Utah Gov. Huntsman’s Economic Summit — boosting business

Huntsman hears from executives around state

Early-stage capital access and health-care cost containment were among the issues presented to Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. on Wednesday during a meeting with top executives from across the state.

More than 100 people attended the governor’s first economic summit, which Huntsman described as "a listening and learning opportunity."

What he heard was a divergent set of comments — everything from funding for start-up companies to improving recreational opportunities for the state’s blue-collar workers.

While no one suggested major changes to the administration’s focus areas — tax reform, business facilitation, industry cluster development, education and work force development, capital and advisory services, business and technology parks and image-building — several topics were dissected during the hourlong comment session.

Among the most-discussed was access to money for start-up companies.

By Brice Wallace
Deseret Morning News

Full Story: http://www.deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,600143441,00.html

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Skilled workers, capital are scarce, Huntsman told

By Travis Reed
The Associated Press

Some of Utah’s top business leaders told Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. on Wednesday there is not enough startup capital for new businesses and qualified workers can be hard to find.

One even suggested that the state annex Fort Douglas, a former outpost and current military museum at the University of Utah, to allow medical and technology companies to set up office space there.

Huntsman didn’t comment on the suggestions. Instead, he said he invited CEOs from 100 of the state’s top companies to listen to their suggestions for help from Capitol Hill.

Full Story: http://www.sltrib.com/business/ci_2818314