• Assist with recruitment of a strong state talent bank, especially good management for emerging firms.

• Attract sufficient capital. Utah is small, Roybal said, so efforts must be strategic and focused. "We have to pick a few niches where we can be best in class."

The governor is a terrific salesman. He's committed at least a week of every month to economic development. He meets with CEOs personally; he speaks their language; he is lead spokesperson and persuasive deal closer, Roybal said. On more than one occasion, he has asked a firm to move its headquarters to Utah.

This all takes time, Roybal said, but Utah has a great labor pool, good infrastructure, central location and a terrific quality of life. It's a great product to sell.

It's still early in Huntsman's first term, but he does seem to be on track with a sensible economic development program.

Pignanelli: During the 1926 World Series, Babe Ruth discovered that a young fan, Johnny Sylvester, was hospitalized and close to death. Ruth promised Johnny, via telegram, to hit a home run for him. If Ruth failed, he would be forever scorned for disappointing the hopeful boy. The Bambino sent three over the fence and his legend was sealed. Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. spent most of 2004 promising Utahns he would increase jobs and business in the state. Failure by Huntsman to fulfill his public commitment to kick-start economic activity could devastate his career. Conversely, success will give him immense prestige and needed momentum to solve other problems.

One cannot overstate the need of a solid program to generate economic vitality in Utah. Prior to his election, Huntsman's predecessors were focused on recruiting Silicon Valley industries, and achieved little. The most exciting news regarding economic development in the last six months is the possible construction of a stadium for the Real Salt Lake soccer team. This is as pathetic as it is depressing — elected officials are offering taxpayer dollars to promote an activity with questionable economic benefits and dismal evidence of profits.