This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2007, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

PlayUtahGolf

State launches campaign to lure tourists to courses

State officials on Wednesday launched a marketing campaign they hope will expose out-of-state tourists to Utah's abundance of high-quality golf courses.

The program, to be known as PlayUtahGolf, is a joint venture including the Utah Sports Commission and the Utah Office of Tourism.

Commercial spots featuring NBC TV analyst Johnny Miller will begin airing on outlets such as the Golf Channel, which is televising the Utah Energy-Solutions Championship from Willow Creek Country Club to a national audience, beginning today.

The Golf Channel will air 106 30-second commercials over the next four days that promote Utah golf, Utah sports and Utah tourism in general.

A key component of the campaign is the newly launched Web site, http://www.playutahgolf.com. The site will serve as an online guide to year-round golf throughout the state.

- Jay Drew

Trade

Deadline nears for application for East Asia mission

Friday is the deadline to apply for a trade mission to East Asia led by the Governor's Office of Economic Development (GOED) and the U.S. Commercial Service Salt Lake Export Assistance Center.

The mission will explore markets in Japan, Korea, China and Taiwan in November. Participants may choose which countries they want to go to and will meet with potential business partners and government and industry officials.

Applicants for the mission must submit company profiles and pay their own airfare and meals. Lodging will be covered by a trade mission fee. For more information, contact Lu Chang at GOED, 801-538-8714 or clu@utah.gov.

- Brianna Lange

SBA

Firms in disaster areas can apply for low-interest loans

Small businesses in counties declared disaster areas may qualify for low-interest disaster loans from the Small Business Administration.

Small businesses not primarily engaged in farming or ranching are eligible for Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses. Loans have an interest rate of 4 percent and a maximum term of 30 years.

For information, call toll-free 800-659-2955 or visit http://www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance. The deadline to apply for a loan is April 21.

- Dawn House