FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

President John Valentine and Speaker Greg Curtis Meet With Utah Business Leaders To Talk About Key Issues Facing Technology Industry In Utah

SALT LAKE CITY – February 14, 2008 – Members of the Utah Technology Council (UTC) met with the top four legislative leaders to discuss key legislative issues ranging from the technology industry in Utah to illegal immigration. Current legislation regarding a bill centered around the growth of the Utah Fund of Funds, however, was the main topic of discussion.

The Utah Fund of Funds is a $100 million state of Utah economic development program aimed at providing access to early-stage capital for Utah entrepreneurs, by investing private venture capital and equity funds into the Utah start-up and business communities.

“We had an idea that if we could throw some chum out in the water that we could attract some business to Utah, and it worked; now it is time for the next step,” said President John Valentine, Senate president, regarding the fund’s success up to now.

“The Fund of Funds Bill has three purposes, to increase tax credits to $300 million dollars so that we can keep it going, to clarify legislative language on the program’s ability to obtain financing, and to remove the Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA) and Open Meetings requirements from the private non-profit corporation,” said Will West, chairman of UTC.

The Utah Funds of Funds Bill, S.B.11, was unanimously passed at the Committee Hearing this morning and sent on to the House of Representatives. If the bill passes, it will give the Utah Fund of Funds more ability to further increase Utah’s high-growth companies. Members of the Senate are optimistic that the bill will do well because of its strong history.

UTC hosts a series of breakfasts throughout each year aimed at bringing the Utah technology, government and educational closer together. For more information about the UTC and a calendar of events please visit www.utahtechcouncil.org.

For more information about the Utah Fund of Funds please visit www.utahfundoffunds.com.

About Utah Technology Council

The Utah Technology Council is the essential resource for Utah’s 4,300 science and technology companies seeking to develop management talent, improve Utah’s business environment and raise investment capital. Members can connect and share insights with industry peers, government and academic leaders, professional service providers and venture capital firms. Visit www.utahtechcouncil.org or call 801.568-3500.

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PR Agency Contact:
Snapp Conner PR
Cheryl Snapp Conner
T) 801-994-9625
cheryl@snappconner.com

UTC Contact:
Judy Young
T) 801-568-3500
jyoung@utahtechcouncil.org