Intel's outside: Ceremony turns into a service project
Deseret News 18Oct99 B1
By Steve Fidel: Deseret News staff writer

RIVERTON, UTAH -- Monday morning's groundbreaking for the first building on Intel's seven-building research campus found VIP's and Intel employees far from the building's Bangerter Highway site. The gathering began with remarks from Governor Mike Leavitt and Riverton Mayor Sandra Lloyd, but quickly turned into a day long community project of tree planting, park cleaning and fire hydrant painting.

"We will be passing out shovels, but only for souvenirs," said Michelle Wood Estrada, Intel's community and public affairs manager. Intel is focusing attention away from corporate affairs by getting the company involved in community programs. "Intel Involved" is just such a program and was launched in Utah on Monday.

Riverton is preparing for additional growth as other software companies are showing interest in the city as a result of the project. Mayor Lloyd said she would be happy to have the Intel campus and the subsequent water system be notable accomplishments of her tenure as mayor.

Former City Council member, Rep. Mont Evans, R-Riverton said the research campus might suggest an extension of light-rail service in southern Salt Lake County. "That's just the way Intel likes it," said Ed Eckstrom, Intel Systems Management Division General Manager. "Gold-painted shovels are not the focus of today's event."

Intel is the world's largest computer microprocessor manufacturer posting third-quarter revenues of $7.3 billion. The first Intel campus building will house employees currently working in leased facilities in Utah and Salt Lake Counties. Capital investment for the first phase of development is between $50 million and $70 million.