Utah Leads the Nation in Job Performance Ranking

Press Release

Utah Leads the Nation in Job Performance Ranking

2008 Best-Performing Cities Index Names Provo-Orem Metro Number One

The Milken Institute announced today that Utah captured two of the top three spots in its job performance rankings. The Provo-Orem metro ranked number one and Salt Lake City ranked number three in the Milken Best Performing Cities Report 2008. Ogden took the eighteenth best spot for job performance in the index.

"These high rankings from Milken reflect the ongoing success of our economic development effort in Utah," Governor Jon Huntsman said. "Utah's broad industrial base, entrepreneurial spirit and productive workforce continue to maintain a strong and dynamic economy in the State."

The Milken Institute is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives and economic conditions of populations all over the world. The index measures where jobs are created and sustained, as well as job growth, wages and salaries over a one and five year period. It also measures high technology gross domestic product within each state.

The Milken Institute has regularly analyzed U.S. metropolitan areas to determine which cities are most successful at creating and sustaining jobs. The annual rankings include global, national and regional economic trends. The report is utilized by business, labor, investors and public officials in future planning.

Milken Institute officials noted, "The combination of long and short-term measures provides an indicator of whether each city is developing a prosperous, competitive economy and a stable society."

"We are pleased to add this notable recognition from the Milken Institute to the tremendous list of recent honors our state has achieved," Governor Huntsman said. "With Provo-Orem and Salt Lake City taking two of the top three spots and Ogden not far behind, Utah is well positioned for continued success."

The 2008 top 10 performers (with 2007 rankings in parentheses) of the 200 largest metros:

1. Provo-Orem, Utah (8)
2. Raleigh-Cary, North Carolina (10)
3. Salt Lake City, Utah (18)
4. Austin-Round Rock, Texas (20)
5. Huntsville, Alabama (16)
6. Wilmington, North Carolina (2)
7. McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, Texas (7)
8. Tacoma, Washington (50)
9. Olympia, Washington (37 in 2007 smallest-metros ranking)
10. Charleston-North Charleston, South Carolina (12)

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