(PR or Business News Wire) Utah has received three top recognitions to add to its list of economic accolades.  In its July issue 2008, Business Facilities ranked Utah as a Top Ten State for Business Climate, Manufacturing Momentum and Most Educated Workforce.  “These impressive rankings are a reflection of Utah’s premier economy and the focus our state places on quality jobs and education,” said Governor Jon Huntsman. 

The business climate ranking took into account Utah’s low unemployment rates, high job growth rates, economic policies and overall potential to do business.  Hershey’s, Procter & Gamble, Disney Interactive Studios, Allegheny Technologies and Goldman Sachs are just a few of the major companies that have recently relocated or committed to expand their operations in Utah.

It is no surprise that Utah manufacturing has momentum.  Utah’s manufacturing industry comprises 10.2 percent of Utah’s employment, sustaining an increase in job growth every quarter since 2004.  “Utah manufacturing employs around 125,000 workers and creates an additional 300,000 related jobs in the state,” says Tom Bingham, president of the Utah Manufacturers Association, “Utah’s manufacturing industry comprises the largest payroll in the state.”

Utah’s educated workforce ranking stems from the fact that 89 percent of Utah residents over 25 years of age are high school graduates, and 28 percent have bachelors degree or higher.  Utah educators continue to implement Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) programs to prepare students in high school for future work in high-technology industries.