Utah's healthy economy, favorable business climate and exceptional people have helped CHG Healthcare Services thrive and become an admired company that in 2013 was named No. 3 on Fortune magazine's list of the "100 Best Companies to Work For."
Although we've expanded to include seven offices in six states, we've maintained our corporate offices in Utah because the state offers three big advantages to businesses: passionate and committed workers, an open and welcoming business climate, and a great place to live and work.
Passionate and committed workers
Utah's state emblem is the beehive, a symbol that represents the hard-working nature and industry of bees. It's an appropriate symbol to describe Utah's work force. Companies in our state benefit from employing passionate, committed people who put in an honest day's work. The median age for Utah workers is 29—the lowest in the country. Young workers bring drive, enthusiasm and energy to the workplace, which positively impacts companies and Utah's economy.
Utah was also named the top state for volunteering for the seventh straight year by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS). People give back to their neighbors, co-workers and communities and, in the process, make Utah a better place to live and work.
Utah is open for business
It's no surprise that Utah placed fifth overall in CNBC's 2013 "America's Top States for Business," with top-10 rankings in three categories (economy, business friendliness and access to capital). Utah has one of the fastest-growing economies in the country. We're creating jobs at twice the rate of the nation as a whole, and have spent much of the year at or above 4 percent job growth, which is well above our historical average.
Our 5 percent flat corporate tax rate remains one of the lowest in the country. It's also consistent and predictable, which helps businesses plan for the future.
Life is good in Utah
If you're looking for a great place to live and work, I'll argue that you can't beat Utah. Where else can you complete a five-mile trail run in the foothills and still be in the office for an 8 a.m. meeting?
Our cost of living is lower than 40 other states. The average daily commute in any of Utah's largest cities is 22 minutes or less. Utah's unemployment rate was fifth lowest in the country in May 2013 at 4.6 percent. Utah has five awe-inspiring national parks, including Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park and Arches National Park.
With 14 ski resorts and an average of 500 inches of fresh powder each year, Utah rightfully claims "the greatest snow on earth." Most of these resorts are located within an hour of the Salt Lake City International Airport.
