Best of business 2002.

• Author: Sorenson, Lin
• Position: Cover Story - Cover Story

THE OLYMPICS PUT UTAH ON THE international map, but locals have long known there's more to the Beehive State than just the greatest snow on earth. Get the best of Utah business from those in-the-know: our carefully selected community panel provides topics ranging from the best power lunch to the best corporate barber to the best marketing campaign--all uniquely Utahn. Read on to revisit local classics and discover emerging favorites.

PERFORMING LOCAL STOCK

Zions Bancorporation. Based on earnings per share, it's Utah's perennial economic powerhouse. Founded first in the late 1800s as Zions Savings Bank and Trust, Zions Bancorporation runs a number of investment and insurance companies as well as over 400 full-service community banks in Washington, California, Nevada, Idaho, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Utah.

BUILDING MAKEOVER

AlphaGraphics. The former Brooks Arcade, located on the corner of State Street and Broadway, is the new corporate headquarters of AlphaGraphics. Built inside the original sandstone facade, the architects created an expensive, creative feat that will long be appreciated by downtown visitors.

ANTICIPATED IPO

Altiris. Although the state's first initial public offering in two years didn't produce the hoped-for share prices, this Lindon-based software maker deserves credit for going public in uncertain economic times. As one company official put it, "We feel really lucky that we got it done."

DEVELOPMENT

The Gateway. The idea of a walkable community, with restaurants, shops, entertainment and living space in close proximity, is a great one. Like Brooklyn, where everything you need is on your block--except with newer architecture. Minor inconveniences (did anyone tell the Boyers that it snows in winter?) sometimes make the pedestrian life a bit uncomfortable, but the concept is sound and provides a pleasant alternative to traffic congestion and the pain of spending Saturdays in your car running errands. If they could move our offices there, we'd have it made.

SECRET

Candesa. These Provo based web developers have quietly built a terrific technology business with an "A' list of Hollywood clients. CEO Todd Titensor has pushed his company into the limelight by developing the official web sites for DreamWorks' Shrek and Disney's Stuart Little II, among others.

TECH PORTFOLIO

The Canopy Group. This Utah County-based venture capital firm has a history of taking chances on a wide variety of cutting-edge IT enterprises, including wireless company MaxStream, as well as LiveThtor.com, Lineo, Caldera International and Helius Inc., among others.

MARKETING

BVU Athletics. A new ad campaign for BYU football pokes a little fun at "Y" culture and succeeds at...