Development chief hails economic gains
But Friday, in his final meeting as a member of what is now the Governor's Office of Economic Development Board, he marveled at the economy's growth during the past decade-plus.
"It really is amazing to look at the difference," Simmons said during the meeting at Hill Air Force Base, listing statistics showing growth in the state population, the number of businesses, average earnings per job, employment, total personal income of state workers and others.
Simmons, president and chief executive officer of Simmons Media Group, has served since 1993, including since 2003 as chairman. His current term expires this month, and he has told Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. he would not be up for reappointment. Fourteen years, he said Friday with a chuckle, "is too long for anybody to be on this board, I think. But I've enjoyed it immensely and it's been tremendous."
Simmons commended the department staff for its "professionalism and optimism" despite having five directors, three governors and sometimes sweeping changes in staff positions during his tenure. He cited the "marvelous job" by the Economic Development Corp. of Utah in recruiting companies to Utah. And he noted the board's successes, too.
He said it is "wonderful" to have an "overemployment" situation in which young Utahns can remain in the state rather than move elsewhere to find work. And the corporate recruitment incentive tools are now more varied than they were 14 years ago. "My perspective is that we are as competitive as any other state in the West at being able to attract businesses on the state of what incentive we have to offer," he said.
Simmons said he would like to see improvements to infrastructure, including broadband access, transportation and utilities; continued emphasis on a strong education system; and a tax environment that benefits both local and state interests. He also wants to see Utah's per capita income levels grow to more closely match the national average.
A couple of people lauded Simmons for his board work during Friday's meeting.
"On behalf of the board, I think, David, you've brought so much wisdom and ability and 'levelness' when things needed to be level that it's really going to be missed on this board," board member Mark Howell said.
Jeff Edwards, president and chief executive officer of EDCU, said that organization now has its best relationship ever with Utah state government. "David, I echo Marks' statement," Edwards said. "That steady hand, with that institutional knowledge that's transferred between all those different administrations, you've led that well and it's much appreciated by all of us."
E-mail: bwallace@desnews.com
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