Governor's summit to focus on Utah economy

SALT LAKE CITY — As the saying goes, "hope springs eternal," and that attitude will pervade the annual Governor's Utah Economic Summit — a one-day event that will focus on the positive aspects of the state's economy.

The theme for the Monday, March 29, event is "Solid Growth … Today and Tomorrow," which reflects Utah's currently strong business climate and careful preparations for future success, according to Spencer Eccles, executive director of the Governor's Office of Economic Development.

"The goal is to provide businesses, economic development (leaders) and people working in government … tools and insight into the national, international and Utah economic front," he said.

Eccles said the state is working to take a long-term view of strategies that foster economic growth.

While Utah has been minimally impacted by the national business slowdown, its business community continues to move forward in many parts of its broad economic base, Gov. Gary Herbert said in a prepared statement.

"Utah is fortunate to have experienced significantly less damage than our neighboring states, and we see some bright spots," Herbert said.

Utah has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country and continues to show signs of a dynamic economy in several business sectors, he added.

At the summit, attendees will hear from nationally recognized experts in fields ranging from financing to entrepreneurship to strategic marketing. The event also will include numerous workshops and panel discussions, Eccles said.

Featured speakers will include Herbert; Randal Quarles, managing director of Carlyle

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