th; USA Lending Group, Salt Lake City, 70th; Backcountry.com, Heber, 93rd; Summit Energy, Park City, 96th; Ibahn (STSN Inc.), Midvale, 104th; Ikano Communications, Salt Lake City, 132nd; FatPipe Networks Inc., Salt Lake City, 189th; Pro Look Sports Corp., Provo, 199th; DieCuts with a View, Provo, 228th; Back to Basics Inc., Bluffdale, 250th; Café Rio Inc., St. George, 368th; ChartLogic Inc., Salt Lake City, 445th; and Studeo, Salt Lake City, 474th.
To be eligible for this year's Inc. 500, companies had to be independent and privately held through their fiscal year 2003, have had at least $200,000 in net sales in the base year of 1999 for Inc. 500 alumni and 2000 for new applicants, and $2 million in net sales for 2003. In addition, their 2003 sales had to exceed 2002 sales.
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Volume 10, Issue 17, 2007-06-18
Utah Home Foreclosures Lower
State has one of the lowest rates in the U.S.
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Utah continues to boast one of the lowest foreclosure rates in the nation, according to a new report by a home loan industry group that tracks mortgage delinquencies.
For the first three months of 2007, the Utah foreclosure rate dropped to 0.57 percent. That's less than half the national foreclosure rate and down from Utah's 0.87 percent rate in the first quarter of 2006, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association's delinquency survey.
The last time Utah's foreclosures were lower was in the second quarter of 1998, when the rate was 0.56 percent.
Nationally, the foreclosure rate climbed to 1.28 percent in the first quarter, up from 0.98 percent ...
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Volume 11, Issue 16, 2008-05-06
Utah Home Sales
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Source: Utah Association of Realtos ...
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Volume 11, Issue 15, 2008-04-29
Utah Hotel Occupancy Down
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Hotel occupancy rates statewide dropped almost 7 percent in March, compared with the same month a year earlier.
Hotels in Salt Lake County filled 73 percent of their rooms last month, down from 80 percent in March 2007. The statewide occupancy rate similarly slipped, to 69 percent last month from 75 percent the previous March, according to the Denver-based Rocky Mountain Lodging Report.
Through February 2007, Utah hotels had experienced 28 months of steady increases in occupancy levels and nightly room charges. But since then lodging establishments have reported mixed results.
But none of those months saw declines as large as those in March, Lodging Report re...
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Volume 13, Issue 5, 2010-02-10
Utah HR Legislative Update
By Michael Patrick O'Brien, Esq
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The 2010 edition of the Utah State Legislature opened on Monday, January 25, 2010 and runs through March 11, 2010. Here is what the legislators have done so far on some issues relevant to employers.
The House of Representatives has passed, and sent to the Senate, a bill (H.B. 23) that seeks to amend and clarify the current Utah state law allowing...
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Volume 11, Issue 30, 2008-08-20
Utah Inflation Doubles U.S. Rate
Food, fuel costs push up July numbers
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The Deseret News reports grocery prices and the overall cost of living are up again - this time twice as high as the national increase, which was the second-highest monthly increase in 26 years, according to the Wells Fargo Consumer Price Index issued last week in Salt Lake City.
Local grocery prices rose 2.3 percent last month, compared with a 1.2 percent national increase, based on nonseasonally adjusted numbers from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In the past five months, local food prices went up 5 percent, compared with 3.5 percent nationally.
Overall, Wasatch Front residents paid...
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Volume 7, Issue 22, 2004-12-13
Utah Interlinx Completes New Fiber Optic Network
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According to Gene Morris, President of Utah Interlinx, "Construction of the first phase of the high speed redundant fiber optic line is completed and the second phase is now under construction. The metro fiber optic ring in and around St. George is completed with actual service commencing in December 2004. Utah Interlinx can now offer a true redundant telecommunication highway in and out of Washington County."
The fiber optic line terminates at the Tonaquint Center, Hi-Tech Business Park, with testing on the new line underway. All terminating equipment features Cisco equipment and is backed by reliable and redundant system architecture.
According to Randy Cosby, InfoWest Vice President, "InfoWest has long invested in multiple fiber connections to the rest of the Internet. We automatically direct our customers' traffic to the fastest connection, and re-route around trouble. We will add Interlinx fiber to our network as it is available. Our customers will always have at least one good path to the rest of the Internet, regardless of carrier problems such as fiber cuts. Our investment in the Interlinx fiber connection will take us to a whole new level of reliability and speed."
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Volume 7, Issue 11, 2004-06-14
Utah Interlinx Completing Redundant Fiber Optic Line
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August 1st Activation Date Set ...
The recent communications outage that brought down many telephone related services such as 911, long distance, cell phone and Internet caused quite a stir in the business and consumer sectors. At approximately 2:35 P.M., Thursday, May 20, the Qwest Network suffered an outage of over 10 hours of down time. Sources say the outage was caused by a Qwest fiber cut near Monroe, Utah. This cut affected telecommunication services south of the cut, including Beaver, Iron and Washington counties.
However, help is right around the corner. According to Gene Morris, President of Utah Interlinx, "Construction of the high speed redundant fiber ...
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Volume 8, Issue 11, 2005-06-06
Utah Interlinx Partners with local Technical and Marketing Firm
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Warren Stringham, VP-Network Engineering of Utah Interlinx today announced an agreement with Peer Technologies (a local independent networking consulting firm) as a technical, sales and marketing agent for the southern Utah region. Peer Technologies' principals, Shelley Brooksby (eight years with SkyWest Airlines as the Network/PC Specialist) and Richard Preston (owner of Preston Digital Imaging Solutions), will provide a local connection to help Interlinx get its exciting "Alternative Access Provider" message out to the region.
According to Kay H. Traveller, partner with Utah Interlinx, "We are excited to have Shelley and Richard as part of our team. They bring to our technical and marketing efforts an outstanding background in networking and business systems matters. They will provide a valuable resource to our company by providing technical and sales support for our local access providers and customers and for anyone else wanting information about the new Utah Interlinx new fiber optic network in Southern Utah."
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Volume 7, Issue 12, 2004-06-28
Utah Intern Branches Out to Southern Utah
By Matt Hargreaves
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Services Now Available South of the Payson-Dixie Line
Provo, Utah‒Southern-Utah businesses have an additional and new tool for finding top-notch employees and now they can try them out before they hire. Utah Intern, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the use of interns to businesses throughout the state as a means of lowering labor cost and introducing new talent into their organizations has crossed the Payson-Dixie line to offer their services.
Starting this past year in Utah County, Utah Intern is seeking to add over 500 new internships to their Website by year's end by contacting businesses and presenting the benefits of using intern...
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Volume 7, Issue 4, 2004-02-23
Utah Irrigation Expo Planned in Springville
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An annual Irrigation Expo & Conference will be held Tuesday, March 2, 2004 at the Harward Irrigation/Sprinkler World building, 940 South 2000 West, Springville, Utah. The expo and conference is an all-day event consisting of educational booths and classes from manufacturers and professionals in the irrigation industry. The expo is open to all farmers, ranchers, landscape architects, contractors, orchard professionals, golf course operators, municipalities and anyone working in the field of agricultural or landscape irrigation. Registration will begin at 8:00 a.m.
Water is our greatest and most important natural resource. This expo is a great opportunity for water users statewide t...
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Volume 10, Issue 30, 2007-09-28
Utah Job Growth
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Utah Statewide Job Growth by Sector...
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Volume 11, Issue 15, 2008-04-29
Utah Job Growth
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Job Expansion by County
12 Months ending March 31, 2008
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Volume 11, Issue 29, 2008-08-13
Utah Job Growth
12 months trailing
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Source: Utah Department of Workforce Services ...
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Volume 10, Issue 13, 2007-05-21
Utah Job Growth Continues to Boom
Unemployment rate holds steady
Utah Dept. of Workforce Services
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Utah's number of nonfarm wage and salaried jobs for April grew by 4.5 percent over the past year. Employment growth has held steady at this level throughout 2007. Utah's current growth remains well above the state's long-term average of 3.3 percent per year since 1950.
Approximately 54,000 new jobs have been created in the Utah economy over the past year, raising total wage and salary employment in Utah to 1,247,800. This increase translates to around 4,500 new jobs created monthly in Utah over the past year.
Utah's other primary indicator of current labor market conditions, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate, measures 2.5 percent for Apr...
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Volume 11, Issue 14, 2008-04-22
Utah Job Growth Slows, Unemployment Higher
Dept. of Workforce Services
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SALT LAKE CITY - Utah’s nonfarm wage and salaried job growth for March is estimated at 2.1 percent. This continues the recent downward trend in employment growth. February’s employment growth remains unrevised at 2.3 percent.
Approximately 26,200 new jobs have been created in the Utah economy over the past year, raising total wage and salary employment in Utah to 1,264,800. This increase translates to around 2,200 new jobs created monthly over the past year.
Utah’s other primary indicator of current labor market conditions, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate, measured 3.3 percent in March, up from Fe...
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Volume 11, Issue 19, 2008-05-28
Utah Job Growth Still Slowing
But state rate still much stronger than U.S. figures
Source: Utah Dept. of Workforce
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SALT LAKE CITY - Utah's nonfarm wage and salaried job growth for April is estimated at 2.0 percent. March's employment growth remains unrevised at 2.1 percent.
Approximately 24,800 new jobs have been created in the Utah economy over the past year, raising total wage and salary employment in Utah to 1,272,500. This increase translates to around 2,000 new jobs created monthly over the past year....
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Volume 10, Issue 9, 2007-04-23
Utah Job Growth Still Strong
Washington County economy cools off
Utah Dept of Workforce Services
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SALT LAKE CITY - Utah's number of non-farm wage and salaried jobs for March grew by 4.5 percent over the past year. Employment growth has been stationary at this level for several months now, having come down from last June's high of 5.4 percent.
The St. George area economy had been Utah's most stellar economic area, having sizzled for the past three years. But it is finally cooling off, as a possibly overpriced housing market is decelerating housing demand, thus noticeably slowing construction growth.
This economy had two incredible years of 10-percent employment growth. But it is slowing to something more reasonable at 5.5 percent, and this moderat...
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Volume 10, Issue 24, 2007-08-17
Utah Job Machine Gets Even Stronger
Local growth rate slows, but still among state's highest
Utah Dept. of Workforce Services
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Utah's number of nonfarm wage and salaried jobs for July gained strength, rising to 4.7 percent over the past year.
This continues Utah's strong employment growth for 2007. Growth remains well above the state's long-term average of 3.3 percent per year since 1950. Utah stands alone as the nation's best performing economy.
In Utah's southwest, Washington County is seeing its economic growth ‘slow’ to 5.2 percent. This slowdown is actually healthy, as growth rates exceeding 10 percent - as had been seen in Washington County over the past two years - actually put much stress upon the economy in terms of obtaining labor and maintaini...
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Volume 11, Issue 38, 2008-10-15
Utah Jobless Rates
10-year history
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Source: Utah Department of Workforce Services ...
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Volume 11, Issue 38, 2008-10-15
Utah Jobs by County
Sept. 2007 - Sept. 2008
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Source: Utah Department of Workforce Services ...
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Volume 12, Issue 12, 2009-04-06
Utah Launches Advertising Campaign
Print, TV, and Interactive Ads Focus on Outdoor Activities
By Tracie Cayford
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SALT LAKE CITY - Utah's spring and summer offerings are featured in a new national marketing campaign that is being launched this week by the Utah Office of Tourism, an agency of the Governor's Office of Economic Development. The $3.2 million "Life Elevated" campaign will include ads on national cable television; local stations in the Los Angeles, Denver, and Phoenix markets; in targeted travel magazines; and on the Internet. The campaign, approved by the Board of Tourism Development in February, is expected to generate 214.5 million impressions.
"The ads will showcase the wide array of family-oriented activities that are available from Utah's ...
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Volume 9, Issue 2, 2006-02-06
Utah Legislative Update
By Michael Patrick O’Brie
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The Utah Legislature is in session from mid-January of 2006 until early March of 2006. The Legislature is poised to consider several bills that may significantly impact employers. Here is a summary of these bills (with links to the texts of the bills).
First, the Senate will consider S.B. 43 (http://www.le.state.ut.us/~2006/bills/sbillint/sb0043.htm ), a proposal to raise the minimum wage to $7.00 per hour effective July of 2006 and establish a procedure for the Labor Commission to consider future wage increases.
Second, the Senate will also consider S.B. 24 (http://www.le.state.ut.us/~2006/htmdoc/sbillhtm/SB0024.htm ), a proposal to decriminalize the act of carrying a loaded weapon in any vehicle that person controls. This bill could be construed to limit employers from prohibiting employees from having weapons in cars parked on the employer's property.
Third, S.B. 42
(http://www.le.state.ut.us/~2006/htmdoc/sbillhtm/SB0042.htm ) would require the coverage of employee contraceptives. A religious entity could claim an exemption from this bill.
Fourth, H.B. 268 (http://wwwle.state.ut.us/~2006/htmdoc/hbillhtm/HB0268.htm ) increases the allowable fees an employer may receive for processing garnishments for employees, raises the fee for a single garnishment from $10 to $25 and the initial fee for a continuing garnishment from $25 to $35 and allows employers to charge an employee a processing fee of up to $10 each time a payment is made to a creditor pursuant to a continuing garnishment, not to exceed a total of $20 per month.
Finally, similar to the bill that surfaced last year, one senator is also working up a bill that would limit when and how an employer could enforce a noncompete. No number is yet assigned to this proposal. If you have any concerns about any of these bills, you should contact your Utah State legislator ASAP and express your concerns. |
Volume 10, Issue 4, 2007-03-19
Utah Legislative Update
Michael Patrick Obrien
By attorney
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The Utah Legislature has ended its 2007 session on February 28. Here is what happened to the bills I have been discussing with you in past updates.
- Minimum Wage: Two bills seeking to increase the minimum wage and one seeking to force a statewide vote on increasing the minimum wage, died without a committee hearing. This issue likely will be resolved by Congress on a nationwide basis.
- Noncompete Agreements: A bill seeking to limit the circumstances under which noncompete agreements could be enforced was modified after the sponsor worked with us and drafted a better version of the bill that more closely reflecting Utah court decisions on this issue. However...
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Volume 12, Issue 6, 2009-02-23
Utah Legislative Update
By Michael Patrick O'Brien
Utah State SHRM legal director
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Here is an update on employment-related bills that the Utah Legislature is considering during the current session. Bills seeking to restrict the use of cell phones or texting while driving are still pending before legislative committees. A bill seeking to prohibit workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation failed when brought before a House committee.
Efforts to revise the pending requirement that public employers use the E-Verify system seem to be suffering as some prominent legislators have stated they see no need to further delay implementation of the bill passed last year. A bill creating a cause of action against...
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Volume 10, Issue 6, 2007-04-02
Utah Legislators Score Big for Kanab and Kane County
By Steve Johnson
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KANAB - Kane County residents have reason to celebrate the 2007 Utah Legislative session as the Legislature provided $50,000 in funding for the planning phase of the Center for Education, Business and the Arts to be located in Kanab.
The proposed multi-purpose CEBA would serve the needs of the community and be the focal point for economic development in the region. The facility will house three “sub-centers,” including an educational center, a meeting and cultural center, and a business development center.
The CEBA concept was generated as a result of the Kanab City master plan, with Mayor Kim Lawson appointing part-time Kanab resident and Dixie...
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Volume 7, Issue 5, 2004-03-15
Utah Legislature Gives Library Internet Filter Bill the Go-Ahead
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Utah libraries will install filters that block certain images on all public access computers if they wish to receive state funding. That's due to the recent passage of House Bill 341 (Children's Internet Protection Act) in the final hours of the 2004 legislative session, which amended Utah's existing Online Access of Public Libraries Act. Those filters may be disabled at the request of a library patron who is not a minor to allow access for research or other lawful purposes. The bill has no specific effective date and therefore will become law on May 3, 2004, unless Governor Olene Walker vetoes it.
The Online Access at Public Libraries Act is a four year-old law that calls for libraries to set online policies restricting access by minors to Internet sites containing obscene material. The Online Access at Public Libraries Act did not require the use of Internet filters; Utah's new Children's Internet Protection Act does. Utah libraries already use a variety of approaches to comply with the current law: Internet filtering, staff training in identifying and resolving problems with patrons, strategic placement of Internet computers in public areas, recommendations of high quality web sites for young patrons and parental involvement in appropriate use of the Internet.
House Bill 341 contains no funding for implementation. "The cost to libraries could be high," says Donna Jones Morris state librarian and director of the State Library Division. "Funding sources to cover the cost of filtering are yet to be determined; existing programs will likely be affected."
"The library community needs to cultivate a reputation for actively pursuing both the safety of patrons of all ages and ready access to the best, most informative and most authoritative sites on the Internet," says State Library Division assistant director Douglas Abrams. "Commitment to children and their safety is at the heart of why librarians are involved with usage of the Internet."
The bill is much like federal legislation passed in 2000 that withholds federal funds used to purchase Internet computers or to pay Internet access costs from libraries that don't install filters.
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Volume 13, Issue 3, 2010-01-26
Utah Legislature Starts its 2010 General Session
By Michael Patrick O'Brien, Esq.
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The 2010 edition of the Utah State Legislature opens on Monday, January 25, 2010 and runs through March 11, 2010. The pre-session filings indicate that the Legislature will consider a few, but not many, issues relevant to employers.
One proposed bill, H.B. 23, seeks to amend and clarify the...
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Volume 11, Issue 3, 2008-01-22
Utah Legislature to Consider Employer Bills
Utah SHRM legal director
By Michael Patrick O'Brien, Esq,
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The Utah Legislature is in session from Jan. 21 to March 5. The Legislature will consider several employment-related bills. Here is a summary of some of them and links to the text of each bill.
HB 98 requires that all Utah public employers use the federal system (called E-verify) for verifying the validity of a Social Security number. HB 257 would impose this requirement on any private employer receiving certain economic incentives from the State.
HB 239 would repeal driving privilege cards for undocumented immigrants.
SB 97 would set up a legislative task force to consider a wide range of immigration issues.
HB 114 would raise th...
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Volume 11, Issue 8, 2008-03-04
Utah Legislature Update
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Here is a summary of the status of several employment-related bills now pending before the Utah Legislature, now in the closing days of the 2008 session. Weapons at work - S.B. 67 - would require employers and other businesses and private property holders (but not homeowners) to allow a concealed weapon on their property (such as a parking lot) as long as the weapon is concealed and secured in the car of the involved employee/visitor. It passed the Senate but was tabled by a House committee and appears to be dead for this year. Immigration Issues HB 98 requires that all Utah public employers use the federal system (called E-verify) for verifying the validity of a Social Security number. T...
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Volume 11, Issue 11, 2008-04-01
Utah Legislature Update
Utah SHRM Legal Director
By Michael Patrick O'Brien, Esq.,
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Despite considering many pieces of legislation involving employment issues during its recently concluded session, the Utah Legislature really only approved one bill that will impact employers significantly.
S.S.B. 81 attempts to address a broad range of issues related to illegal immigration, including some employment issues. First, it requires public employers to register with and use a Status Verification System (i.e. the federal E-Verify system) to verify the federal authorization status of a new employee.
Second, beginning July 1, 2009, it provides that a public employer may not enter into a contract for the physical performance of services within the state with a co...
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Volume 9, Issue 2, 2006-02-06
Utah Libraries Rank # 2 in Nation!
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Good news for Utah libraries. According to the 2005 Hennen's American Public Library Rankings (HAPLR) Utah ranks number two overall in the top 100 U.S. libraries. Ohio is number one. The data for the 2005 rankings was filed by 9,211 libraries, collected by 50 state libraries, and compiled at the national level by the Federal-State Cooperative System.
The Salt Lake City Public Library ranks seventh in the nation in populations of 100,000 to 249,999, that's seventh out of 329 libraries. Mount Pleasant Public Library gets a number two rating, out of 1,308 libraries in the nation with populations of 2,5000 to 4,999 and the Salt Lake County Library System is among the top ten ...
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Volume 11, Issue 36, 2008-10-01
Utah Manufacturing Jobs Remain Stable
State gained 550 jobs over 12 months
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Industrial employment in Utah remained steady over the past twelve months according to the 2009 Utah Manufacturers Directory, a compilation of state industry published annually by Manufacturers' News, Inc. (MNI) Evanston, IL.
The directory reports Utah gained a net 550 manufacturing jobs from August 2007 to August 2008, contrary to the steep industrial job losses felt by most of the U.S. over the same time period.
Utah's stability in manufacturing employment is echoed by many Mountain-Plains and Pacific states with Nevada's industrial employment up 1.4 percent, Idaho's up 1.3 percent and Wyoming's up ...
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Volume 12, Issue 26, 2009-07-20
Utah Marks Online Registration Milestone
OneStop Has Registered 100,000 businesses online; 60% of all Utah Businesses Register Online - a 50% Increase from the 2003 Program Inception
Source: BUSINESS WIRE
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SALT LAKE CITY -- This week Utah's OneStop Business Registration (OSBR) reached a new milestone by registering its 100,000th business online. Since the program's launch in 2003, the OSBR program has increased online registrations from 10 percent to more 60 percent of all business registrations in Utah.
OneStop allows citizens to register a Utah business with the Utah State Tax Commission, the Utah Labor Commission, the Utah Department of Commerce, the Utah Department of Workforce Services, and six participating cities. Businesses are also notified if they need to register with the Internal Revenue Service and are then connected to the online registration service. At the end of the process they receive...
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Volume 12, Issue 22, 2009-06-22
Utah Museums Receive $250k in Grants
By Lydia Durand
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The Utah Division of Arts and Museums recently announced the recipients of the 2009-2010 fiscal year Museum Development and Project Support Grants. The Office of Museum Services (OMS) Advisory Board recently approved a total of $256,575.60 to be distributed to 64 museums across 36 Utah cities and towns - seven of which were in the Southern portion of the state. these museums and their grants are show below. This funding will go toward repairs to physical infrastructure, the development of educational programs and exhibits, the purchase or replacement of technological goods, and improving archival processes.
"We are very happy to distribute these funds to help continue the tradition of Utah's museums. For many of our smaller applicants, these grants are crucial to the maintenance of operation," said Claudette Eastman, chair of the OMS Advisory Board. "Often grants allow museums to ...
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Volume 11, Issue 6, 2008-02-12
Utah New Home Construction Plummets
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The housing slowdown hit Utah hard in 2007, as the number of building permits issued for new residential units dropped by 22 percent - the largest decline in more than 20 years, according to the Deseret Morning News.
The University of Utah's Bureau of Economic and Business Research reported recently that the total number of dwelling permits issued last year was 20,535, compared with 26,322 in 2006. Construction of new single-family units fell even more significantly - 32 percent - to 13,500 in 2007, a decline from 19,900 units in 2006.
Bureau director Jim Woods said the biggest single-year drop occurred in 1980, when housing starts declined 38 percent from the p...
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Volume 10, Issue 37, 2007-11-16
Utah New Jobs
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Utah job growth rate by industry sector Oct. 2006 - Oct. 2007...
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Volume 10, Issue 30, 2007-09-28
Utah No. 1 in Personal Income Growth
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Thanks to a strong local economy, Utah's personal income grew faster than that of any state in the nation in the second quarter of 2007, reports the Deseret Morning News.
U.S. personal income grew at a 1.2 percent rate in the second quarter, according to estimates released Thursday by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. Utah personal income grew at a 2 percent rate, giving the state a No. 1 ranking in growth.
Utah, the agency noted, "had a notably higher growth rate in the second quarter and has grown substantially faster than all other states over the past year."
Coming in behind Utah was Washington, with 1.8 percent growth, and Texas at 1.7 pe...
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Volume 9, Issue 7, 2006-05-08
Utah Office of Tourism Celebrates “Life Elevated” Brand
Jamie Gifford
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Salt Lake City - Utah's new “Life Elevated” brand was recently launched in Salt Lake City; culminating a seven-and-a-half month effort by the Utah Office of Tourism.
The celebration event, held at the Wells Fargo Center, was attended by Utah Governor Jon M. Huntsman, Jr. tourism and economic development leaders from around the state, legislators, and other dignitaries. The new slogan, logo and other brand elements will be used by the Utah Office of Tourism to market the state to out-of-state visitors, including urban escapists, action travelers, and families.
“The new slogan captures the essence of Utah because it embodies the heart and soul of our...
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Volume 8, Issue 16, 2005-09-19
Utah on a Roll "Jobwise"
By Jeri Cartwright
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A study reveals that by year's end, Utah is expected to rank in the top four or five states for overall job growth - despite energy cost increases. The report, done for Commerce CRG shows that July was another good month for Utah's overall job market, up 5,400 jobs over June. Only seven states had a larger July gain than Utah!
Florida 42,400
California 29,900
Georgia 18,600
Arizona 14,900
Washington 12,800
Oregon 9,200
Nevada 7,600
Utah 5,400
Office jobs accounts for 40% of the job growth in Utah this year. Thus, predictions are that there will be more new office construction, a big shift from prio...
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Volume 13, Issue 8, 2010-03-11
Utah organizations receive $5.2 million
Smith's Donates $10 Million to Non-Profits seven western states in 2009
By Mike Dale
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UTAH! - Smith’s Food & Drug Stores has released its 2009 Report to the Community highlighting donations of $10 million of cash and products to more than 2,050 non-profit organizations in seven western states of operation. The total includes $5.2 million contributed to schools and charities in Utah.
The 2009 Smith’s Report to the Community is available as an Adobe Acrobat.pdf file and can accessed online at...
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Volume 9, Issue 15, 2006-11-20
Utah Program Leads Nation
Unemployment insurance system tops in performance
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AUSTIN, Texas -- The State of Utah has been honored by the U.S. Department of Labor for attaining the best overall performance nationally in administration of the unemployment insurance program.
The Department of Labor recognizes state workforce agencies that have demonstrated the highest levels of performance in key areas of state UI operations, including UI Benefits, Taxes, and Appeals.
Utah received the highest honor, the Pinnacle Award, which goes to the state with the top annual performance overall, at an awards ceremony in Denver attended by state unemployment insurance directors from across the nation.
"We are proud and honored to receive t...
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Volume 7, Issue 2, 2004-01-26
Utah Publicity Source Bookâ’¢ Announces 2004 Edition Release
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(SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH) Current detailed media and communications contacts are a public relations practitioner's most closely guarded asset and a key element to successfully publicizing a business or organization. The 2004 Edition Utah Publicity Source Book organizes these contacts into a simple accessible format that is now available to the general public.
The 2004 Edition Utah Publicity Source Book, a 550-page communications reference guide and online database, is available for release Wednesday, January 21, 2004. The only resource of its kind in the Intermountain area, The Utah Publicity Source Book contains Utah's media, government, association, corporate and communications contacts and information in one easy-to-use resource, designed to help make communicating in Utah simpler and more efficient.
"The goal of the Utah Publicity Source Book is to not only provide businesses and organizations with a breakdown of what communications resources exist in Utah, but also the best means of contacting these organizations," said Ryan Anderson, Utah Publicity Source Book editor. "Whether it's a non-profit seeking to make Utahns aware of an important public service, or a business seeking to announce a new product line, we want to help make their job as time efficient and effective as possible."
Listings in the Utah Publicity Source Book include all Utah television, radio and print media as well as Utah's federal, statewide, county and local elected officials. Associations, clubs, chambers of commerce, and communications resources such as focus group facilities, photographers and clipping services are also listed.
In addition to providing basic addresses, phone numbers and web sites for each listing, The 2004 Edition Utah Publicity Source Book provides an individual point of contact person(s) and specific information about each listed organization.
The Utah Publicity Source Book online database, located at www.upsbonline.com, includes all of the same information as the print addition, but also allows users to create personalized contact lists, generate mailing labels, compile phone/FAX sheets and quickly find contact e-mail addresses.
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Volume 12, Issue 19, 2009-06-01
Utah Radiation Control Board Sets Meeting Date
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Radiation Control Board
Subject: Radiation
Meeting Title: UTAH RADIATION CONTROL BOARD
Meeting Date & Time: Tue Jun 09 15:00:00 MDT 2009 - Tue Jun 09 17:00:00 MDT 2009
Description/Agenda: RADIATION CONTROL BOARD
Department of Environmental Quality (Bldg #2),
Conference Room 101, 168 North 1950 West, Salt Lake City, Utah
3:00 – 5:00 PM, June 9, 2009
TENTATIVE AGENDA...
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Volume 11, Issue 18, 2008-05-20
Utah Ranked #1
Two independent studies confirm it
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SALT LAKE CITY – Utah is the most competitive State in the nation according to two economic development reports issued this week. The Becon Hill Institute’s State Competitiveness Report for 2007 and the ALEC-Laffer State Economic Competitiveness Index listed Utah in the top position. The reports are based on quantifying indexes and variables that include fiscal policy, security, infrastructure, business incubation, state minimum wage, tax policy and education freedom.
“These top competitive rankings certainly recognize our work ethic, creativity and strong economic engine driven by entrepreneurs who...
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Volume 12, Issue 28, 2009-09-14
Utah Ranks #1 in Volunteerism
By Mark Eddington
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UTAH - A new report released recently by the Corporation for National and Community Service ranks Utah as the number one volunteer state in the United States for the fourth year in a row. Although the last year has been a time of economic hardship, volunteering in Utah has continued to thrive.
The research is based on annual surveys of approximately 100,000 individuals collected by the U.S. Census and the Bureau of Labor Statistics in partnership with the Corporation. The VolunteeringInAmerica.gov website contains nine years of data on volunteering, and rankings, volunteer trends and demographic information for every state and almost 200 large and mid-sized cities. It is produced to help national, state and local leaders better understand volunteering trends and demographics and use the data to develop effective strategies for...
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Volume 11, Issue 21, 2008-06-11
Utah Ranks Fifth for Litigation Fairness
Top ranking may help attract new business
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Lawsuits can be a serious problem for businesses, especially in States where juries habitually award unfair damages to plaintiffs. Tort costs are passed on to consumers through higher prices, so tort abuse is not only a serious problem for businesses, but for the buying public too. The Institute for Legal Reform reports that excessive litigation cost Americans $589 billion in 2006. That is the equivalent of...
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Volume 7, Issue 9, 2004-05-10
Utah Ranks First for Women-Owned Business Growth
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A new study released by the Center for Women's Business Research ranked Utah first in the nation for women-owned business growth.
The study sponsored by Wells Fargo, measured growth of privately-held companies with 50 percent or more ownership by women, and it ranked states overall and in terms of the number of these firms, their employment and sales. Utah ranked first in overall growth, followed by Arizona, Nevada, Idaho and New Mexico and Kentucky, which tied for fifth place.
In Utah between 1997 and 2004, the number of women-owned businesses has grown 34.7 percent, compared with 17.4 percent nationally. The number of employer firms has expanded 47.1 percent, compared with 28.1 percent nationally. Employment has increased 70.2 percent, compared with 24.2 percent nationally. Sales of these firms grew 72.2 percent, compared with 39.3 percent for women-owned businesses nationally.
“Women-owned firms are growing and increasing their employment faster than the general market,” said Kathy Hillis, vice president for Wells Fargo Women's Financial Services. “These firms are driving growth in Utah and across the country, while generating revenues at a similar rate to all firms. This is a powerful statement about this fast-growing segment of American small business owners.”
“We are committed to initiating and supporting financial programs and services that benefit women,” said Robert A. Hatch, president and CEO for Wells Fargo Utah. “Last year Wells Fargo announced a new goal to lend $20 billion over 10 years to women-owned businesses across the nation, and I believe it sends a strong message about Wells Fargo's unwavering commitment to women business owners.”
“Businesses that are 50 percent or more women-owned are growing at twice the rate of all firms - 17 percent compared with 9 percent. These businesses are a vital component of the national economy, in terms of their sheer numbers, and in terms of their impact on employment and revenue generation,” said Sharon Hadary, executive director, Center for Women's Business Research. “As employers of 19.1 million people, these women-owned firms spend over half a trillion dollars annually on just payroll and benefits.”
The study results offer the most comprehensive view of the growth and expansion of women-owned businesses, tracking information including composition, spending habits and core industries of women entrepreneurs nationwide. It is the latest resource underwritten by Wells Fargo as part of its Women's Business Services program, an outreach and education program aimed at building relationships with women business owners by sponsoring key community organizations and market research.
Wells Fargo has loaned more than half a billion dollars since re-establishing its goal in September 2003 to lend $20 billion to women-owned businesses within 10 years, and the company is now tracking at 150 percent of its pro-rated objective. Since 1995, Wells Fargo has loaned more than $16 billion to women business owners nationwide.
The Center for Women's Business Research is a source of knowledge about women business owners and their enterprises worldwide. The Center's mission is to unleash the economic potential of women entrepreneurs by conducting research, sharing information and increasing knowledge about this fast-growing sector of the economy.
Since 1989, the Center has generated research-based intelligence that has helped public- and private-sector leaders, advocates, and individual women business owners make informed strategic decisions for generating greater business opportunities.
The Center shares its knowledge of the economic and social aspects of women's entrepreneurship with policy makers, financial institutions, corporate leaders, government agencies, academia, and the media through research reports, press releases, newsletter publications, seminars, speaking engagements, and worldwide on the Internet at www.womensbusinessresearch.org.
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Volume 7, Issue 13, 2004-07-26
Utah Recognized as One of Top-10 Digital States Named in Survey
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The 2004 Digital States Survey ranks Utah eighth in the top-10 most digitally advanced state governments in the nation. The survey is a comprehensive study by the Center for Digital Government that examines best practices, policies and progress made by state governments in their use of digital technologies to better serve their citizens and streamline operations.
Michigan was ranked first followed by Washington, Virginia, Indiana, Arizona, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Arkansas, Colorado and North Carolina (tied for 10th).
"We are pleased we continue to be among the top states in digital technology and believe Utah continues to make great progress, saving citizens time and resources," said Gov. Olene Walker.
The Center for Digital Government will recognize Utah at an awards ceremony Sunday, July 18 in Seattle, Washington during the National Governors Association meeting.
"Information technology is one of the most powerful tools used by state governments to serve their citizens," said Cathilea Robinett, executive director of the Center for Digital Government. "In the hands of some incredibly talented and knowledgeable leaders, states have advanced to an entirely new level of digital government. It is fitting now to acknowledge these digital states and the professionals behind the scenes who are making it all happen."
The 2004 Digital States Survey provides a benchmark for the next generation of digital service delivery and reflects contemporary citizen expectations and the technologies used to meet them.
In March, the Center for Digital Government invited all state governors and their chief information officers to participate in the revised 2004 Digital States Survey. With more than 60 measurements in four broad areas * service delivery; architecture and infrastructure; collaboration; and leadership * this year's survey is the first report on the transition of states to digital government since the 2002 elections.
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Volume 11, Issue 8, 2008-03-04
Utah Remains Home-price Increase Leader
But Dixie, Iron County homeowners take value hit
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According to the Salt Lake Tribune, Utah still leads the country in home-price appreciation, a new report shows.
Prices statewide rose 9.27 percent in the fourth quarter of last year, compared with the October-November-December period a year earlier, according to the report just released by the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight.
But St. George, however, logged a reported 1.91 percent decline in home values during the quarter. That figure contrasts with a 9 percent drop in average sales price for homes in Washington County for the quarter, as reported by the Utah Association of Realtors.
In Iron County, average sales prices went down ...
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Volume 11, Issue 26, 2008-07-23
Utah Rural Summit Set
Scheduled Aug. 7 and 8 in Cedar City
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CEDAR CITY - "Energy, Education, and Environment - Forces Shaping Rural Utah's Economic Future" is the theme for the 21st annual Utah Rural Summit, scheduled for Aug. 7 and 8, at the R. Haze Hunter Conference Center on the campus of Southern Utah University.
"Energy development and energy policies - addressing such things as global warming, CO2 emissions, and alternative energy sources - will have a profound impact on Utah's rural economy," said Wes Curtis, SUU's Director of Regional Services. "The same is true for policies that affect public...
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Volume 11, Issue 27, 2008-07-30
Utah Rural Summit Set
Scheduled Aug. 7 and 8 in Cedar City
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CEDAR CITY - "Energy, Education, and Environment - Forces Shaping Rural Utah's Economic Future" is the theme for the 21st annual Utah Rural Summit, scheduled for Aug. 7 and 8, at the R. Haze Hunter Conference Center on the campus of Southern Utah University.
"Energy development and energy policies - addressing such things as global warming, CO2 emissions, and alternative energy sources - will have a profound impact on Utah's rural economy," said Wes Curtis, SUU's Director of Regional Services. "The same is true for policies that affect...
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Volume 11, Issue 28, 2008-08-06
Utah Rural Summit Set Thursday
Scheduled Aug. 7 and 8 in Cedar City
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CEDAR CITY - "Energy, Education, and Environment - Forces Shaping Rural Utah's Economic Future" is the theme for the 21st annual Utah Rural Summit, scheduled for Aug. 7 and 8, at the R. Haze Hunter Conference Center on the campus of Southern Utah University.
"Energy development and energy policies - addressing such things as global warming, CO2 emissions, and alternative energy sources - will have a profound impact on Utah's rural economy," said Wes Curtis, SUU's Director of Regional Services. "The same is true for policies that affect...
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Volume 12, Issue 12, 2009-04-06
Utah SBA Lenders Recognized
Only Los Angeles, New York, Chicago did more SBA loans than Utah!
By Steve Price
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UTAH - On Monday, April 6, 2009, Utah's SBA lenders were honored for outstanding participation in SBA lending in the state of Utah. While other parts of the country experienced 20% to 30% declines in fiscal year 2008, the Utah District Office had a record-breaking SBA-lending year. "To think that only Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago did more SBA loans than Utah is extraordinary," stated Stan Nakano, SBA's Utah District Director. Currently year-to-date for the 2009 fiscal year, the Utah District Office leads the country in loan approvals.
Senator Robert F. Bennett will keynote the event to be held at the...
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Volume 10, Issue 35, 2007-11-02
Utah SBA Loans Show Top Increase
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SALT LAKE CITY - In fiscal year 2007, the Utah District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration approved the guaranty of 2,990 loans. This includes loans from SBA's 7(a) and 504 loan program totaling $408.6 million through its participating lenders and certified development companies.
The number of loans represented a 39 percent increase from the previous year, the largest percentage increase in the country. The total number of loans made in fiscal year 2007 increased 283 percent over the loans made in fiscal year 2002, from 780 to 2990.
"Utah continues to have one of the hottest economies in the country and continues to be one of the best places to...
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Volume 9, Issue 9, 2006-06-12
Utah Schools Fare Well at Land Auction
Daniel Gunderson
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St. George, UT - The March land auction conducted by the State of Utah School and
Institutional Trust Lands Administration generated total sales revenue
of $6,390,000.
The greatest part of the revenue came from a 120-acre parcel in IronCounty - north of Cedar City. The Trust Lands Administration had invested capital into the parcel for improvements and infrastructure. Those investments paid off with a final sales price of $5,400,000.
Four other parcels were also sold in the auction: 1) A Garfield County parcel of 640 acres sold for $435,000. 2) Three Uintah County parcels sold for a total of $555,000.
This auction included more than 952 acres selling a...
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Volume 11, Issue 25, 2008-07-16
Utah Securities Association Formed
New organization seeks members
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SALT LAKE CITY - The newly formed Utah Securities Association is inviting all registered representatives, broker dealers and registered investment advisors licensed in Utah to join the organization.
The association was formed to advance the following objectives:
· Promote a spirit of co-operation and communication between the industry and regulators.
· Support responsible legislation designed to improve the regulatory process with respect to industry views.
· Organize and promote educational programs to protect investors from...
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Volume 9, Issue 3, 2006-02-20
Utah Shakespearean Festival Announces Directors for 2006 Season
By Donna Law
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CEDAR CITY, Utah ‒ The wheels never stop turning at the Utah Shakespearean Festival as plans for the 2006 season, the Festival's 45th, are well underway. Included in these plans is a talented lineup of highly experienced directors who are already hard at work on this year's plays.
R. Scott Phillips, the Festival's executive director, had this to say. “This year's lineup of directing talent brings an exciting array of experience, insight and creativity to our 45th season. Each of these marvelous directors was selected for his or her ability to bring out the very best in every aspect of play production. Each is of the very highest caliber in terms of ...
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Volume 9, Issue 2, 2006-02-06
Utah Shakespearean Festival Announces Leadership Transition
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CEDAR CITY, Utah ‒ After 44 years at the helm of the Utah Shakespearean Festival, Founder and Executive Producer Fred C. Adams is moving on to a new stage with a renewed vision. In an effort to facilitate his life-long dream to build the Utah Shakespearean Festival Centre for the Performing Arts, Adams, 74, will become founder and executive producer emeritus and assume the title of executive director of the Festival Centre Project where he will focus his energies on helping the Festival to raise the funds necessary to complete the Centre, a “New Stage” in the Festival's history.
The Festival's board of governors and Southern Utah University's boar...
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Volume 7, Issue 11, 2004-06-14
Utah Shakespearean Festival Announces Plays and Playwrights for 2004
Festival Embarks on 43rd Season
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The schedule for this season's Utah Shakespearean Festival Plays-in-Progress series promises to be among the most varied and interesting ever. Recently announced by Festival administrators, this year's new plays offer a fascinating mix of history, tragedy and comedy.
The Plays-in-Progress Series affords an opportunity for new playwrights to showcase readings of their play in a theatre atmosphere that includes feedback from other playwrights, actors and a knowledgeable audience.
The first of this season's offerings will be staged on August 12 and 13; the second on August 19 and 20; the third on August 26 and 27 at 10:15 a.m. in the Thorley Recital Hall on the campus of Southern Utah University. Then, just as in past years, all three will be repeated in sequence on September 1, 2 and 3 at 10:15 a.m. in the Auditorium Theatre.
From June 24 to September 4, 2004 the Utah Shakespearean Festival will present six plays in repertory in its Cedar City theatres. They include Henry IV Part One, The Winter's Tale, The Taming of the Shrew, Morning's at Seven, Forever Plaid, and My Fair Lady. For more information call 800-PLAYTIX or visit www.bard.org.
Now in its 43rd year, the Utah Shakespearean Festival, hosted on the campus of Southern Utah University, is committed to entertain, enrich, and educate audiences through professional productions of Shakespeare and other master dramatists. The Festival was named the recipient of the coveted Tony Award for America's Outstanding Regional Theatre in 2000.
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Volume 8, Issue 14, 2005-08-22
Utah Shakespearean Festival Announces Two New Board of Governors Members
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CEDAR CITY, Utah ‒ Two new members have recently been appointed to the Utah Shakespearean Festival's board of governors, announced Allen Anes, board chair. Each brings a broad background and a wealth of experience to the advisory board.
Christy Cameron began volunteering at the Festival in 1999, and this year can be found helping patrons at the Festival's Globe Gifts and Gallery Shop in the Randall L. Jones Theatre. Prior to moving to Cedar City, she and her husband, Brad, owned and operated businesses in Boulder City, Nevada. She served on the board of directors for Boulder City Sunrise Rotary Club as well as the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce. Cameron and her ...
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Volume 11, Issue 40, 2008-10-29
Utah Shakespearean Festival Co-Founder Dies
Barbara Adams dies at age 76
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CEDAR CITY - Barbara Gaddie Adams, who in 1961 co-founded the Utah Shakespearean Festival with her husband Fred C. Adams, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 22 at her home. She left behind a legacy of family and service in her neighborhood and community.
Adams was born in Garland, Utah, on March 13, 1932, to J. Hunter Gaddie and Erma Lilywhite Gaddie. She attended public schools in Garland, Utah, Sugar City, Ida., Idaho Falls, Ida., and anywhere else her father's work took their family.
She received her B.A. degree in theater from Utah State University with a minor in speech and hearing, then moved ...
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Volume 8, Issue 22, 2005-12-19
Utah Shakespearean Festival Listed in the “2006 Top 100 Events in North America”
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CEDAR CITY, Utah ‒ The Tony Award-winning Utah Shakespearean Festival has once again been recognized as one of the top events in North America.
Each year, the American Bus Association chooses 100 events in North America from hundreds of nominations by state tourism offices and local and regional convention bureaus as being the top events to visit. The winners are chosen from festivals, fairs, celebrations, and other similar types of activities throughout the United States and Canada.
“It's an honor to be listed among the top attractions in the country,” said Kami Terry, Festival marketing manager. “This gives us some great visibility that w...
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Volume 6, Issue 21, 2003-11-24
Utah Shakespearean Festival Presents 12 Days of Christmas Events
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The Utah Shakespearean Festival presents its second annual "12 Days of Christmas," a series of events in the Randall L. Jones Theatre beginning Monday, December 1. All performances will begin at 7:30 p.m.
On Monday, December 1 the celebration begins with "Christmas Countdown," presented by Acclamation, Southern Utah University's premier song and dance company. Acclamation performs their upbeat music and choreography both nationally and internationally under the direction of Kevin Burns and D'El Beatty.
Friday, December 5, meet Janelle, Merilee, Rachelle, April, Shauna, and Laurie¯IrreSistible¯a mother and five daughters who present a fast-paced show combining dance,...
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Volume 8, Issue 3, 2005-02-14
Utah Shakespearean Festival Publication Earns International Award
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Maintaining its standard of excellence, the Utah Shakespearean Festival publications department has again been awarded the International Festivals and Events Association's prestigious Gold Pinnacle Award for excellence in festival and events promotion. The gold award, representing first place in a field of over 1,500 international entrants, honored the Festival's Souvenir Program for the 2004 season.
The award was announced at the IFEA Awards Luncheon held in Boston. Sponsored by the Haas & Wilkerson Insurance Organization, the gold award is given in honor of the highest degree of excellence for a variety of promotional publications, representing a multitude of international organizations.
“We were in competition with organizations that have an annual budget of over $1.5 million,” said Phil Hermansen, the Festival's art director. “That puts us in a mix of very large organizations with very expansive resources. Considering the fact that Walt Disney World came in third behind us, we feel pretty good about this award. ”
According to Nia Forster, IFEA Awards Program Coordinator, “The Pinnacle Awards Competition strives for the highest quality in festival and event promotions. In so doing, the standards and quality of media promotions have been raised to new heights, industry wide.”
The Festival publications department writes, designs, and produces over 100 publications each year, and also designs produces, and maintains the Festival's website.
“We're very proud of our publications,” said Bruce C. Lee, Festival publications director. “We feel that we represent the Festival very well and we have a great team here to accomplish that. This award tells us that we compare very favorably with many other organizations and the world.”
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Volume 9, Issue 2, 2006-02-06
Utah Shakespearean Festival's Donna Law Named to Board of Directors
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CEDAR CITY, Utah ‒ The Shakespeare Theatre Association of America recently named the Utah Shakespearean Festival's Communications and Marketing Director, Donna Law, as a board member-at-large. Law was named to the two-year position at the STAA's 16th annual conference which was hosted by the Baja Shakespeare Festival in Los Barriles, Mexico this past January 11 - 15.
The international conference was attended by more than 90 members, representing the major regional and national Shakespearean theatre companies, from the United States, Canada, Mexico, England and South Africa. In addition to Law, Utah Shakespearean Festival participants included Executive Dir...
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Volume 11, Issue 13, 2008-04-15
Utah Should Avoid Recession in 2008
But U.S. probably already in mild downturn
Zions Bank Economic Consultant
By Jeff Thredgold,
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The Utah economy, like much of the Rocky Mountain region and the nation, has been in transition to a slower economic growth pace in recent months. In contrast to the nation, however, neither the broad region nor the Utah economy is likely to experience recession in 2008.
Regional performance has clearly slowed, with Arizona and Nevada dealing with painful corrections from excessive home building and home price appreciation during the 2003 to 2006 period. In contrast, agriculture- and energy-rich Montana and Wyoming are thriving. Colorado, Idaho, and Utah have slowed, but continue to generate moderate employment gains.
Utah employment growth during 2008 is likely to be the weakest since 2003, although such growth will remain among the nation’s leaders. Weakness in the state’s new home construction market should continue throughout the year, before some improvement occurs in 2009.
Utah’s commercial real estate sector remains healthy, with numerous large projects underway. Other projects, however, may be delayed, falling victim to shell-shocked domestic and global credit markets which have limited credit availability in all too many economic sectors.
Job Detail
Newly revised Utah employment data notes the slowing now underway. The Utah economy added an estimated 28,000 net new jobs during the most recent 12-month period, a 2.3 percent growth rate. While such growth ranks among the nation’s strongest, it pales versus Utah’s job growth pace during much of the past three years.
The state’s goods-production sector has seen solid gains in manufacturing and natural resources employment, even as construction has stalled. Service-providing employment has continued to add jobs led by gains in trade, transportation & utilities; education & health services; professional & business services; and leisure & hospitality.
Less robust Utah job creation has led to a modest rise in the state’s unemployment rate. The most recent jobless rate of 3.0 percent compares to the 2.7 percent average jobless rate during 2006-2007, one of the lowest in the nation. Greater labor availability should help Utah employers of all sizes to more easily fill open positions, a challenging task in recent years.
Freeze Up
Thousands of Utah consumers and companies are being whipsawed by domestic and global credit markets that have gyrated wildly during the past 12 months. Lenders aplenty were available in recent years to finance just about anything, with many lenders around the nation focused on subprime mortgages. Such loans were then packaged with others, sliced and diced into a myriad of loan pools and investment products, and ultimately bought by investors around the globe in search of higher yields.
Such credit excesses have now given way to tens of billions of dollars of loan and investment losses, high levels of lender paranoia, and domestic and global credit markets which have routinely frozen up in recent months. Even traditional lending and investment markets beyond the subprime sector have struggled with frightening levels of paralysis at times.
One result of such market anxiety has been higher levels of mortgage interest rates than would traditionally be available. The old “rule of thumb” was to take the investment return (or yield) on 10-year U.S. treasury notes and add 1.50 percent - 1.60 percent to get a good idea as to the level of 30-year fixed-rate mortgages (known as conforming loans) destined for purchase by various government entities such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
Recent 3.30 percent - 3.60 percent yields for the 10-year treasury would typically equate to 30-year fixed-rate mortgages around 5.00 percent. Unfortunately, credit market anxiety now finds such mortgage rates in a 5.70 percent - 6.30 percent range. In addition, many lenders have imposed more stringent requirements for borrowers to qualify for loans, including larger down payments.
The “jumbo” mortgage market has also experienced higher mortgage rates when compared to conforming loans. Such loans are critically important since much of Utah’s current excess of new and existing homes for sale is in homes priced above $500,000.
One major component of the recently enacted $168 billion fiscal stimulus package temporarily increases the upper limit on conforming loans to as high as $729,750 versus the prior ceiling of $417,000, although only in three Utah counties.
Utah View
Serious global credit market anxiety and a weak Utah home construction sector have contributed to less vibrant Utah economic growth. Even as it slows, the state will rank among the nation’s leaders in job growth. Utah’s longer-term economic posture remains one of the most attractive in the nation.
U.S. Economy . . . the “R” word?
What a mess! A combination of weak U.S. housing markets, constant negativity from the national media, domestic and global credit markets in widespread disarray, oil over $100 per barrel and a volatile stock market is not exactly a solid foundation for U.S. economic growth. A mild recession seems underway.
U.S. economic performance will be sickly in coming months before (hopefully) improving later this year and in ’09. In addition, we expect: a much larger budget deficit, rising near-term unemployment, lesser inflation pressures, declining short-term interest rates, with volatile long-term rates, soft housing markets, and an anxious global marketplace. |
Volume 11, Issue 33, 2008-09-10
Utah Small Business Index
For August 2008
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Source: Zions Bank, Thredgold Economic Associates ...
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Volume 9, Issue 15, 2006-11-20
Utah Small Business Index Falls
Washington County shows strong job growth
Thredgold Economic Associates
By Jeff Thredgold
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The Zions Bank Small Business Index for Utah was 112.1 during October, down from a revised 115.3 during September. The Index measures business conditions from the viewpoint of the Utah small business owner or manager.
A lower Index number is associated with less favorable business "conditions" for Utah's small businesses. The Index uses 100.0 for calendar year 1997 as its base year. The Index includes revisions to various historical or forecast components as they become available.
Local Performance
Washington County payrolls expanded by 4,000 jobs (8.3%) in the past year. The unemployment rate was 2.8% in the latest month, down from 3.5% one year ago....
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Volume 11, Issue 9, 2008-03-11
Utah Small Business Index Falls
By Jeff Thredgold,
Thredgold Economic Assoc.
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The Zions Bank Small Business Index for Utah was 99.5 during February 2008, down from a revised 100.9 during January 2008. The Index measures business conditions from the viewpoint of the Utah small business owner or manager.
A lower Index number is associated with less favorable business "conditions" for Utah's small businesses. The Index uses 100.0 for calendar year 1997 as its base year. The Index includes revisions to various historical and new forecast components as they become available
Local Performance
Washington County payrolls expanded by 1,500 jobs (3.0 percent) in the past year. The unemployment rate was 3.2 percent in the latest month, up fr...
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Volume 11, Issue 43, 2008-11-19
Utah Small Business Index Released
Washington County Unemployment Rate Rising
By Jeff Thredgold
Economic Consultant
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The Federal Reserve-this nation's central bank-reduced its key federal funds target rate on October 29 for the ninth time in the current cycle of economic weakness. The rate was trimmed to 1.00% from 1.50%, matching the level between June 2003 and June 2004, and also matching the lowest level in ...
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Volume 10, Issue 16, 2007-06-11
Utah Small-Business Champion Named
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SALT LAKE CITY - The National Federation of Independent Business, America's leading small-business advocacy group, today named Salt Lake City entrepreneur Mark Lewon its Small-Business Champion of the Year.
The honor was conferred upon him by the Leadership Council of NFIB/Utah.
Each year, NFIB singles out a small-business owner in all 50 states for special recognition and honors him or her with its prestigious "Small-Business Champion" award. This is the fourth year the national group has recognized small-business owners who go the extra mile for mom-and-pop enterprises.
Last year's winner was Evan Vickers of Cedar City. In 2005, the award went to Jan Z...
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Volume 9, Issue 1, 2006-01-23
Utah Small-Business Leader Passes the Torch
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SALT LAKE CITY, UT - After a decade of pressing the case for Utah's mom-and-pop small businesses with state policymakers, Ron Casper has passed the mantle of state director for the 5,000-member NFIB/Utah to Candace Daly,
“Ron Casper can put his feet up at his new St. George home and look back on 10 years of stellar accomplishments,” said Daniel Markels, NFIB's western region state public policy director. “He elevated the stature of NFIB in Utah to a level where lawmakers seek our support for their legislation, which is no small accomplishment in a lobbying world that bombards elected officials with requests for their time. Small businesses are not small...
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Volume 7, Issue 12, 2004-06-28
Utah Small-Business Owners Hear Directly From President Bush at Recent Luncheon Address
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Delegates Front and Center for Health-Care Remarks
Utah small-business owners Carolyn and John Christensen of Salt Lake City heard directly from President Bush recently on the issues vital to not only their survival, but to the health of the nation's economy as well.
Small-business owners produced 100 percent of all net new jobs, according to the latest research by the U.S. Small Business Administration's Office of Advocacy. But small-business owners have distinctly different difficulties in remaining solvent than do larger companies. One such difficulty is the cost of providing health care for themselves and their employees. Annual double-digit increases in h...
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Volume 11, Issue 2, 2008-01-15
Utah Sportsmen Have Significant Economic Impact
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Utah's 351,000 hunters and anglers spend more than $696 million a year in the state on hunting and fishing, according to a new report.
The new report, "Hunting and Fishing: Bright Stars of the American Economy," spotlights the immense impact hunters and anglers have on the economy at the national and state level.
In Utah, spending by hunters and anglers directly supports 13,000 jobs, which put $350 million worth of paychecks into pockets of working residents around the state. Of course, government coffers also benefit -- spending by sportsmen in pursuit of these outdoor activities generates $70 million in state and local taxes.
Sportsmen support m...
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Volume 7, Issue 12, 2004-06-28
Utah State Awarded Center Of Excellence for Small Satellites
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LOGAN - The State of Utah awarded Utah State University $25,000 to create the Center of Advanced Satellite Manufacturing (CASM), which will enable the development of state-of-the-art methods and technologies for manufacturing satellites more efficiently and cost effectively.
This effort, along with Utah State University Research Foundation's Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) initiative to develop science and military missions, should lead to the commercialization of small satellites used to perform such missions.
"The main goal of the new center is to strengthen Utah's economy by building upon Utah State's small satellite knowledge," said Steve Kubisen, vice president of Tech...
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Volume 8, Issue 4, 2005-02-28
Utah State Honors Alumni at Founder's Day
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Utah State University will celebrate the founding of the institution in a celebration March 5 at the Little America Hotel Ballroom in Salt Lake City at 6 p.m. The celebration will honor of the founding of the university on March 8, 1888.
The Utah State Alumni Association will present awards to outstanding alumni. Bonnie Parkin, Jonathan Bullen and Richard and Moonyean Anderson will receive the Distinguished Service Award. The alumni association's top award, the Distinguished Alumnus Award, will be presented to David Kragthorpe and Col. Doyle “Dode” Rees.
Parkin has held many leadership positions throughout her life. She served as the Associated Students of Utah State University senior class vice president and as president of the Kappa Delta Sorority. Parkin graduated from Utah State in 1962 with a bachelor of science in elementary education.
She served on the Relief Society general board and in the Young Women's general presidency in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Currently, she presides as general president of the Relief Society.
Bullen was born and raised in Logan, where he graduated with a degree in business from Utah State in 1978. Today, he is one of the largest stockholders of portfolio real estate assets managed by Wasatch Property Management, with holdings and properties in Utah, Arizona, Nevada and California. In addition, he is the owner and president of Provo College, Eagle Gate College and Evolution Fitness. He is also the owner and manager of Bullen and Harris LLC, a management and investment company.
Richard and Moonyeen Anderson have participated in long careers of service, both to Utah State and their community. Together, they have done much to support Utah State and the College of Engineering, including an endowed scholarship and a naming gift for the new Richard and Moonyeen Anderson Wireless Communication Research and Education Center in the new engineering building.
Mr. Anderson enjoyed careers with Hewlett-Packard and the Microwave and Communication Group. He currently serves as a trustee for the Utah State University Foundation and is a member of the College of Engineering Advisory Board.
Kragthorpe, a former Utah State football player, will be honored with the Distinguished Alumnus Award. Kragthorpe was a two-way tackle at Utah State, where he also played baseball. Following his graduation, Kragthorpe coached the Idaho State Bengals to its first national championship, and he was chosen Coach of the Year by the Pac 10 for his success at Oregon State.
Colonel Doyle “Dode” Rees will receive the Distinguished Alumnus Award. Born in Benson, Utah, Rees attended the Utah Agricultural College and earned the nickname “High-Power Rees” as a lineman on the football team.
After graduating from the college, Rees planned to attend law school, but he was called into military service at the outbreak of World War II, just short of graduation. Following the war, he was promoted to colonel in the U.S. Air Force and became part of the Office of Special Investigations. He also served in the Pentagon as commandant of the Air Force Investigation School.
Rees retired from the Air Force in 1963. He then worked for the Central Intelligence Agency as a special investigator, chaired the boards of the Cache County March of Dimes and American Red Cross and established an ROTC Scholarship at Utah State.
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Volume 8, Issue 5, 2005-03-14
Utah State Professor Receives Fulbright Scholar Award
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Roger K. Kjelgren, associate professor of urban horticulture in Utah State University's department of plants, soils and biometeorology, has been awarded a Fulbright Scholar grant to Thailand during the 2005-06 academic year, according to a news release from the U.S. Department of State and the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board.
Next fall, Kjelgren will travel to Kasetsart University in Bangkok, where he'll spend six months teaching and assisting the department of forestry faculty in developing curriculum for the school's new urban forestry program.
Kjelgren said he hopes his work with Kasetsart University, Thailand's state agricultural institution of higher learning, will lead to an ongoing relationship with Utah State and future exchanges between Kasetsart and Utah State scholars.
Following his Fulbright experience in Thailand, Kjelgren will continue his year-long sabbatical with a six-month stint at the University of Queensland in Australia. There, he will serve as a visiting lecturer at the university's Center for Native Floriculture.
Editor's note: Kjelgren is one of approximately 800 faculty and professionals from the United States who will travel abroad to some 140 counties for the 2005-06 academic year through the Fulbright Scholar Program. Established in 1946 under legislation introduced by the late Sen. J. William Fulbright of Arkansas, the program's purpose is to build mutual understanding between the people of the United States and other countries.
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Volume 13, Issue 1, 2010-01-12
Utah State Scenic Byway Committee Meets
By Tracie Cayford
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SALT LAKE CITY – Members of the new Utah State Scenic Byway Committee will hold their first meeting in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, January 13, 2010. The meeting begins at 11:30 a.m. in the East Building of the Capitol Hill Complex, Spruce Room. Legislation passed during the 2009 General Session of the Utah Legislature expanded the membership of the committee from 10 to 15 members who were appointed by Governor Gary R. Herbert in the fall.
“Utah has one of the most recognized...
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Volume 8, Issue 4, 2005-02-28
Utah State University Travels To Arizona
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LOGAN ‒ Summer is drawing near and once again, hundreds of Arizona residents are preparing to escape to Cache Valley. Organizers of Utah State University's Summer Citizen Program traveled to the Phoenix and Tucson areas last month to host five presentations on why Cache Valley is an ideal summer destination for seniors.
Attendance at the 2005 Arizona presentations was up 100 percent over 2004 and 70 percent from 2003,” said Dan Peterson, Utah State University Extension executive director of Conference Services. “Based on these numbers, we look forward to a boost in participation and therefore a higher economic impact for the valley. Summer citizens curren...
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Volume 11, Issue 30, 2008-08-20
Utah Still Attracts Out-of-State Interest
Companies respond to state's business recruiting
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While the national economy is in a downturn, Utah's business-recruitment efforts apparently are still going strong, the Deseret News reports.
Todd Brightwell, vice president of business development for the Economic Development Corp. of Utah, said this week that interest from out-of-state companies looking to put operations in Utah continues to be strong. The agency is contracted by the state to handle recruitment activities.
The agency handled 133 site visits to Utah during the past fiscal year, topping the 113 a year earlier. That compares with as little as...
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Volume 12, Issue 34, 2009-11-02
Utah student loan defaults lowest in nation
Recession campaign is key to success
By Spencer Jenkins
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UTAH! - A new federal report ranks Utah student loan borrowers best in the nation for repayment, thanks to an innovative recession strategy deployed by the Utah Higher Education Assistance Authority (UHEAA).
In its release of the Cohort Default Rates for 2007, the U.S. Department of Education reported that only 2.1 percent of the students repaying their postsecondary loans to UHEAA defaulted, compared to a national average of 6.7 percent.
The majority of Utah student loans are generated through...
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Volume 13, Issue 1, 2010-01-12
Utah Sued by St. George Firm
A $357 million suit has been filed against the State of Utah for alleged civil rights violations stemming from a four-year campaign by the Utah Division of Securities (DOS) to unfairly pursue over 100 state financial agents
By Bob Morse
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ST. GEORGE, UTAH - The State of Utah and individuals in its Division of Securities is being sued by Utah financial advisors. Named as joint plaintiffs are Henry S. Brock, St. George, Utah and Jay Rice, Salt Lake City, Utah.
Defendants include Governor Gary Herbert, Attorney General Mark L. Shurtleff, Department of Commerce Head Francine Giani, and former and current Directors of the Utah Division of Securities (DOS): Wayne Klein, Keith Woodwell, Tony Taggart, and Public Officer George Robinson, and the State of Utah.
Brock and Rice allege that...
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Volume 8, Issue 7, 2005-04-11
Utah Summer Games Celebrates 20 Years
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Time really does seem to fly when you're having fun. And for the past 20 years, the Utah Summer Games have sure had a lot of fun. Ever since 1986 the Games have provided a challenging environment for amateur athletes of all ages and skill levels to engage in a “festival of sports.”
Every June, 8,000 to 10,000 Utahans converge on Cedar City to be a part of the oldest Olympic-style sporting event in the state. This year, the Games will begin on June 10 and finish up on June 26.
The line up of sports has grown and changed to accommodate different tastes over the years. Today, the Games offer more than 50 different sports from which to choose. They vary fr...
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Volume 11, Issue 20, 2008-06-04
Utah Summer Games Ready for Big Year
Schedule runs June 4-22
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CEDAR CITY – A record number of participants are expected at the 2008 Utah Summer Games.
Registrations are up for a number of traditional sports, and new competitions, like Ultimate Frisbee, will bring new athletes to the Games.
The USG will run June 4-22. The Opening Ceremonies will be June 12 at 8:30 p.m. at Eccles Coliseum. Collin Raye will perform again this year. There will also be fireworks at the end of the ceremony.
While soccer draws the largest overall attendance throughout the three weeks of the Games, boxing will most likely draw the largest...
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Volume 7, Issue 11, 2004-06-14
Utah Summer Games Statewide Torch Ceremonies End in St. George
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Last Wednesday, June 8 at Vernon Worthen Park in St. George, the Utah Summer Games flame made its final stop on its statewide tour before the Opening Ceremonies in Cedar City.
Mayor Daniel McArthur hosted the event and presented an award to the family of Dr. Walter Brookes for his tremendous contributions to local athletics. Topp Hennessee, a singer/songwriter who currently resides in St. George will "topped" off the night with a musical performance.
The St. George Torch Ceremony follows the kick-off which took place on the steps of the State Capitol, hosted by Governor Olene Walker and the Ceremony in Logan on June 5.
"I really think these Torch Ceremonies happening across the state have been fabulous," said Kyle Case, Utah Summer Games Director. "This (St. George) will be the last one before Opening Ceremonies.”
The flame traveled the length of Utah before lighting up the Utah Summer Games Cauldron in Cedar City last Thursday, June 10 at the Opening Ceremonies.
“It's been a few years since the Utah Summer Games flame has traveled the state of Utah. We are incredibly excited to be reviving this wonderful tradition” said Kyle Case, Utah Summer Games Director.
“It's significant that the Summer Games flame will travel the length of the entire state. It symbolizes how the Games are for everyone from every corner of Utah. I feel that this is the beginning of a great tradition that will only continue to grow,” said Case.
Editor's note: The Utah Summer Games, Utah's oldest amateur sports festival, is celebrating its 19th year with over 40 sports to choose from including Table Tennis, Track and Field, Swimming, Tae Kwon Do, and Horseshoes!
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Volume 8, Issue 15, 2005-09-05
Utah Supreme Court Rules on WCF Ownership
Court Decision Declares Policyholders‒Not State of Utah‒Owners of WCF
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The Utah Supreme Court has declared that Workers Compensation Fund's assets are owned by policyholders, not the State of Utah. The ruling in favor of WCF settles long-standing challenges by the State of Utah and upholds previous Supreme Court and district court decisions.
The ruling, released on the 23 of August, 2005, states in its conclusion: “We affirm the district court's decision that the ‘State of Utah has no ownership interest in the Workers' Compensation Fund or its assets other than as a policyholder.' As a quasi-public corporation, the WCF exists to serve an essential public purpose, to provide workers' compensation insurance, all the while b...
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Volume 11, Issue 22, 2008-06-25
Utah Swaps Land Near Cedar City with BLM
State trades scenic area for industrial property
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CEDAR CITY - The Utah School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration has acquired 330 acres with development potential from the federal Bureau of Land Management in exchange for 950 acres of school trust land inside the Three Peaks Recreation Area west of Cedar City.
Originally proposed in 2002, the land exchange gives SITLA a 160-acre parcel on Iron Springs Road, 10 miles west of Cedar City, that is zoned industrial and has rail and utility access. SITLA also receives several parcels closer to Cedar City with residential development potential....
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Volume 7, Issue 6, 2004-03-29
Utah Symphony Orchestra to Perform with Guest Violinist
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Utah Symphony Orchestra is one of the more popular concerts on the Celebrity Concert Series season and this season it will be no exception, with attendance reaching nearly 1200 concert goers. Utah's premier orchestra will be at the Cox Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, March 31, 7:30 p.m.
The orchestra, under the direction of Scott O'Neil will present Symphony No. 70 in D Major by Haydn and Brahms. A highlight of the program will featured violinist, David Park, performing Suite for Violin by Sinding with the symphony.
David Park has appeared as a soloist with the Seoul Philharmonic, the New York Harmonic Orchestra, the Korean Chamber Orchestra, the Music Academy of the West Festival Orchestra, the Daegu Symphony, Inchon Symphony and Santa Ana Symphony. He has given recitals in many of the world's great concert halls, including Carnegie Weill Hall and Alice Tully Hall in New York, Salle de Pleyel in Paris, and Sejong Music Center in Seoul.
Park has also performed on national television and radio broadcasts in the United States, France and Korea. Furthermore, he has participated as both soloist and chamber musician in summer festivals inlcuding the Aspen Music Festival, Music Academy of the West Festival, Grand Teton Music Festival and Aix-en Provence, France.
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Volume 10, Issue 30, 2007-09-28
Utah to Pilot New Small Business Loan Program
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The Small Business Administration has announced a pilot loan program to help spur economic development in rural Western areas. Utah will be one of a half dozen states where the new Rural Lender Advantage program will be tested.
The program will provide simpler applications for SBA-guaranteed loans under $350,000, a faster review period for the loan, and online filing options.
The program is targeted at rural areas because small business account for two-thirds of all rural jobs and comprise more than 90 percent of all rural establishments. However, banks in rural areas typically do not make many SBA loans because of the complexity involved with the applications....
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Volume 8, Issue 21, 2005-12-05
Utah Tourism Board Approves Co-op Marketing Applications
State Money to Promote Utah Destinations, Events
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Salt Lake City - Members of the Utah Board of Tourism Development have approved more than $790,000 in state spending in the first round of applications for Utah's new Cooperative Marketing program. Non-profit tourism entities are eligible to apply for the $2 million appropriated by the legislature for the current fiscal year to promote Utah to out-of-state visitors.
At its monthly meeting in Salt Lake City this morning, the board considered 39 applications totaling nearly $1.9 million in requests for the state funding. The following applications received approval:
” Deaflympics, $100,000
” Ski Utah, $94,271
” Moab Music Festi...
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Volume 8, Issue 15, 2005-09-05
Utah Tourism Office Launches Branding Tour
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The Utah Office of Tourism will be traveling around Utah over the next month to get public input on a new brand to promote the state. The branding tour will lead the office to a dozen Utah cities. The tour Itinerary includes stops in Moab, Cedar City, Kanab and St. George
"We want to make sure Utah residents have an opportunity to tell us what makes their state unique as we get ready to launch a branding and advertising campaign to increase the number of out-of-state tourists, lengthen tourist visits, and boost visitor spending," says Leigh von der Esch, managing director of the Office of Tourism."
The Utah Legislature has allocated $14 million to be spent on tourism prom...
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Volume 7, Issue 5, 2004-03-15
Utah Trade Office to Open in Italy
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Torino, Italy - The state of Utah plans to open a trade office in Torino, Italy at the end of the month, the site of the 2006 Olympic Winter Games. A press conference and ribbon-cutting ceremony are planned with government and business leaders from the Piedmont region on Wednesday, February 25 at 9:30 a.m. in Torino at the historic Palazzo Barolo (via delle Orfane, 7).
The Piedmont Region Minister of Business and Economic Development, the director of the Torino Chamber of Commerce, the director of the Piedmont foreign trade office, the director of Investments in Torino and Piedmont, as well as Jeff Gochnour, the Utah Director of Business and Economic Development, and the U.S. Con...
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Volume 7, Issue 9, 2004-05-10
Utah Trucking Association Holds Biggest Trucking Conference Ever in St. George
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Even though fuel prices are at an all time high, the improved economy has caused an increase in freight brought Utah trucking companies out in record numbers to the Utah Trucking Association's annual Management Conference & Expo held last week at the Dixie Convention Center.
David Creer, the association's president, says “This 72 year old Utah trade association represents both local and national trucking companies. Representing over 400 companies the Utah Trucking Association represents trucking companies and the critical movement of freight at the Utah State legislature and other regulatory agencies like the Highway Patrol, Utah Department of Transportation and the Utah Tax Commission.
The association works closely with these various government agencies and fills a close partnership that translates into a more productive and safe transportation system in the state. Utah Trucking companies have safety as their number one priority - safety for their drivers and their families and sharing the road with the motoring public. Utah trucking has one of the best road safety records in the country,” concluded David.
This year's conference filled the 40,000 sq ft Expo Hall at the Dixie Center with shinny new tractors and trailers and over 60 booths from suppliers. Besides important industry educational sessions and speakers over 400 attendees were entertained by Kurt Bestor at their annual banquet and former coach Lavell Edwards at the Safety Awards Luncheon.
There was also an opening conference party, "Cinco de Mayo", at the Cottontown Village in Washington. Also speaking at the Conference was Fred Burns, Chairman of the American Trucking Association in Washington, DC. The president of the Utah Trucking Association is Jack White from Alpha Transport and the Conference Chairman was Dan England, CEO of CR England.
Utah Trucking began using the Dixie Center for its conventions soon after the Center was built. David says members “enjoy the warm weather, golf courses, and friendly people in the Southern Region”. Plans are already in process for next year's conference in early May of 2005.
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Volume 10, Issue 37, 2007-11-16
Utah Unemployment
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Unemployment by county Oct. 2006 - Oct. 2007...
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Volume 9, Issue 15, 2006-11-20
Utah Unemployment Rate
By the Numbers
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Utah unemployment rate by county, three months ending September 2006...
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Volume 12, Issue 31, 2009-10-12
Utah Visual Arts Program Announces Exhibit
Cash prizes will be awarded to only six (of 63) artists - for their outstanding work
By Jill Mecham
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UTAH! - Juried art competitions have been a tradition of the Utah Arts Council since its inception in 1899. Utah boasts a variety of highly-skilled artists and craftsmen and the 2009 Statewide Annual Competition is evidence that our artists not only produce excellent artwork, but they push their skills and creativity, bringing innovative techniques and imagery to this year's exhibition.
"The works I selected for this exhibition span a broad range of media, from ceramic, glass, fiber and metal, to a number of submissions that combined several media to evidence a novel artistry" notes Regina Benson of Colorado, one of this year's capable jurors. "It was the singular vision, with a mastery of the underlying craft that captured my attention."
Benson's fellow juror, Pete Grady of Idaho, observed "There is a satisfying range of subjects and styles, ... and artists' concerns in Utah are in stride with their...
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Volume 12, Issue 15, 2009-04-27
UTAH WORKER'S COMPENSATION LAW DEVELOPMENT
By Michael Patrick O'Brien, Esq.
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The Utah Supreme Court has issued a ruling in favor of employers in worker's compensation cases. According to the Enterprise newspaper, the court ruled that "providers of worker's compensation insurance are liable only for the percentage of medical expenses incurred by an injured employee that can be attributed to work.
Medical expenses incurred that cannot be attributed to the worker's employment are not the responsibility of the insurer or the self-insured company." The Utah Court of Appeals and the Utah Labor Commission had ruled that worker's compensation was liable for 100% of the involved employee's medical expenses even though a doctor had found that only about 35% of...
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Volume 12, Issue 32, 2009-10-19
Utah-based Firm Awarded 600,000th Design Patent
Hatch Lauds Company for Innovation, Renewable Energy Technology
Mark Eddington
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ALEXANDRIA, Va. - Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) participated in a ceremony today in honoring Goal Zero for being awarded patent design member 600,000 for an innovative battery system that works in conjunction with a solar briefcase to use sunlight to recharge the system.
"Small businesses such as Utah-based Goal Zero create 70 percent of all jobs in the U.S.," Hatch said following his remarks at the ceremony. "They are the economic engine that drives our economy, and they are largely responsible for the innovation that has kept our nation at...
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Volume 11, Issue 24, 2008-07-09
Utah, U.S. to Hike Minimum Wage
Rises to $6.55 an hour on July 24
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Following the lead of the federal government, the Utah Labor Commission has raised the minimum wage from $5.85 an hour to $6.55 an hour, effective July 24.
Each state must adopt minimum-wage standards that at least meet the U.S. Department of Labor's minimum. It has been the state's policy to adopt the federal minimum wage rate.
After 10 years of no minimum wage increases, the federal government last year began a series of three 70-cent increases of the minimum wage. In 2007, the rate went from $5.15 an hour to $5.85. This year's rate goes up another 70 cents, and in 2009, it will be ...
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Volume 10, Issue 25, 2007-08-24
Utah's Bridges Are Safe
Utah Dept. of Transportation
By John R. Njord, Executive Director,
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We at the Utah Department of Transportation are saddened by the tragic collapse of the I-35W bridge in Minnesota. Our hearts and our prayers go out to the victims and their families. And our sympathy and support go out to our colleagues at the Minnesota Department of Transportation, who must sort out how and why this happened, and how to prevent it from happening again.
Here at home, we want to assure Utahns and others who travel our state's roads that there is no cause for alarm here. Our bridges are safe.
That said, I believe there is a bit of explanation in order. The Minneapolis bridge collapse introduced a new and ominous term into the American vernacul...
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Volume 12, Issue 13, 2009-04-13
Utah's Business Climate Solid
Source: Utah Taxpayers Associati
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Two new reports paint a mixed picture of Utah's tax and economic policies. Despite leading the nation on the ALEC-Laffer State Economic Outlook ranking, Utahns' overall tax burden remains one of the highest in the nation, as measured by a new report from the Tax Foundation of Washington, DC. Utahns' tax burden is still 13th highest in the country.
The Tax Foundation's latest report calculates "Tax Freedom Day" as the date on which Americans have earned enough to pay their full federal, state and local tax burdens. The later in the year a state's Tax Freedom Day falls, the higher a state's tax burden. Utah's Tax Freedom Day is April 13, making it the 13th latest...
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Volume 7, Issue 1, 2004-01-12
Utah's Economic Outlook Most Promising In Four Years
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According to the Winter 2004 issue of Zions Bank's Insight, Utah's economic outlook is the most promising in four years.
"Utah economic growth has finally turned positive, a development we expect to pick up speed during 2004," said Jeff Thredgold, economic consultant to Zions Bank and author of Insight. "While projected growth in the coming year won't rival the boom period of the mid-1990s, we are moving in the right direction."
The quarterly Insight publication features updates on current and projected economic and financial developments for the state of Utah, the Intermountain region, and the nation. The Winter 2004 issue also examines the so-called "misery index" and its measure of American consumer economic well-being. Following are a few highlights from the "Utah Economic Outlook" section of the Winter 2004 issue:
The most recent Utah employment data showed a rise of 6,700 net new jobs over the most recent 12-month period. This was the first meaningful rise in year-over-year employment in nearly three years.
We are projecting a rise of 15,000 to 18,000 net new jobs (up roughly 1.5 percent) in Utah during 2004. While not all that impressive when compared to average net annual gains of 35,300 new jobs during the 1990s and the gain of 29,000 jobs in 2000, the projected rise would be the best in four years.
The state's unemployment rate has also reflected an improving labor market. Utah's unemployment rate averaged 4.8 percent in recent months, and 5.2 percent during 2003's first 11 months. By comparison, the state's jobless rate averaged 6.1 percent in 2002, the highest level since 1987.
Utah will continue to benefit from much stronger U.S. economic growth now underway. Various projections see the U.S. economy growing between 3.8 percent and 4.5 percent (after inflation) in 2004.
A recent study of all 50 states was conducted by the Corporation for Enterprise Development. Its 2003 Development Report Card for the States ranked Utah among the top eight states in terms of economic performance, business vitality, and development capacity.
The Intermountain area has grown faster than any other region of the U.S. during the past 80 years. The region's urban hubs of Salt Lake City, Denver, Boise, Albuquerque, Phoenix, Tucson, and Las Vegas grew at a rapid pace during the 1990s, with solid growth likely to continue.
New home construction activity across the state continues to be rock solid. Despite Utah economic weakness of the past three years, new housing starts last year were the strongest in 25 years. The primary reason? * enormously attractive mortgage interest rates have allowed thousands of Utahns to buy their first homes, while also allowing thousands more current homeowners to refinance higher-rate mortgages at very attractive rates.
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Volume 12, Issue 32, 2009-10-19
Utah's Economic Recession Bottoming Out
By Jeff Thredgold
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SALT LAKE CITY, Utah; - Utah's most painful economic contraction since the Great Depression appears close to establishing a bottom, according to the Autumn 2009 issue of Zions Bank's Insight-Economic News of Utah and the Nation released today. Prospects are rising for a return to modest Utah job creation that should be clear within 6 to 9 months.
"Utah's economy should show more signs of life throughout 2010," said Jeff Thredgold, economic consultant to Zions Bank and author of Insight. "Even as the economy stabilizes, however, more vibrant economic conditions seem perhaps 18 to 24 months away."
The five states sharing a border with Utah currently have an average unemployment rate of...
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Volume 12, Issue 3, 2009-01-26
Utah's Economic Recovery Depends on Small Business
Updated Statistics Underscore the Importance of Small Business
Source: SBA
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WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Utah's economic recovery will depend on small business. That message is driven home in the newly updated Utah Small Business Profile released today by the Office of Advocacy of the U.S. Small Business Administration. The most recent data show that the state has 56,691 small employers, and they employ 97.0% of the state's workforce.
"Utah depends on small business for jobs and economic growth," said Shawne McGibbon, Acting Chief Counsel for Advocacy. "During this time of financial stress and economic instability, policymakers need to remember that the ...
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Volume 11, Issue 32, 2008-09-03
Utah's Economy Called Recessionary
Economists point to loss of construction jobs
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The Deseret News reports Utah's economic outlook is grim, and relief may not be on its way any time soon, economists at a conference hosted by the Utah Association of Appraisers said recently.
Jim Wood, director of the University of Utah's Bureau of Business and Economic Research, told the audience at the summer symposium held at the Little America Hotel in downtown Salt Lake City that the current economy is "a recessionary environment."
The rapid loss of jobs in the state's construction industry has contributed to much of the decline, he said.
"I've been following the housing market for ...
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Volume 8, Issue 4, 2005-02-28
Utah's Film Industry Receives National Recognition
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Utah's film industry continues to gain national recognition. The Sundance Film Festival wrapped up in Park City over the weekend, showcasing independent filmmaking and generating worldwide media exposure for the state. The Grand Jury Prize of the festival was awarded to former Park City resident Ira Sachs, Jr., son of Park City resident Ira Sachs. The festival also generated new leads for Utah's film industry from producers who will be returning to scout locations around the state in the next several weeks.
"Utah has one of the best film commissions in the industry and producers say Utah is one of the easiest states to work in," said Martin Frey, newly appointed co-director of the Utah Division of Business and Economic Development. Frey told a legislative committee Monday that Utah's film program should be strengthened.
In other film news, Utah resident Geralyn White Dreyfous, executive producer of the documentary "Born into Brothels," was recently nominated for an Academy Award. Additionally, independent Spirit Award nominations for best picture went to "Napolean Dynamite" and "Saints and Soldiers," two other movies with Utah writers, talent, and professional crews. "Saints and Soldiers," a World War II movie, was shot entirely on location in Utah. Last week, Salt Lake City native Stephen Gary Banks, co-writer of "Are We There Yet?" received national acclaim when his film became the top-grossing movie in the United States.
"I'm delighted to see our Utah filmmakers gaining such recognition and that our talent matches up with any in the world," said Leigh von der Esch, executive director of the Utah Film Commission.
The mission of the Utah Film Commission is to market the entire state as a location for film and commercial production and to promote the use of Utah support services and professionals. Last year, Utah's film industry contributed $43 million to the state's economy, with an additional $41.4 million added to the state's coffers from the Sundance Film Festival.
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Volume 13, Issue 5, 2010-02-10
Utah's Gas Prices Soar; Other States Drop
Utah's Average Price at the Pump - Jumps 14 Cents!
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SALT LAKE CITY – Utah’s gasoline prices have soared from 5th lowest in the country to the 10th highest in just one month, according to the latest report from AAA Utah. All but two of the metro areas where AAA Utah tracks prices have experienced double-digit increases over the past month.
AAA Utah, which gas prices as a service to consumers, reports the average price in Utah for a gallon of regular, unleaded is $2.74. This is 14 cents higher than last month’s survey on January 12, and $1.03 higher than a year ago. Only nine states have prices higher than...
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Volume 10, Issue 40, 2007-12-18
Utah's Gasoline Prices Continue To Rise
AAA reports Utah one of only 11 states to see increases
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SALT LAKE CITY - Despite dropping oil prices, the latest report from AAA Utah finds that Utah's average price for a gallon of gasoline increased 3 cents from last month. AAA Utah reports only 10 other states experienced increases in their gasoline prices since last month.
Utah's current average price for regular, self-serve gasoline is $3.07 a gallon. This is 3 cents higher than the average in last month's report on November 13, and 79 cents higher than a year ago. According to AAA Utah, which tracks gasoline prices as a service to the consumer, 13 states have prices higher than Utah.
"The price of oil has dropped from its high mark of just over $98 a barrel t...
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Volume 11, Issue 36, 2008-10-01
Utah's High-tech Exports Grow
Ranked second in growth rate
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The Deseret News reports Utah's technology-related exports grew at the second-fastest rate among all states from 2006 to 2007, according to a recent report.
The nonprofit trade association AeA, formerly the American Electronics Association, said Utah tech exports grew $339 million last year, boosted by a more-than-triple jump in exports of semiconductors.
Utah's international high-tech trade totaled $1.1 billion in 2007, with Utah trailing only Hawaii in year-over-year percentage growth. Utah was behind only Virginia, Florida, Idaho and New Jersey when measuring the ...
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Volume 12, Issue 29, 2009-09-28
Utah's Prices Continue Upward
Utah 12th Highest in Country
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UTAH - Utah's gasoline prices continued to increase over the last month. Utah's average price is now the 12thhighest in the country. This is the typical pricing position for Utah during the last weeks of summer.
According to AAA, Utah's average price is $2.70 for a gallon of regular, self-serve gasoline. This is 9 cents higher than last month's report but $1.15 lower than a year ago.
The national average price of regular self-serve is $2.58 per gallon. This is 6 cents lower than last month's report and $1.08 lower than a year ago. Alaska has the highest average price, $3.39, in the country while California's price, $3.11, is the highest in the lower 48. Missouri has the lowest average price in the country at...
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Volume 12, Issue 39, 2009-12-07
Utah's RLW Acquired by Sterling Construction
Business Wire
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SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - Sterling Construction Company, Inc. (NasdaqGS: STRL) (“Sterling” or the “Company”) announced recently that it has completed the acquisition of an 80 percent ownership interest in Ralph L. Wadsworth Construction Company (“RLW”), headquartered near Salt Lake City, Utah. Sterling paid $64.7 million for the 80 percent ownership interest in RLW that it purchased from four related individuals, who have retained the remaining 20 percent interest subject to a...
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Volume 7, Issue 10, 2004-05-24
Utah's Small Business Sector to Be Impacted By Rising Short-Term Interest Rates
By Jeff Thredgold
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Highlights
The Zions Bank Small Business Index for Utah rose to 102.1 in April 2004 versus a revised 101.9 in March 2004. Utah's unemployment rate was estimated at 5.0% in the latest month, up from the prior month's revised 4.7% rate. Total Utah employment is up an estimated 14,900 jobs during the past 12 months. Strong U.S. economic growth now strongly suggests that the Federal Reserve will begin to tighten monetary policy as soon as late June. The nation's unemployment rate was 5.6% in April - - down slightly from March's 5.7% rate - - while net U.S. employment rose by a strong 288,000 jobs
Higher Short-Term Interest Rates
Strong U.S. economic growth of the past 12...
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Volume 8, Issue 5, 2005-03-14
Utah's Small Businesses Benefiting From Solid U.S. Economic Growth
By Jeff Thredgold
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Highlights
The Zions Bank Small Business Index for Utah rose to 102.5 in February 2005, up from a revised 101.9 in January 2005
Utah's unemployment rate was estimated at 4.6% in the latest month, up from the prior month's revised 4.5% rate. Total Utah employment is up an estimated 35,500 jobs during the past 12 months
U.S. economic growth in 2004's final quarter was revised sharply higher in the U.S. Commerce Department's first official revision. We expect solid growth to continue
The U.S. economy added 262,000 net new jobs in February, while the unemployment rate returned to 5.4%
Stronger Economic Growth
The U.S. Commerce Department's...
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Volume 6, Issue 21, 2003-11-24
Utah's small businesses will benefit from powerful U.S. Economic growth and renewed U.S. Job gains
By Jeff Thredgold
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* The Zions Bank Small Business Index for Utah rose to 97.3 in October 2003 versus a revised 96.3 in September
* Utah's unemployment rate was estimated at 4.8% in October 2003, down from September's revised 5.0% rate. Total Utah employment is down an estimated 2,100 jobs during the past 12 months
* Powerful U.S. economic growth will have a positive impact on the Utah economy over the next year
* The nation's unemployment rate was 6.0% in October - - down slightly from September's 6.1% rate - - while net U.S. employment rose by 126,000 jobs
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Volume 11, Issue 38, 2008-10-15
Utah's Strengths Key to High-Tech and Economy Growth
Novell CEO addresses Utah Technology Council
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SALT LAKE CITY - Utah possesses strong resources that will be essential to the next era of high-tech industry growth, says Novell CEO Ron Hovsepian.
As leader of a global company with more than 4,700 employees worldwide, Hovsepian noted that Utah's strengths are critical to the next phase of high technology growth not only for Novell and for the Utah economy, but for the high-tech developments that are affecting the world overall.
Hovsepian shared his remarks with leading Utah CEOs at the Utah Technology Council Open Forum Discussion at Ballard Spahr's Utah headquarters in Salt Lake City recently.
Hovsepian notes that he considers ...
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Volume 7, Issue 19, 2004-10-25
Utah's 100 Fastest Growing Companies Honored at 10th Annual Awards Ceremony
Three St. George Base Companies Amongst The Top 100
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MountainWest Venture Group announced the winners of its 10th Annual Utah 100 Awards today at a special “10 Years of Celebrating Achievements” ceremony at the Grand America Hotel. Topping Utah's 100 fastest growing companies list was Draper-based iboats.com. Zions Bancorporation received honors as the Top Revenue Growth company for the fifth consecutive year. Southwest Utah honorees included 3 St. George based companies: Quality Excavation, Inc, Design to Print, L.L.C., and Riverwoods Mill, Inc.
Companies were ranked based on sales growth over a five-year period from 1998-2002. The 100 finalists boasted an average five-year growth rate of 1,228 percent, up from 887 percent in 2003, while the top five winners measured an average of 10,000 percent five-year growth‒nearly a three percent increase over last year's top five.
Since MountainWest Venture Group launched the Utah 100 in 1995 as Utah's first business-growth recognition program, each year's results have been equally impressive.
“In the inaugural 1995 Utah 100 competition the winners' five-year growth ranged from approximately 200 percent to a phenomenal 18,000 percent,” said Devin Thorpe, 2004 Utah 100 Awards Chairman.
Several companies were recognized today for multiple years on the Utah 100 list‒a significant achievement, according to Thorpe. “When you realize that these companies have been able to sustain an average annual growth rate of more than 20 percent for five to 10 years, their success is to be commended,” he said.
Multi-year honorees included eight-time winner Body Firm Aerobics and seven-time winners Document Control Systems, Prime Holdings Insurance, Inc. and Stampin' Up! Four five-time winners included Axiom Financial, Inc., Dexter's Party Ice LLC, MedOne Capital, Inc. and Wencor West, Inc.
In addition to Utah's 100 Fastest Growing Companies, 15 companies were recognized for their total revenues in absolute dollars. Collectively, these companies generated $8 billion in revenues in 2003, with average sales per company of approximately $550 million. Multi-year honorees in this category included RC Willey, the only ten-time winner; Zions Bancorporation, a nine-time winner; SkyWest, an eight-time winner; and A-Plus Benefits, Inc. and Stampin' Up! as seven-time winners.
MountainWest Venture Group's “Emerging Elite” category, added to the awards program in 2001, recognized 12 companies for outstanding accomplishment and future potential. Unlike the Utah 100 and Top Revenue Growth Companies, the “Emerging Elite” are required to be in business between two and four years and are not ranked.
More than 1,000 entrepreneurs and business leaders from throughout the State of Utah joined with MountainWest Venture Group, keynote speaker Senator Bob Bennett, and emcees Grant Nielsen and Amanda Dickson of KSL Radio to recognize these companies for their significant contribution to the state and its expanding economy.
Prior to his election to the Senate in 1992, Senator Bennett earned distinction in entrepreneurial and government activities and understands the significant investment given by these companies to be where they are today. “It takes a significant investment of hard work, sacrifice, and dedication‒and a dose of good luck‒to achieve the success the Utah 100 winners have experienced,” he said. “I join many others in honoring them for the services, employment opportunities and economic benefits their businesses provide to our community and nation.”
In celebration of its 10th Anniversary, the MountainWest Venture Group also honored the founder of the Utah 100 Awards Program, John Knab, for his vision and hundreds of hours of dedicated service over the last 10 years. According to Todd Stevens, president of MountainWest Venture Group, there is no way to quantify the impact this recognition program has had on Utah's economy. “The Utah 100 Awards certainly provide motivation and recognition to hard-working, risk-taking entrepreneurs,” he said. “John has left a positive and building legacy to the entrepreneurial community of Utah. This program has recognized and encouraged over 1,000
companies over the years.”
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Volume 8, Issue 12, 2005-06-20
Utah's College Savings Plan Reaches $1 Billion
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Investors have now entrusted $1 billion to the Utah Educational Savings Plan (UESP), Utah's 529 college savings plan. Since January 2005, the plan has grown by 11 percent, receiving more than $119 million new contributions and over 5,000 new accounts.
UESP has earned national recognition. In February, Morningstar Inc. rated Utah's plan as one of the best direct-sold plans in the country. In May 2005, Kiplinger's reported it "has consistently recommended Utah's plan for its super-low expenses and for its sensible selection of age-based and fixed portfolios of Vanguard funds. Investor's should feel comfortable keeping their money there."
Lynne Ward, UESP's new director, has wasted no time in bringing needed improvements to Utah's 529 college savings plan. Since joining UESP full-time in January, 2005, Ward has implemented organizational, policy and operational changes in a short amount of time.
"Lynne has an outstanding professional track record and has become a vital asset to the program," said Higher Education Commissioner Richard E. Kendell. "She is taking UESP in a new and positive direction which is getting nationwide attention."
"These changes are critical if Utah's plan wants to remain nationally competitive," said Ward. "I also feel responsible for helping people invest in their child's future. I take this responsibility very seriously."
Since January, UESP has implemented a new computer database, Web site, and Program Description as part of its efforts to improve accuracy, enhance disclosures and improve internal controls. These changes comply with the Disclosure Principles recently adopted by the national College Savings Plan Network.
The Utah State Legislature did their part to improve UESP by unanimously passing H.B. 102 this session. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Scott Wyatt and Sen. Dan Eastman, updated the statute and eliminated redundant and obsolete language. It also included technical changes to make clarifications and improvements to the statutory framework, and conform the revenue and taxation code to federal tax law.
UESP continues to appeal to investors because of low fees and attractive investment options. UESP's nine investment options allow investors to choose a plan that best fits their needs. Five of these are age-based options, which change the allocation of account assets to become more conservative as the child grows, and the other four are static options.
"Saving for college is now more important than ever," says Ward. "The cost of attending a public university or college is expected to more than double by 2023." Today, four years of public college costs about $34,000, but in 2023, the same education is expected to cost $80,000, according to the Commissioner's Office.
Because the cost of college is increasing, saving for college is a worthwhile investment. According to CollegeBoard, a trusted source of higher education information, a college graduate can expect to earn $49,900 per year. That means a college graduate can expect to earn almost $20,000 a year more than someone with only a high school diploma.
UESP, a not-for-profit agency administered by the Utah State Board of Regents and the Utah Higher Education Assistance Authority, began in 1996. UESP currently has more than 58,000 accounts. Investors receive favorable federal tax benefits, gift tax benefits, and, for Utah residents, Utah state tax benefits.* UESP invites the public to request our information packet by calling 1-800-418-2551 or visit our website, www.uesp.org, for more information.
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Volume 9, Issue 3, 2006-02-20
Utah's Economy - Recent Numbers Show Increased Momentum
By Jim Wood
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In mid-November, public and private economists produced a 2006 forecast for the Utah economy. This forecast is used to determine tax revenue projections for the executive branch of state government. For every major indicator, the consensus forecast showed slight declines in growth rates.
For example: employment growth in 2005 was estimated at 39,000 or 3.5% compared to a projection of 3.3%for 2006.Growth in retail sales, new housing units, auto/truck sales and several other indicators all showed lower growth rates in 2006 than 2005.However, in the two months since the forecast, new data suggests that the Utah economy has significant momentum entering 2006.None of the data below were available for the November meeting.
Nonagricultural employment growth in November and December. The table below shows the year-over employment growth by month for 2005.November and December were the two strongest months of the year, increasing by 41,200 jobs and 44,000 jobs respectively. The year-end surge in employment was due primarily to growth in the construction and business services sectors.
Net In-Migration -The 2005 estimate of 41,700 for net in- migration was released in December. This is the highest level of net in-migration in over sixty years. Only during World War II did the state have more net in-migration. Excluding the aberration of World War II the previous high was 30,100 in 1994.The record level of net in-migration, combined with the highest level of natural increase in the Utah 's history (37,500),produced an increase in population of 78,200,another demographic record for the state. The previous high (excluding World War II) for population growth was 59,100 in 2001.In 2005; population growth in Utah was a remarkable 19%higher than the previous peak year.
Third Quarter Taxable Sales -Taxable sales (retail, business investment and services)rose 13.8%over the third quarter of 2004.This was the fastest pace of quarterly growth in twelve years, retail trade and services purchases. Utah's growth in taxable sales is well ahead of third quarter growth at the national level, see Table 2.
New Home Construction -New home building finished incredibly strong in 2005.The number of building permits issued for new dwelling units in Utah in October was 2,390 and in November 2,537.This is the highest number of permits ever issued for each of these months. The previous high for an October was 2,165 in 2003 and for a November was 2,254 in 1995.
Fourth Quarter Real Estate Sales (Salt Lake County)-Fourth quarter real estate sales in Salt Lake County jumped by more than 15%in 2005.This is the highest fourth quarter increase ever reported by the Wasatch Front Regional Multiple Listing.
State Fiscal Condition -Through the first six months of the year, state tax revenue (general fund and uniform school fund) is $268.7 million higher than for the same period last year; a 13.9%increase.Revenue in all the major categories is up substantially. The strong revenue increase produced a surplus at mid-year of $231 million. In December alone, the surplus increased by about $100 million.
Third Quarter Tourism -Passenger traffic at the Salt Lake International Airport was up 23%in the third quarter, due in part to an increase in Delta flights. Six million passengers in a single quarter is the highest ever. National Park visits were above 2.1 million visitors, the highest third quarter since 2001. Hotel occupancy rose to 73.1%, well above the experience of recent years.
Third Quarter Vehicle Sales -Third quarter sales for new automobiles and trucks totaled 29,841 vehicles,21%above the third quarter of 2004 and the highest quarterly total in Utah 's history, surpassing the second quarter of 2004 (28,716),another quarter when dealers offered steep discounts.
These numbers show no signs of an economic slow down in Utah in 2006.
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Volume 9, Issue 15, 2006-11-20
Utah's Gas Prices Drop
AAA Utah Reports Double-Digit Savings
By Rolayne Fairclough
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SALT LAKE CITY - Motorists are breathing easier as they have seen gasoline prices in Utah substantially drop over the past month. The latest report from AAA Utah shows double-digit decreases throughout Utah and most of the Intermountain West.
The average price for a gallon of regular, self-serve gasoline in Utah is currently $2.34. This is 26 cents lower than last month and the same price as a year ago. The current national average price is $2.23. This price is 3 cents lower than last month and 6 cents lower than a year ago.
Mild weather on the East Coast and strong OPEC inventories has sent crude oil below $60 per barrel. Barring any unforeseen events, incl...
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Volume 7, Issue 21, 2004-11-22
Utah's Grand America Hotel in Five Diamond List
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SALT LAKE CITY, November, 2004 - Utah's reputation as a world class destination continues to grow with a second hotel earning AAA's prestigious Five Diamond Award rating for 2005.
AAA announced today that the Grand American Hotel joins Stein Eriksen Lodge in receiving the lofty honor.
“This Five Diamond Award means these properties are the industry leaders,” said Rolayne Fairclough, spokeswoman for AAA Utah. “It's a real testament to the service and experience they provide to the customer.”
The Stein Eriksen Lodge has been honored with the rating for three years. This is the first year the Grand American was added to the list...
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Volume 9, Issue 4, 2006-03-06
Utah's Technology Sector Acknowledged as One of the Nation's Most Key
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SALT LAKE CITY - Following President Bush's announcement of the American Competitiveness Initiative (ACI) in his recent State of the Union address, Deputy U.S. Secretary of Labor Steve Law visited Utah business leaders to discuss the initiative in person. Law met with Utah tech and science leaders this week in a CEO Roundtable discussion hosted by the Utah Information Technology Association (UITA) and Utah Life Sciences Association (ULSA).
In his remarks, Law acknowledged Utah's strengths and UITA's strong role developing and enacting strategies to position Utah nationally and worldwide. However, Law contends that it is critical that U.S. business leaders take seriou...
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Volume 12, Issue 20, 2009-06-08
Utah Delegation to Promote Tourism to Japan
By Tracie Cayford
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Salt Lake City - The Governor's Office of Economic Development (GOED) will lead a delegation of business and government leaders this week to Japan for the inaugural Delta Air Lines' flight from Salt Lake City to Tokyo. The new, non-stop service will leave the Salt Lake City International Airport early Wednesday afternoon for Narita Airport. The state will host a luncheon in Tokyo on Friday for key leaders of Japan's travel industry, including top tour operators, and a business reception will be held that evening. The focus of the luncheon will be Utah's ski product, national parks, and summer attractions.
The state has partnered with...
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Volume 12, Issue 28, 2009-09-14
Utah Tourism Board Approves Funding
Six Southern Utah Organizations Receive Grants Totaling More Than $430,00
By Tracie Cayford
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SALT LAKE CITY- Members of the Utah Board of Tourism Development have approved over $1.45 million in funding from Utah's Cooperative Marketing program. The board approved 32 of 52 applications submitted to the Utah Office of Tourism by non-profit tourism entities from around the state. The program is now in its fifth year and seventh round of funding.
"The annual cooperative marketing program is more important than ever to our partners and allows us to expand our out-of-state marketing efforts," said Leigh von der Esch, managing director of the Utah Office of Tourism, an agency of the Governor's Office of Economic Development. "Since the program was launched five years ago, funding has been provided to promote destinations in nearly all of Utah's 29...
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Volume 12, Issue 30, 2009-10-05
Utah Tourism Office Relaunches Consumer Web site
Utah.travel Features Expanded Content for Vacation Planning
By Tracie Cayford
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UTAH! - Travelers have new online tools to help them plan their next vacation to Utah. The Utah Office of Tourism has relaunched its Utah.travel Web site to include more content and links to social media streams in an effort to make it more interactive.
"Visitors to the site will now have more information on Utah's destinations and events than ever before that can be accessed from a computer or mobile device," said Leigh von der Esch, Managing Director of the Utah Office of Tourism, an agency of the Governor's Office of Economic Development (GOED). "Travelers today are looking for more online vacation information for...
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Volume 13, Issue 25, 2010-08-12
Utah’s Average Price Increases 3 Cents
Gasoline Prices Creep Upward
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SALT LAKE CITY, August 10, 2010 – Motorists are casting a wary eye at the pump as the latest report from AAA Utah finds the state’s average gas price is inching upward.
According to AAA Utah, Utah’s average gas price is up...
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Volume 12, Issue 7, 2009-03-02
Utahn to Lead Nation's Credit Unions
By Darrell Kirby
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WASHINGTON DC - Kris Mecham, CEO of Deseret First Federal Credit Union in Salt Lake City, Utah, was elected Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) at its annual meeting in Washington, DC.
With its network of affiliated state credit union leagues, CUNA is a trade association serving 90 percent of America's 8,300 credit unions, which are owned by more than 91 million consumer members. The year 2009 represents 100 years of credit union cooperatives.
The DC beltway publication National Journal has called CUNA one of the most effective groups in Washington based on a poll it conducted of ...
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Volume 7, Issue 14, 2004-08-16
Utahns Elected in Western States Land Commissioners Association
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Kevin S. Carter, Kaysville, Utah, has been elected president of the Western States Land Commissioners Association (WSLCA). The announcement was made at the close of the recent WSLCA conference. He has been active in the association for more than 15 years, served as WSLCA secretary for eight years, and was vice-president of the organization for the past year.
Carter is the Director of the State of Utah School & Institutional Trust Lands Administration managing 3.4 million acres of trust land for Utah's public schools and 11 other beneficiary institutions.
The WSLCA represents 23 states that together manage more than 370 million acres of surface land, minerals and land beneath navigable waterways. The association works to maximize the earnings and preserve the assets of the member states' educational trusts and encourage prudent administration of those trusts.
The association elected Mark Wilson, Arkansas Commissioner of Public Lands, as vice-president of the WSLCA. Dave Hebertson, South Jordan, Utah, is the WSLCA secretary.
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Volume 8, Issue 14, 2005-08-22
Utahns Receive Scholarships, Build Future After Loss of Loved Ones
Hope - Vision - Achievement
By Linda Baker
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There are many ways to pay tribute to a loved one who has died. For brothers Rick and Russell Hall, pursuing degrees at Utah State University is a way to honor their father who lost his life in a work-related accident several years ago. For Lisa Johnson, mother of three, heading back to the College of Eastern Utah helps recognize her husband who died in the workplace.
Rick, Russell and Lisa are among this year's more than 60 recipients of the Workers Compensation Fund Legacy of Learning Scholarships. The scholarship program provides educational assistance to the spouses, sons and/or daughters of workers who have lost their lives in work-related accidents. Since 1990, WCF has awa...
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Volume 10, Issue 33, 2007-10-19
Utahns Say Goodbye To Dropping Gas Prices
AAA Utah reports prices on the rise
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SALT LAKE CITY — The steady drop in gas prices since the highs of May skidded to a halt and started to climb in Utah and most of the Intermountain West, according to the newest report from AAA Utah, which tracks gas prices as a service to consumers.
Utah's average price for a gallon of regular, self-serve is now $2.81. This is an 8-cent increase from last month's report on September 11 and 29 cents higher than a year ago. Only 20 states now have prices higher than Utah's average price.
‘Typically prices drop this time of year as suppliers sell off the summer formulated fuel to make way for the winter blends,’ said Rolayne Fairclo...
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Volume 8, Issue 9, 2005-05-09
Utilities Sign Cooperative Agreement
By Marc Mortensen
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Utah Power and Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems (UAMPS) signed an agreement February 18, 2005 to expand the St. George Switch Yard, owned by UAMPS, and install voltage control equipment. The project will improve capacity and service reliability in southwestern Utah for Utah Power and UAMPS customers.
Utah Power, UAMPS and Deseret Generation and Transmission, representing the Dixie Rural Electric Association, jointly studied the future transmission requirements for southwestern Utah for the period 2004 through 2015. The study identified several potential transmission projects to meet the areas rapidly growing load. The projects are estimated to total about $100 million over ...
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Volume 13, Issue 1, 2010-01-12
UTOPIA Cities Ought To Cut Their Losses
My Corner
By Howard Stephenson
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You may have noticed a lot in the media last month about UTOPIA, the 11-city, thricefailed soviet-style fiber-optic network which after 6 years has budgeted an operating deficit of $24.6 million this year. Some of the news stories carried accusatory words from UTOPIA supporters about your Taxpayers Association which begs a response. Characterizing the comments are those from UTOPIA’s President who, rather than arguing facts, simply called the Utah Taxpayers Association “liars and charlatans.” But six years of empty Utopian promises have already proven who the charlatans are.
The failure of UTOPIA is...
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