Utah's economy is thriving despite the challenges facing much of the rest of the country. In a recent Gallup poll, Utah placed first, of all fifty states, as the best state in which to live (See Article). The state scored top marks because residents feel highly satisfied with their emotional health, local communities and, particularly, their work environment.

The Beacon Hill Institute for Public Policy Research's 8th Annual State Competitiveness Report ranked Utah second overall in terms of economic performance, driven by its commitment to technology and business incubation (See Article).

Thanks to the state's beautiful scenic diversity, its ongoing technological advancement, its pro-business government, its affordable cost of living, and a variety of other factors, Utah has become one of the most popular states in which to live and work, with young people flocking to the state to make it their home. In fact, the workforce in the state is the youngest in America, at an average of 28 years old. Moreover, that workforce is seeing relative success in holding onto their jobs: the state's unemployment rate was 4.6% in January 2009, compared with a national rate of 7.6%.