Building Utah

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. The Sutherland Institute is a nonpartisan policy and educational institution – a think tank – that provides policy information to the public and elected officials. Here is Rick Larsen, President and CEO of Sutherland Institute, with more. RICK LARSEN: American democracy and free enterprise make it possible for freedom, and people, to flourish. At the Sutherland Institute, we defend these principles and help Utahns understand the important issues that impact families, education, and our civil liberties. When voters head to the polls and when elected officials make decisions, they need accurate, principled information that reduces partisan division. Most people want reasonable solutions achieved through discussion, persuasion, and common ground – and that’s what we provide. Sutherland Institute offers this principled and pragmatic approach to strengthen America’s core institutions through research, events, and public education. We take the politics out of policy

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. Doug Cherry was a career Army officer who eventually rose to the rank of Brigadier General. Today he is the CEO of Monterey Technologies Inc, which is called MTI for short. Here’s Doug with more about MTI. DOUG CHERRY: Ever wonder why some products are easy to use and some building simple to navigate while others are a nightmare? Do you want your pilot to have to memorize a litany of emergency procedures, or do you hope she has an intuitive system to use. MTI is a User Centered Engineering firm headquartered in Park City. We specialize in Human Machine Interaction, and Command & Control Systems primarily in the Defense and Aerospace sectors. Our teams of Human Factors Engineers, User Experience Researchers and Designers, in conjunction with our systems engineers and software developers, create solutions that reduce cognitive load and put you – the user – at the center of everything we do. I spent 37-years in the Army before joining MTI and was often the victi

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. The Decada Group acquires companies from business owners wanting to retire, but whose leadership team wants to remain and operate for the long-term. CEO Chase Murdock formed Decada two years ago and has more. CHASE MURDOCK: Our focus at Decada Group is to own and operate a collection of small businesses that provide positive impacts in our communities. When we buy a business, we work hard to honor the founder and the company’s legacy, picking up where they left off to take the business into its next chapter. Over 10,000 baby boomers retire every day and of those nearly twenty percent are small business owners whose retirement is predicated on their ability to transition their legacy into competent hands. Decada Group helps provide that transition, supplying a regimented approach to team building, solid strategy, and working capital so that these businesses can thrive and fulfill the visions on which they were founded. As a holding company, we’re entirely

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. Nearly 20 years ago, a small group of dedicated parents formed the American Preparatory Academy which today serves over 5,000 students on six Utah campuses. Executive Director Carolyn Sharette tells us more. CAROLYN SHARETTE: At American Prep, our passion is to “do what’s best for kids” so when making decisions we ask ourselves first, what would be best for our students? Our unique model includes powerful character, civic, and patriotic education. And Utah families have responded – we have waitlists at every campus, every year. Our duty is to uphold the taxpayer trust by teaching students to appreciate the amazing gift of education. We encourage students to repay this trust through diligence, hard work and achievement – to be prepared to change the world for the better. American Prep has earned a number one ranking for college readiness from US News and World Report, and we’ve won 23 Best of State awards. These accolades are appreciated, but the best reward is ea

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. Today is Veterans Day – a day of special recognition for all those who have worn the uniform and borne the burden of defending freedom throughout the world. If you are veteran, thank you for your service! Utah is home to more than 120,000 former servicemembers, people who today serve in all walks of life. Many veterans see entrepreneurship as a pathway to economic mobility. In fact, nearly ten percent of all American businesses are owned by a veteran, and many of those veterans live right here in Utah. The high-pressure environment of combat, and the discipline servicemembers master behind the lines, mean that vets know how to keep track of their priorities and succeed in getting the mission accomplished. The training military personnel receive make them great leaders in business and studies have shown veterans are more productive and have higher retention rates than their civilian counterparts. When you hire a vet, you get the benefit of someone who ha

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. Many companies turn to outside experts for help with payroll, staffing, recruiting, and more. One of those expert firms is BBSI. Here’s area manager Richard Webb to explains what his business offers. RICHARD WEBB: BBSI is a national company with regional offices around the United States. Each branch is locally operated to serve local business. In addition to payroll, human resources, and other benefits, we work closely company owners, coaching them on how to solve problems and helping them reach their growth goals. We do this both for our clients and as a free service to local businesses. We believe that in helping others succeed, we help our communities thrive. Two things make BBSI unique; 1- Each client is paired with a local team of experts that are permanently assigned to work with that business and 2- Each BBSI member is a consultant who proactively coaches owners on strategy and growth. At BBSI Salt Lake City, we retain 93% of our clients, which means

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. Technically skilled workers are critical to the Utah’s economic future and one of the schools providing that training is Uintah Basin Technical College. Here’s college president and CEO Aaron Weight with more. AARON WEIGHT: Uintah Basin Technical College is known as UBTech, and was established in 1968 as the first technical college in the state. Today UBTech is recognized as a national leader in technical education. Our primary service area includes Daggett, Duchesne, and Uintah counties in the eastern part of Utah. UBTech provides educational opportunities to individuals, partners with local businesses and industries to fulfill labor market needs, and promotes economic development regionally and throughout the state. Technical education is affordable - nearly 80% of the students at UBTech receive financial assistance, and most graduate with little to no debt. UBTech’s influence on the rural economy is significant. Nearly 6,000 people throughout the Uinta

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. The Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems is called UAMPs for short and provides non-profit electrical services to community-owned electrical systems throughout the Intermountain West. Here’s government affairs director Mike Squires with more. MIKE SQUIRES: UAMPS provides energy to communities in Utah, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Arizona, California, and Wyoming. As the energy landscape continues to shift, UAMPS remains firmly focused on the reliable clean-air future energy needs of its member communities. Most notably, UAMPS is leading the nation, and indeed the world, in its development of a small modular nuclear reactor. This facility will be capable of providing a 24/7 supply of carbon-free power and complement UAMPS’ growing renewable energy footprint. Engineers say it should provide virtually uninterrupted power for 60 years. The project’s ability to be sited where existing coal-fired power plants now sit will harness existing transmission lines, and pr

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. Utah is fortunate to have companies like Redmond Minerals that are always looking down the road to make Utah’s streets and highways safer. Here’s Chief Development Officer Harvey Scott to tell us more. HARVEY SCOTT: Redmond Minerals is part of the Redmond family of companies that provide great products like Real Salt for your kitchen, Trophy Rock for your animals, and Best Vinyl Fence & Deck for your home. We also provide specialized products that help keep winter roads ice free. Because we’re concerned about your safety and getting products to market in a timely way, we recently joined with other like-minded companies and chambers of commerce and formed a new organization called the National Coalition for Open Roads. We call it NCFOR for short. It was created because roads and highway that were once kept open all the time in winter, are now, too often, closed even though we’ve been getting less snow than we used to. The costs of poor winter upkeep can b

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. The American Red Cross has three chapters throughout the Beehive state and Heidi Ruster, the CEO of the Utah/Nevada Region, is here to share more about what they do to help others. HEIDI RUSTER: The American Red Cross traces its origins back to the Civil War battlefield and has been serving in Utah for more than 120 years. Our mission is to prevent and alleviate human suffering when emergencies strike, and our amazing volunteers and generous financial supporters make it all possible. During this past year we have assisted more than 200 Utah families and provided first aid and preparedness training to more than 23,000 people in the state. We achieved this largely through our fantastic volunteers who make up 90 percent of our workforce. We collect critical, lifesaving blood throughout the state, and assist active-duty military personnel, as well as veterans and their families, throughout Utah, and we maintain an active presence at Hill Air Force Base. We’re always

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. For the past 90 years, Wilson & Company has provided award-winning engineering and architectural services worldwide. Communications Coordinator Kelsey Earl is here with more. KELSEY EARL: Wilson and Company originated in Salina, Kansas. Today we have fifteen offices in nine states, and we’re expanding. In Utah, we work with public and private clients to create solutions in transportation, planning, and environmental services. Our team works with clients taking ideas from concept to completion. We understand that each project is unique and create approaches to fit our client’s needs. At Wilson & Company, we are committed to designing safe, effective solutions that improve a community’s quality of life. We take extra steps to identify risks and ensure the infrastructure projects are successful for today’s needs and generations to come. Whether forecasting transportation requirements or addressing environmental issues, we focus on positive change by doing hig

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. One of Utah’s long-time business leaders is Maura Carabello, the founder and president of The Exoro Group, a public policy company now celebrating its 20th year. Here’s Maura with more. MAURA CARABELLO: Public policy discussions are what shape Utah’s future, and they aren’t just reserved for elected officials. For 20 years, The Exoro Group has helped leaders in business and government, as well as those in the non-profit and advocacy sectors make meaningful change in Utah’s communities. By blending data analysis, modern communications, and deep connections, The Exoro Group often serves as the translators between the public and private sector. Whether it’s an infrastructure project, a complex policy debate, or leadership and organizational training – we work with clients who want to make Utah an extraordinary place to live. Exoro means to “prevail through persuasion” in Latin – for us that means executing big gear thinking and being comfortable guiding hard co

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. Fly ash is a byproduct of burning coal for the purpose of power generation. Adding fly ash into the production of concrete improves the quality, placement and reduces pollution. Waylund Ludlow, the division manager of BridgeSource, tells us more. WAYLUND LUDLOW: Bridgesource was formed in 2020 to supply concrete additives like high quality fly ash and other supply chain products to construction companies throughout Utah, the Intermountain West, and the Great Plains regions. Our sustainable sourcing guarantees a steady, long-term supply of fly ash material that is integral to strong and reliable concrete production. We have a team of trusted professionals with over 40 years of experience in the fly ash industry, including logistics and distribution, who are dedicated to providing a seamless and highly efficient service to our customers. At Bridgesource, sticking to core values of “We Value People,” “Our Word is Our Bond,” “Always Give a Full Measure,” and “We Co

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. The Staker Parson Materials & Construction company is of the largest providers of asphalt, aggregates, concrete, and general contracting services in the region. CEO Scott Parson has more. SCOTT PARSON: My grandpa, Jack B. Parson, founded our company in Smithfield, Utah, in 1952 and this year our team of nearly 3,000 employees is excited to celebrate our 70th anniversary. We help our customers build projects of all sizes by providing sand, rock, landscape products, concrete, asphalt, paving and construction services. Our largest project this year is the West Davis Highway, a new 16-mile, 4-lane divided ay in western Davis County which is the biggest transportation expansion project in the state. We also help build airports, distribution centers, data centers, offices, apartment complexes, homes and waterwise landscapes. I am often asked why I choose to work in the construction industry. For me, the answer is simple. I love that we do real work, building

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. Utah is blessed with many great universities, colleges, and technical schools. One of those is Nightingale College, led by Chief Executive Officer Mikhail Shneyder, who tells us more. MIKHAIL SHNEYDER: Since its founding 11 years ago, closing health and education equity gaps has been at the heart of Nightingale College’s mission. The College’s unique distance education delivery and healthcare partnerships models allow us to effectively serve learners from historically marginalized and underrepresented communities, no matter where they live, thus contributing to elevating health and economic wellbeing of those populations. Nightingale offers programs along the full continuum of nursing practice – from the first career ladder rung of practical nursing, to registered nurse licensure at both associate and bachelor levels, all the way to master’s prepared nurse educators and family nurse practitioners. With more than 3,100 current learners, our enrollment continue

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. Paul Grant serves as Chief Customer Officer at MarketStar, a Utah-based global business that helps other firms by generating prospects and moving clients through the sales pipeline. Here’s Paul to tell us more. PAUL GRANT: As a pioneer and leader in the outsourced sales industry, MarketStar accelerates growth for our clients through business-to-business sales and customer success programs. Utilizing a blend of voice, digital, and field engagements, MarketStar has launched, sold, and supported thousands of products and services on behalf of some of the most innovative companies across the globe. We are proud to be one of Northern Utah’s largest private employers and rated for the past four years by the Salt Lake Tribune as a top place to work. MarketStar is headquartered in Ogden, with offices in Salt Lake City and Dublin, Ireland. We are passionate about creating growth for our people, our clients, and our communities. Are you looking to start or grow your c

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. One of the biggest auto-dealers in the nation is AutoSavvy, a company whose roots began right here in the Beehive State. Cofounder and Chief Strategy Officer Jeremy Baker is here to tell us more. JEREMY BAKER: AutoSavvy was founded in Bountiful Utah in 2005 and has been providing unparalleled value ever since by offering car buyers used vehicles at an average of 20% less than other equivalent vehicles. By carefully sourcing the best inventory, AutoSavvy reconditions these vehicles and puts them through a strict, 151-point inspection - ultimately providing incredible savings to the public. With 20 locations in 11 states, AutoSavvy has grown from a single dealership in Bountiful to one of the largest independent auto retailers nationwide. We have sold more than 70,000 vehicles and saved customers over $400 million since we first opened our doors 17 years ago. As an Independent automotive group, our mission is to deliver a pathway to the most affordable car own

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. Utah is blessed with many great business owners, and one of those is Celia Nash, who started her boutique insurance agency 33 years ago. Here’s Celia to highlight what her firm offers. CELIA NASH: My company, Team Nash, specializes in employee benefits for small employers. We are also certified on healthcare.gov to provide health coverage for individuals and offer dental, life & disability insurance. If you’re looking for individual health coverage for next year, please note that Open Enrollment begins on Nov. 1st. For the Employer Sponsored Market, for firms with less than 50 employees, the annual Special Enrollment Period starts November 15th. Employers now have the flexibility to enroll employees in coverage with zero cost and without meeting participation requirements. This is a huge opportunity to add benefits at minimal expense. At Team Nash, we love helping others and this includes senior citizens who need help with additional Medicare coverage. S

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. The Salt Lake Chamber will soon host its day-long Diversity Summit on Friday, October 28th. One of our great speakers will be Stacy Bernal, the owner of See Stacy Speak. Here’s Stacy with more. STACY BERNAL: As a biracial businesswoman and mother to an autistic son, I am passionate about teaching others about neurodiversity, disability, and how we can work to create safe, welcoming, and inclusive spaces for all. I work with businesses and organizations spanning all industries, from nonprofits to Fortune 500s and everything in between. I challenge people to think about their biases, the thoughts we don’t think we think. I pride myself on facilitating what can often be uncomfortable conversations in an approachable, and dare I say ‘fun,’ way. I’ll be offering this kind of session at the upcoming Diversity Summit on October 28th at the Marriott Downtown at City Creek. I’m also available to schedule a training for your company. During my presentations, I share per

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. Utah is fortunate to have companies like Redmond Minerals that are always looking down the road to make Utah’s streets and highways safer. Here’s Chief Development Officer Harvey Scott to tell us more. HARVEY SCOTT: Redmond Minerals is part of the Redmond family of companies that provide great products like Real Salt for your kitchen, Trophy Rock for your animals, and Best Vinyl Fence & Deck for your home. We also provide specialized products that help keep winter roads ice free. Because we’re concerned about your safety and getting products to market in a timely way, we recently joined with other like-minded companies and chambers of commerce and formed a new organization called the National Coalition for Open Roads. We call it NCFOR for short. It was created because roads and highway that were once kept open all the time in winter, are now, too often, closed even though we’ve been getting less snow than we used to. The costs of poor winter upkeep can be