Both candidates fielded industry questions separately, first Huntsman then Matheson, about the current and future Utah technology landscape. Both candidates said they felt encouraged and excited about the direction Utah’s IT industry is heading. “I hope in years to come we’ll be able to read about Utah as a technology leader, not only in the Deseret Morning News and in the Salt Lake Tribune, but in the Financial Times in London and the Wall Street Journal,” Huntsman said. “I want Utah to be known as the state where tomorrow’s technology and innovation occurs.” Huntsman gave four specific ways to enhance Utah’s IT image: tax reform, regulatory reform, acclimating local talent and university cooperation. Huntsman said that Utah is on the cusp of technology greatness, and he believes that as soon as Utah achieves one level of success it will breed even more success. Matheson said the Governor of Utah must be intimately involved with Utah’s IT industry in order to increase business. He suggested a three “T” model to enhance Utah’s current standing: Technology, Teaching and Tolerance. “This model will create a welcome business environment,” Matheson said. “We want people to come here, stay here, grow here, go to school here and be safe here. This plan will be a strategic long-term plan that will address all the issues.” Both candidates suggested that Utah needs to become not only a national but also a global high-tech power. They also shared support in using local talent to encourage technology growth, as well as incorporating associations such as UITA, to make Utah’s competitive landscape that much better. UITA’s next event is an industry luncheon at the Utah State University Innovation Campus in Logan, Utah. Alan Hall, CEO of Marketstar, will present "What one Utah entrepreneur has learned in growing his global business.” | 
