Building Utah

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. Nearly one million people live with multiple sclerosis in the United States. However, The National MS Society is looking to change that and has the vision of a world free of MS. Here’s Idaho, Nevada and Utah Chapter Development Manager Anja McCracken with more. ANJA MCCRACKEN: The National MS Society is a movement by and for all people affected by multiple sclerosis. Multiple sclerosis is a disease that impacts the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves, which make up the central nervous system and controls everything we do. For more than 75 years, we’ve led the way for discoveries in neurological diseases by being the world’s leading private funder of MS research, investing $1.1 billion since 1946. This year 100,000 people will move us closer to a world free of MS through Walk MS, an event series that has raised more than $1 billion since its inception in 1988. Bike MS is the largest charity cycling series in the country. We encourage you to get involved loc

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. Founded in 1995, Wasatch Container is Utah’s premier custom packaging designer and manufacturer. No matter what the product is Wasatch Container can help create the packaging solution best suited for you. Here’s Vice President Lauren Frisch with more. LAUREN FRISCH: Utah has one of the largest markets for multi-level marketing and direct sales, subscription-based businesses, and ecommerce companies. This creates a significant need for eCommerce packaging. Whether your product is food and beverage, beauty products, personal care, electronics, home goods, or clothing it is critical that you do not neglect to consider the impression that your packaging has on your end-user. That is true for both retail and ecommerce businesses. That is where Wasatch Container thrives. Wasatch Container is Utah’s premier designer and manufacturer of custom packaging – specifically corrugated ecommerce and subscription boxes, industrial packaging, and retail displays. For 27 year

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. The Point of the Mountain area extending from Sandy to Lehi, is well situated to become an economic powerhouse for our growing high-tech economy. Executive Director Alan Matheson shares more about The Point, a catalyst for economic opportunity in the region. ALAN MATHESON: The Point of the Mountain State Land Authority is redeveloping 600-acres of state-owned land previously occupied by the Draper Correctional Facility. This development, known as "The Point", has rightfully been called a "once-in-a-generation opportunity” for Utah, and has attracted national attention. The site is at the epicenter of one of the fastest growing areas in the country and at the heart of Utah’s burgeoning technology sector, “Silicon Slopes.” Strategically planned development at the site will launch a future-focused community, creating tens of thousands of high-paying jobs, promoting sustainable active living, offering a range of housing options, introducing new modes of transportati

DEREK MILLER: This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Equality Utah is the state’s premier LGBTQ rights and advocacy organization. In the last four years, they have turned their attention towards diversity, equity and inclusion education, through their Business Equality Leader program. Public Outreach Director Olivia Jaramillo tells us more. OLIVIA JARAMILLO: In 2019, Equality Utah with political, religious and community leaders, created our first-ever State hate crimes law. Although this law created more safety for many communities, including religious protections, we saw the need to expand from simply obtaining legal equality, to lived equality. Business Equality Leader, our corporate education program, focuses on using our formula which has brought Utah to be considered one of the leading states in creating LGBTQ protections; finding common ground, and building on shared values. We bring education and awareness to those individuals that feel they have little to no experience with the LGBTQ communi

DEREK MILLER: This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. WW Clyde has a reputation for tackling the toughest construction projects in the roughest conditions. Since 1926, they’ve been known for their professionalism and integrity as the premier heavy civil contractor in the Intermountain West. President Dustin Olson shares more with us. DUSTIN OLSON: Our founder and namesake, W.W. Clyde, was cutting edge, innovative, and entrepreneurial. Today, the Clyde legacy continues with Clyde Companies’ leadership in construction. We are now five thousand employees strong throughout the Intermountain West, and earned $2.3 billion in revenue last year. As the flagship subsidiary of Clyde Companies, WW Clyde builds critical infrastructure projects, including water distribution systems, water storage, solar and wind energy, transportation, mass earthwork projects, and more. One of our exciting projects is the Uinta Basin Rail project, which enables the movement of crude oil and other products from the Uinta Basin t

DEREK MILLER: This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. You may have heard that the NBA All Star Game is coming to Utah, bringing in over 100,000 visitors to the state. Also coming with the big game is some big community support. Here is Tara Thue with AT&T to tell us more. TARA THUE: Utah has made strides in increasing broadband access. As president of AT&T Utah, I’ve seen hundreds of millions of dollars invested by our company alone to expand broadband in Utah – which doesn’t even account for investment from other providers. Unfortunately, the problem remains: more than 3,300 K-12 students1 in the Salt Lake area alone don’t have access to the internet, computers or the skills needed to benefit from being online, an issue known as the digital divide. That’s why AT&T worked with Human-I-T and local organizations to distribute 325 laptops to those who need help connecting. The Salt Lake Education Foundation, Latinos in Action, Promise South Salt Lake, and Neighborhood House helped us identify stud

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. With a historically low unemployment rate, Utah has seen some unprecedented challenges when it comes to recruiting and retaining a workforce. To address this issue, Ensign College has taken several steps. President Bruce Kusch joins us to share more about their efforts. BRUCE KUSCH: Harvard Business School researchers recently published a report calling for community colleges and employers to work more closely to solve the challenge of creating a steady pipeline of prospective employees that are necessary to maintain a vibrant and growing economy. Employers require talent that is better prepared; colleges want employers to be more engaged. While Utah has been a leader in job creation, the supply of qualified workers still falls short of demand and employer expectations. Though there is no quick fix, Ensign College believes steps can be taken to address the dilemma. We think it all starts with a skills-based curriculum, counseling with employer advisory boards

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. Utah Film Center believes that “Good Film Makes Better Humans” and utilizes the power of film to educate, inspire, and engage Utahns. Executive Director Mariah Mellus joins us with more. MARIAH MELLUS: For over twenty years, Utah Film Center has supported the community by connecting people, stories, and ideas through film exhibitions, media arts education, and artist support. We believe utilizing film encourages spaces for learning and enhances an organization's work and culture -- welcoming people to feel creatively inspired. We know businesses understand that diversity and inclusion are a driver for success. Employees are more creative and innovative, customers feel better understood, and the community benefits greatly. Utah Film Center is a resource for companies curious about creating opportunities for better engagement through film curation. Additionally, Utah Film Center is gearing up our international film and media arts festival for kids. The Tumblew

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. In October 2022, Governor Cox proposed a new vision to build a Utah Trail Network to connect communities in ways that provide transportation choices for everyone to commute, recreate and enjoy. Utah Department of Transportation Executive Director Carlos Braceras joins us with more. CARLOS BRACERAS: When Utahns walk, bike, or roll outside, they connect. And when people are together, we’re happy. That’s why UDOT is so excited about Governor Cox’s proposal for the State to build and maintain a network of trails that will connect Utahns of all ages and abilities to their destinations and communities throughout the state. We’re inspired by trail planning and development efforts in Utah communities, which are bringing people together. We hope to help connect these communities, creating a cohesive trail network as part of Utah’s transportation system. This dedicated trail network will offer additional transportation choices for those who either cannot or choose not to

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. Premier business and litigation law firm, Snow Christensen & Martineau, has an environment of caring that supports and guides the 136-year-old Utah institution. Here is Shareholder Robert Cummings with more. ROBERT CUMMINGS: Snow Christensen & Martineau is committed to making a difference for the community we have served for over a century. Our “Snow Cares” campaign encourages our attorneys to volunteer with local community and civic organizations to maintain our longstanding commitment to service, diversity, and giving back to Utah. As but one example, we are long-standing supporters of Ronald McDonald House, where many past and present attorneys have served on the Board of Directors. Ronald McDonald House provides tremendous service to families in need with seriously ill or injured children making it an organization we care about and remains close to our hearts. Along with volunteer work, the Snow Christensen & Martineau Foundation donates to numerous charit

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. The Salvation Army in Salt Lake City has been supporting those in need in our community since 1865. Thousands of Utahns receive assistance each year through a broad array of social services. Corps Officer Lt. Kate Combs tells us more. LT KATE COMBS: The overall mission of The Salvation Army is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human needs in His name without discrimination. Here in Salt Lake Corps, we do this through a number of different services, including: a client choice food pantry, material assistance, such as hygiene products, coats and, blankets, daily hot meal program; utility assistance, a summer day camp, and regular church activities. Many people are familiar with the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle during the Christmas Season and we are grateful for those monetary donations we receive, as they help fund our programs year-round. Due to inflation and the rising costs of food & utilities, requests for our services are at an all-time high. In

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. Dominion Energy Utah provides safe, reliable, affordable, and increasingly sustainable energy to over 1.1 million customers in Utah, Idaho and Wyoming. Here is Judd Cook, President of Questar Gas and Dominion Energy Vice President and General Manager of Western Distribution with more. JUDD COOK: Over 1,000 Dominion employees call Utah home and care deeply about Utah and its residents. As a life-long resident of Utah myself, I am passionate about providing exceptional service to our customers, bettering the communities we serve and protecting the environment that we share. It is at the forefront of all that we do. Our company is providing ways to save energy and reduce emissions, through customer programs that support carbon capture and production of renewable natural gas. Customers can save energy with our Thermwise programs, become net zero through our CarbonRight program and invest in renewable natural gas with Greentherm. We support our communities not o

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. For over 100 years, Altabank has been building enduring relationships with the Utah business community. With locally-based banking teams, Altabank works hard to be responsive to their clients’ ever-changing situations. Here’s Senior Vice President of Commercial Banking Robert Carpenter to share more. ROBERT CARPENTER: Every day we are reminded that during times of economic uncertainty, it’s reassuring for our clients to know that Altabank genuinely cares about their needs and the needs of their business. Over the past two years, we have supported Utah companies by financing new equipment and real estate. We have also helped may others respond to the challenges of rising costs by providing working capital financing solutions to help them respond to the needs of their customers. No matter what your businesses situation is, Altabank is here to listen and provide ideas to help you succeed. Our bankers also work closely with our clients to help them access the mos

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. Project Connection, a local, nonprofit mental health agency was founded on the belief that connection is the foundation of mental health. Executive Director Lennie Knowlton joins us with more about their efforts. LENNIE KNOWLTON A study by The Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute found that reported mental health symptoms have increased 30% in Utah since the beginning of the pandemic. The direct outcome of the disconnection we experienced during COVID has been an increase in anxiety, depression, social isolation, and relationship issues. Now more than ever, we need real connection, dependable emotional support, and a feeling of belonging. Our mission is to provide trusted, accessible mental health services and create a network of strong community partners who work with us to help our clients find, foster and celebrate connected lives. In addition to providing outpatient therapy that is evidence-based and trauma-informed, we connect our clients with the people and r

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business It’s Utah Tech Week, a grassroots community celebration of Utah’s tech and startup scene. Startups, VCs, and community organizations put together events to serve Utah’s tech community. Joining us is Val-Pierre Genton, Founder & CEO of Vision to Growth, with more on an upcoming event. VAL-PIERRE GENTON: Did you know stress and overwork cost US businesses over $500 billion dollars per year? There’s a direct connection between stress, anxiety, and depression, and the 50 to 70% of companies that fail within their first 5 to 10 years. On Wednesday, January 25th, we will host a panel discussion on Thriving Under Pressure at Kiln. Hear from the CEOs of Owlet, Homie, Thread Wallets, Taft, and Big Monocle on what mental and emotional pitfalls first-time founders should look out for, how to take care of mental well-being while growing businesses, and available tools and best practices for mental wellness. By helping the next generation of entrepreneurs avoid burnout and

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. The Salt Lake Chamber and Women’s Business Center of Utah have launched the Diverse-Owned Business Accelerator to help diverse small business owners enhance skills, direction and strategy for their businesses. This new cohort program will provide small business owners the opportunity to become more efficient, effective and successful in their businesses by teaching them how to outline milestones for their business strategy, best practices for utilizing a brand style guide, clarifying revenue streams and so much more. Not only that, the Diverse-Owned Business Accelerator will provide a peer-to-peer environment, mastermind groups for support and accountability and weekly project assignments which are immediately implementable into their businesses. The inaugural cohort will launch February 16th. Over the course of seven weeks, attendees will gain experience that can be immediately implemented into their business. To apply, visit the Salt Lake Chamber’s website by

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. Since 1986, the Jordan Education Foundation has been dedicated to supporting students and their education in the rapidly growing cities of West Jordan, South Jordan, Riverton, Bluffdale, Herriman and Copperton. Here is Associate Director Anne Gould with more. ANNE GOULD: Jordan Education Foundation is a 501c non-profit entity serving students and teachers in Jordan District. Our mission is to engage the community to provide resources to enhance educational experiences, strengthen students, and fuel success. Our district’s student landscape is diverse and constantly changing. With 40% of the state's refugees arriving in Jordan School District, the Jordan Education Foundation has stepped up to help in any way we can. Currently, we support nearly 58,000 students who attend 68 schools in the Jordan School District. We have an actively involved 30-person board of directors, and the support of a highly engaged and caring community. As a result, JEF has been able

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. In 1997 the Salt Lake Chamber, in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration, established the Women’s Business Center of Utah to provide services to female entrepreneurs and small business owners. Here is State Director Ann Marie Wallace with more. ANN MARIE WALLACE: The American Dream includes the incredible opportunity to own a business and make a profit. However, the playing field is uneven, and women have been at a disadvantage in accessing capital, obtaining contracts, receiving support and even being taken seriously. For 25 years, the Women’s Business Center of Utah has provided women-focused support services including in-person and virtual one-on-one advising, peer group education and mentorship, as well as e-learning. We have assisted tens of thousands of women entrepreneurs master critical skills to run efficient, effective and profitable businesses. We also host the Utah Women-Owned Business Directory; making it easier to find, buy from

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. Since 1989, Squatters Pub Brewery has been a staple in our local community, providing customers with world-class delicious food, handcrafted beer and a welcoming environment. Here’s Salt Lake Brewing Co’s Marketing Manager Rick Seven with more. RICK SEVEN Squatters Pub Brewery, located at 147 West Broadway, is Salt Lake City’s first brewpub and offers a menu of eclectic food with a variety of delicious, locally brewed beers. We also accommodate private events and large gatherings of all kinds in some of the most unique event spaces in downtown Salt Lake. The Potting Shed on our main floor is a great place to host sit-down lunches and dinners. The Loft on our second floor and the Grain Room on our third floor are expansive and contemporary event spaces with private bars, open only to those 21 years and older. Both are equipped with audiovisual capabilities and offer amazing city and mountain views. Host your next event at one of Salt Lake City’s most iconic l

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. Judge Deno Himonas (he-moan-us) served for seven years on our state’s highest court and has over 30 years of legal experience. Last March he returned to private practice and is here to share more. DENO HIMONAS: I was excited to join Wilson Sonsini this year to help launch its office in Salt Lake City after I retired from the Utah Supreme Court. Wilson Sonsini is one of the top providers of legal services to technology, life sciences, and growth enterprises in the world, with deep ties to our community, which led us to open this office. We’ve advised more venture capital firms on Utah-related deals and more Utah-based issuers on IPOs than any other firm since 2016 and it isn’t particularly close. We’re also one of the top law firms for Utah-related mergers and acquisitions. In addition to me, retired Justice Christine Durham joined this year. We have three other partners in the office, including Marc Porter, who focuses on technology, consumer products, and li