Author David G. Thomson to Speak About Blueprint to a Billion in Utah on August 17

- UTC, MWCN and UVEF Annual Joint Luncheon Brings Thomson to Utah -

SALT LAKE CITY, July 18, 2006 – Author David G. Thomson will speak to Utah business leaders on August 17 about Blueprint to a Billion, one of the top new business books to premier in 2006. Thomson will address Utah executives at the combined annual luncheon for the Utah Technology Council (UTC), MountainWest Capital Network MWCN, and Utah Entrepreneurial Valley Forum (UVEF) on August 17 in the Garden Room at Thanksgiving Point.

Thomson will share with entrepreneurs and executives the pattern of success and the “Seven Essentials” required to take a company from an idea to a public offering to $1 billion in revenue. He will review the seven success patterns that are common across these “Blueprint Companies.” Thomson’s patterns are the discoveries gained from three years of detailed research on American companies that have gone public since 1980 and grown to at least $1 billion in revenue.

David G. Thomson

“As one of the reviewers for the book Blueprint to a Billion, I had the chance to see this book in all of its stages,” said Ed Ekstrom, managing director for vSpring Capital, a leading Utah venture capital firm in Salt Lake. “There are many books that give anecdotal evidence for success, but this is the first book to provide a true quantitative analysis of successful companies’ shared attributes that David Thomson terms the ‘Seven Essentials’ for business success. The research in this book has produced some remarkable discoveries. For anyone in the entrepreneurial community, this should be an extremely interesting and compelling event.”

“Bookstores across the nation are promoting a myriad of books on how companies can survive in today’s culture,” noted UTC President Richard R. Nelson. “David Thomson’s Blueprint to a Billion uses quantitative evidence to show executives what it really takes to build a $1 billion organization. We are extremely pleased to invite the community to join us at this prestigious event to hear a compelling message for companies of all sizes.”

For more information about the book and author, visit www.blueprinttoabillion.com.

This luncheon event will begin with networking at 11:30 a.m., followed by a luncheon and presentation at noon. Members of UTC, MWCN and UVEF should register at their respective websites. Non-members can register at www.utahtechcouncil.org/events. For information on sponsorships and tables, contact Mark Lehnhof - mark@utahtechcouncil.org.

About UTC
As the premier professional organization for Utah's 3,700- plus technology companies, the Utah Technology Council (UTC) exists to form closer relationships with industry and community leaders, develop superior management talent, sharpen professional skills and help gain access to capital. For more information on UTC, please visit www.utahtechcouncil.org.

About MountainWest Capital Network
Based in Salt Lake City, Utah, MountainWest Capital Network's members include a broad mix of entrepreneurs, venture capital/private equity providers, investor groups, professional consultants, attorneys, bankers, accountants, and educators from universities and institutions of higher education. MWCN seeks to promote business growth and capital development in Utah through a variety of educational and professional activities. Other than their monthly networking events, the premier programs that MWCN produces include the annual Utah 100 Program, the Entrepreneur of the Year Program, and the annual Utah Deal Flow Report. Membership information is available through the MWCN website www.mwcn.org or via email at info@mwcn.org.

About UVEF
The UVEF is a non-profit support group working to share knowledge and experience. As a nonprofit organization founded in 1989, the UVEF promotes the development and growth of entrepreneurial ventures by: providing networking opportunities, promoting recognition of business accomplishments and contributions, sharing business experiences, and by encouraging free enterprise. Information on upcoming meetings, speakers, and membership can be found at www.uvef.net.

Agency Contact:
Cheryl Snapp Conner
Snapp Norris Group
T) 801.208.1100

UTC:
Judy Young
T) 801.568.350