Speeches and Op-Eds 2008
Remarks for Utah Delegation Reception
June 4, 2008
Senator Valentine, Members of the Utah delegation, Mesdames, Messieurs,
Je suis très heureux d’être parmi vous aujourd’hui pour célébrer cet événement historique: l'arrivée à Paris de la délégation de l'état de l'Utah sur le premier vol commercial transatlantique direct de Salt Lake City. Cette une liaison importante – dans tous les sens du mot – pour l'Utah, pour les Etats-Unis et pour la France.
This reception honors the President of the Senate of the State of Utah, John Valentine, and his delegation, who have come to Paris this week to promote and enhance these connections between France and the State of Utah.
Paris has always been a prime destination for American travelers, but with the current dollar/euro exchange rate, the United States has never been a better destination for the French. The U.S. now ranks number one among long-haul destinations for French travelers.
Almost one million French travelers visited the United States last year, an increase of 26.5% – this is the highest increase among the six largest European countries!
I am pleased that Utah now has the opportunity to attract its fair share of these visitors to enjoy its business opportunities, its scenic attractions, its world-class skiing – and perhaps most importantly for the French – its cultural offerings. From its historic towns, diverse museums and performing arts, to its native American and Mormon heritage, Utah has something for everyone.
I would now like to invite our guest of honor to say a few words.
In addition to presiding over the Utah State Senate, President Valentine has an active legal career and this year was voted by his colleagues in the Utah State Bar Tax Law Section as the 2008 recipient of the Tax Practitioner of the Year Award. The award recognize his longstanding service as a tax practitioner, his service as a state legislator, which included his sponsorship and endorsement of significant tax legislation, and his public service contributions, including his service to the Tax Law Section of the Utah State Bar.
John-