Governor’s Office Chooses Love Communications To Put ‘sundance’ Twist On New Production

–Actor Ed Herrmann, stylized graphics and original music come together for a ‘Sundance-style’ video promoting business in Utah–

SALT LAKE CITY – February, 2009 – Love Communications, a Salt Lake City-based full-service advertising agency, was commissioned by Utah Gov. Jon M. Huntsman Jr.’s Office of Economic Development to produce a new video – “Utah: A State of Opportunity” – highlighting the state’s appeal for companies interested in Utah’s strong and diverse workforce, its commitment to business and its aggressive incentive programs.

Production of the video, which was underwritten by Zions Bank, was completed in time to premiere before an international audience of filmmakers and producers at the Sundance Film Festival. And plans for the video go far beyond that – the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) aims to use the video for many economic development purposes, including mailings to site selectors and businesses considering moving to Utah.

“Utah has targeted many industries that are still strong and growing. The video will be a valuable tool, as we assist Utah companies grow and new companies relocate to the State,” said GOED’s executive director, Jason Perry. “Our productive workforce, business friendly environment and great quality of life are presented in a positive and effective production.”

The video, which runs just more than nine minutes, features an introduction by Gov. Huntsman – who notes Utah has been named the No. 1 “Most Dynamic Economy” (by the Kauffman Foundation) and is consistently recognized as one of the “Best States For Business” (as ranked by Forbes magazine in 2007 and 2008).

“We want you to come join us as we grow,” Gov. Huntsman says in the video.

Original music and distinctive animation further distinguish the video, which is narrated by Emmy and Tony Award-winning actor Edward Herrmann, whose voice is familiar to audiences from his many appearances in TV, movies and as a frequent narrator for The History Channel and PBS.

“Utah is thriving – and people are taking notice,” Herrmann says in the introductory narration.

The video emphasizes Utah’s appeal in a number of core business areas, including Life Sciences and Personalized Medicine; Aviation, Aerospace and Defense; Outdoor Products and Recreation; Software Development and Information Technology; Financial Services and several others.

Also underscored in the video, based on Workforce Management data: Utah’s median age is the lowest in the nation; more than 90 percent of Utahns over the age of 25 have at least a high school degree and nearly 65 percent of the state’s residents have some college education.

Love Communications – which produced the video at its own in-house studio – combined the animation, graphics, original music and Herrmann’s distinctive voice with video from more than 30 sources, including the Utah Office of Tourism and many Utah companies.

The result is a video that is at turns informative, emotional, uplifting and even breathtaking (shots of Utah’s incredible mountains and natural scenic beauty are inspiring).

“Producing the video was a great opportunity for us,” said Tom Love, president of Love Communications. “We work and live in Utah, too, and our business and its success is closely tied to the success of other businesses here. Being asked to take on such a project by the Governor and others involved with GOED was truly an honor. We were happy to showcase our state and felt an enormous sense of pride about the final product.”

Love Communications offers a full range of client service, media planning, public relations and governmental relations, accounting, interactive, creative and production services. The agency, which reported capitalized billings of $30 million in 2008, currently employs 33 full-time staffers. The firm operates under the direction of partners Tom Love, Rich Love, Preston Wood and Alan Reighard.

For more information about the “State of Opportunity” video or how to get a copy, or for more information about economic development in Utah, contact GOED at 877-488-3233 or visit goed.utah.gov on the Internet.

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