Building Utah

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Since 1914, Utah PaperBox has been a staple in the Salt Lake Valley. Over the years, this packaging factory has learned how to provide its services, from design, prepress and printing to die cutting, stamping and finishing, in an eco-friendlier way. CEO Steve Keyser tells us more. STEVE KEYSER: At Utah PaperBox, our mission is to be a valuable resource for our customers through creative and innovative packaging and also a responsible steward of our environment, community and employees. We pride ourselves on being a small business that can provide high-quality, eye-catching custom packaging for both small local start-ups and large national brands, such as Smith Optics and Casper Ice Cream. What’s more, we have committed to doing so sustainably. At Utah PaperBox, sustainability is one of our six core values. We have worked hard to become a sustainable and eco-friendly company and are proud to be a leader in our industry for environmental causes. We source from

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. Small businesses are the heart of our community and each has its own story to tell. Women’s Business Center of Utah 2019 Entrepreneur of the Year, Founder of Chosen Creative and the Utah Letter Writing Club, Kamea Johnson, shares more about her story. KAMEA JOHNSON: I believe in the power of the pen and the impact that the written word has on our society. So, in 2017, I launched Chosen Creative Stationary. Each card, wall art, or product is created with the message of empowerment and strength, because sometimes you just need a reminder to keep going. Trauma is a given. If you live on this earth long enough you will have letdowns, breakups, disappointments, and setbacks. However, this is where my products come in. Each one uplifts and helps build healthy mindsets and a better way of looking at life. Then, in 2018, I started The Utah Letter Writing Club, which brings the Utah community around a table to write letters of hope, love, and encouragement to the worl

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. Promotional products like pens, mugs, and shirts with company logos all help make up the nearly $22 billion dollar promotional products industry. Presto Print General Manager Matthew Varanakis shares more about how they are helping businesses create long-lasting relationships through print and promotional products. MATT VARANAKIS: Since 1976, Presto Print in Salt Lake City has been providing our customers with what they want: high-quality printed items, when they need them, and at a great price. Whether you’re looking for catalogs, your company logo on a mug or shirt, or need an extensive printed trade show display, we do it all. For example, Presto Print recently provided 250 tri-fold brochures for a local small business, while also providing three-million stickers for a large local brand that were shipped all over the country. Our services include full-color printing, signage, stickers, banners, brochures, and much more. We even offer design services to design a

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. The Policy Project is a nonprofit organization that promotes and advocates for solution-based policy to remove barriers to education and the workforce. Founder & President Emily Bell McCormick shares more on the launch of their new global initiative -- the Period Positive Workplace. Emily Bell McCormick: While the Policy Project is best known for our work on The Period Project, which provides free access to period products to all of Utah’s K-12 students in public and charter schools, we are continuing our work to end period poverty with the launch of the global Period Positive Workplace. Eight out of ten women have started their period unexpectedly in public without the products they need. Businesses and organizations that become “Period Positive Workplaces” support our female workforce by providing period products for employees and patrons. For about $5 per year per female employee, Period Positive Workplaces can increase employee productivity, reduce absente

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Since 1926, Clyde Companies has remained deeply committed to the principles of its founder and namesake, WW Clyde. They guide the company’s culture, people and quality of work. Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer Ally Isom tells us more. ALLY ISOM: If you live, work or play in Utah, chances are Clyde Companies has made life better. We build communities, roads, bridges and reservoirs. We provide residential and commercial construction material. And we offer insurance services—all across the Intermountain West. Because we believe in community, Clyde Companies gives back, and strives to be a good steward of the land. We donated sand to cities for flood control and repaired damaged canyon roads. We partner with the United Way, Junior Achievement and Habitat for Humanity. For nearly 100 years, Clyde Companies has been building a better community. From our small start in Springville to now eight major companies, our nearly 5,000 employees know our word is our bond

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. RISE Culinary Institute is a non-profit organization that provides free culinary training and job placement to refugees in the state of Utah. Founder and Owner of Saffron Valley Indian Restaurants, Biscotts Bakery & Cafes, and RISE Culinary Institute, Lavanya Mahate, is here to share more. LAVANYA MAHATE: Utah’s greatest asset is our people and our workforce. Thanks to a number of donors and supporters, we were able to launch the RISE kitchen in Sugar House. First of its kind in Utah to provide free culinary training and job placement for refugees, RISE helps people who have been forced to flee to restart their lives and build better futures. The first cohort of RISE starts this July. With 4 cohorts per year and 12 trainees per cohort the program is designed to train and integrate 50 members from our refugee community into the restaurant and hospitality job market. We welcome passionate, talented and creative individuals from our refugee community to apply for t

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Having a criminal record is a common and massive problem that keeps people out of needed jobs and hurts our workforce. In fact, one out of every four Utahns has a record. Rasa CEO & Founder Noella Sudbury shares more on how we can address this issue. NOELLA SUDBUY: Studies show that 9 out of 10 employers ask about criminal records, making it incredibly difficult for people with even minor records to obtain jobs, better pays, stable housing, or otherwise move forward with their lives. However, clearing a criminal record can make an almost immediate difference in someone’s economic mobility. Just one year after the clearance average just go up by 20%. To help with this workforce issue, Rasa created a new web application that offers easy and affordable record expungement, we partner with employers to offer this as a benefit to their employees and provide services to people with records themselves. Most HR professionals who have hired people with criminal histories

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. The Utah Foundation seeks to help decision-makers and citizens understand and address complex issues. President Shawn Teigen joins us with more about recent inflation trends. SHAWN TEIGEN: Until recently, most of us never really talked about inflation... but now it seems like we are all experts. As part of the Utah Foundation Misery Index, we’ve studied inflation and three other factors to find that Utah has consistently performed well relative to the nation. However, our Misery Index spiked in 2022 due to high inflation. But don’t want to decrease inflation too fast, even to reach the Fed’s 2% target rate. So to achieve that target for the year ending April 2023 would have meant almost 1% deflation in April alone to balance out the previous 11 months. Once May and June of last year fall from that annual inflation data calculation, the target rate might become attainable. We’ll find out more with the May and June of this year inflation data releases. Utah m

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. For more than 30 years, the Salt Lake City community has welcomed the Downtown Farmers Market that includes more than 100 Farms and ranches from several Utah counties. Carly Gillespie from the Urban Food Connections of Utah is here with more. CARLY GILLESPIE: 32 years ago, Salt Lake’s Downtown Alliance started the Farmers Market at Pioneer Park. It is now a beloved summer tradition every Saturday 8am-2pm, June through October. In addition to fruits and vegetables, vendors offer locally made food and beverages alongside our arts and crafts market. We think of the Farmers Market as a gathering space for Utah farmers, food entrepreneurs, and consumers which strengthen our communities. The mission of the Market is to support sustainable, regional agriculture; to build community gathering places; to increase access to nutritious, local foods in urban areas; and to educate the consumer about shopping local. With your support, we’re achieving the goals and ensuring t

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Financial services is one of Utah’s fastest-growing industries, and Morgan Stanley has been fundamental in its growth. For over 25 years, the firm has contributed greatly to our economy and our communities. Andrea Verkic head of Morgan Stanley Salt Lake, tells us more. ANDREA VERKIC: For nearly a century Morgan Stanley has been a global leader in financial services. We leverage the full resources of our firm to provide our clients with solutions at every stage of their financial journey. Across the Wasatch Front, our world-class talent — which is now 2,000 strong — powers our award-winning Centers of Excellence in Wealth Management, Operations and Technology as well as Morgan Stanley Bank North America’s headquarters and our Financial Advisor branch offices. Our people enjoy rewarding careers and a thriving, inclusive culture with a deep commitment to excellence and giving back. We proudly serve Utah communities through many charitable partnerships and thousa

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Child care issues result in an estimated $1.36 billion dollar loss annually for Utah’s economy. Which is why, the Salt Lake Chamber, and community partners developed a new resource called the Family-Friendly Workplaces: A Guide for Utah Business Leaders. Utah Community Builders Executive Director Kabi Catalano shares more. KABI CATALANO: We believe the private sector can positively impact Utah's workforce by addressing the intersectionality of child care, employee wellness, employee retention and upward mobility. Child care is one of the biggest costs challenging families. Child care providers and business owners also feel a burden to maintain access to child care due to greater difficulty in finding staff, preventing employee turnover, and paying workers enough to help them meet financial demands. Leaving fewer options for families means higher economic costs for communities across Utah. Ultimately, it is up to businesses to think creatively about ways to

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. At the heart of every organization, you will find efficient employees. They are the face of the business and the connection to clients. Unfortunately, all employees will face difficult life challenges at some stage. Blomquist Hale is a solution. CEO Cameron McBride joins us with more. Cameron McBride: Now more than ever, organizations are realizing the importance of helping their employees deal with everyday mental health needs.  Did you know that 1 in 4 people deal with a significant life issue each year? – Blomquist Hale can help with that. Blomquist Hale Solutions is an Employee Assistance Program that provides a personalized and complete mental health package for organizations and employees across the state of Utah.  When partnering with Blomquist Hale Solutions, your employees will have access to the most proactive and advanced mental health program offered.  The Blomquist Hale benefit includes in-person or virtual visits, 24/7 crisis services, supervisor

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Established in 1994, Silvester & Company is a women-owned boutique executive search firm made up of passionate, audacious, and fiercely committed professionals. CEO Jennifer Silvester joins us with more. JENNIFER SILVESTER: Utah is home to a thriving technology and innovation ecosystem. From AI, advanced manufacturing, life sciences, software and more – there is a lot to be excited about in our state. It is crucial for Utah and the companies in these sectors to successfully attract great leaders wherever they are today. Founded and headquartered in Salt Lake City, Silvester & Company is a national boutique executive search firm with nearly three decades of experience helping our clients solve their biggest impediment to success – finding the right leaders to grow their business. We have successfully placed hundreds of C-Suite and Senior Leaders in highly regulated advanced manufacturing and technology driven industries including aerospace and defense, medical

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Sundance Lending Company was started in 2019 by solopreneur, Stacey “The Loan Lady” Van Roosendaal, with the mission to serve loans with a “side of sunshine.” Within her first 3 months, she reached Pinnacle status with her preferred lender and closed over 100 loans in the first 12. President Stacey “The Loan Lady” Van Roosendaal shares more. STACEY “The Loan Lady”: At Sundance Lending Company, we know that buying or refinancing a home can be stressful, but truly the loan doesn’t have to be. When you work with a professional who has streamlined every step, the process can be simple. In fact, if you’re looking to purchase a home, we can have most of the loan done before you even put in an offer. This makes your offer stronger and makes your life easier. Here at Sundance Lending Company, we do both purchases and refinances. We offer almost every loan type: conventional, FHA, VA, Renovation, HELOCS, Heloans, cash out refinances, and even hard money. We would b

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Founded in 2013, Alta Professional Services specializes in providing customized solutions to its clients in various industries including construction, staffing, and commercial cleaning services. Vice President of Sales Edson Lins joins us with more. EDSON LINS: Through our companies, we provide construction, staffing and commercial cleaning services. At Alta Staffing Services, we work to find you the best employees in the market. We find you the right people for the job and only hire top-quality employees. If you are looking for a reliable workforce solution provider in Utah, look no further than Alta Professional Services. At Alta Construction, we pride ourselves on our ability to manage construction projects of all sizes and complexities. We have worked on projects ranging from small renovations to multimillion-dollar commercial developments. If you are looking for a trusted and reputable construction company to handle your next project, look no further than

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. To support one of the fastest-growing life sciences communities in the nation, BioHive brings together leaders in our community to collaborate and exchange ideas, nurturing innovation and fostering growth in Utah. Executive Director, Aimee Edwards, is here with more. AIMEE EDWARDS: BioHive is a thriving collective of more than 1,300 companies representing Utah’s life science and healthcare innovation ecosystem, which includes digital health and laboratory services to diagnostics, biotech and therapeutics. Biohive was launched in 2021 to build, brand and bring together the industry, while connecting, uniting and supporting our community. We serve as Utah’s great convener to support companies and organizations committed to bringing life-saving innovation to patients across the globe. We are dedicated to raising awareness, attracting top talent and investment into the state, engaging with future STEM innovators and serving Utah’s communities for a more prosperou

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. The Utah Office of Tourism’s mission is “to elevate life in Utah through responsible tourism stewardship.” Managing Director Vicki Varela joins us with more. VICKI VARELA: Utah’s visitor economy is a vibrant part of our state’s quality of life, showcased by the record $10.56 billion dollars of direct visitor spending in 2021. This is thanks, in part, to the brand promise of Life Elevated, the Mighty 5 and the Greatest Snow on Earth, which open the door to visitors from all over the world. Our Red Emerald Tourism Strategy, Encourages the responsible discovery of our awe-inspiring places – spreading out visitation throughout the state and the year; and, Creates deep engagement with local communities to shape their visitor economy consistent with local priorities. Not only that, a portion of the lodging taxes paid by visitors is allocated directly into hiking and biking trails, boat ramps and other recreation infrastructure for residents and visitors alike.

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Since Kirkland & Ellis opened its Salt Lake City office in 2021, the office has grown to become the second largest law firm in Utah and is ranked among the “Fearsome Foursome” in the 2023 BTI Litigation Outlook report. Litigation Partner Jess Krannich joins us with more. JESS KRANNICH: Kirkland represents clients in a full range of complex corporate and litigation matters, and is recognized as the preeminent private equity law firm and among the top litigation firms globally. We opened our Salt Lake City office because of the extraordinary talent pool, as well as an excellent academic community here. Having an office in Salt Lake enhances our ability to attract exceptional legal talent and expand our capacity to meet increasing client demand. Kirkland represents international, national, regional and local clients, including many Utah household name businesses. We also partner with many local organizations to provide pro bono legal services, including Utah Le

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. On Saturday, April 29th, the Women’s Business Center of Utah, will host the “In the City Pop-Up Shop,” a female-powered shopping experienced in downtown Salt Lake City. Northern Utah Program Director Connie Yengich joins us with more. CONNIE YENGICH: The mission of the Women's Business Center of Utah is to help women build confidence, create opportunities and experience success in business ownership. We accomplish this through our services, which include one-on-one advising, mentorships and trainings, and our programs and events, like the “In the City Pop-Up Shop,” which will feature a curated group of more than 20 local women-owned and run businesses You will find everything from handmade crafts, vintage fashion and accessories to delicious artisanal foods and treats. This market will showcase amazing women business owners and their offerings, which help keep Utah creative and vibrant. Join us this Saturday, April 29th, at the Holy Trinity Greek Church in do

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Lion Energy is a leading manufacturer of safe, silent, and eco-friendly power solutions for everyday needs. They do this by delivering high-quality energy storage products for its customers. Lion Energy CFO Tyler Hortin joins us with more. TYLER HORTIN: At Lion Energy, we change the world by helping individuals, families, and organizations become energy independent. We do this by providing smart lithium energy storage systems – ranging from small hand-held power banks, solar generators and RV batteries to whole home and large custom solutions. These smart technology solutions put safe, silent, clean energy or power at your fingertips, where you want it, when you want it. They are good for people and for our planet. Lion Energy started right here in Utah, and we continue to be part of the community. Everything we do is based in American Fork: from Product Design, Engineering, and Testing to Customer Support, Data Storage and Fulfillment. Our entrepreneur