That shortage is the reason Huntsman said the state has trouble finding enough managers for companies that move to Utah, and he said he is working with Utah's business schools to address the problem.

Knold said the growth Utah is experiencing is not a short-term phenomenon. "This will last for decades," he said. "The gate is just being opened."

There is proof of that as the hot economy helps Utah lure companies to move to or expand to Utah, according to Russ Fotheringham, public development manager for Utah County manager with the Economic Development Corporation of Utah.

"There is major interest from national and international companies," he said. "Two major international companies are looking at multiple sites in Utah, and both are looking at sites in Utah County."

Utah has been a hot spot for call centers, but a major change is under way, Fotheringham said. Now, manufacturing and distribution companies, high-tech companies and data centers are interested.

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