The name of Utah's longest-serving governor — a man known for his tireless efforts to put the Beehive State on the map as a leader in business, education and tourism during his 12 years in office — now graces the front of the newly renamed Calvin L. Rampton Salt Palace Convention Center.
Rampton, who died in 2007 at age 93, was a wildly popular Democrat who served as the state's chief executive from 1965 to 1977. He was honored Tuesday at a ceremonial unveiling of a new sign bearing his name at the convention center and remembered by local officials and family members.
Rampton's sons, Tony and Vince, along with daughter Janet Warburton, were in attendance Tuesday. Tony Rampton, a Salt Lake attorney, recalled his father's legacy to the crowd of about 100.
"Immediately after taking office, (he) put together a group of civic leaders called 'Rampton's Raiders,' and they went throughout the country trying to attract new business to Salt Lake City and the state of Utah," Tony Rampton said. "... Because of this dedicated group of people, including Dad, we have a world-class convention center ... (and) we have a world-class tourist business."
Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker said Utah residents are still harvesting the fruit of Rampton's labors.
"Gov. Cal Rampton was the giant for diversifying our state's economy," Becker said. "(He) provided the whole foundation ... for what is now the enormously successful economic state that we have."
Salt Lake County Council Chairman Joe Hatch said, as a youth growing up in Salt Lake, he remembers Rampton's powerful political presence in the state and his unflinching dedication to bolstering the economic well-being of Utahns.
"He strongly believed that government had a role in building infrastructure so the state could prosper," Hatch said. "And what better example ... than this building behind us."
E-MAIL: araymond@desnews.com