This story appears in the 2025 Advisor, a publication sponsored by Colliers Utah.
Recognized for its affordable living, vibrant workforce and unmatched quality of life, the Beehive State continues to attract businesses and families alike. Delta Air Lines recently opened a $50 million training center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Texas Instruments is investing $11 billion in a semiconductor manufacturing plant in Lehi. OmniTeq is relocating its headquarters to Northern Utah, bringing thousands of high-paying jobs.
When Matt Dubois, founder and CEO of Chargezoom, decided to move his company out of California, Utah stood out as the obvious choice. Dubois had considered Nashville, Miami and Dallas, spending time in each location to evaluate the talent pool and environment. Ultimately, Utah’s strong cultural fit, motivated workforce and thriving startup ecosystem made Salt Lake City the clear winner.
“We launched three and a half years ago and struggled to find good talent in Southern California. The quantity and quality we needed just wasn’t available,” Dubois says. “In Utah, it’s amazing. We can hire young, smart, hungry adults — many are starting families and buying homes. That’s the perfect climate for us. We give equity and help them achieve their goals.”
Utah’s appeal to businesses is no accident. With its blend of economic incentives, a skilled and motivated workforce, and a unique collaborative approach to development, Utah has positioned itself as a destination for companies seeking growth and stability.
“I believe the relocation of companies like Chargezoom from California to Utah is an indication of what we can expect to see for years to come,” says Brandon Fugal, chairman of Colliers Utah.
A talented workforce
Fugal highlights Utah’s higher education system as a key driver for recruitment:
“The proximity to world-class institutions like the University of Utah, Brigham Young University and Utah Valley University offers businesses unparalleled access to human resources and technology transfer,” Fugal says.
Utah’s young, educated and motivated workforce sets the state apart, blending strong family values, a culture of hard work and ambition, and the unmatched quality of life offered by one of the nation’s premier outdoor recreation destinations.
“We have a tremendous workforce. They’re young, educated, industrious, and it’s growing. It’s a great state for business to invest in because of our people,” says Scott Cuthbertson, CEO and president of EDCUtah.
“One of the secrets to Utah’s success lies in its public-private partnerships and dynamic collaboration between state and municipal leaders and the business community,”
— Brandon Fugal
Phil Dean, chief economist and public finance senior research fellow at the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, highlights Utah’s workforce as a cornerstone of its economic appeal. “We’re still one of the youngest states in the nation. In terms of educational attainment — like the percentage of adults with a bachelor’s degree — we’re in the upper third in the United States,” Dean says. “Especially in today’s information economy, those higher education levels make a big difference.”
Emily Rushton, founder and CEO of Hire Integrated, has been recruiting top Utah talent for nearly 20 years. She highlights Utah’s multilingual, diverse workforce as a competitive edge.
“We have a lot of multilingual candidates here,” Rushton says. “During a recent virtual town hall, a third of attendees spoke another language. It shows intellect and adaptability — qualities that benefit any organization.”
Strategic location and infrastructure
For Eugene Alletto, CEO of BEDGEAR, Utah’s location and infrastructure made it an ideal choice.
“We’re on Harold Gatty Drive, just five to ten minutes from the airport in an industrial park right off the highway,” Alletto says. “The rail access allows us to bring in raw materials economically and sustainably. Being near the airport makes it easy for employees and guests to travel.”
Utah’s geographic location amplifies its appeal. “It’s a great place to ship from. I can get products to Western Canada or Texas and almost anywhere in America within 24 hours using UPS or FedEx,” Alletto adds.
Dean underscores the importance of Utah’s central position within the Intermountain West: “We’re in the middle of a fast-growing region. The highways, railways and Salt Lake International Airport connect us to surrounding states and national markets.”
Collaborative governance
Utah’s public-private partnerships and government cooperation create a supportive business environment. Jim Grover, managing director of economic growth at the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, credits the Post-Performance Business Incentive Program for attracting high-paying jobs and fostering economic growth in Utah.
“The incentive is a post-performance tax credit, meaning businesses must first meet specific milestones — such as creating high-paying jobs and investing in the local economy — before receiving any credit,” Grover says.
This collaborative approach attracts significant investments. In fiscal year 2023-24, EDCUtah alone has helped 28 companies expand or relocate to Utah, resulting in 8,968 new or retained jobs and $9.2 billion in projected capital expenditures.
“Our public-private collaboration allows us to create a seamless process for businesses entering Utah. We connect companies with resources and guide them through site selection and incentives, ensuring they feel welcome and supported,” Cuthbertson says.
BEDGEAR’s recent relocation highlights this advantage. The company celebrated the grand opening of “The Peak,” a facility in Salt Lake City, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall and members of the Salt Lake Chamber.
“The Chamber of Commerce reached out first, welcoming us before we even had to ask,” Alletto says. “The governor and mayor showed up at our grand opening, making us feel like we truly belong in Utah. That level of support and sense of community is incredible — it’s unlike anything we’ve experienced elsewhere.”
Citing projects like The Point in Draper, the Falcon Hill Aerospace Research Park in Layton, and WonderBlok development in Ogden as shining examples of Utah’s ability to foster cooperation between public and private sectors, Fugal emphasized the state’s unique approach to economic development and smart growth.
“One of the secrets to Utah’s success lies in its public-private partnerships and dynamic collaboration between state and municipal leaders and the business community,” Fugal says.