Building Utah

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. The Utah Foundation seeks to help decision-makers and citizens understand and address complex issues. President Shawn Teigen joins us with more about recent inflation trends. SHAWN TEIGEN: Until recently, most of us never really talked about inflation... but now it seems like we are all experts. As part of the Utah Foundation Misery Index, we’ve studied inflation and three other factors to find that Utah has consistently performed well relative to the nation. However, our Misery Index spiked in 2022 due to high inflation. But don’t want to decrease inflation too fast, even to reach the Fed’s 2% target rate. So to achieve that target for the year ending April 2023 would have meant almost 1% deflation in April alone to balance out the previous 11 months. Once May and June of last year fall from that annual inflation data calculation, the target rate might become attainable. We’ll find out more with the May and June of this year inflation data releases. Utah m

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. For more than 30 years, the Salt Lake City community has welcomed the Downtown Farmers Market that includes more than 100 Farms and ranches from several Utah counties. Carly Gillespie from the Urban Food Connections of Utah is here with more. CARLY GILLESPIE: 32 years ago, Salt Lake’s Downtown Alliance started the Farmers Market at Pioneer Park. It is now a beloved summer tradition every Saturday 8am-2pm, June through October. In addition to fruits and vegetables, vendors offer locally made food and beverages alongside our arts and crafts market. We think of the Farmers Market as a gathering space for Utah farmers, food entrepreneurs, and consumers which strengthen our communities. The mission of the Market is to support sustainable, regional agriculture; to build community gathering places; to increase access to nutritious, local foods in urban areas; and to educate the consumer about shopping local. With your support, we’re achieving the goals and ensuring t

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Financial services is one of Utah’s fastest-growing industries, and Morgan Stanley has been fundamental in its growth. For over 25 years, the firm has contributed greatly to our economy and our communities. Andrea Verkic head of Morgan Stanley Salt Lake, tells us more. ANDREA VERKIC: For nearly a century Morgan Stanley has been a global leader in financial services. We leverage the full resources of our firm to provide our clients with solutions at every stage of their financial journey. Across the Wasatch Front, our world-class talent — which is now 2,000 strong — powers our award-winning Centers of Excellence in Wealth Management, Operations and Technology as well as Morgan Stanley Bank North America’s headquarters and our Financial Advisor branch offices. Our people enjoy rewarding careers and a thriving, inclusive culture with a deep commitment to excellence and giving back. We proudly serve Utah communities through many charitable partnerships and thousa

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Child care issues result in an estimated $1.36 billion dollar loss annually for Utah’s economy. Which is why, the Salt Lake Chamber, and community partners developed a new resource called the Family-Friendly Workplaces: A Guide for Utah Business Leaders. Utah Community Builders Executive Director Kabi Catalano shares more. KABI CATALANO: We believe the private sector can positively impact Utah's workforce by addressing the intersectionality of child care, employee wellness, employee retention and upward mobility. Child care is one of the biggest costs challenging families. Child care providers and business owners also feel a burden to maintain access to child care due to greater difficulty in finding staff, preventing employee turnover, and paying workers enough to help them meet financial demands. Leaving fewer options for families means higher economic costs for communities across Utah. Ultimately, it is up to businesses to think creatively about ways to

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. At the heart of every organization, you will find efficient employees. They are the face of the business and the connection to clients. Unfortunately, all employees will face difficult life challenges at some stage. Blomquist Hale is a solution. CEO Cameron McBride joins us with more. Cameron McBride: Now more than ever, organizations are realizing the importance of helping their employees deal with everyday mental health needs.  Did you know that 1 in 4 people deal with a significant life issue each year? – Blomquist Hale can help with that. Blomquist Hale Solutions is an Employee Assistance Program that provides a personalized and complete mental health package for organizations and employees across the state of Utah.  When partnering with Blomquist Hale Solutions, your employees will have access to the most proactive and advanced mental health program offered.  The Blomquist Hale benefit includes in-person or virtual visits, 24/7 crisis services, supervisor

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Established in 1994, Silvester & Company is a women-owned boutique executive search firm made up of passionate, audacious, and fiercely committed professionals. CEO Jennifer Silvester joins us with more. JENNIFER SILVESTER: Utah is home to a thriving technology and innovation ecosystem. From AI, advanced manufacturing, life sciences, software and more – there is a lot to be excited about in our state. It is crucial for Utah and the companies in these sectors to successfully attract great leaders wherever they are today. Founded and headquartered in Salt Lake City, Silvester & Company is a national boutique executive search firm with nearly three decades of experience helping our clients solve their biggest impediment to success – finding the right leaders to grow their business. We have successfully placed hundreds of C-Suite and Senior Leaders in highly regulated advanced manufacturing and technology driven industries including aerospace and defense, medical

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Sundance Lending Company was started in 2019 by solopreneur, Stacey “The Loan Lady” Van Roosendaal, with the mission to serve loans with a “side of sunshine.” Within her first 3 months, she reached Pinnacle status with her preferred lender and closed over 100 loans in the first 12. President Stacey “The Loan Lady” Van Roosendaal shares more. STACEY “The Loan Lady”: At Sundance Lending Company, we know that buying or refinancing a home can be stressful, but truly the loan doesn’t have to be. When you work with a professional who has streamlined every step, the process can be simple. In fact, if you’re looking to purchase a home, we can have most of the loan done before you even put in an offer. This makes your offer stronger and makes your life easier. Here at Sundance Lending Company, we do both purchases and refinances. We offer almost every loan type: conventional, FHA, VA, Renovation, HELOCS, Heloans, cash out refinances, and even hard money. We would b

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Founded in 2013, Alta Professional Services specializes in providing customized solutions to its clients in various industries including construction, staffing, and commercial cleaning services. Vice President of Sales Edson Lins joins us with more. EDSON LINS: Through our companies, we provide construction, staffing and commercial cleaning services. At Alta Staffing Services, we work to find you the best employees in the market. We find you the right people for the job and only hire top-quality employees. If you are looking for a reliable workforce solution provider in Utah, look no further than Alta Professional Services. At Alta Construction, we pride ourselves on our ability to manage construction projects of all sizes and complexities. We have worked on projects ranging from small renovations to multimillion-dollar commercial developments. If you are looking for a trusted and reputable construction company to handle your next project, look no further than

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. To support one of the fastest-growing life sciences communities in the nation, BioHive brings together leaders in our community to collaborate and exchange ideas, nurturing innovation and fostering growth in Utah. Executive Director, Aimee Edwards, is here with more. AIMEE EDWARDS: BioHive is a thriving collective of more than 1,300 companies representing Utah’s life science and healthcare innovation ecosystem, which includes digital health and laboratory services to diagnostics, biotech and therapeutics. Biohive was launched in 2021 to build, brand and bring together the industry, while connecting, uniting and supporting our community. We serve as Utah’s great convener to support companies and organizations committed to bringing life-saving innovation to patients across the globe. We are dedicated to raising awareness, attracting top talent and investment into the state, engaging with future STEM innovators and serving Utah’s communities for a more prosperou

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. The Utah Office of Tourism’s mission is “to elevate life in Utah through responsible tourism stewardship.” Managing Director Vicki Varela joins us with more. VICKI VARELA: Utah’s visitor economy is a vibrant part of our state’s quality of life, showcased by the record $10.56 billion dollars of direct visitor spending in 2021. This is thanks, in part, to the brand promise of Life Elevated, the Mighty 5 and the Greatest Snow on Earth, which open the door to visitors from all over the world. Our Red Emerald Tourism Strategy, Encourages the responsible discovery of our awe-inspiring places – spreading out visitation throughout the state and the year; and, Creates deep engagement with local communities to shape their visitor economy consistent with local priorities. Not only that, a portion of the lodging taxes paid by visitors is allocated directly into hiking and biking trails, boat ramps and other recreation infrastructure for residents and visitors alike.

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Since Kirkland & Ellis opened its Salt Lake City office in 2021, the office has grown to become the second largest law firm in Utah and is ranked among the “Fearsome Foursome” in the 2023 BTI Litigation Outlook report. Litigation Partner Jess Krannich joins us with more. JESS KRANNICH: Kirkland represents clients in a full range of complex corporate and litigation matters, and is recognized as the preeminent private equity law firm and among the top litigation firms globally. We opened our Salt Lake City office because of the extraordinary talent pool, as well as an excellent academic community here. Having an office in Salt Lake enhances our ability to attract exceptional legal talent and expand our capacity to meet increasing client demand. Kirkland represents international, national, regional and local clients, including many Utah household name businesses. We also partner with many local organizations to provide pro bono legal services, including Utah Le

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. On Saturday, April 29th, the Women’s Business Center of Utah, will host the “In the City Pop-Up Shop,” a female-powered shopping experienced in downtown Salt Lake City. Northern Utah Program Director Connie Yengich joins us with more. CONNIE YENGICH: The mission of the Women's Business Center of Utah is to help women build confidence, create opportunities and experience success in business ownership. We accomplish this through our services, which include one-on-one advising, mentorships and trainings, and our programs and events, like the “In the City Pop-Up Shop,” which will feature a curated group of more than 20 local women-owned and run businesses You will find everything from handmade crafts, vintage fashion and accessories to delicious artisanal foods and treats. This market will showcase amazing women business owners and their offerings, which help keep Utah creative and vibrant. Join us this Saturday, April 29th, at the Holy Trinity Greek Church in do

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Lion Energy is a leading manufacturer of safe, silent, and eco-friendly power solutions for everyday needs. They do this by delivering high-quality energy storage products for its customers. Lion Energy CFO Tyler Hortin joins us with more. TYLER HORTIN: At Lion Energy, we change the world by helping individuals, families, and organizations become energy independent. We do this by providing smart lithium energy storage systems – ranging from small hand-held power banks, solar generators and RV batteries to whole home and large custom solutions. These smart technology solutions put safe, silent, clean energy or power at your fingertips, where you want it, when you want it. They are good for people and for our planet. Lion Energy started right here in Utah, and we continue to be part of the community. Everything we do is based in American Fork: from Product Design, Engineering, and Testing to Customer Support, Data Storage and Fulfillment. Our entrepreneur

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Just over a year ago, Real Salt Lake was rejuvenated when David Blitzer and Utah’s own Ryan Smith purchased the Club. RSL President John Kimball tells us more. JOHN KIMBALL: In Utah, soccer has long been one of the great cultural unifiers in our community, with picturesque views from America First Field in Sandy or Zions Bank Stadium in Herriman advertising Utah’s stunning beauty and showcasing our exceptional backyard to viewers all over the world. Founded by Dave Checketts, expanded by Dell Loy Hansen and now inspired by the Blitzer/Smith partnership to steward this community asset, Real Salt Lake creates local, national and international connections to Utah. With 19 consecutive sellout crowds during the last two seasons, fans are our lifeblood; meanwhile, innovative entrepreneurs and blue-chip businesses across the region partner with our teams, venues and players to connect deeply with the community and achieve their goals. In addition to promoting Utah c

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. Now more than ever before, educators need our connection, empathy, and kindness in their lives. Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox, is leading efforts to uplift and support educators across the state. She joins us with more on how to show our teachers that we care. FIRST LADY ABBY COX: As we go about our daily lives, it's important to remember that teachers are shaping the future of our world by educating and inspiring the next generation. As a former teacher and now Utah's First Lady, I know that supporting and uplifting our educators is a responsibility we all share. That's why I’m inviting all Utah educators to join me at the Show Up for Teachers Conference on July 19th at the Mountain America Expo Center in Sandy. Now in its second year, Show Up for Teachers brings together educators from across the state for a day of learning, growth, and connection, with a focus on emotional resilience and reducing stress. Registration is limited, so tell your favorite educat

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Utah is an energy-rich state with vast traditional and renewable resources. The opportunities to explore and develop new technologies will help maintain and grow Utah’s position as an energy leader. Energy Advisor to the Governor and Director of the Utah Office of Energy Development Greg Todd joins us with more. GREGORY TODD: Over the last year, energy development and where we get our energy have become more important than ever. It’s easy to forget about the work that goes into keeping our lights on and our homes armed against extreme temperatures, but without the hard work that goes on behind the scenes, we would all be in the dark. Skyrocketing energy costs affect the low and middle classes the most, and we owe it to them to do our best as a state to keep energy affordable and reliable. Energy technologies are continually developing, and with those advancements come changes – it is our commitment to ensure those changes, which some people call a transition,

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. As the world’s largest commercial real estate services organization, CBRE is acutely aware of the importance that timely and accurate data plays into client’s decision-making power, particularly during times of economic uncertainty. CBRE’s Research Manager Sierra Hoffer shares more. SIERRA HOFFER: Recent headlines—particularly about financial markets—have raised alarms. However, despite current headwinds, Utah’s commercial real estate market—which has direct ties to economic performance—has been relatively insulated from the recent bank failures. To highlight specifics, office vacancy reached an all-time high in 2022. This was driven in part by an increase in sublease availability, as companies continue to scale back their office footprints. Tech tenants and call centers were the most common sublessors. Within Utah’s industrial market, 2022 marked the highest year on record for new deliveries, and this is a good thing, as industrial demand is strong. Even with

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. April is Financial Literacy Month and it is designed to raise public awareness of the importance of financial literacy and maintaining smart money management habits. Mountain America Credit Union Senior Vice President Sharlene Wells joins us to share more about the services they provide. SHARLENE WELLS: For almost 90 years, Mountain America Credit Union has served its members in Utah and surrounding states by offering low rates on quality financial products and services. But guiding our members forward means much more to us than that. A recent survey found 83 percent of U.S. parents wish they had learned more about personal finance growing up, and the same number were looking for resources to teach their own children about money. Mountain America goes into our communities to deliver trustworthy financial education to schools, businesses, non-profits and community groups. Our employees share expertise about credit scores, avoiding scams, how couples can work tog

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. This month marks the 30th anniversary of Salt Lake City Mission, a front-line service provider focused on feeding the hungry and homeless, and assisting impoverished families and others caught in cycles of poverty, addiction, and hopelessness. Here is Executive Director Shawn Clay with more. Shawn Clay: With over 6.5 million meals served to the hungry and homeless since 1993, and hundreds of thousands of lives changed, we are more passionate than ever to build upon a great legacy of caring for others. We offer more than just a meal. We provide daily assistance to families in need and others struggling against life adversities. We have a daily meal outreach and shuttle service for the homeless. Free assistance, that includes a food pantry, clothing room, and other basic life essentials. We operate a residential life recovery program for men. We also offer crisis intervention and counseling. During major holidays, we host special outreach events to provide for th

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. The driving force behind Utah's economic opportunity is the recruitment and retention of highly-skilled employees. Zettlor CEO Armand Patella shares how their employee referral software provides a competitive edge for businesses in Utah. ARMAND PATELLA: Zettlor is a modern employee referral program that acts like a talent magnet, effortlessly attracting the best employees for your company. There is no risk to be willing to pay for quality. Referrals are often the most effective talent acquisition channel. So, when you use Zettlor, you’ll recruit employees that are a high-quality fit for your company and only pay when this occurs. Get started today and set up a time to meet with a Zettlor team member. They will walk you through the software and share how other employers have utilized the platform for their benefit. Derek Miller: Zettlor is the first retention-based payment system that enables businesses to pay other individuals, groups or businesses based on