The Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity and the Economic Development Corporation of Utah (EDCUtah) announced today that Utah has been recognized with a Silver Shovel Award from Area Development. Utah has been recognized by Area Development 13 out of the last 16 years.  

Area Development’s annual Shovel Awards recognize state economic development agencies that drive significant job creation through innovative policies, infrastructure improvements, and processes that attract new employers and investments in new and expanded facilities. The awards are presented annually to states that have achieved significant success in terms of job creation and economic impact.  

"We’re honored to receive this recognition of the combined efforts of our team and partners in building Utah’s economy,” said Ryan Starks, executive director of the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity. “Our collaboration has led to big wins for the state in economic investments and quality job creation, and we recognize this is truly a collective triumph for Utahns.” 

Each of the 50 U.S. states was invited by Area Development to submit information about its top job creation and investment projects in 2022. Based on the number of high-valued added jobs per capita, amount of investment, number of new facilities, and industry diversity of the submitted projects, Utah qualified for a Silver Shovel award in the 2 to 4 million population category.  

“Utah has made a reputation for itself among business leaders and the site selection community as a state that prioritizes collaboration and innovation,” said Scott Cuthbertson, EDCUtah president and CEO. “We’re proud that our team’s hard work has helped companies create and sustain high-paying jobs for Utahns.” 

One example of a recent Utah expansion is Project Wire. The LiveView Technologies expansion in Orem, which is expected to create 3,400 jobs with $328.2 million in capital expenditure over 10 years, was recognized by Area Development as a 2022 Non-Manufacturing Project of the Year. 

EDCUtah works directly with business leaders and site selection consultants to provide the information and relationships needed to help them choose Utah for their next business location. To learn more about EDCUtah’s programs and services, visit www.edcutah.org.