Building Utah

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. Ensign College was established in 1886 in Salt Lake City by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is led today by President Bruce Kusch who shares “the rest of the story.” BRUCE KUSCH: It’s been an exciting time since our name was changed two years ago from LDS Business College to Ensign College. Today we offer bachelor’s degrees in Business Management, Communications, Information Technology, and more. Each year we welcome nearly 3,000 students to our campus and, through our partnership with the online BYU-Pathway program, we serve over 5,000 students globally. We’re confident that number will continue to grow because our skills-based curriculum prepares students with the training employers demand. Speaking of employers, we recently created the Ensign Center for Employer Connections—a hub for students and companies to work on projects and internships. The center is also a business incubator for student entrepreneurs where they can develop t

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. Thanksgiving Point is an exciting, multi-venue entertainment and educational attraction in Lehi, Utah. McKay Christensen is the CEO and explains more about what it offers. McKAY CHRISTENSEN: Thanksgiving Point’s mission is to bring the joy of learning and wonders of the natural world to life. We deeply believe that there is joy, surprise, fun, and inspiration when kids get curious. It’s how true learning begins. But we do more than just events and programs on the property – our goal is to bring hands-on learning to economically disadvantaged kids and families across the state. Kids with families on SNAP or WIC benefits can visit our venues for free. We also open our discovery center doors to our non-profit partners for exclusive events, tours, and more. We go to every third and eighth grade classroom in the state, providing hands-on learning because we believe that every kid counts. At Thanksgiving Point, you’ll see curious kids growing every day. So, check o

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. For nearly 80 years, the Utah Foundation has provided non-partisan analysis and reports used by business and government leaders to make Utah a better place to live. Utah Foundation President Peter Reichard tells us more.  PETER REICHARD The Utah Foundation has issued studies on everything from education to taxation to the impact of teleworking -- and more. Most recently we undertook an eight-part study that examined the network of relationships people have and use to benefit themselves and the larger community. We looked at civic engagement, social trust, community life, families, economic mobility, and the focus on the future. We examined these areas because when social structures fail, citizens often ask government to pick up the slack. That may mean more tax money is needed to pay for education, police, public assistance programs, etcetera. Our research found that Utah performs best in the nation when it comes to family life, and ranks strongly in six of our s

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business.  There are a wide number of banks in Utah and one of those is Altabank, which boldly calls itself, “The Best Bank for Your Business.” Robert Carpenter is the Senior Vice President and shares more of their story. ROBERT CARPENTER: Altabank is a community bank, and our community is Utah.   As Utah’s largest community bank, we are big enough to help your business with all of its banking needs, and small enough to give you the personal attention you deserve. At Altabank, we believe that you should never have to compromise between having access to convenient banking technology and being able to sit down and meet with your banker – which is why we have offices across the state.   Our commitment to Utah is also reflected in our donation of time and money to organizations of all sizes, the volunteers and experts who help keep our communities healthy and thriving. Altabank strives hard to help your business and family meet the financial goals you’ve set, so if you’re looki

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. The Economic Development Corporation of Utah – also known as EDCUtah – was established in 1987 to help recruit businesses to our state. Theresa Foxley serves as president and CEO and is here with more. THERESA FOXLEY: EDCUtah is a public-private partnership charged with attracting quality jobs and increasing capital investment in the state. We execute on that mission through research, business development, marketing, and community strategy. When we were founded 30 years ago, Utah suffered from a brain drain, so EDCUtah sought to attract companies from other states to help diversify our economy. We’ve been successful! This last year, EDCUtah helped 35 companies choose Utah. Those firms will create over 20,000 new jobs. Today Utah has one of the most diverse economies in the nation and we’re excited that 30 percent of the projects in our expansion pipeline are companies already in Utah that are looking to grow. To help in our in-state expansion efforts, we’ve set a

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. Jacob Bowman serves as the Executive Vice President of American United Federal Credit Union and is here to share their vision for helping Utahns achieve the best financial outcomes. JACOB BOWMAN: American United is a full-service credit union, offering a wide range of savings, lending, and financial wellness services. Our mission is to Help When Others Won’t. This means we often approve loans for Utahns who have a harder time getting approved elsewhere. We’re dedicated to improving the financial well-being of our communities, with free financial check-ups to make sure you’re on track for obtaining the best rates. Helping When Others Won’t also means we focus on small businesses which don’t get special attention from the big banks. Throughout August, American United is paying new members up to $550 to join. We have a market-leading 36-month savings rate available and we’re one of the only financial institutions to offer fixed credit card rates. We also have exc

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. Flanker is a new restaurant, bar, and sporting club that has opened in downtown Salt Lake City. Here with more is Talya Nemec, the Special Events Coordinator at one of Utah’s newest entertainment locations. TALYA NEMEC: Flanker is located at The Gateway, Salt Lake City’s premier destination for downtown dining, entertainment, and community events. We’re just a short walk from the Vivint arena and we’ve become a hot spot for serious sports fans. We have two massive LED screens, as well as sixty high-definition screens, so that guests can watch professional and collegiate sports any day of the week. We have exciting, customized shuffleboards, fun state-of-the-art golf simulators, private karaoke rooms and even a duckpin retro bowling in our Speakeasy Bar! Come join us for to have a great a time! Flanker opens at 5pm - Wednesday through Saturday – and on Sundays we start with brunch at 11:00 am. We serve elevated American fare and have an impressive wrap-around 360-d

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. Nearly 30 years ago, the bank once known as Washington Federal expanded into Utah. Today it’s known simply as WaFd Bank and here to tell us more is Vice President and Utah Commercial Division Manager Dane Margetts. DANE MARGETTS: WaFd Bank is proud to serve small communities and big cities in eight western states by loving what we do and striving to make a difference! Developing long term relationships with our clients has been our goal for generations. Founded in 1917, we’ve been serving the business community for over 105 years. We focus on helping our neighbors manage their money by providing personal attention, technology and financially intelligent products. We are committed to a personal approach for all our banking clients, including small and commercial business owners. After all, we understand our success depends on yours. WaFd Bank has grown exponentially in Utah over the last five years, with a 260% growth in deposits and 47% growth in loan origination

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. Utah is blessed with great actors, singers and performers, hundreds of whom provide high quality entertainment at the Hale Center Theatre. Mark Dietlein is the President and CEO and provides insight about the impact they have. MARK DIETLEIN: Our mission at Hale Centre Theatre is to enrich lives through world-class theatre.  We’re delighted to produce over 850 sold-out stage performances each year.  We also have an award-winning theatre education program for youth and adults.  Hale Centre Theatre employs over 250 full-time equivalent employees utilizing some of Utah’s finest professional actors, directors and artisans.  We love seeing families, groups of friends or business associates using our productions as an opportunity to strengthen relationships as they experience Broadway musicals, plays and comedies.   Hale Centre Theatre specializes in entertainment which combines the latest and greatest technical wizardry with magical story-telling in a way that sets it ap

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business.  Taking care of the mental health of our children has been the sole objective of the Children’s Center Utah since its founding in 1962. Rebecca Dutson now leads this important organization and shares with us their story. REBECCA DUTSON: The Children’s Center Utah began 60 years ago and remains the only organization in Utah providing trauma-informed, evidence-based mental health care treatment exclusively to infants, toddlers, preschoolers and their families and caregivers.    We offer a variety of outpatient therapy services addressing the wide range of social, emotional, and behavioral health challenges faced by young children, including evidence-based treatments for trauma.    In addition to helping children and their families, it’s our goal to continue the conversation of infant and early childhood mental health with healthcare providers. Our clinical team offers webinars focused on infant and early childhood mental health topics. These are cost-free webinars as

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Utah’s rapid growth has resulted in a need to reduce costs to ship goods to and from our great state. To address that concern, the state created the Utah Inland Port Authority, led by President Jack Hedge, who explains what they do. Jack Hedge: Utah’s Inland Port Authority is future-proofing our state’s link in the global supply chain by providing smart, sustainable, and equitable logistic solutions across the Beehive State. We’re focused on forging partnerships, streamlining infrastructure, and investing capital in projects for the public good. We are modernizing the logistics industry through better data, technology, and sustainability standards. We’re focused on expanding rail access to businesses, lowering shipping costs for local importers and exporters, and making cargo movement more efficient. Growing the economy and protecting Utah’s natural beauty don’t need to be mutually exclusive. Our goal as a state entity is improving and maintaining Utah’s quality o

I’m Derek Miller Speaking on Business. Sunday marks the 175th anniversary of the first pioneers arriving in the Salt Lake valley. It took them more than three months to reach our present city.  Soon after arriving in the valley in 1847, pioneers began building homes and schools, laying out farms, creating irrigation projects, erecting barns, constructing churches, and expanding businesses enterprises. Near today’s present-day This is the Place monument, Brigham Young declared, “This is the right place.” And he was right.   Those who come to vacation here today know that Utah has some of the top National Parks in the nation and the greatest snow on earth. And when it comes to business, Utah’s hard-working people and entrepreneurial spirit continually earn accolades. Wallethub recently declared ten Utah cities among the top thirty best small cities to start a business. And, earlier this year, the prestigious Milken Institute named Provo–Orem as the top large city area in the country for employment and wage g

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. As companies grow, many turn to outside accounting firms like Squire, one of Utah’s top accounting businesses.  That firm is led by CEO Jonyce Bullock, who is here to share more about what they offer. JONYCE BULLOCK Squire is the fastest growing locally owned accounting firm in Utah with locations in Orem and Downtown Salt Lake City. The company started when DeLance Squire and his son Joe opened an accounting firm in Orem nearly 50 years ago. The founders based our business on a conviction that success is more likely when clients are turned into friends. It’s a principle that still guides us. Since the very beginning, we’ve delivered smart solutions and effective results to clients in Professional Services, Construction, Direct Selling, Government, Technology, Life Sciences, and beyond. With advisory and business services, we even help clients grow their own expertise in house.  We’re driven by a client-first culture. We believe in personal service, availability,

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. The University of Utah is our state’s oldest university and the new Ken Garff Scholarship Club has recently been added to provide a fine dining experience that helps fund U of U scholarships. General manager Dan Robison has more. DAN ROBINSON The Ken Garff Scholarship Club at Rice-Eccles Stadium is the new social club here at the U that offers year-round membership dining in our restaurant space with a full liquor license. The Club’s affordable monthly membership offers member programming such as wine dinners, watch parties, networking, and social events. The Club features International Chefs with made from scratch dishes and a crafted Mixology Bar and all this couples with our two incredible patios that overlook the mountains, city, and the stadium! We also have amazing event spaces. Join us at the Rice-Eccles Stadium for your private party needs. We customize your event to fit any size corporate party, wedding and more. The Ken Garff Scholarship Club is part o

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business.   One of the great benefits of living along the Wasatch Front is the gorgeous mountain. They catch the winter snows that provide great skiing and other recreational opportunities that many of us enjoy. They also capture the rainfall and winter snows that provide the water we need during the summer months. Unfortunately, those same wonderful mountains also block polluted air from leaving our valleys during both winter and summer, which is why the Salt Lake Chamber and Utah’s Clean Air Partnership, along with TravelWise, recently kicked off the 13th Annual Clear the Air Challenge.  For the past few years, the Challenge was held in February to address wintertime inversions. However, this year it was transitioned to July to focus on Utah’s summertime ozone issues which are just as harmful, but not as visible.  The Challenge is a month-long competition designed to encourage Utahns to reduce vehicle emissions by choosing alternatives to driving alone. By commuting smar

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. For more than fifty years the Repertory Dance Theatre in Salt Lake has entertained, educated, and uplifted Utah. Ricklen Nobis is the Booking & Musical Director and is here to tell us more. RICKLEN NOBIS Established in 1966, Salt Lake’s Repertory Dance Theatre (RDT) is dedicated to the creation, performance, perpetuation, and appreciation of modern dance. Our team serves as an archive of America’s rich modern dance heritage.   We have over 480 works of modern dance in our collection, some dating back more than 120 years. Repertory Dance Theatre re-stages historical and contemporary classic works that animate our nation’s multiplicity of stories, and we commission new works from regional, national, and international choreographers.  Whether welcoming the community—physically or digitally—to our home at the Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center in Salt Lake City or taking our traveling dance collection to cities and towns throughout Utah, the region, and nationally, o

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. Cameron Construction is one of Utah’s premier builders and Karla Rogers, the company’s Business Development and Marketing Manager, is here to share their story and vision for tomorrow. KARLA ROGERS Cameron Construction is a family-owned firm that has been going strong since 1973. We focus on commercial construction jobs that include everything from restaurants and gas stations, retail and warehouse, auto, medical and everything in between. What sets us apart is our attention to detail, as well as timeliness, cost sensitivity, and yet, that’s what everyone says, isn’t it?!  So what does set us apart? The majority of Cameron’s employees have been here for decades. Our employees stay because we treat them well and those who work for us enjoy the reputation of quality craftsmanship. Integrity is everything to Cameron, and we feel privileged to have had the trust to be able to work with the amazing people we have. So, if you’re looking for a new building or some remod

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. Ross Romero is a former member of the Utah legislature and today runs Inclusion Strategies, a company that helps businesses do better by being better. Here’s Ross with the rest of the story. ROSS ROMERO   In this challenging time of talent shortage, Inclusion Strategies assists companies with messaging, marketing, and community connections. We help others attract and retain new employees, and with Utah’s changing demographics, that increasingly means hiring diverse employees. I founded Inclusion Strategies after having spent ten years as an employment attorney, ten years in banking and having served eight years in the Utah Legislature. Inclusion Strategies assists companies meet hiring needs, while enhancing employee engagement and business growth objectives with diversity, equity, and inclusion in mind.   Hiring diverse employees in and of itself, is not a strategy. Inclusion Strategies helps companies make sure the workplace is inviting and inclusive for everyo

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. When it comes to making Utah what it is today, the Clyde Companies stand out. Company President Jeremy Hafen tells us more about who they are and how they make our state a better place to live. JEREMEY HAFEN Clyde Companies is one of the largest privately-owned enterprises in Utah. We have eight subsidiary organizations in the construction, building materials and insurance industries, including WW Clyde, Geneva Rock, Sunroc, IHC Scott, Sunpro, GWC Capital, Bridgesource, and Beehive Insurance. For nearly a century we’ve been involved in nearly every aspect of building and construction in Utah and the surrounding states, and we’re planning now for another 100 great years. From project start to completion, Clyde Companies provides the infrastructure products and services to keep Utah growing. Our business success helps us fulfill our mission of “Building a Better Community.” We proudly support the individuals, schools, charities, and businesses in the communities w

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. Nearly 100 years ago President Calvin Coolidge declared that “the chief business of the American people is business.” But fortunately for all of us, in 1776, a mighty band of brave businessmen and others took time away from their jobs to form, what Abraham Lincoln later so eloquently declared, “a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.” Of the 56 who signed the Declaration of Independence, nearly all were men of means, most of them well educated and wealthy. They knew that if they failed, their penalty would be death. But they signed with high hopes, perhaps best represented by future President, and Declaration signer, John Adams, who, in a letter to his wife Abigail, wrote: “I am apt to believe that [this day] will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations… with Pomp and Parade… Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other...” Did you catch that – “from one end of