The morning after: The governor's 1000-day plan.

• Author: Staker, Brian
• Position: Olympics - Brief Article

Will the 2002 Winter Olympics lay a golden egg or a goose egg for the state? The difference between staging an event that is economically successful and helps promote Utah and one that taxes our resources and tarnishes our image will depend on a lot of careful planning -- before and after the Games.

Although the Governor's plan for the 1000 days after the Olympics isn't a codified document, it is an internal agenda for the Governor's office. It's a vital part of the state's Economic Development Team's goal to "Make Utah a place where business can operate profitably, and a place for high technology, employment and entrepreneurship."

The 1000-day plan originated on the Governor's trade mission to Sydney in June where he was analyzing the success of the Games there.

The initial implementation of the plan will be realized on December 4 when the Olympic flame enters the United States, says Gockner. "There is a magic to the torch, it adds emotion and interest. There will be dozens of receptions in key cities where SLOC representatives will welcome the torchbearers, and share Utah's economic message." Given recent events, perhaps it is of no small significance that the torch will be in New York City on Christmas Eve.

At the heart of the state's message is its new branding campaign "Utah: Where Ideas Connect." The campaign makes a number of parallels between Utah's natural wonders and its technology-friendly economic environment. "Our workforce is growing at 20 times the national average," says Gockner, "and we are education-minded, with more computers per household than any other state. We have world-class recreation, and Utah is affordable, safe and livable.

"When the games begin," she continues, "we will be hosting key venture capitalists, businesspeople and entrepreneurs, teaching them about the economic opportunities in Utah." Receptions will be hosted at the Capitol building, the Devereaux Mansion and the Governor's Mansion. After the Olympics, trade missions will continue to capitalize on countries that visited during the games. Already in the works are trade missions to Australia, New Zealand and Tonga, as well as South America and Asia.

After the games, the Governor's office will also focus on "economic ecosystems" -- clusters of economic development integrating capital, ideas, workforce and a number of other factors. Economic ecosystems operate much like their counterparts in the natural world, with different elements existing somewhat...