Leavitt has personally worked with a number of companies interested in expanding in Utah and made numerous trips in recent years to promote Utah to venture capitalists, corporate executives and industry groups.

In fact, Leavitt's focus on attracting technology jobs has dramatically raised the state's profile in the technology industry nationwide, said Richard Nelson, chief executive officer and president of the Utah Information Technology Association. "He's recognized as one of the most tech-savvy governors in the country."

But Tom Bingham, president of the Utah Manufacturers Association in Salt Lake City, said some members of his organization believe Leavitt spent too little effort on business retention in favor of recruitment. A number of other members also believe he focused on bringing in new high-tech jobs to Utah at the expense of jobs in other industries, such as manufacturing.

However, Leavitt should be praised for encouraging the Utah Department of Environmental Quality to work with businesses to help them comply with environmental regulations instead of simply assessing fines, Bingham said.

"The key is if he could change the focus [of the EPA] to one of compliance rather than enforcement," Bingham said. "To not just levy the heavy fines but help companies to become compliant . . .. If that would become the philosophy of the EPA, that would be a real step forward."

Like Bingham, Barbara McConvill, president of the Ogden/Weber Convention and Visitors Bureau, believes Leavitt could have put more emphasis on helping existing businesses in industries such as tourism.

But while Leavitt did push through additional one-time promotional funding to take advantage of the 2002 Winter Olympics, McConvill said, "we would have loved to have more support from the governor's office" for ongoing tourism-promotion campaigns, which are underfunded compared to those of surrounding -- and competing -- Western states.

Kip Pitou, director of Ski Utah, the marketing arm of the state's ski industry, concurred that Leavitt could have done more to boost Utah's existing attractions, but added that the tourism industry was partially to blame as well.

"It's an industry that is fractionalized and has not presented a cohesive front to the Legislature, so it has been easier for an incumbent governor to sidestep tourism issues," Pitou said. "As it related to the ski industry, he was supportive. In terms of tourism in general, he was neutral."

Ultimately, many business people say one of Leavitt's greatest strengths over the past decade has been including Utah's diverse voices in decisions that affect the business community as a whole.

"He's always kept us in the loop," said Sam Guevara, partner of Art House Graphics Studio and president of the Utah Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. "We're hoping that will continue with the next governor."

Many in Utah's business community say they have no doubts Leavitt is ready and capable to head the EPA.

"Our loss is the country's gain," said former Salt Lake Organizing Committee leader Fraser Bullock, who dealt extensively with Leavitt before and after the 2002 Winter Games. "He's a very mature, capable leader who has great insights."

Jan Hemming, president of the Salt Lake chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners, also believes Leavitt is up to the task. "He's been a great leader for this state and he'll be a great leader for the EPA. He listens and he tries to bring people together and those skills will lend to the hot seat at EPA."