Building Utah

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Slalom is a business and technology consulting firm with 52 offices in 12 countries. Founded in 2001, Slalom opened their Salt Lake City office in 2020 and is proud to have served Utah for the past 5 years. Director of Sales, Brian Ware, joins us with more. Brian Ware: Every day, Slalom works at the forefront of industry, combining our deep roots in technology and data, to help our customers tackle challenges, improve operations, and drive sustainable growth. We make it a point to understand our customer’s culture, goals, organization, and their customers, and work with them as a trusted advisor, respectful challenger, and unwavering champion. For more than 20 years, we've sought out and made strategic investments in the world’s emerging and leading technology platforms – including Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Salesforce, Snowflake, and more. Our relationships with these innovators is built on mutual trust and respect, and has cemented our position as a premier (and

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. For over 150 years, Canada has had no closer friend and ally than the United States. At home and abroad, we work together to make our citizens' lives safer and more prosperous. Consul General, Sylvain Fabi, joins us with more. Sylvain Fabi: The Consulate General, based in Denver, is responsible for strengthening Canada’s ties with Utah and the Mountain West Region. Our Trade team works with Canadian companies to help them successfully enter the Utah market with their product or service, and with Utah companies looking to invest in Canada. We have several industry priority sectors – including energy, clean technology, aerospace, information technology, and agriculture – where we work with our Canadian businesses to understand the local market and find partners, opportunities, and potential clients. Canada and Utah share a mutually beneficial trading relationship, with the Beehive State exporting 1.5 billion dollars in goods and nearly 700 million dollars in se

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. Mountain Valley Recovery is a nine-to-twelve-month program designed to help men overcome addiction. By providing real-world skills and ongoing support, they guide individuals toward lasting recovery, setting them up for a purposeful and successful future. Network and Outreach Specialist, Murdock Sanderson, joins us with more. Murdock Sanderson: At Mountain Valley Recovery, we specialize in assisting those battling with substance abuse and mental health issues to confront their challenges directly and live with integrity. Our long-term approach focuses on trauma-informed therapy, job training, and a strong support system to promote lasting recovery and personal growth. What sets us apart? Our clients gain hands-on experience by working on a full-functioning ranch, learning valuable trade skills, and engaging in equine therapy. We don’t just focus on sobriety — we help men rebuild their lives with purpose, independence, and confidence. Many graduates leave with rene

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. A strong workforce starts with the right training, and Mountainland Technical College has been equipping students with that foundation since 1989. With hands-on learning and industry-aligned programs, MTECH prepares students to excel in high-demand careers. College President, Clay Christensen, joins us with more. Clay Christensen: At Mountainland Technical College, we don’t just train students — we build Utah’s workforce. As a proud partner of the Salt Lake Chamber, we share a commitment to strengthening Utah’s economy by equipping students with the skills employers need most. Our graduates don’t just fill positions - they fuel business growth. Each MTECH graduate generates an average of 265,000 dollars per year in economic output, and for every tax dollar invested in an MTECH student, the state receives a 142 dollar return in economic activity – year after year. Our industry-driven curriculum, employer partnerships and hands-on training ensure that MTECH grad

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. Project Connection, a local nonprofit, was founded on the belief that connection is essential for mental health. They provide mental health services that improve well-being and foster resilience. Director of Development and Community Engagement, Jennifer Holmberg, joins us with more about their efforts. Jennifer Holmberg: Did you know that the number of young adults in Utah experiencing poor mental health has more than doubled in the last decade? According to the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, Utah ranks 11th for mental disorders, 3rd for serious mental illnesses and 4th for adults with serious thoughts of suicide. Project Connection is addressing this critical crisis by improving access to quality mental health care and offering innovative, community-based support services in Salt Lake County. We believe that connection builds resilience, and together, we can make a real, lasting difference in mental health for our community and beyond. With support from donat

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Copper makes the technological world go round. Few produce more of it than Rio Tinto Kennecott. A staple of Utah life for decades, the mine has also made a major impact on Utah’s business world. Managing Director Nate Foster tells us more. Nate Foster: For 122 years, Rio Tinto Kennecott has been a cornerstone of Utah life, providing generations of Utahns with fulfilling careers while striving to be good corporate citizens through responsible environmental measures. As one of the nation’s top copper producers, our work powers essential technologies such as electrical wiring, cell phones, computers, electric vehicles and more. As a critical resource, copper plays a key role in shaping our economic future, making our mission even more vital to the prosperity of Utah and the U.S. We also have a deep commitment to safety at our operations and being good neighbors in our beautiful community. We donate water to the Great Salt Lake annually, and are advancing sustainab

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. When you fill a glass of water, do you think about where it came from, how far it traveled or what it took to get there? The staff at Central Utah Water Conservancy District does, ensuring clean water for all Utahns. General Manager, Gene Shawcroft, joins us with more. Gene Shawcroft: Water is essential for life, and its availability requires careful planning long before it’s needed in a community. Central Utah Water’s mission is to develop, conserve and deliver clean water to customers across seven counties. We manage more than 180 miles of canals, tunnels and pipelines, treating over 100 million gallons of water daily. Much of our infrastructure is underground, but reservoirs visibly store water for future needs. We are constantly monitoring the environment, preparing for extreme weather scenarios that may impact water supplies. With 62 percent of Utah’s population living in our service area, our commitment is to provide a reliable, safe water supply both no

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Since 2020, Friends of the Children Utah has been breaking cycles of poverty through long-term, one-on-one mentoring. Their professional mentors support children from kindergarten to high school, currently serving 300 individuals, including 62 enrolled youth and their families. Executive Director, Kelsey Lewis, joins us with more. Kelsey Lewis: At Friends - Utah, we know there are no short-term fixes for children living with multiple generational risk factors. Our evidence-based approach breaks cycles of poverty and adversity by moving the mentoring relationship beyond the volunteer realm. We pair children aged four to six with dedicated, full-time paid professional mentors we call “Friends”. Friends build strong, lasting relationships with children facing the biggest challenges, offering consistent, one-on-one support from kindergarten all the way through high school graduation. That’s 12 years, no matter what. Friends help children develop essential life skills

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. For 25 years, Lloyd Architects has been creating sustainable homes and buildings across Utah, from Bear Lake to St. George. Their projects, ranging from private residences to public spaces, focus on simplicity and thoughtful design. Founding Partner, Warren Lloyd, joins us with more. Warren Lloyd: Utah isn’t just a pretty great state — it’s home. Our growing communities thrive in the beauty of our mountains, canyons, and valleys, and at Lloyd Architects, we’re committed to designing spaces that enhance how people live and connect. My team and I bring problem-solving and design expertise to energy-efficient housing, including shelter for those emerging from homelessness. We’re proud to be one of the architects of The Other Side Village, creating deeply affordable housing on Salt Lake’s west side. In 2023, I had the honor of leading the American Institute of Architects Custom Residential Architects Network. We welcomed over 200 architects from across the count

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. What started nearly 60 years ago as a small family business has grown into a well-known brand across the state. Western Nut Company specializes in small-batch roasted gourmet nuts and snacks, using high-quality ingredients to ensure freshness in every product. Chief Experience Officer, Sarah Adamson, joins us with more. Sarah Adamson: Nuts make the perfect gift and an unbeatable snack — delicious, nutritious, and full of flavor. At Western Nut Company, we’ve been roasting premium nuts to perfection since 1966. What started as a passion for quality quickly grew into a beloved tradition, offering customers the freshest, most flavorful nuts, brittles, fudges, and snack mixes. In 2018, three brothers, Darin, Lee, and Loren Mercer took over the business, continuing the legacy of founders Wellington McDonald and Helen Bean. As a proud, family-owned company, we take great pride in small-batch roasting at our Salt Lake City facility, ensuring every product meets our hi

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Founded in 1908, the Utah Bankers Association represents Utah's banking sector. They advocate for their members and offer resources to help banks deliver exceptional services. President and CEO, Howard Headlee, joins us with more. Howard Headlee: Utah is the 5th largest banking state in the country, with over a trillion dollars in assets in state headquartered banks – a stat that may surprise you. Financial services is the largest sector of our state’s economy, driving growth, innovation, and prosperity. Utah’s strong and fair regulatory environment makes this a prime destination for financial institutions, fostering competition, innovation, and economic expansion. Banks do more than hold your money – they fuel economic opportunity, strengthen communities, and improve lives. Yes, your money’s always available when you need it, but in the meantime your banker invests in the community through loans to small businesses, homeownership, and affordable housing. At th

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Since 1973, VCBO Architecture has grown to become one of the top design firms in the western United States. Committed to community-driven design, the VCBO team thrives on projects with an impact. Principal architect Brent Tippets joins us with more. Brent Tippets: VCBO’s mission is to create spaces for people to thrive. From Salt Lake City’s iconic library to the new Primary Children’s Hospital in Lehi, our work celebrates the communities we serve. Nothing demonstrates this more than the Marshall N. White Community Center in Ogden. Originally built in 1968, this beloved center honors Marshall White, a veteran, mentor, civil rights leader, and police officer killed in the line of duty. Over the past 50 years, the center has served a historically Black and Latino neighborhood, becoming a cherished gathering place engrained in the public memory. Guided by community input, we worked with Ogden City to design a replacement twice the size of the original, revitalized

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Select Health, founded in 1982, offers comprehensive healthcare services and insurance plans for businesses, individuals and families. Committed to improving health and wellness, they serve communities across Utah and beyond. Heidi Castaneda from Select Health joins us with more. Heidi Castaneda: Select Health’s Level Funded plans offer small businesses the predictability of fixed monthly payments that cover insurance, administrative costs, and medical claims. If claims are lower than expected, half of the unused funds are returned as a credit for future use, providing opportunities to save. These plans are a great choice for businesses that don’t currently offer health insurance, those exploring alternatives to traditional plans, or small companies looking for a more manageable approach to healthcare expenses. In addition to affordability, Level Funded plans include nationwide coverage, virtual care, wellness rewards, prescription medication savings and tools t

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Weber State University's Dumke College of Health Professions offers students education with hands-on experience. This prepares graduates for successful healthcare careers in Utah and beyond. Dean of the college, Dr. Yasmen Simonian, joins us with more. Yas Simonian: Weber State graduates are at the leading edge of healthcare in Utah. They are filling important positions, engaging with communities and, most of all, providing quality patient care. Weber State produces more healthcare professionals than any other college in Utah. We are constantly tracking workforce demands to make sure we keep our graduates at the cutting edge. Recently, we graduated our first class of physician assistants, and we just launched a new psychiatric mental health emphasis in our Doctor of Nursing Practice program. Both of these address shortages and help increase access to care. We’re also long-time partners with over 1,200 hospitals and clinical sites, where students learn hands on

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City provides world-class specialty care for children, making a difference both locally and across the country. Hospital President, Dustin Lipson, joins us to share how the community can further support their vital mission. Dustin Lipson: Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital began with an act of compassion for a child struggling on crutches. A hundred years later, it’s recognized as one of the best pediatric hospitals in the country, providing expert care to 100,000 children annually. This success wouldn’t have been possible without a generous community. Utahns understand that investing in children’s health offers the highest return on investment for families, communities, and businesses alike. When AFLAC partnered with the Atlanta children’s hospital, it wasn’t just kids and families who benefited — the business did too, with improved morale and employees feeling more connected to the organization and

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. For nearly 80 years, Savage has been vital to Utah’s economy, providing supply chain solutions. Through Savage Infrastructure, Bartlett and Texon, the company moves materials and products essential to industries worldwide. Savage’s President and CEO, Jeff Roberts, joins us with more. Jeff Roberts: While we’re based out of Midvale, Savage has more than 4,200 team members across the United States, Canada, Mexico and Saudi Arabia. Through our three businesses, we manage critical products for our customers in Utah and around the world. After 80 years in business, we’re proud to still be family-owned. We were established in American Fork in 1946 by three brothers who built the company on the principles of integrity, innovation and hard work. Their vision and legacy continue to guide our path today, as we work to grow our businesses and create opportunities for our team members. Utah is a great place to live and do business. Together with state and local leaders, our c

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. CommonSpirit Health has been a cornerstone of compassionate health care in Utah, providing exceptional care across the Wasatch Front. With a focus on innovation and collaboration, they are committed to improving community health for the future. Utah Market President, Jeremy Bradshaw, joins us with more. Jeremy Bradshaw: At CommonSpirit Health we make the healing presence of God known in our world by improving the health of the people we serve. This year, we proudly celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Sisters of the Holy Cross arriving in Utah, where they established Holy Cross Hospital. Their legacy of humankindness and compassionate care lives on today through our five CommonSpirit Holy Cross hospitals along the Wasatch Front. As Utah’s population continues to grow rapidly, we are committed to shaping the future of health care in the state. We focus on providing innovative care, including state-of-the-art orthopedic and spine procedures, cutting-edge heart

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Utah’s economy is flourishing, driven by a variety of industries and the innovative Silicon Slopes area. Today, we have Sterling Nielsen, President and CEO of Mountain America Credit Union, to share how they are enhancing business growth and supporting local enterprises. Sterling Nielsen: Utah has a strong and thriving economy, with diverse industries and the dynamic Silicon Slopes tech hub. At Mountain America Credit Union, we proudly support and partner with businesses of all sizes across these sectors. Our national recognition as the number one credit union SBA lender and leader in business deposits underscores our commitment to the business community. We offer a range of services, including business loans, commercial real estate financing, and flexible deposit accounts, tailored to meet the unique needs of each business. Our goal is to provide the financial tools and support necessary for businesses to thrive. Mountain America is dedicated to fostering grow

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Utah’s growth relies on a strong construction industry to support its expanding communities. For over a century, Jacobsen Construction has played a key role in building that foundation and shaping the state’s future. Chief Operating Officer, Matt Radke, joins us with more. Matt Radke: U.S. News and World Report has ranked Utah the number one state in America for two consecutive years, sparking new opportunities across the state. Jacobsen Construction is proud to contribute to this growth with several transformative projects shaping Utah's future. First, the University of Utah Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine will revolutionize medical education, preparing future doctors for innovation. Then at Deer Valley, with the newly completed Grand Hyatt as part of the Mayflower resort — America’s most ambitious new ski campus in 50 years. Meanwhile, in Logan, Utah State University is expanding its business school with the Carolyn & Kem Gardner Learning & Leadership B

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. With its first edition hitting the streets in 1871, The Salt Lake Tribune has remained dedicated to sharing stories that are engaging, impactful and inclusive, all while empowering its readers. CEO and Executive Editor, Lauren Gustus, joins us with more. Lauren Gustus: The Tribune’s mission is to be an essential community resource. Five years ago, and at 150 years old, we became a nonprofit, accountable to all Utahns. While our core mission has remained the same, we’ve adapted to better serve our community: -By listening, before we began our reporting, -By pointing out the problems, and -By looking for solutions. Our coverage now spans the entire state, and we’ve successfully returned The Tribune to profitability. In the next year, we are working toward an important goal: raising 1 million dollars to make The Tribune free for everyone online. We believe everyone should have access to independent reporting, regardless of whether they can pay for it. You