Western Pathways Conference to highlight Talent Ready Utah

SALT LAKE CITY (May 30, 2018) — The Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) is pleased to partner with the Global Pathways Institute to host the Western Pathways Conference from May 30 to June 1. The Western Pathways Conference brings together more than 400 stakeholders to discuss solutions to pressing problems in education and workforce development.

“Talent is a top concern for many businesses in Utah and across the country,” said Val Hale, executive director of GOED. “The Western Pathways Conference is an excellent opportunity to learn best practices and successes from other states to find unprecedented solutions to our workforce challenges.”

The conference is focused on building education and workforce development initiatives that help prepare young adults for careers that lead to economic independence. It will be action-oriented with teams from participating states working together to address issues such as the skills gap, strengthening connections between business and education, providing high-quality career development and career pathways. The conference will attract national leaders from business, education, government and philanthropy to share their knowledge, experience and ideas.

Brad Smith, president and chief legal officer at Microsoft is the conference keynote. Smith plays a key role in representing Microsoft externally and in leading the company’s work on a number of critical issues including privacy, security, accessibility, environmental sustainability and digital inclusion, among others.

The Western Pathways Conference is organized and hosted by the Global Pathways Institute at Arizona State University in partnership with the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the Salt Lake Chamber, Business-Higher Education Forum, Education Commission of the States, Junior Achievement of Utah, and the Colorado Business Roundtable.

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About the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED)
business.utah.gov

The Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) charter is based on Gov. Gary R. Herbert’s commitment to statewide economic development. The state’s economic vision is that Utah will lead the nation as the best performing economy and be recognized as a premier global business environment and tourist destination. GOED provides extensive resources and support for business creation, growth and recruitment statewide, as well as programs to increase tourism and film production for the benefit of Utah residents. All administered programs are based upon strategic industry clusters to develop a diverse, sustainable economy. GOED accomplishes its mission through unprecedented partnerships. For more information please contact: Aimee Edwards, (801) 538-8811 or edwards.

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