Posts for June 18, 2010

FREE TRADE HELPS UTAH CREATE JOBS

June 18, 2010 – Global Utah Weekly

Utah is among the top U.S. states in a number of performance categories important to spurring job creation and economic development. The state made the top 10 in five categories of a new U.S. Chamber of Commerce study — support for entrepreneurship, exports, infrastructure, work force development and training, and tax and regulatory systems.
Read More »

JEFF THREDGOLD'S TEA LEAF - 'SOCIAL SECURITY'

June 18, 2010 - By Jeff Thredgold, CSP, President, Thredgold Economic Associates and Economist for Zions Bank

A number of media stories have appeared in recent weeks discussing the fact that Social Security payments now exceed the inflow of funds into the system and years sooner than expected. Note: one more impact of the Great Recession, as millions of lost jobs reduced Social Security tax inflows.
{read more}

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: TAX EXTENDERS FAILS IN SENATE

June 18, 2010 – Monica McGuire - NAM

Last night the Senate vote was 4 short of 60 votes needed in passing the cloture motion to end debate on the Baucus substitute amendment (#4369). Two Democrats voted with the Republicans. Concerns remain that the amendment is not fully offset and would add $55 billion to the deficit.

Next Step: Based on reports today, 6/18, the tax extenders bill HR 4213 will remain on the Senate floor next week with amendments likely to be offered. Senate leadership plans to work over the weekend in an attempt to reach an agreement on the bill that will garner the necessary 60 votes for passage in the Senate.

FEATURE: LEVELING THE IP ENFORCEMENT PLAYING FIELD IN CHINA

June 18, 2010 – Late Wire from Manufacturing.net

Foreign companies availing themselves of the economic benefit of operating in China should evaluate the increasing intellectual property infringement risks against their investment ... continue

THE FUTURE OF TRANSPORTATION A GEOGRAPHER'S VIEW

June 18, 2010 - Michael O'Malley, Marketing and Communications, USTAR

Let's perform a thought experiment. Let's say that we can create an entirely green mobility technology: an engine that is entirely carbon-neutral, both in its manufacturing and its operation. Will we then have a sustainable transportation system? Unfortunately, the answer is no. We will still have a transportation system that is highly inefficient and cannot handle the increasing demands being placed on it.
{read more}

BRADLEY V. TANNER AND DALE M. COX SWORN IN AS UTAH COLLEGE OF APPLIED TECHNOLOGY TRUSTEES

Governor Gary R. Herbert has appointed Bradley V. Tanner and Dale M. Cox to the Utah College of Applied Technology (UCAT) Board of Trustees.

The appointments fill new positions on the UCAT board representing trade programs. The Governor’s appointments were confirmed by the Utah Senate, and Tanner and Cox took the oath of office Tuesday in the UCAT Board of Trustees meeting.

“Mr. Tanner and Mr. Cox have the experience to advance the skilled occupations that are so vital to our state's economy,” Governor Herbert said. “Utah's core industries depend on well-trained craftspeople. UCAT -- and all of its trustees -- are critical to building a workforce that can meet industry's needs."

The new UCAT board positions were created last year by House Bill 15, which modified governance of career and technical education. The legislation called for the governor to appoint one union and one non-union representative of “craft, trade, or apprenticeship programs that prepare workers for employment in career and technical education fields.” The two appointments complete the prescribed membership of the Board of Trustees.

Dale M. Cox, who fills the union representative position, is currently the Utah District

Representative for the Operating Engineers Local 3, where he has worked for eleven years. He is Vice President of the AFL-CIO, where he has been an Executive Board member for ten years. Cox was an apprentice ironworker and achieved journeyman status. He has worked as a steward and chief shop steward, and has been in several union, apprenticeship and industry committees and positions.

“I’m honored that the Governor appointed me as a trustee to the UCAT Board,” said Cox.

“Training is probably the most important thing we can do for the people of Utah. It’s vital that people are properly trained and safe in their craft. I just toured several of the ATCs and am very impressed. These are dedicated people, and they are on top of their game.”

Bradley V. Tanner, who fills the non-union representative position, is president of Triple “T” Heating and Cooling, a family-owned heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) business in Spanish Fork. He completed apprenticeship training at Utah Technical College at Provo and began his career as a journeyman HVAC installer/servicer. Tanner has served on several boards and committees in apprenticeships, technical education, HVAC-related industries, and community service. Under his direction, Triple “T” has been a sponsoring program provider for HVAC apprentices since 1994.

“I am very excited and passionate about this position,” said Tanner. “The Applied Technology Colleges serve the people in Utah well. These campuses provide a learning environment with hands-on opportunities to gain the skills required to be successful in their careers, increasing the ability to improve their income levels and provide for their families. I will do my best to spread the word about this great program the state provides its citizens and businesses.”

“Apprenticeships and the trades are so important to both industry and workers,” said UCAT President Rob Brems. “UCAT has about 2,000 apprenticeship students each year in both union and non-union programs. Dale and Brad are a great addition to our Board of Trustees. They will add incredible value to the support and direction of all of our programs.”

UNEMPLOYMENT DROPS IN 37 STATES

June 18, 2010 – Late Wire from Manufacturing.net

Majority of states saw their unemployment rates drop in May, but the widespread declines were mainly because people gave up work searches and were no longer counted ... continue

WORLD TRADE CENTER UTAH 2.0 - CHECK US OUT!

June 18, 2010 – Gunnar Gabrielson, World Trade Center Utah

A little over a year ago I met with an amazing group of dedicated individuals - Lew Cramer, Elizabeth Goryunova, and Sheila Steiner - to discuss the possibilities for redesigning the World Trade Center Utah website. The result of that burgeoning relationship was the WTCUT.com website that has been in use over the past year. I am now pleased to present the latest update to this project. Read More »