Colorado Firm Relocates Headquarters to Utah, Citing Gov. Leavitt’s Campaign

A Denver-area software developer whose executives said they were
inspired by Gov. Mike Leavitt’s campaign to attract new high-tech jobs to
Utah has moved its headquarters to Layton and will double its employment
in the city to 80 by year-end.

BY LESLEY MITCHELL
THE SALT LAKE TRIBUNE

Productive Data Federal Solutions Inc. of Greenwood Village, Colo., has
had an office in Utah since 1995. It decided to relocate based on Utah’s
ample and affordable high-tech labor pool and overall lower cost of doing
business.
Leavitt’s campaign "was a motivating factor," said Mike Mitchell, chief
operating officer at PDFS. He said in addition to lower labor costs and
building leases compared with Denver, "the quality of the people here in
terms of capabilities, work ethic and focus are second to none."
Joe Martinez, PDFS chief executive and president, said Utah’s reputation
as a high-tech center is growing. The company said it did not receive any
financial incentives.
PDFS is not one of three companies Leavitt previously has said will soon
announce they have elected to expand in Utah, creating about 1,000 jobs.
Although PDFS is bringing only a relatively small number of jobs, "This is
very welcome news," said Natalie Gochnour, Leavitt spokeswoman. She
said Leavitt has worked with state economic developers via the Utah
Technology Alliance to lure high-tech employers of all sizes.
PDFS said it will keep four people in Colorado and 20 in five other states.
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http://www.sltrib.com/03082002/business/717414.htm