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Utah—Life Elevated
Utah Accolades
Utah Accolades
Rankings & Headlines
2011 - 2012
National Foundation Rankings Issued Annually
Utah #1
“Best State For Business And Careers”
- Forbes Magazine - November 2011
State ranks #1 for second year in a row
Utah’s rankings in those categories are:
• Business Costs: 10
• Labor Supply: 5
• Regulatory Environment: 8
• Economic Climate: 11
• Growth Prospects: 10
• Quality of Life: 14
Utah #1
“Best Business Climate”
- Business Facilities – August 2011
1 UTAH
2 TEXAS
3 VIRGINIA
4 FLORIDA
5 SOUTH CAROLINA
Business Facilities Magazine is a leading national site selection publication which serves the business community of those professionals who are working for major corporations who are looking at expansion or relocation of their companies.
Utah #2
“Pollina Corporate Top 10 Pro-Business States for 2011:
Rebuilding America’s Economic Power”
Pollina Corporate Real Estate Inc– August 2011
America must be an integral part of global business if it is to remain a superpower, but “thus far we have done a terrible job of integrating ourselves in the 21st century marketplace,” says geoeconomist and corporate relocation expert Dr. Ronald R. Pollina.
In the annual study of job retention and creation by the 50 states and the federal government, Dr. Pollina emphasizes “the effort to make America more business-friendly must come from all levels of government. Many states are doing such a poor job of creating a pro-business environment that they can’t even come close to competing with each other, much less compete globally.”
Utah #1
“Expected Economic Recovery” and “Economic Outlook”
-American Legislative Exchange Council - ALEC– June 2011
Laffer and his co-authors, Stephen Moore, senior economics writer at The Wall Street Journal, and Jonathan Williams, director of the Tax and Fiscal Policy Task Force for ALEC, analyze how economic competitiveness drives income, population and job growth in the states. They found that, “states with a high and rising tax burden are more likely to suffer through economic decline, while those with lower and falling tax burdens are more likely to enjoy robust economic growth.” According to Williams, “The top performing states keep taxes, spending, and regulatory burdens low, while the biggest losers in the book tend to share similar policies of high tax rates, unsustainable spending and regulation.”
Utah #1
“The Best Managed State in the Nation”
-The Pew Center on the States 2008
Reported in Governing Magazine: Measuring Performance – March 2008
The Center ranked the states based on how well they manage their budgets, staffs, infrastructure and information. States were graded on their recruitment and retention of qualified employees, their use of information and technology, management of budgets and purchasing systems, and planning for improvements to roads, bridges and other core infrastructure.
Utah #1
“ECONOMIC DYNAMISM”
-Kauffman 2010 State New Economy Index – November 2010
- #1 For Economic Dynamism
- #1 in Online Population
- #1 in E-Government.
- #3 in Fastest Growing Firms
- #5 for Venture Capital
- #6 in Export and Manufacturing Services
- #6 in Inventor Patents
- #11 for IPO's
- #11 for High Wage Services Traded
- #11 for Workforce Education
- #11 for High Tech Jobs
- #13 for the number of Scientists and Engineers
- #16 for Entrepreneur Activity
- #49 in Movement Toward a Green Economy
- #12 for the Overall Ranking
Utah #3
Beacon Hill Institute, State Competitiveness Report
“MOST COMPETETIVE STATE FOR BUSINESS”
-Beacon Hill Institute- December 2009
Names Utah Number 2 as the most competitive state for business in the nation. Utah was highly ranked in major sectors such as Government and Fiscal Policy, Business Incubation, Infrastructure, Human Resources and Technology.
Periodic National Rankings in which Utah was highly rated
Utah 3rd
“Overall Economic Health”
U.S. Census bureau of Economic Analysis – January 2012
Based on an average of five broad indicators, Utah's economic well-being ranks fairly well against the other 50 states and the District of Columbia. Taking into account the number of families living below the poverty level, overall economic production, recent house price behavior, unemployment levels and residential foreclosure rates, Utah ranks 16th out of 51.
#8 Provo, Utah, #5 Ogden, Utah
“The 30 Best Cities for Starting Over, From Washington, D.C. to Honolulu”
U.S. News – December 2011
Logan, Utah #1
“Small U.S. Cities for Business”
Milken Institute– December 2011
An economic think tank has ranked Logan first among small cities in the U.S. for being a good business community. The Milken Institute, founded in 1991 and based in California, has released a new list of best performing cities for the year. Salt Lake City, Provo and Ogden ranked in the Top 25 among large metro cities, while Logan ranked No. 1 among small cities.
Utah Metros Zooming Up
“Annual Review of U.S. Best Performing Cities”
Milken Institute – December 2011
Utah metros also made an impressive showing, with three metros in the Top 25 vs. only one last year. The Salt Lake City, Provo and Ogden metro areas climbed an average 32 positions, with Salt Lake gaining 49 spots. Utah was the only state to double its volume of exports over the past five years, and Salt Lake's economy is highly diversified, with pharmaceuticals, medical devices, transportation equipment, financial services, and high-tech companies.
Four Utah Companies on list
“America’s Most Promising List”
Forbes– November 2011
CampusBookRentals.com, Packsize, Domo Technologies and Aquatherm were among the 100 companies ranked in the Forbes list. The companies were ranked based on compelling business models, strong management teams, investment capital and strategic partners.
University of Utah #1
“University Startups”
Association of University Technology Managers – November 2011
The University of Utah is No. 1 in the nation at starting companies based on university research for the second year in a row, according to an annual survey recently released by the Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM). The survey ranks U.S. universities and institutions on commercialization success, and in recent years, the U of Utah has climbed to the top, overtaking such schools as MIT, Columbia, Cal Tech and Johns Hopkins.
University of Utah's David Eccles School of Business Ranked Top 25 in U.S., No. 1 in Utah
“MBA rankings”
Bloomberg Businessweek – November 2011
In addition to being No. 1 in Utah, the Executive MBA ranked No. 25 in the nation, No. 5 in the West, and No. 33 in the world, of more than 300 global executive MBA programs. The Executive MBA program, which features a weekend format, also recently ranked No. 33 in the United States by the Financial Times.
Utah.gov
“Most honored state government website in nation”
Yahoo finance– November 2011
“Utah.Gov is repeatedly recognized as the leading state e-government solution in the nation, including its unprecedented haul of 16 awards in 2011,” said Governor Herbert. “Utah.Gov is known not only for its aesthetics, but for its functionality, providing Utahns easy access to nearly 1,000 state services. I appreciate the efforts of DTS and Utah Interactive in making state government more efficient and more responsive to citizen needs, and I congratulate them for their well-deserved recognition.”
Utah #4 for internet speed
“State of the Internet”
Akamai Technologies– October 2011
In its most recent “State of the Internet” report, Akamai Technologies ranked Utah at #4 in the nation, above coastal western neighbors California (#6) and Washington (#9). The report is a quarterly comparison of average internet speeds of states across the U.S.
Internet speed and infrastructure are crucial components of Utah’s position in economic development, technology, and education climates. Several studies even suggest a correlation between broadband access and lower unemployment rates.
University of Utah Executive MBA program ranks 33 nationally
“Top EMBA Programs”
Financial Times– October 2011
The Executive MBA Program at the University of Utah’s David Eccles School of Business has climbed to No. 33 nationally on the 2011 Financial Times list of leading Executive MBA programs and is the only Utah school ranked in the top 100 this year. This marks the David Eccles School of Business’ seventh consecutive appearance in the 2011 ranking of global executive MBA programs, bettering its 2010 finish at No. 38 among the U.S. programs and maintaining its No. 88 global ranking, despite tough competition from several new international EMBA programs.
Utah Top 5
“Which States Are Poised for Jobs Growth?”
HIS Global Insight - Oct 2011
Forecasting firm IHS Global Insight looked at which states will have the strongest rates of expansion through 2017. The company’s regional economic group made forecasts determined by the macroeconomic outlook, including demographic assumptions, historical and cyclical trends and other factors such as oil prices and tax policy.
#1 Ski Resort
Deer Valley Resort
- Ski Magazine - October 2011
“We are absolutely delighted with the results of this year’s SKI Magazine survey,” says Bob Wheaton, Deer Valley Resort president and general manager. “To win the #1 ranking four years in a row, in the company of the finest resorts in North America, is just humbling.
#1 Family Vacation
Park City Mountain Resort
- Ski Magazine - October 2011
“We are honored to receive such a prestigious award as we focus on creating an incredible mountain experience for all of our guests, including families,” said Jenni Smith, president and general manager of Park City Mountain Resort. “Over the years we have directed substantial resources to enhancing the family experience for our guests. We have been devoted to finding ways to allow more of our guests to explore the 3,300 acres of terrain our mountain has to offer, in addition to providing more family-friendly activities off the slopes.”
Utah ranks #4
“State of the Internet”
Akamai Technologies – October 2011
“Utah was the only inland western state to be highly ranked,” said Tara Thue, manager of the Utah Broadband Project at the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED). “Given Utah’s large concentration of rural land, this ranking says something significant about our progress in distributing high-speed access throughout the entire state.”
Moab, Utah
“Top Adventure Destination”
- Frommers – October 2011
Some might look at Moab, Utah, and tell you it's in the middle of nowhere. Those in the know will tell you that it in fact is in the middle of everything.
Utah’s online voter registration program as a top government-to-citizen website
- The Center for Digital Government – October 2011
The Center for Digital Government, a national institute dedicated to promoting digital information services in government, named Utah’s online voter registration program as a top government-to-citizen website.
Highway 12, Utah ranks in top 10
“America's Most Iconic Drives”
- Yahoo travel – October 2011
Running between Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef National Park, Highway 12 was a challenging four-wheel-drive track as recently as 1985, when the last stretch around Boulder Mountain was finally tamed by pavement. Alongside the road, the iron-tinged rust of sedimentary sandstone cliffs stands out against a forest of deep green junipers, lending a gentle softness to what is otherwise a harsh setting.
BYU's Marriott School of Management ranked 7th, and the University of Utah's David Eccles School of Business ranked 16th for 2011
“Top 25 undergraduate business colleges”
- Entrepreneur magazine – October 2011
"We are honored to be included in such a prestigious ranking," U. business school dean Taylor Randall said. "We are dedicated to create entrepreneurs and business leaders for life."
Ogden-Clearfield job growth tops in U.S.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – September 2011
The publication determined the Ogden-Clearfield Metropolitan Statistical Area, comprising Weber, Davis and Morgan counties, posted a 3.73 percent increase in jobs, the largest in the nation, between August 2010 and August 2011.
Ogden area 2nd in nation in adding jobs
- Brookings Mountain West – September 2011
The Ogden-Clearfield Metropolitan Statistical Area, which includes Weber, Morgan and Davis counties, ranked second among the nation's major metros, posting a quarterly job gain of 1.8 percent during the second quarter.
Utah's Canyon Country (Thelma & Louise)
“5 Classic American Drives”
- Budget Travel – September 2011
Utah County job growth makes U.S. top 10
U.S. Census data – August 2011
From 2000 to 2010, Utah County employment grew 47.1 percent, CNN said, citing expansions of IM Flash Technologies and Overstock.com as contributing factors. The area is also attracting a new cyber-security center for the National Security Agency and an Adobe office.
Amer Sports, Skull Candy, USANA are listed
“50 Best Places to Work”
- Outside Magazine, September 2011
Just when we need it most, along comes a wave of enlightened companies that believe success starts with smiling employees. Which means lunchtime bike rides, flexible hours, and bringing the dog to the office can now be part of your job description. Presenting Outside's 50 Best Places to Work.
Farmington, UT Ranks #12
“America's Best Places to Live 2011”
- Yahoo Finance – August 2011
With the current state of the economy — and the dispiriting sight of the nation's leaders endlessly battling about how to fix it — the phrase "small town" conjures up images of a happier time. When unemployment wasn't above 9%. When people didn't stress out about home values. When school budgets weren't under siege. Those were the days, right?
Utah #5
“Job growth Nation from June 2010 to June 2011”
- Arizona State University report – August 2011
“Your state is growing in a diversified sort of way,” McPheters said, citing Utah’s top-10 rankings in job production in four of 11 industrial sectors monitored by economists.
“A lot of states would be envious of being in that situation right now.”
The report said Utah’s economy created 23,500 jobs in the year leading up to June 2011, a 1.98 percent increase that was double the national average.
#8 Utah County, #22 Logan
“Where the jobs are”
- CNN Money –August 2011
Utah #2
“Top 10 Pro-Business States”
Pollina Corporate – August 2011
1 Virginia 6 Kansas
2 Utah 7 South Dakota
3 North Dakota 8 Missouri
4 Wyoming 9 South Carolina
5 Nebraska 10 Indiana
Utah #1
“Volunteerism in America”
- Corporation for National and Community Service – July 2011
Salt Lake City Ranked #4
“America’s Best Cities for Young Professionals”
- Forbes- July 2011
Salt Lake City Ranked in the top 15
"15 best new cities for business"
FORTUNE on CNNMoney - July 2011
Utah #1
“Expected Economic Recovery”
-American Legislative Exchange Council - ALEC– June 2011
Utah #8
“America's Top States for Business 2011”
- CNBC – June 2011
Utah #8
“America's Top States for Business 2011”
- CNBC – June 2011
We scored all 50 states on 43 measures of competitiveness developed with input from business groups including the National Association of Manufacturers and the Council on Competitiveness. States received points based on their rankings in each metric. Then, we separated those metrics into ten broad categories, weighting the categories based on how frequently they are cited in state economic development marketing materials. That way, our study ranks the states based on the criteria they use to sell themselves.
Here are the ten categories ranked in our study:
- Cost of Doing Business
- Workforce
- Quality of Life
- Economy
- Transportation & Infrastructure
- Technology & Innovation
- Education
- Business Friendliness
- Access to Capital
- Cost of Living
Utah in top 10 in four of six important categories
“Enterprising States Recovery and Renewal for the 21st century”
U.S. Chamber of Commerce and National Chamber Foundation – June 2011
http://www.uschamber.com/sites/default/files/reports/ES2011-full-doc-web.pdf
Utah ranks 3rd in Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Utah ranks 2nd in Exports
Utah ranks 10th in Taxes and Regulation
Utah is tied for 7th for Workforce and Training
Salt Lake City, and Provo-Orem area in top 20
“Tracking Economic Recession and Recovery in the Intermountain West’s Metropolitan Areas”
Brookings Institution Metropolitan Policy Program - June 2011
Salt Lake City #1
“Most productive workers”
Brookings Institution Metropolitan Policy Program - June 2011
CEO’s Rate the “Best/Worst States for Business” – Utah #9 Best State
- Chief Executive Magazine - May 2011
http://chiefexecutive.net/best-worst-states-for-business
In the print version of the May issue they also highlight P&G’s new facility in Box Elder County in which the company has invested 350 million dollars and currently employs around 200 people
Utah in top 10
“Best Travel Destinations for Summer 2011”
JustLuxe.com – May 2011
http://www.justluxe.com/gallery.php?cid=1573235
"Having grown up in a little green country, New Zealand, I have always been fascinated by big vistas of orange, red, gold and brown, so for me one of the most beautiful places on the planet is the series of National and State Parks across southern Utah and northern Arizona. Most Americans have no idea how much beauty there is in their own country, let alone in the American West. Zion, Bryce Canyon, Grand Canyon, Canyonlands, Arches, Capital Reef National Parks and Monument Valley and Lake Powell are all part of Insight Vacations' Wonders of the American West. The name could not be more apt! If there is a tendency to take a little poetic license with the naming of itineraries, this one truly lives up to its name. What nature has carved through millions of years of erosion is a wonder, and to be up close and personal was a privilege."
"Although this itinerary is not new to Insight Vacations, it is new to many Americans. There are only about 8 departure dates a year so to me it is a precious jewel."
- Richard Launder, President, The Travel Corporation, USA
Princeton Review's list of "Top Schools for Video Game Design Study for 2011“
-USA Today – March 2011
–U of U #2 undergraduate
–U of U #6, graduate
Salt Lake City #2
“The 10 Best Cities for Public Transportation”
USNews.com – February 2011
Salt Lake City earns its No. 2 spot in large part because of its heavy investment in serving a large suburban and exurban population. It is the No. 1 city in the nation in terms of public transit spending per capita, one reason being the current expansion of the Utah Transit Authority’s light rail system, known as TRAX. The city is adding four new lines to the three-line system, allowing better suburban access to the city; though the city’s population is just over 180,000, the system serves 1.7 million people in the larger area. Those residents take great advantage of the system; despite ranking No. 43 in terms of population, the city was No. 18 in terms of passenger miles traveled in 2008.
Tourism and Film Rankings and Accolades
Bryce Canyon National Park #1
“25 Dazzling Snow Scenes”
Budget Travel – December 2012
"Winter is a great time visit Bryce Canyon National Park in Southern Utah. There are less crowds and the canyon is usually filled with snow, making the scenery even more dramatic!"
#2 Alta and Snowbird, Utah
“Top 5 Ski Resorts in the United States”
Forbes – December 2011
2. Alta and Snowbird, Utah (PAF = 98): For those looking for a weekend of skiing, there is no better option than these side-by-side resorts that occupy a splendid apron of Little Cottonwood Canyon just 30 minutes from downtown Salt Lake. That nearly 2 million Utahans live so close to skiing that truly defines world-class is a fact that remains a secret to most of the country. If you’ve flown to Denver and schlepped west for the last 10 years–or just two–please stop. Go to Utah. Just go. You won’t see the insides of Denver International for a long time after that, I can assure you. You’ll think you just discovered the Lost Dutchman’s mine and the gold–all of it–is yours and yours alone. And my, is there some gold! Alta and Snowbird average 600″ of snow a year–100% more than your typical Colorado mountain–and, to be fair, more than just about anywhere not in Alaska.
Salt Lake #1
“Most popular faith-based tourist destination”
National Tour Association's monthly trade publication "Courier," – December 2011
Salt Lake City is tied with Israel as the most attractive spot for faith-based travel, according to a survey of 1,600 tour operators.
#5 Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
“Top 5 weirdest natural formations”
Yahoo News – December 2011
5) Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah: This park, located in southwest Utah, is famous for its otherworldly geological formations. Rainwater and frost have carved slot canyons, fins and freestanding pinnacles called "hoodoos," out of the limestone rocks. Hoodoos can range from 5 to 150-feet tall. Native Americans believed hoodoos were people who were turned to stone because of bad deeds, so watch your step.
Utah ranked #1
“Top five bargain destinations for winter 2011/2012”
USA Today – Travel – November 2011
Many popular ski destinations are hours from the nearest airport, but in Utah, 11 of its 14 major ski and snowboarding resorts are within an hour's drive of the well-served Salt Lake City airport. Utah also delivers on value with a variety of deals, discounts, and added amenities for winter stays.
Deer Valley, UT
“Winter Vacations for Every Budget”
Forbes – November 2011
Deer Valley is all about pampering, and it is one of the only ski resorts in the world that limits lift ticket sales every day, even when more people are willing to pay, just to keep the experience uncrowded for its high-powered guests. Its slopes are home to three of the most over-the-top luxury ski-in/ski-out hotels in the world, the Montage (pictured here), the Stein Eriksen Lodge, and the St. Regis Deer Crest. It is also is home to hundreds of luxury rental ski homes that cost far more than most hotels. Everything at Deer Valley is about the customer experience, from the absence of paper plates in the on-mountain “cafeterias” to the exceptional ski school, and it is eternally popular with families – rich families. The mountain is famed for its “corduroy” grooming, and the slopes definitely skew towards beginners and intermediates.
Moab, Utah
“Top Adventure Destination 2012”
Frommers.com – November 2011
Nestled in a green valley surrounded by red-rock scenery, Moab isn't a destination for what's inside the city limits -- rather, what's just outside of them is the big attraction. Not only is it on the doorstep of a pair of national parks -- Arches and Canyonlands -- but it's also home to dozens of outfitters that can take you rafting, hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, or four-wheeling.
Highway 12 Listed
“America’s most iconic drives”
Travel Leisure – October 2011
Running between Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef National Park, Highway 12 was a challenging four-wheel-drive track as recently as 1985, when the last stretch around Boulder Mountain was finally tamed by pavement. Alongside the road, the iron-tinged rust of sedimentary sandstone cliffs stands out against a forest of deep green junipers, lending a gentle softness to what is otherwise a harsh setting.
Deer Valley Ranked #1 for fourth year in a row.
“Top 20 ranked ski resorts in the Western U.S.”
Ski Magazine– October 2011
It’s unclear whether the reader was applauding or shaming Deer Valley with his comment that a vacation here is like “skiing in the lap of luxury.” No matter. Because it is clear that Deer Valley’s faithful fully embrace the resort’s pampering ethos, which is the basis of its repeat no. 1 ranking.
Park City Mountain Resort Named #1
“Family Vacation 2012”
Ski Magazine – October 2011
Park City Mountain Resort has been named the “#1 Family Vacation” from the editors of SKI Magazine. The award is part of SKI Magazine’s “Lifestyle” winners that it added last year as part of its “Top 60 Resort Awards”. The Resort was also named the #6 Resort in North America by readers of SKI Magazine.