During EDCUtah's recent annual meeting, sizable changes were made within the composition of its Executive Committee and Board of Trustees – two important groups that help guide the economic development organization's strategic planning and project work.

EDCUtah President & CEO Jeff Edwards attributes much of his organization's 22 years of success to the support and insight of the Board and Executive Committee, as well as the broad support of the organization's investor/partners. "Having exceptional partners is what makes economic development so successful and workable in Utah," he says.

Indeed, one of EDCUtah's great strengths lies in the diverse nature of its Board and Executive Committee. "The volunteers that serve in these two bodies represent state and local governments, higher education, utilities, public organizations and large and small private businesses. Further, our private sector Board and Executive Committee members represent law firms, construction companies, commercial real estate brokerages, banks and many other types of businesses," he says. "Such a broad mix of support is truly unique within economic development circles."

Changes come annually to the two governing bodies, with the retirement of those who have served their three-year terms and the induction of newly nominated members. Of those retiring, Edwards says he and his team are deeply grateful for their service, for giving so generously of their time and talents to further economic development in Utah.

Outgoing Board of Trustees Members

• Blaine Carlton, Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll
• Mike Homer, Suitter Axland, PLLC
• Dave Colling, Henriksen Butler Design Group
• Scott Parkinson, Bank of Utah
• Diana Young, Prince Perelson & Associates
• Sid Paulsen, Select Health
• Rick Davis, Callister Nebeker & McCullough
• Bill Martin, Commerce CRG / Cushman Wakefield
• Peggy Larsen, Workers Compensation Fund
• Kelly Matthews, Wells Fargo Bank
• Jason Perry, Governor's Office of Economic Development

Outgoing Executive Committee Members

• Rick Davis, Callister Nebeker & McCullough
• Bill Martin, Commerce CRG / Cushman Wakefield
• Kelly Matthews, Wells Fargo Bank
• Mayor LouAnn Christensen, Brigham City
• Peggy Larsen, Workers Compensation Fund
• Jason Perry, Governor's Office of Economic Development

Meanwhile, EDCUtah extends a warm welcome to the newly inducted members of the Board of Trustees and Executive Committee.

Incoming Members to the Board of Trustees

• Jonathan Butler, Parsons, Behle & Latimer
• Steve Bogden, Coldwell Banker Commercial NRT
• Jeff Larsen, Marsh USA
• Steve Mecham, Utah Rural Telecomm Association
• Maxine Turner, Cuisine Unlimited
• Jonathan Cohen, Coldwell Banker Relocation
• Chris Nelson, Metropolitan Research Center, University of Utah
• Bill D'Evelyn, Commerce CRG / Cushman Wakefield
• Bryce Blanchard, NAI Utah
• Peggy Larsen, Workers Compensation Fund (re-nominated)
• Spencer P. Eccles, Governor's Office of Economic Development
• Commissioner Mike McKee, Uintah County

Incoming Members to the Executive Committee

• Commissioner Louenda Downs, Davis County
• Mark Bouchard, CB Richard Ellis
• Peggy Larsen, Workers Compensation Fund (re-nominated)
• Glen Watkins, Jones Waldo Holbrook & McDonough
• Chris Nelson, Metropolitan Research Center, University of Utah
• Bill D'Evelyn, Commerce CRG / Cushman Wakefield
• Spencer P. Eccles, Governor's Office of Economic Development

Qwest Communications Utah President Jerry Fenn continues to serve as chairman of EDCUtah's Board of Trustees. Also continuing their service as officers on the Board are: Rich Walje, president of Rocky Mountain Power, who serves as private sector vice president; Mayor Tom Dolan, Sandy City, who serves as public sector vice president; and Jill Taylor, president of KeyBank of Utah, who serves as secretary/treasurer.

Approximately 80 individuals serve on the Board of Trustees, while another 30 serve on the Executive Committee. Together, the two bodies help guide the strategic direction of EDCUtah; however, Edwards says the Board and Executive Committee members also serve another crucial role, as each member is considered an ambassador for Utah economic development. "Many of these people are experts in their respective fields, with national – even international connections – so we turn to them often for answers to questions, for their assistance as we host clients, and for their participation in our proactive recruiting efforts," he adds.

Brigham City Mayor LouAnn Christensen, who was just retired from the Executive Committee, says her focus on the committee was to represent the needs and interests of rural Utah. She wasn't disappointed during her tenure. "EDCUtah is just so good at keeping us in mind. There couldn't be a better support system for a public organization or private business entity. EDCUtah is absolutely essential to economic development," she says.

Christensen notes that Brigham City was one of the first communities to certify a commercial development as an EDCUtah SURE Site, adding that "EDCUtah was with us every single step of the way, as they were when Nucor Systems and Proctor & Gamble came to Brigham City."

Members of the Board and Executive Committee volunteer for three years, which allows them time to immerse themselves in the economic development process before their time expires. For Christensen, it was insightful "just to understand all of the effort involved in bringing businesses to Utah."

The three-year term is also short enough to allow for rotation, so that other investors have opportunities to serve. "We are fortunate to have so many investors that are engaged in economic development and want to serve," says Edwards. "Such engagement is crucial to our organization, especially since our mission is to serve as a catalyst for quality job growth and increased capital investment throughout the state."