Lt. Gov. Gary Herbert spoke on Utah's economy and politics while encouraging students to develop essential leadership skills.

"Utah is not only a great place to raise a family but it's also a great place to do business and that is our war cry," Herbert said during a speech at UVSC on Thursday.

While working with Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr., Herbert has worked to increase educational funding by more than $1 billion, including a $4,200 increase in teachers' salaries.

Herbert said he has has also worked on improving transportation and generating a functional transportation system throughout all 29 counties that will greatly increase economic opportunities for the state.

"We've authorized a $2.5 billion project to improve I-15 from American Fork to Highway 6 [at Spanish Fork]," Herbert said. "You can expect to see a lot of orange cones throughout the state in the next few years."

Herbert transitioned his discussion to business and leadership, and encouraged the students to recognize their potential and cultivate their talents.

"You can find books and tapes and listen to leadership lectures from very important people, but I don't know that you can encapsulate the information into one package that works for everyone," Herbert said. "Leadership gives you the opportunity to work with people and communicate effectively. It is something you train yourselves to have and to be."

Herbert emphasized the importance of setting goals and making a plan to get there.

"Life is business and oftentimes business is life," Herbert said. "Have goals, make plans and try and figure out where you're going. Getting there is half the adventure."

A.J. Palmer, a sophomore studying business, said he appreciated the insights into business and leadership.

"I really liked how he stressed leadership," Palmer said. "It really is something you learn and you're not born with."

Elizabeth Hitch, vice president of academic affairs, expressed her appreciation for Herbert's message to the students and faculty.

"We held this combined lecture series for people from all walks of life and all different stations," Hitch said. "We wanted to show people what it takes to be an effective leader and how to excel in business."

Copyright Brigham Young University 3 Apr 2008