Revenues of Utah's 10 largest construction companies also show a strong increase in construction activity. From Utah Business magazine's Top Commercial Builders list, combined revenues of Utah's 10 largest construction companies from 2003 were $1.49 billion. Revenues in 2004 grew to $1.94 billion, a 30 percent growth from year to year. It should be noted that portions of revenues of a number of these companies are generated outside of the state of Utah, as the strength of Utah's construction companies continues to reach into regional and national markets.

I am very optimistic about these economic trends and indicators and believe they suggest the construction industry is poised for a cycle of strong growth!

In the Intermountain Contractor magazine's "2005 Top Contractors" rankings, listed in its April 2005 issue, The Layton Companies, based in Sandy, competed against many excellent construction firms and was fortunate to be named the No. 1 general contractor, design-build contractor and the No. 2 construction management contractor in Utah and Idaho combined.

We've been building through many peaks and valleys in Utah's economy. We are proud to be an important part of the Beehive State's growing economy and look forward to a cycle of excellent growth in Utah's commercial construction industry.

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David S. Layton is the president and CEO of The Layton Companies