Best of State, Utah’s most popular and recognized awards forum for achievement in business, the arts, education, and community service, announces its annual call for entries. This is the seventh consecutive year for the prestigious event. The deadline for submissions is March 31, 2009. Best of State was founded in 2003 by Dana Layton, who saw a need to create a universal platform for recognition of achievement in Utah.
“Utah has amazing talent and creativity,” says CEO Layton. “Most industries honor their own. We wanted to recognize excellence in a way that brought the entire community together to celebrate the accomplishments of every industry. Best of State has become a great venue for Utah businesses, artists, educators, and government leaders to become better acquainted with the exceptional achievements of their fellow Utahans.”
Individuals and organizations vie for awards in ten overall divisions, each of which are divided into several categories, accounting for more than 200 total awards.
Jim Detjen, President of Katapult Design, a past Best of State winner in the business services category of graphic design, has seen the benefits.
“Winning is definitely a feather in your business cap. Clients will approach simply because they want to hire the best,” says Detjen.
Best of State culminates with a heralded dinner, awards, and entertainment ceremony at the Salt Palace Convention Center Grand Ballroom on the evening of May 30. Emcees again this year are Mark Koelbel and Shauna Lake of KUTV 2 News. Entertainment will be swinging jazz by the Crescent Super Band, called by Down Beat Magazine the “top performing arts high school big band in the country.”
For information on submissions for Best of State categories, and to purchase tickets for the awards gala, visit www.bestofstate.org, or phone 801-226-6106.
