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Brandon Rodman is a serial entrepreneur and visionary leader recognized for his talent in establishing innovative companies from scratch. A native of Eugene, Oregon, Rodman earned a degree in Communications with a focus on Marketing and Advertising from Brigham Young University. His early career in sales, where he led large teams, sharpened his skills in leadership, recruitment, and strategy, laying the groundwork for his entrepreneurial journey.In 2008, during the peak of the economic recession, Rodman co-founded Weave (originally called Recall Solutions) from the attic above his garage. What started as a call center evolved into a groundbreaking customer communication platform aimed at strengthening patient-doctor relationships through integrated software, telephony, and CRM tools. Under Rodman's leadership, Weave became the first Utah-based company accepted into Y Combinator in 2014, a pivotal moment that propelled its growth. Rodman raised over $300 million in funding, expanded the company to nearly $100 million in annual recurring revenue, and guided it to a successful IPO on the NYSE in 2021. His employee-centric approach earned him widespread recognition, including a #4 CEO ranking in America by Glassdoor in 2019 with a 99% approval rating and the 2019 CEO of the Year award from Utah Business. Rodman stepped down as Weave's CEO in 2020, transitioning to Chairman of the Board, but his legacy as a founder who emphasized culture and innovation endures.After 18 months of exploring new ideas, Rodman launched Previ in January 2022, where he serves as CEO and co-founder alongside Gabe Gunderson. Previ aims to revolutionize consumer finance by offering a payment platform that provides 10-20% cash back on everyday expenses, paid directly from users' paychecks. Rodman describes Previ as his “life's work” from a business perspective, blending profitability with a mission to put more money back into consumers' pockets. Based in Lehi, Utah, Rodman continues to drive Previ's growth while drawing on lessons learned from Weave's challenges and triumphs.Rodman's leadership philosophy emphasizes psychological safety, employee empowerment, and the creation of environments where teams can thrive. He is married to Lindsay Rodman, with whom he has four children, balancing his professional ambitions with a commitment to family. His story is one of resilience—having once liquidated personal assets to keep Weave afloat—and reflects a relentless drive to build businesses that make a meaningful impact.Connect with Silicon Slopes: https://www.siliconslopes.comSocial:X - https://x.com/siliconslopesInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/siliconslopes/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/silicon-slopes/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8aEtQ1KJrWhJ3C2JnzXysw
How's the AEC industry currently doing with lots of Government funding…but high interest rates, inflation, and (even worse) tariffs?
This is Derek Miller of the Salt Lake Chamber with your Utah Business Report. Comcast has announced that it has upgraded Xfinity Internet speeds for more than 20 million customers, including hundreds of thousands of customers in Utah, for no additional cost. Xfinity Internet tiers, and the NOW branded prepaid products, will benefit from 50 to 100 percent faster upload speeds than before, helping customers upload large files in a flash when working from home or posting videos to social media in seconds. Download speeds will also increase for most Internet tiers. The speed increases are made possible by Comcast's fiber-based network, which has been built to deliver an exceptional Internet experience to millions of homes and businesses and across Xfinity WiFi hotspots in Comcast's footprint, including over 32,000 throughout Utah. To learn more, visit the Comcast website. The Salt Lake Chamber. We Stand as the Voice of Business. Originally aired: 3/31/25
This is Derek Miller of the Salt Lake Chamber with your Utah Business Report. HealthEquity, the nation's largest Health Savings Account administrator, has announced the launch of HealthEquity Assist™, a suite of tools that help members save, spend and invest for healthcare. By using HealthEquity Assist, employers are enabled to greater visibility into their benefits program performance and can drive positive financial and health actions to support their workforce. The smart technology offering was developed to alleviate common employee pain points with their benefits, as well as a complex and fragmented benefits landscape that is difficult to navigate and limited resources available to support benefit education and personalized insights. Employers can incorporate the tools into their current benefits ecosystem with support from HealthEquity experts and learn more about HealthEquity Assist by visiting the HealthEquity website. The Salt Lake Chamber. We Stand as the Voice of Business. Originally aired: 4/1/25
This is Derek Miller of the Salt Lake Chamber with your Utah Business Report. The University of Utah recently announced a landmark 75 million dollar gift from the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation to establish a new 800-thousand-square-foot state-of-the-art hospital and medical campus in West Valley City. The gift will enable the construction of the university's first off-campus hospital in its 175-year history and its largest multi-specialty health clinic. This expansion is a vital step in increasing health care access across Salt Lake County, ensuring that the more than 725-thousand residents living west of I-15 have greater access to hospital care. The new campus will anchor an innovative university initiative that extends beyond health care delivery. To learn more, visit the University of Utah Health website. The Salt Lake Chamber. We Stand as the Voice of Business. Originally aired: 3/27/25
This is Derek Miller of the Salt Lake Chamber with your Utah Business Report. Utah Motorsports Campus has officially been renamed and rebranded as Burt Brothers Motorpark, marking an exciting new chapter in motorsports. The new partnership between Burt Brothers Tire and Service and one of America's premier motorsports venues goes beyond naming rights. It creates new opportunities for fans, drivers and industry professionals alike. Expect Burt Brothers-branded events, including tire safety clinics, performance driving workshops and sponsorship opportunities for race teams. Plus, both organizations will also collaborate on educational programs, products and community initiatives designed to expand interest in motorsports and cultivate the next generation of automotive enthusiasts. The new brand and logo will roll out over the next few months and on Saturday, April 26th, there will be a public celebration for the new partnership. The Salt Lake Chamber. We Stand as the Voice of Business. Originally aired: 3/28/25
This is Derek Miller of the Salt Lake Chamber with your Utah Business Report. The John B. Goddard School of Business and Economics at Weber State University recently announced that they will welcome Jeremy Oller as the new dean this summer. Oller comes from the University of Central Oklahoma, where he served as dean of the College of Business, leading initiatives to strengthen academic quality, student engagement and industry partnerships. Under his leadership, the business college successfully reaffirmed accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, revitalized an award-winning mentorship program, created a student-run investment fund, launched a career-readiness initiative, and much more. At Weber State, Oller intends to foster a team-focused culture that prioritizes students, an environment that supports the work of faculty and staff and a school that keeps the interests of the community in mind. The Salt Lake Chamber. We Stand as the Voice of Business. Originally aired: 3/26/25
This is Derek Miller of the Salt Lake Chamber with your Utah Business Report. Salt Lake City's Westside neighborhoods are separated from eastern parts of the city, including downtown, by I-15 and several major railroad tracks. These barriers present a daily challenge for people who need to cross to the east side. To address this, Salt Lake City is launching a transportation study, funded by the US Department of Transportation's Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program. The study will create a plan that analyzes needs, and recommends and prioritizes potential solutions to improve transportation infrastructure and address the west-east divide. The SLC West-East Connections Study team will collaborate with community members, empowering the people most affected by the division to help define the nature of the problem and develop and prioritize solutions that address their needs. To learn more, visit the Salt Lake City website. The Salt Lake Chamber. We Stand as the Voice of Business. Originally aired: 3/12/25
This is Derek Miller of the Salt Lake Chamber with your Utah Business Report. The Organizing Committee for the 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games has named a Steering Committee to provide advisory direction to the Organizing Committee Board. The Steering Committee includes a wide range of athletes along with community, sport, and business leaders, as well as local elected officials. A series of committees have also been created to provide unique expertise and knowledge in specified areas. This includes: -The Athletes' Commission, led by four-time Olympic speed skater Catherine Raney Norman, who also served as board chair for the bid committee. -The Host Communities Committee, led by Salt Lake Mayor Erin Mendenhall and Park City Mayor Nann Worel. -The Sport and Venues Committee, headed by Colin Hilton from the Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation. And, -The Technology and Innovation Committee, led by Matthew Prince. The Salt Lake Chamber. We Stand as the Voice of Business. Originally aired: 3/13/25
This is Derek Miller of the Salt Lake Chamber with your Utah Business Report. The Utah Board of Higher Education has unanimously selected Shane Smeed as the next president of Utah Tech University. Smeed is a Utah native and currently serves as president of Park University, where he has led initiatives focused on student success, institutional excellence and workforce development. His leadership accomplishments include launching a comprehensive fundraising campaign and creating strategic business partnerships to enhance student outcomes in the global market. In the official announcement, Smeed said his aim is “to graduate the best-prepared students who will contribute to Southern Utah, the great state of Utah and beyond.” With 25 years of experience in higher education, Smeed will bring a wealth of leadership and expertise to the role. To learn more, visit the Utah Tech University website. The Salt Lake Chamber. We Stand as the Voice of Business. Originally aired: 3/14/25
This is Derek Miller of the Salt Lake Chamber with your Utah Business Report. CHG Healthcare, a leading staffing agency specializing in physician recruitment, has acquired CareerMD, a career management platform offering digital and live events to help clinicians secure their first job after training. Founded in 1996, CareerMD started as an online resource for medical students. Since then, it has developed into a trusted and established platform to help physicians and health care providers enter the workforce and navigate their careers. They host more than 100 in-person career fairs at teaching hospitals across the country each year, virtual career fairs in more than 36 specialties, a job board, and other resources to help physicians and allied health professionals in their career search. To learn more, visit the CHG Healthcare website. The Salt Lake Chamber. We Stand as the Voice of Business. Originally aired: 3/17/25
This is Derek Miller of the Salt Lake Chamber with your Utah Business Report. A recent policy brief from the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute underscores the significant impact of Utah's higher education system on both individuals and society. The report reveals that Utah's public higher education supports approximately 132,000 jobs and contributes 12.1 billion dollars to the state's GDP. Additionally, individuals with advanced education levels experience higher incomes and better health outcomes, while also exhibiting increased civic engagement and reduced reliance on public assistance. The report highlights the state's exceptionally well-trained workforce, robust economic performance and strong social fabric, all directly linked to a long-standing educational commitment. To learn more, visit the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute website. The Salt Lake Chamber. We Stand as the Voice of Business. Originally aired: 3/18/25
ThrivePoint Academy, a free public charter school for grades 7-12, is excited to open enrollment for its first Utah location in West Jordan. This expansion brings ThrivePoint Academy's student-focused learning approach to the state, offering local students the tools and support they need to succeed academically and beyond. Located at 1589 W 9000 S, the school is designed to meet the needs of students who thrive outside of traditional educational settings. With a combination of online and hybrid learning options, students enjoy the flexibility to tailor their education while maintaining the critical in-person support necessary for success. To learn more, visit the ThrivePoint Academy website. The Salt Lake Chamber. We Stand as the Voice of Business. Originally aired: 3/6/25
Three Intermountain Health hospitals recently ranked among the Top 50 heart hospitals in the nation for 2025, according to a new national study of heart hospitals in America by Premier Inc. Intermountain Medical Center in Murray, Intermountain McKay-Dee Hospital in Ogden, and Intermountain St. George Regional Hospital, all made the list due to their quality of care, outcomes, and patient experience, among other criteria. According to the study, if hospitals around the country had similar marks to those making the Top 50 list, it could mean 14,000 fewer deaths, 28,600 fewer bypass and angioplasty patients suffering complications, and save more than 1.5 billion dollars for inpatient costs in 2025. To learn more, visit the Intermountain Health website. The Salt Lake Chamber. We Stand as the Voice of Business. Originally aired: 3/11/25
Governor Spencer Cox and longtime community advocate Pamela Atkinson are urging Utahns to support those experiencing homelessness by donating to the Pamela Atkinson Homeless Account on their state tax returns. In 2023, more than 9,000 Utahns entered homelessness for the first time — an increase of 794 individuals compared to the previous year, marking a 9 percent rise. In total, nearly 33,000 Utahns accessed services through the state's homeless response system last year. Contributions to the Pamela Atkinson Homeless Account are combined with other state and federal funding to distribute to agencies statewide, maximizing impact. To learn more, visit jobs.utah.gov/htf. The Salt Lake Chamber. We Stand as the Voice of Business. Originally aired: 3/7/25
The Salt Lake Chamber, in partnership with the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute at the University of Utah, has released the January 2025 Roadmap to Prosperity Economic Dashboard. This tool highlights key economic data and provides decision-makers with actionable insights. Key takeaways from the January report include: First - United States CPI inflation increased for the fourth consecutive month, with year-over increases reaching 3 percent. Secondly - Utah's median home sales price equaled 500,000 dollars in December, up from 474,000 dollars the year before. And, Third - Annual bankruptcy filings in Utah saw a 13 percent increase in 2024. To learn more, visit the Salt Lake Chamber website. The Salt Lake Chamber. We Stand as the Voice of Business. Originally aired: 3/3/25
Alsco Uniforms, headquartered in Salt Lake City, is donating 50,000 dollars to The Salvation Army to support wildfire recovery in Southern California. Alsco also provided 8,000 face masks and partnered with the Dream Center to distribute detergent to those affected. These contributions will help provide both immediate relief and long-term rebuilding assistance for communities affected by the devastating wildfires. With over 135 years of experience and a commitment to community support, Alsco helps businesses stay clean, safe, and operational while providing aid to those in need during crises. Their goal is "to help families recover and rebuild” in this time of need. To learn more, visit the Alsco Uniforms website. The Salt Lake Chamber. We Stand as the Voice of Business. Originally aired: 3/5/25
The One Utah Health Collaborative has released its first statewide study on healthcare spending, analyzing data from 2021 to 2023 across ten major insurers. According to the findings, per capita healthcare spending in Utah rose 6.6 percent from 2022 to 2023, while per capita personal income grew just 5.6 percent during that same period. The report also highlights several promising trends, including greater investment in behavioral health and a modest increase in investment in primary care. Launched in 2022 by Governor Spencer Cox, the One Utah Health Collaborative is a nonprofit transforming Utah's healthcare system. To learn more, visit the One Utah Health Collaborative website. The Salt Lake Chamber. We Stand as the Voice of Business. Originally aired: 3/4/25
This is Derek Miller of the Salt Lake Chamber with your Utah Business Report. Dreamscapes, Utah's immersive art exhibit, reopened Friday, February 14th, at The Gateway after five months of reimagining its walk-through experience. This fourth iteration features new artwork, interactive elements, and familiar favorites. Originally a pop-up at the 2018 ILLUMINATE: Light Art and Creative Technology Festival, the exhibit became a year-round attraction due to its popularity. A project of Utah Arts Alliance, Dreamscapes blends physical art, technology, and upcycled materials. With partners like the Salt Palace and Mountain America Expo Center, it has repurposed over 68,100 lbs. of donated materials. New interactive elements include secret tunnels and a ball pit, inviting guests to explore, play, and embrace their inner child. To learn more, visit The Gateway website. The Salt Lake Chamber. We Stand as the Voice of Business. Originally aired: 2/27/25
This is Derek Miller of the Salt Lake Chamber with your Utah Business Report. X Games recently announced that Salt Lake City will host its electrifying action sports festival from June 27th to June 29th at the Utah State Fairpark and Event Center. Partnering with Salt Lake County, the event will feature world-class Moto X, BMX, and skateboarding competitions with over 100 top athletes competing for more than 1 million dollars in prize money. Fans can expect high-energy entertainment, immersive partner activations, and an unforgettable experience as X Games celebrates its 30th anniversary. With thrilling competitions, nonstop excitement, and unique fan engagement opportunities, X Games Salt Lake City 2025 is set to be an unmissable summer highlight. To learn more, visit the X Games website. The Salt Lake Chamber. We Stand as the Voice of Business. Originally aired: 2/24/25
This is Derek Miller of the Salt Lake Chamber with your Utah Business Report. McGraw Hill and GoReact are renewing their partnership to advance skills-based learning in higher education. As part of this relationship, McGraw Hill is integrating GoReact's AI Assistant into its digital course materials for communication and language courses, providing targeted, AI-powered feedback to enhance learning. Since 2019, McGraw Hill has used GoReact's video and audio-capture technology within its Connect platform to transform how communication and performance-based skills are assessed. This technology has enabled students to record, reflect, and receive feedback on presentations, speeches, and other tasks. The integration of GoReact's AI Assistant further enhances this process by offering real-time feedback that helps students grow their skills faster. To learn more, visit the GoReact website. The Salt Lake Chamber. We Stand as the Voice of Business. Originally aired: 2/25/25
This is Derek Miller of the Salt Lake Chamber with your Utah Business Report. As demand for immersive experiences grows in retail, entertainment, and hospitality, design-build construction company Outside the Lines has launched Aquarius Interactive, a new patented AI technology revolutionizing guest interactions with commercial property amenities. Now featured at Mountain View Village, an 85-acre mixed-use destination in Riverton, Utah, the technology enhances the property's water feature by using AI technology to respond to visitors' movements with dynamic water jets and changing lights, or both. In addition to its engagement and interactive capabilities, the technology can also capture valuable demographic data, such as the volume of foot traffic in front of the fountain at any given time of day, as well as the length of stay. To learn more, visit the Outside the Lines website. The Salt Lake Chamber. We Stand as the Voice of Business. Originally aired: 2/26/25
This is Derek Miller of the Salt Lake Chamber with your Utah Business Report. 47G Utah Aerospace and Defense and BETA Technologies have signed an agreement to bring electric aircraft and charging stations to Utah. The agreement will help to provide Utahns with cost-effective mobility options, reduce commute times, increase access for communities across the state and improve air quality through clean energy solutions that significantly reduce vehicle emissions. In addition, analysts forecast that the advanced air mobility industry in Utah will generate 11,000 new full-time jobs, $8 billion dollars in new business activity and related stimulus, and $1.8 billion dollars in local, state and federal tax revenues by 2045. To learn more, visit the 47G website. The Salt Lake Chamber. We Stand as the Voice of Business. Originally aired: 2/10/25
This is Derek Miller of the Salt Lake Chamber with your Utah Business Report. Mobly, Inc., a rising innovator in event marketing technology, has closed a $4.3 million dollar seed funding round, co-led by Jump Capital and Eniac Ventures, with contributions from Peterson Ventures and other notable investors. This funding will accelerate Mobly's mission to revolutionize event marketing by enabling smarter lead capture, data-driven engagement, and streamlined workflows. Mobly's platform transforms the industry by reducing the average “Speed to Lead” from 11 days to minutes, empowering marketing and sales teams to efficiently manage event-driven campaigns. The company plans to enhance its platform with new features, integrations, and partnerships to expand its reach. To learn more, visit the Mobly website. The Salt Lake Chamber. We Stand as the Voice of Business. Originally aired: 2/7/25
This is Derek Miller of the Salt Lake Chamber with your Utah Business Report. Visit Salt Lake is bringing back the Salt Lake Winter Roundup on Saturday, February 8th, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in downtown Salt Lake City. In collaboration with the Days of '47 Rodeo, this expanded event will transform West Temple, between City Creek Center and Abravanel Hall, into a lively western hub that celebrates Salt Lake's vibrant sports, arts, and cultural heritage. This all-day celebration features something for everyone, including skijoring, a thrilling blend of rodeo and ski racing, along with live music, cultural performances, interactive brand displays, food vendors, and family-friendly activities. The Winter Roundup offers a one-of-a-kind celebration for all ages. To learn more, head to the Visit Salt Lake website. The Salt Lake Chamber. We Stand as the Voice of Business.
This is Derek Miller of the Salt Lake Chamber with your Utah Business Report. Silicon Valley venture capitalist, founder, and philanthropist Tim Draper is boosting Utah's young entrepreneurs with a 500,000 dollars gift to support the Utah Entrepreneur Challenge and High School Utah Entrepreneur Challenge. The Utah Entrepreneur Challenge is a business-model competition for college students at universities statewide, while the High School Utah Entrepreneur Challenge focuses on business ideas from students ages 14–18. Both initiatives, run by the nationally ranked Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute at the University of Utah, aim to empower aspiring entrepreneurs through funding, prizes, and real-world experience. Participants gain invaluable opportunities to connect with professionals, refine their ideas, and develop entrepreneurial skills, helping to launch their startups and prepare for the business world. The Salt Lake Chamber. We Stand as the Voice of Business. Originally aired: 2/5/25
This is Derek Miller of the Salt Lake Chamber with your Utah Business Report. Utah Valley University is partnering with Utah-based Clarion AI Partners, SchoolAI, and AskElephant to offer paid apprenticeships in applied AI to prepare students for the workforce and provide them pathways to well-paying tech jobs. The three companies will offer students competitive wages based on the industry and role that are in line with federal guidelines. As students gain new skills and competencies, there may be opportunities for wage increases. The applied AI apprenticeship program will allow students to gain hands-on experience and learn necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities on the job rather than in just classroom settings. To learn more, visit the Utah Valley University website. The Salt Lake Chamber. We Stand as the Voice of Business. Originally aired: 2/4/25
This is Derek Miller of the Salt Lake Chamber with your Utah Business Report. Envision Utah, along with Utah Workforce Housing Advocacy, has released a new report on Utahns' perceptions of the state's housing situation. The research, conducted in late 2024, included a survey of approximately 600 adults and a multi-day online focus group with 36 people from different backgrounds, who shared their thoughts on housing in 20 to 40-minute sessions. The report reveals that most Utahns agree there is a housing problem and that we must build more homes to increase supply and drive down prices. Key findings not only include concerns about housing supply and availability, but also the importance of access to opportunities, especially for low-income individuals and first-time homebuyers, and the need to balance quality of life with adding new housing. The Salt Lake Chamber. We Stand as the Voice of Business. Originally aired: 2/3/25
This is Derek Miller of the Salt Lake Chamber with your Utah Business Report. Soft Play, a global leader in contained indoor playground equipment, has announced its largest project ever: The “Mountain America Jurassic Jungle,” a multimillion-dollar, six-story, dinosaur-themed indoor play area at the Thanksgiving Point indoor and outdoor farm, garden and museum learning center in Lehi. The highly interactive and immersive playground is a design collaboration between Soft Play and Thanksgiving Point that allows visitors to learn, play and imagine what life would have been like in a prehistoric world of dinosaurs. It's the most audacious creation to date for Soft Play, which launched in September 1984 and has continually transformed the concept of indoor “soft” play ever since, setting new standards for safety, design, and customer engagement. Soft Play has crafted more than 40,000 playground installations worldwide, which it estimates have been enjoyed by over 2.6 billion children. To learn more, visit the Soft Play website. The Salt Lake Chamber. We Stand as the Voice of Business. Originally aired: 1/16/25
This is Derek Miller of the Salt Lake Chamber with your Utah Business Report. The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Transit Administration has announced a 62.8 million dollar grant award to the Utah Transit Authority to support a new bus rapid transit route to provide fast, frequent public transportation in Salt Lake County. The Midvalley Express will improve accessibility, frequency and connections, as well as encourage economic development near a regional mall, medical center, a community college and other key activity centers. The seven-mile, 15-station all-electric bus rapid transit line will connect to UTA commuter rail and light rail at either end of the line. The bus rapid transit line also will prepare the Salt Lake City region for the 2034 Olympic Games by providing a connection between Frontrunner commuter rail and the Maverik Center, a planned venue for the games. To learn more, visit the U.S. Department of Transportation Administration website. The Salt Lake Chamber. We Stand as the Voice of Business. Originally aired: 1/14/25
This is Derek Miller of the Salt Lake Chamber with your Utah Business Report. Utah City, a new mixed-use development in Utah County, is taking a monumental first step in its commitment to inspiring outdoor spaces with the launch of the "Greening of Utah City" initiative. A key feature is The Greenline Promenade, a multi-use pathway that connects neighborhoods, encourages recreation and supports local businesses and tourism. Utah City will plant over 1,000 trees this spring and break ground on the new 12-acre Greenline promenade, all within the first 50-acres of its 700-acre master-planned development. This initiative reflects Utah City's dedication to revitalizing the area, prioritizing environmental sustainability and blending nature with timeless architecture. The “Greening of Utah City” initiative marks the beginning of the long-term effort to establish Utah City as the cultural, environmental and social heart of Utah County. To learn more, visit the Utah City website. The Salt Lake Chamber. We Stand as the Voice of Business. Originally aired: 1/13/25
This is Derek Miller of the Salt Lake Chamber with your Utah Business Report. At the end of last year, the Environmental Protection Agency announced 70 grant recipients for its Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Program to receive funding for over 2,400 zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles. The awards will fund projects in 27 states, three Tribal Nations, and one territory. The Utah Department of Environmental Quality Division of Air Quality was selected to receive 60 million dollars to fund 171 zero-emission vehicles and charging infrastructure to reduce air pollution. One hundred and twenty of these vehicles will be electric school buses. The Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Program was established through the Inflation Reduction Act passed in 2022. The Program will distribute a total of $1 billion through 2032 to replace fossil fuel heavy-duty vehicles with zero-emission ones, as well as support the build-out of charging infrastructure and invest in the workforce. To learn more, visit the EPA website. The Salt Lake Chamber. We Stand as the Voice of Business. Originally aired: 1/10/25
This is Derek Miller of the Salt Lake Chamber with your Utah Business Report. In Utah alone, home prices have surged by over 300 percent in recent years, with projections showing a shortfall of 153,000 homes by 2030. To address this, the Utah Workforce Housing Advocacy has launched a new messaging campaign called “Demand More Supply” to raise public awareness of the biggest contributor to high housing prices: low housing supply. Demand More Supply urges policymakers, community leaders, and residents to collaborate to adopt solutions that create more housing opportunities for middle-income families. This effort aims to ensure economic stability, quality of life and continued growth for the region by increasing supply, streamlining regulations and fostering innovation. One way they are raising awareness is through commercials to help the ‘every day Utahn' understand the root cause of the housing affordability crisis-limited housing supply. To learn more, visit the Utah Workforce Housing Advocacy website. The Salt Lake Chamber. We Stand as the Voice of Business. Originally aired: 1/9/25
This is Derek Miller of the Salt Lake Chamber with your Utah Business Report. Utah's broad innovation ecosystem ranks high among U.S. states across various measures. According to a report released in December from the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, co-led by the Economic Development Corporation of Utah, shows that the characteristics contributing to Utah's success include the state's higher education institutions, a well-trained workforce, social infrastructure, collaboration among innovation ecosystem actors, and a culture of innovation. Key findings include how: -Utah ranks first among U.S. states for innovation capacity and outcomes; and, -Five industry-aligned innovation ecosystems – such as aeronautics and space exploration and defense – exist in Utah at various levels of maturity. To learn more, visit the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute website. The Salt Lake Chamber. We Stand as the Voice of Business. Originally aired: 1/8/25
This is Derek Miller of the Salt Lake Chamber with your Utah Business Report. BZI, a standout in the construction industry, recently received the prestigious “Inc. Best in Business 2024” award. The prestigious global award recognizes the impact and significance of the BZI Innovation Park for its innovation, inspiration and positive impact on the regions and industry segments it serves. The Inc. Best in Business honors and celebrates companies around the world who have attained major achievements and made significant contributions to their communities on a global scale. According to the organizers, the list recognizes companies that, through exceptional execution, have achieved significant milestones and core business wins, like customer expansion, key product launches, increased market share and industry-defining accomplishments. To learn more, visit Inc.com. The Salt Lake Chamber. We Stand as the Voice of Business. Originally aired: 1/7/25
This is Derek Miller of the Salt Lake Chamber with your Utah Business Report. Slice House by Tony Gemignani (Gem-ee-gn-jani), the highly successful fast-casual pizza franchise by world renowned pizzaiolo (pizza-i-olo) Tony Gemignani, is now open in Salt Lake City. Located at 1318 Foothill Drive, Slice House Salt Lake City welcomes guests to experience award-winning pizza by the 13-time world champion in a fast casual setting. Known for its diverse menu, Slice House offers a variety of pizzas, calzones, pastas and salads, all crafted with high-quality ingredients and Tony's signature touch. With its roots in San Francisco, Slice House has earned a reputation for blending tradition with innovation to create unforgettable flavors. The new Salt Lake City location continues this legacy by providing a welcoming space for families and pizza lovers alike. Whether you're craving a classic slice or something new, Slice House Salt Lake City offers a world-class pizza experience right here in Utah. To learn more, visit the Slice House website. The Salt Lake Chamber. We Stand as the Voice of Business. Originally aired: 1/17/25
This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Since 1953, Layton Construction has been perfecting their craft, growing nationwide and improving the build world by providing predictability in an industry that's anything but predictable. Layton Construction's Vice President of Marketing Tim Garrick joins us with more. Tim Garrick: For more than 70 years, Layton Construction has proudly called Utah home. The work that we've done in that time will forever impact the state, its people, and the business community. Together, with our trusted trade partners, we've built the places where hundreds of thousands of Utahns live; where we work and study; where we play; and where we heal. The same principles that Alan W. Layton instilled in the company in the early years — honesty, safety, quality, and unity — still guide us today. These values have sustained our longevity and have fueled our growth as we've become one of the nation's largest builders. And with that comes opportunities for career advancement. So, we encourage and offer our employees training to develop their skills so they can grow with the company. In fact, that's one of the primary reasons Utah Business magazine recognized Layton Construction among the state's best companies to work for in 2024. To learn more, visit LaytonConstruction.Com. Derek Miller: No matter the location, Layton Construction thrives where precision meets pressure. From active university campuses to data centers that can't afford a millisecond of downtime, Layton is involved with every sector that matters. I'm Derek Miller with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business. Originally aired: 1/6/24
This is Derek Miller of the Salt Lake Chamber with your Utah Business Report. The Salt Lake Chamber is bringing the National Civics Bee to Utah, an initiative aimed at encouraging more young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. Hosted in partnership with The Civic Trust® of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the competition in Utah will inspire middle schoolers to become better informed about American democracy, to engage respectfully and constructively in the community, and to build greater trust in others and institutions. Participants in the National Civics Bee® will have the chance to gain recognition for their civics knowledge and skills and compete for prestigious awards, including prizes worth at least 1,000 dollars for the state champion and 100,000 dollars for the national winner. Utah's participation in the National Civics Bee is just one of many ways that we are preparing our youth to be tomorrow's leaders The Salt Lake Chamber. We Stand as the Voice of Business. Originally aired: 1/6/25
This is Derek Miller of the Salt Lake Chamber with your Utah Business Report. The Salt Lake Chamber and Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute's Utah Economic Outlook and Public Policy Summit is quickly approaching on January 10th, and offers a prime opportunity for business and community leaders to connect, learn and plan for the future. As the state's premier economic forecasting and public policy event, this summit brings together policy and academic thought leaders from across the state to share insights on the future of Utah's economy and the business community's policy priorities for the upcoming legislative session. This year's keynote speaker, General David Petraeus, will provide leadership insights from his military, government and private sector experience during a fireside chat titled Leadership in a Complex World. Anyone invested in Utah's economic future should not miss this event. The Salt Lake Chamber. We Stand as the Voice of Business. Originally aired: 1/3/25
This is Derek Miller of the Salt Lake Chamber with your Utah Business Report. In the fast-paced, demanding world of business, we often find ourselves juggling multiple roles, from executive leaders to caregivers. But what if prioritizing your health could be the key to unlocking greater success? On January 28th, join us at the Business Women's Forum Networking Brunch to explore how wellness directly contributes to business achievements, leadership effectiveness and long-term professional fulfillment. Our featured panel will share their expertise on the tools, motivation and connections to empower your journey. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals, gain valuable insights, and take actionable steps toward enhancing your wellness and business success. Reserve your seat today for the ‘Why Health and Wellness Boost Business Success' at the Business Women's Forum Luncheon. The Salt Lake Chamber. We Stand as the Voice of Business. Originally aired: 1/1/25
This is Derek Miller of the Salt Lake Chamber with your Utah Business Report. The Salt Lake Chamber has announced that Lisa Eccles, President and COO of the George S. and Dolores Dore Eccles Foundation, will be honored as the 46th “Giant in our City.” The award, widely known as the most prestigious business award given in Utah, recognizes those with exceptional and distinguished service as well as extraordinary professional achievement. For more than 30 years, Lisa Eccles has led one of Utah's largest and oldest private philanthropic foundations with a personal touch and a pledge to make a lasting and meaningful difference in the lives of others. Awarding nearly 400 grants annually, the George S. and Dolores Dore Eccles Foundation supports nonprofits in every corner of the state and has awarded over 850 million dollars in grants to date. The Salt Lake Chamber. We Stand as the Voice of Business. Originally aired: 1/2/25
Welcome to another episode of Hey U! Today Hey U team members Diego and Rohan sit down with Melanie Jones, Editor-in-Chief for Utah Business. Melanie shares her insights on the landscape of Utah business and what has contributed to the success of local businesses. She also speaks on the valuable experiences and advice that she's gained in her career! Utah Business: https://www.utahbusiness.com/
This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. OptConnect's mission is to help simplify the design, deployment and management of cellular connectivity solutions. No matter the cellular connectivity challenge, OptConnect is here to offer a solution. President and CEO Chris Baird joins us with more. Chris Baird: The next time you walk into your local convenience or grocery store, take a look at the kiosks around you — the ATMs, DVD rentals, coin counters, key cutting machines, even the vending machines. Each one likely has a little black antenna on top. That's what we do. OptConnect keeps over a million of these types of devices connected with cellular connectivity, allowing them to work seamlessly for you. It all started 15 years ago with a simple idea: connecting ATMs to the internet through cellular routers. Today, OptConnect is one of the most trusted names in managed connectivity. We offer fully-managed services, semi-managed options, embedded solutions, data plans, and much more — always backed by our passionate team. Our journey has expanded globally, too. With the acquisitions of Premier Wireless Solutions, M2M Data Global in Chile and Capstone in Europe, OptConnect's reach is now stronger than ever. Whatever your thing — trust OptConnect to keep it connected. Derek Miller: With awards like the ATM Industry Association's Outstanding Service Award, Utah Business' Best Company to Work For and Inc.'s Power Partner Award, OptConnect has shown that it is a powerhouse in the connectivity solutions industry. To learn more, visit their website. I'm Derek Miller with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business. Originally aired: 11/25/24
In this episode, Cody is joined by Nick Bonniksen, Director of Kiln St. George, to talk about the transformative power of sports, resilience, and the dynamic hospitality industry. Originally on the path to a professional baseball career, Nick's journey took a sharp turn after sports injuries forced him to rethink his future. With no Plan B, Nick started at the front desk of a Marriott and quickly rose through the ranks, proving that determination can turn entry-level beginnings into something extraordinary.After working in various roles—including Front Desk Manager, Sales Director, and even night auditor during the challenging COVID period—Nick continued to grow. His next move took him to Utah's Best Vacation Rentals as Sales Director and eventually Regional Manager, where he doubled the company's revenue. Recognized for his success, he was recruited back to Marriott as General Manager of Wyndgate St. George, where he led the location to a remarkable global ranking of #4 in just three years.Now at Kiln, a thriving coworking community, Nick hopes to bolster the business ecosystem in Southern Utah. Cody and Nick discuss how his sports background shaped his leadership, how he tackled obstacles, and his goals for Kiln's latest location in St. George. This episode is filled with insights on the value of perseverance and the rapid growth possible in the hospitality industry with the right mindset.Connect w/Nick:Website: https://kiln.com/communities/st-george/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-bonniksen-37280b178/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickbonniksen/Email: nick.b@kiln.com Follow us on Instagram - @thevibrantteam@virtualgmpodcastCheckout our website - www.thevibrantteam.com
The Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) released research in 2014 about the status of women leaders in business in the state, with an update in 2018 to determine if progress had been made. Unfortunately, during those four years, the percentages decreased in most areas. Now, six years later, the UWLP provides another update on the status of women leaders in Utah business, which is the topic of this episode. Dr. Susan Madsen, Founding Director of the UWLP, is joined by Patricia Jones, CEO of the Women's Leadership Institute. Support the show
The idea of failure is often seen as something to be avoided at all costs. Many of us grow up believing that failing is a reflection of our worth or ability, and this belief can prevent us from trying new things, stepping outside our comfort zones, or pursuing our dreams. But what if failure wasn't something to be feared? What if, instead, it was embraced as a crucial component of growth and self-confidence? In this podcast episode, Brittni emphasizes that failure builds self-confidence by encouraging risk-taking and resilience, and it is a necessary stepping stone toward achieving success in both life and business. There are four possible outcomes in life—success, failure, giving up, and inaction—meaning that failure is the second-best outcome because it signifies effort and progress. Embracing failure, rather than avoiding it, leads to personal development, deeper insights, and ultimately, success. Resources: The Meeting Place Membership Rock The Reels 1:1 Coaching Free Client Welcome Guide Additional Trainings and Resources Connect with Brittni: Follow me on the Gram - @brittni.schroeder Join my Facebook Group Visit my website Subscribe to my Youtube You can find the complete show notes here: https://brittnischroeder.com/podcast/the-power-of-failure
Brian Everill is the owner of Master AutoTech, a rebranded version of what was formerly known as Master Muffler, a family-owned auto care business that has been in operation for decades. Under his leadership, the company expanded its services beyond muffler repairs to include a wide range of auto repair and maintenance services. Brian has been recognized for his business acumen, including being named one of Utah Business' "Forty Under 40" honorees in 2017, highlighting his influence in the automotive industry.
Introducing Melanie Paris Jones: A Catalyst for Community Connection and Positivity in Utah's Business Scene In a remarkably short time, Melanie Paris Jones has emerged as a transformative figure in the Utah business community. As the Editor of Utah Business, Melanie's journey to this pivotal role has been anything but linear. Her diverse experiences have uniquely positioned her as a powerful connector within the community. Driven by a passion for storytelling and a commitment to highlighting positive developments in Utah's vibrant business landscape, Melanie is dedicated to sharing the good news that fosters growth and unity, creating business opportunities and development in the state.
Jeff Frazier is a decorated Army veteran, a husband and the father of seven beautiful children, as well as the founder of StimPack, a company dedicated to helping lift Haiti through a variety of means.While working in Haiti last year, Jeff was kidnapped by a gang and held for ransom for 43 days. We discuss his experience being held captive and what he learned from it.
Darlene Carter serves as the CEO to C.W. Group which oversees 6 business lines: C.W. Urban, C.W. Design, C.W. Land Co., CW Build, Home by CW Urban and Cole West Home and Development. Darlene Carter brings almost 20 years of experience in a variety of residential real estate development asset classes. Darlene is responsible for overseeing all company deliverables and has participated in over 3 billion dollars in residential and mixed-use projects. Darlene started in 2005 with one of the nation's largest private home builders and quickly became a standout in sales strategy, operations, and execution. Darlene left traditional homebuilding in 2017 and transitioned to the C.W. Group. She is proficient in creating product that recognizes and optimizes on changing market trends and demographics, capital raising, building brand recognition, strategic planning, operations, and systems development to execute business plans and profitability, proforma budgeting, and building the self-development of people and an authentic culture. Darlene was named Utah Business 30 women to watch in 2018 and 40 under 40 in 2020. Darlene serves on the board of ULI Utah and Envision Utah and has served as the Co-Chair for the Salt Lake City Development Committee for the Downtown Alliance.