In his remarks, Law acknowledged Utah’s strengths and UITA’s strong role developing and enacting strategies to position Utah nationally and worldwide. However, Law contends that it is critical that U.S. business leaders take seriously the White House call for preparing a new generation of “knowledge workers” who are adequately prepared to compete in the future. “In many ways, times are fairly good right now,” Law acknowledged. “However, we can’t afford to rest on our laurels. We need to move forward. We need to make sure America stays at the forefront of innovation of technology, science and education as well as the talent development of our work force.” In fiscal 2007, ACI plans to double the current investments for innovation-based research, which constitutes a boost of nearly $1.5 billion. That money would fund hundreds of new research grants from the National Science Foundation, 2,600 more researchers under the Department of Energy, and breakthrough studies in nanotechnology, alternative fuel technologies and biotechnology. The White House has also earmarked $3.4 million for worker training programs. These funds would target out-of-school youth, low-income adults and dislocated workers, and would also benefit existing workers who need to upgrade their skills. In addition, the President’s FY07 Budget includes $137 billion for Federal research and development, an increase of more than 50 percent over 2001. Jack Sunderlage, president and CEO of ContentWatch and UITA chairman, noted that Utah’s currently proposed Utah Science Technology and Research Initiative (USTAR) meshes extremely well with President Bush’s new plan. “Through USTAR, Utah is actively engaged in investing in research and education and in partnering with Utah businesses in the creation of new high-paying jobs in the future high-tech market,” he said. “We want the world to know that Utah is open for business,” added Utah Lieutenant Governor Gary Herbert. “In Governor Huntsman’s programs, we are continually looking for ways to fund these initiatives without raising taxes. The need for these programs is market driven. We can’t compete unless we’re competitive.” CEOs particularly noted the growing need for immigration reform and the current difficulty of getting work visas for highly-skilled technology workers from overseas. Executives also noted the continual challenge of not only growing sufficient knowledge-based workers in Utah but also of creating sufficient incentive to keep those graduates and executives here. Sunderlage noted the increasingly strong venture capital community in Utah, noting that one Utah investor has plans to invest in 100 companies over the next several years. However, executives agreed that even with these positive moves happening, the region’s technology industry still faces hurdles in managing growth. “In the short term, we have to solve the current manpower issues, particularly where it comes to helping these small new companies survive,” executives said. In other related news, UITA and ULSA announced last week an intended merger in which the two groups are planning to become the Utah Technology Council (UTC). It is anticipated that the merger will occur in March of this year.
About UITA and ULSA
As the premier professional organization for Utah’s more than 3,000 IT companies, the Utah Information Technology Association (UITA) exists to form closer relationships with industry and community leaders, develop superior management talent, sharpen professional skills and help gain access to capital. For more information on UITA, please visit http://www.uita.org. The Utah Life Science Association is committed to developing and promoting life science industries by bringing members together in partnership to foster education at all levels; facilitate innovation, excellence and international competitiveness in our products and services; gain consensus for action; and be proactive in matters relating to policy formation, legislation and regulations that impact our industries. For more information on ULSA, readers can visit www.utahlifescience.com.
Agency Contact:
Cheryl Snapp Conner
Snapp Norris Group
T) 801 208-1100
UITA:
Richard Nelson
T) 801.568.3500 | 
