ST. GEORGE — Regardless of the state’s challenges, Utah is recognized as the nation’s strongest economy, Gov. Spencer Cox told a crowd at the What is Up Down South financial summit on Wednesday
“We’re the very best economy in the nation and it is not just your governor bragging about that, the information says that,” Cox mentioned.
At a current East Coast conference, information authorities known as Utah “by far the most ready state in the nation.” Cox mentioned that is not just since of the government and the Legislature, but since of Utah’s sturdy business enterprise. Cox cited the recognition Utah received as the very best location to commence a business enterprise by HubWallet.
Cox was the keynote speaker at the financial summit that draws Southern Utah business enterprise leaders to share their predictions about what to count on in 2023. The 27th annual occasion was held at the Dixie Convention Center.
The governor congratulated Southern Utah for a sturdy economy that grew in 2022 by an added three,000 jobs, new building and new enterprises.
“We’re excited to invest in Utah’s future and hope the Legislature will join us in locating options for housing, water and other approaches state government can assistance enterprises recruit and thrive,” Cox mentioned.
Gov. Spencer Cox speaks to attendees of the What is South Summit Wednesday in St. George, Utah, Feb. 1, 2023. | Photo by Stephanie DeGrav, St. George News
Some of the challenges facing Utah are associated to the state’s speedy development.
“Development for growth’s sake is not some thing we’re hunting for,” Cox mentioned. “Nonetheless, I firmly think that we want our young children and grandchildren to reside right here.” “
He added that maintaining future generations in Utah will be additional complex if the water runs out. Cox encourages absolutely everyone to conserve water and locate approaches to conserve it. He mentioned he is not worried that the Fantastic Salt Lake will run out of water since the state is taking measures to guard it.
“We are in the worst drought in the western United States in 1,200 years.” “Earlier this month, a report predicted that the Fantastic Salt Lake would disappear entirely in just 5 brief years,” Cox mentioned. “Let me be clear.” We will not enable that to come about.”
Cox mentioned authorities who claim the Fantastic Salt Lake will be dry in 5 years are “entirely incorrect”.
For Southern Utah, the governor mentioned he supports an upcoming main water project at the moment in the performs.
“Washington County’s water difficulties are Utah’s water difficulties,” Cox mentioned.
Other challenges Cox has addressed in addition to the drought consist of very affordable housing across the state. He acknowledged that Southern Utah is “seriously feeling it.” He noted that it was the very first time in its history that every single corner of the state was impacted by housing.
What is Up Down South Summit attendees tour booths and meet with region business enterprise owners, St. George, Utah, February 1, 2023 | Photo by Stephanie DeGrav, St. George News
“If we want less costly housing, we require additional.” And not just extremely very affordable or low-revenue housing and we undoubtedly require that. But we require additional than something,” Cox mentioned.
His answer is to raise the provide of housing, not just rely on the federal government to raise interest prices that then raise the expense of housing.
Cox mentioned the Beehive State is resilient since of a sturdy economy that has recovered additional swiftly than other individuals from the pandemic. Utah also has a diverse economy that continues to develop.
To assistance climate the storm, he mentioned it is sensible to concentrate on faith, family members friendships and operate that serves other individuals.
“We lead the nation in providing.” We lead the nation in volunteerism. “I think that is a massive element of why we’re satisfied,” Cox mentioned.
Cox also mentioned he’s proud of the very first family members-friendly workplace that is been produced and is undertaking an remarkable job.
“We concentrate on the family members, producing certain that the government does not make the family members worse, but the government supports the family members,” he mentioned.
photo gallery
Carl Norgren of American National mans the Leadership Dickie table at the What is Up Down South Summit, St. George, Utah, February 1, 2023 | Photo by Stephanie DeGrav, St. George News
Governor Spencer J. Cox speaks to attendees of the “What is Taking place in the South” summit Wednesday, St. George, Utah, Feb. 1, 2023 | Photo by Stephanie DeGrav, St. George News
What is Up Down South Summit attendees stop by booths and meet with region business enterprise owners, St. George, Utah, February 1, 2023 | Photo by Stephanie DeGrav, St. George News
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Stephanie DeGrav is an award-winning journalist. She worked in journalism, broadcasting and public relations for 25 years. DeGraw has worked for the Salt Lake Tribune, the Related Press and The City Journals. She was a reporter for CBS Tv in Twin Falls, Idaho. She graduated from Weber State University with a degree in journalism and broadcasting.