The “Back to the Future” springtime is taking another step at the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity.
First, it was reverting to its former name, the Governor’s Office of Economic Development. Requiring legislative action during the recent general session, that move becomes official May 6.
Now the agency has restored a longtime partnership with the Economic Development Corporation of Utah (EDCUtah). The two had a contract in place for several years but it ended in June 2024.
GOEO and EDCUtah have signed a new memorandum aimed at enhancing and clarifying their collaboration on economic development throughout the state.
“This new agreement represents a forward-facing evolution for Utah and our aim to help people choose to stay, build and grow here,” Jefferson Moss, GOEO executive director, said in announcing the memorandum. “Our goal is to work together to provide a seamless, welcoming experience for any business looking to call Utah home, while also providing the best possible support to our local communities.”
“This new agreement plays well to the strengths of both organizations, and to feedback we’ve received from industry leaders and communities,” said Ryan Starks, EDCUtah executive director and former GOEO executive director. “By leaning into those strengths and unifying our efforts, we’re opening a new, more efficient and effective chapter of economic development in Utah.”
GOEO provides resources and support for business creation, growth and recruitment, while also driving increased tourism and film production in the state. While awarding incentives — typically tax credits — for businesses coming into the state or expanding existing operations in Utah, it also administers programs boosting economic development and opportunities for Utahns.
EDCUtah was formed in 1987 and has worked with state and local government and private industry to attract and grow companies and spur the expansion of local Utah businesses. It provides business retention and expansion services to help business leaders make their next location decision. That comes in the form of providing economic research and data, hosting site-selection visits, and offering partnerships with public- and private-sector organizations across the state.
Before 2005, GOEO — then known as the Utah Department of Community and Economic Development’s Division of Business and Economic Development — and EDCUtah competed on corporate recruitment efforts. But that changed in 2005, when then-Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. changed it from a department to part of the governor’s office, named it the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, and had it contract with EDCUtah for corporate recruitment.
One of the few changes since the 2024 contract ended is that EDCUtah is now part of the Salt Lake Chamber.
The memorandum will shift to a relationship that enhances teamwork, specifies how the two organizations will collaborate, and reduces redundant effort. Among the shared responsibilities are:
• Showcasing Utah communities. The organizations will co-host engagements, including familiarization tours, allowing site selection consultants to experience Utah’s unique people and environments firsthand. These collaborations will highlight opportunities across the state’s diverse economic sectors and include joint work to engage site selection organizations and professionals.
• Streamlined information-sharing. To facilitate access to essential information, GOEO and EDCUtah are launching a shared statewide online opportunity portal for public-sector partners. The new request-for-information (RFI) system will enable both organizations to respond to business inquiries quickly and consistently. EDCUtah’s private-sector partners will continue to receive RFIs via email.
• Empowering local cities and towns. GOEO and EDCUtah will continue to provide hands-on support to help local communities prepare for new growth. Together, they will work to ensure that cities and towns receive coordinated, reliable assistance.
• Proactive global outreach. GOEO and EDCUtah will collaborate on national and international outreach trips to invite domestic and strategic foreign investment to the state. GOEO will lead strategy and positioning, and EDCUtah will offer vital logistical support to ensure the success of the engagements.