Building Utah

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. For almost 30 years, the local nonprofit, People Helping People, has been committed to helping low-income women and single moms reach their full potential in the workplace. Senior Program Manager Abby Warr shares more. ABBY WARR: Utah has one of the largest wage gaps in the nation, with women earning approximately 30 percent less than men. On top of that, the average working mom earned 58 cents for every dollar a working dad earned. People Helping People is dedicated to reducing the number of children living in poverty by helping low-income women and single moms reach adequate income through successful employment. People Helping People supports the long-term employment success of our clients by teaching from the employers’ perspective and providing positive role models, mentors, and examples of success. We have an upcoming Single Mother’s Seminar and Job Fair on March 23rd, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Sorenson Unity Center. This event is open to the public an

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. Vision disorders are the most prevalent disabling condition for children in the United States and most can be corrected. However, early detection can help. Friends for Sight Executive Director Jamie Justice shares more. JAMIE JUSTICE: An estimated 58,000 children in Utah alone struggle in school due to poor eyesight, and only half of those children who need vision correction receive it. The impact of poor eyesight on school performance is profound. In fact, many children with poor eyesight show some of the same behavioral problems as those who are ultimately diagnosed with attention deficit disorders. With timely diagnosis from a professional, marked improvement in all aspects of young lives is possible with vision correction. That’s why we spend so much time in schools providing vision screenings. We also have two Vision Clinics and SightFest event where we partner with local optometrists and ophthalmologists to provide free, full eye exams and access to glas

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. The Utah Museum of Contemporary Art believes in the power of the art of our time. Through programming, advocacy, and collaboration, they work with artists and communities to build a better world. Executive Director Laura Hurtado joins us with more. LAURA HURTADO: For 90 years, the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art has worked with the leading artistic voices of our age. Originally called The Art Barn, and later Salt Lake Art Center, the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art was founded by a woman named Alta Rawlins Jensen in the middle of the Great Depression. Her vision for the Art Barn was to create a gathering space for artists and writers through the state. Today, UMOCA is an award-winning aesthetic force dedicated to advancing contemporary art in Utah. Last year alone, the museum welcomed over 55,000 guests, showed the works of over 100 artists, and offered educational programming to 123,000 Utah K-12 students, both in person and online. The museum features groun

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. The day Zions Bank opened for business in 1873, the Deseret News reported that it “promises to be one of the most important and beneficial institutions ever established…in this part of the Union.” Zions Bank’s Executive Vice President Rob Brough is with us to mark the 150th anniversary. Rob Brough: As Zions Bank commemorates its 150th anniversary in 2023, we are looking ahead. We pledge to continue to create value for the next 150 years. We recognize our responsibility as a leader in our communities and as the oldest financial institution headquartered in the Intermountain West. So, to continue our legacy of stewardship, we are making five commitments to our future. First, Zions Bank commits to bolstering business growth and innovation. We will continue to support our businesses and industries that create jobs, grow our economy, and foster a sustainable future. We also commit to making our clients stronger and to fostering economic opportunity for all. We’re he

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. World Trade Center Utah leads Utah’s international business development and elevates Utah’s global status to promote prosperity and build economic resilience. One way they do this is through the ‘Crossroads of the World’ series. Senior Director of Brand Julia Pappas shares more. JULIA PAPPAS: Last year, we hosted businesses and dignitaries from nearly 40 countries. The delegations visited Utah to forge connections through international trade. And while they were in town, World Trade Center Utah, the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, and the Salt Lake Chamber connected each of these groups to Utah businesses. From France and Ukraine to the United Arab Emirates, Korea, Australia and Peru, each of their visits marked one more global linkage and countless economic opportunities for those ready to expand their business and relationships internationally. I encourage listeners to watch for events in our ‘Crossroads of the World’ series. Throughout the year, we

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. The Utah Infertility Resource Center provides education and emotional support to those who are struggling to grow their families, so they are empowered, strengthened and equipped to move forward on their respective journeys. Executive Director Shelli Mecham shares more. SHELLI MECHAM: Since 2015, Utah Infertility Resource Center has filled a unique niche in supportive services to the 15 percent of Utah adults who experience infertility. Infertility is a frustrating and lonely experience and tens of thousands of our friends and family members are having it. The top two reasons why people don’t jump into IVF are (1) financial and (2) emotional. It costs $10 to 20,000 dollars to do IVF and most young couples simply don’t have the money. That said, 50 percent of our clients list the emotional toll as the reason they have not sought medical treatment. And that is why we are here! The Utah Infertility Resource Center supports people through the infertility journey wit

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. At 60 years young, Pioneer Theatre Company is one of Utah’s finest arts institutions and one that continues to innovate. Their mission is to bring audiences the finest in-person entertainment possible. Artistic Director Karen Azenberg shares more. KAREN AZENBERG: At Pioneer Theatre Company we provide entertainment that explores the breadth of human experience, making our audiences feel seen, allowed to dream, to laugh, to cry, and to have a deeper appreciation for the world around them. Each season, we present seven productions including big, splashy musicals fresh from Broadway; classic dramas and comedies; and thought-provoking world and regional premieres. Like our upcoming Utah premieres, Heidi Schreck’s Pulitzer Prize Finalist for Drama, What the Constitution Means to Me and the seven-time Tony nominated musical, The Prom. This past fall, Pioneer Theatre Company had the distinction of becoming the first (and only) Utah-based theatre company to produce

DEREK MILLER: This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. Utah women have always made history, but the stories we tell don’t always reflect their contributions. That’s where Better Days comes in – a nonprofit dedicated to elevating Utah women’s voices in history through educational materials, events, and public art. Executive Director Katherine Kitterman shares more. KATHERINE KITTERMAN: Our state has a long legacy of women’s political involvement. Did you know Utah women were at the forefront of the national suffrage movement to extend voting rights to women nationwide? Or that Utah women were the first in the U.S. to vote under equal suffrage laws – all the way back in 1870? There’s a monument to that first vote cast by Seraph Young at Council Hall, across the street from the State Capitol. These lessons are crucial to our state’s history and many times forgotten about. At Better Days 2020, we believe that by exploring the legacy of our past, we can make Utah a better place for women in the future.

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. Since 2002, Targa Media has been helping local, national and global businesses get their products to their most valuable customers using targeted and segmented marketing practices. President & CEO Jason Steed shares more. JASON STEED: Founded in Salt Lake City, Targa Media is a marketing firm focused on helping clients reach their most valuable customers. Whether we’re working with local businesses or global Fortune 500 companies, our method centers on human motivation. We work hard to understand each product and the people who need it most, and then we build campaigns that match up with emotional triggers. We keep our clients informed every step of the way—from napkin scratches to final designs—so they never waste time or money on dead-end campaigns. We believe in the value of in-person collaboration, and our hybrid schedule brings our full team together weekly for creative interaction. For more than 20 years, we’ve handled each project as a group effort, so

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. After experiencing nearly an entire decade of drought in the State of Utah, Utah's citizens, government officials and media members have rallied around the need to think differently about the way we plan, use and conserve Utah's water. Foxley & Pignanelli Partner Steve Styler joins us with more. STEVE STYLER: For the second straight year, Utah's legislature will invest hundreds of millions of dollars to more efficiently use and conserve Utah's water resources. Utah's division of water rights and water resources are carefully and strategically executing their plans to ensure water availability for Utah. We have been fortunate to pair these policy and funding decisions with more favorable weather patterns that have delivered above-average snowpack to the entire state of Utah. However, a favorable weather pattern is not a long-term solution for the state of Utah. Every farm, corporation, organization, and citizen of Utah needs to pitch in. Each new business seeking

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. Nearly one million people live with multiple sclerosis in the United States. However, The National MS Society is looking to change that and has the vision of a world free of MS. Here’s Idaho, Nevada and Utah Chapter Development Manager Anja McCracken with more. ANJA MCCRACKEN: The National MS Society is a movement by and for all people affected by multiple sclerosis. Multiple sclerosis is a disease that impacts the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves, which make up the central nervous system and controls everything we do. For more than 75 years, we’ve led the way for discoveries in neurological diseases by being the world’s leading private funder of MS research, investing $1.1 billion since 1946. This year 100,000 people will move us closer to a world free of MS through Walk MS, an event series that has raised more than $1 billion since its inception in 1988. Bike MS is the largest charity cycling series in the country. We encourage you to get involved loc

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. Founded in 1995, Wasatch Container is Utah’s premier custom packaging designer and manufacturer. No matter what the product is Wasatch Container can help create the packaging solution best suited for you. Here’s Vice President Lauren Frisch with more. LAUREN FRISCH: Utah has one of the largest markets for multi-level marketing and direct sales, subscription-based businesses, and ecommerce companies. This creates a significant need for eCommerce packaging. Whether your product is food and beverage, beauty products, personal care, electronics, home goods, or clothing it is critical that you do not neglect to consider the impression that your packaging has on your end-user. That is true for both retail and ecommerce businesses. That is where Wasatch Container thrives. Wasatch Container is Utah’s premier designer and manufacturer of custom packaging – specifically corrugated ecommerce and subscription boxes, industrial packaging, and retail displays. For 27 year

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. The Point of the Mountain area extending from Sandy to Lehi, is well situated to become an economic powerhouse for our growing high-tech economy. Executive Director Alan Matheson shares more about The Point, a catalyst for economic opportunity in the region. ALAN MATHESON: The Point of the Mountain State Land Authority is redeveloping 600-acres of state-owned land previously occupied by the Draper Correctional Facility. This development, known as "The Point", has rightfully been called a "once-in-a-generation opportunity” for Utah, and has attracted national attention. The site is at the epicenter of one of the fastest growing areas in the country and at the heart of Utah’s burgeoning technology sector, “Silicon Slopes.” Strategically planned development at the site will launch a future-focused community, creating tens of thousands of high-paying jobs, promoting sustainable active living, offering a range of housing options, introducing new modes of transportati

DEREK MILLER: This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Equality Utah is the state’s premier LGBTQ rights and advocacy organization. In the last four years, they have turned their attention towards diversity, equity and inclusion education, through their Business Equality Leader program. Public Outreach Director Olivia Jaramillo tells us more. OLIVIA JARAMILLO: In 2019, Equality Utah with political, religious and community leaders, created our first-ever State hate crimes law. Although this law created more safety for many communities, including religious protections, we saw the need to expand from simply obtaining legal equality, to lived equality. Business Equality Leader, our corporate education program, focuses on using our formula which has brought Utah to be considered one of the leading states in creating LGBTQ protections; finding common ground, and building on shared values. We bring education and awareness to those individuals that feel they have little to no experience with the LGBTQ communi

DEREK MILLER: This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. WW Clyde has a reputation for tackling the toughest construction projects in the roughest conditions. Since 1926, they’ve been known for their professionalism and integrity as the premier heavy civil contractor in the Intermountain West. President Dustin Olson shares more with us. DUSTIN OLSON: Our founder and namesake, W.W. Clyde, was cutting edge, innovative, and entrepreneurial. Today, the Clyde legacy continues with Clyde Companies’ leadership in construction. We are now five thousand employees strong throughout the Intermountain West, and earned $2.3 billion in revenue last year. As the flagship subsidiary of Clyde Companies, WW Clyde builds critical infrastructure projects, including water distribution systems, water storage, solar and wind energy, transportation, mass earthwork projects, and more. One of our exciting projects is the Uinta Basin Rail project, which enables the movement of crude oil and other products from the Uinta Basin t

DEREK MILLER: This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. You may have heard that the NBA All Star Game is coming to Utah, bringing in over 100,000 visitors to the state. Also coming with the big game is some big community support. Here is Tara Thue with AT&T to tell us more. TARA THUE: Utah has made strides in increasing broadband access. As president of AT&T Utah, I’ve seen hundreds of millions of dollars invested by our company alone to expand broadband in Utah – which doesn’t even account for investment from other providers. Unfortunately, the problem remains: more than 3,300 K-12 students1 in the Salt Lake area alone don’t have access to the internet, computers or the skills needed to benefit from being online, an issue known as the digital divide. That’s why AT&T worked with Human-I-T and local organizations to distribute 325 laptops to those who need help connecting. The Salt Lake Education Foundation, Latinos in Action, Promise South Salt Lake, and Neighborhood House helped us identify stud

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. With a historically low unemployment rate, Utah has seen some unprecedented challenges when it comes to recruiting and retaining a workforce. To address this issue, Ensign College has taken several steps. President Bruce Kusch joins us to share more about their efforts. BRUCE KUSCH: Harvard Business School researchers recently published a report calling for community colleges and employers to work more closely to solve the challenge of creating a steady pipeline of prospective employees that are necessary to maintain a vibrant and growing economy. Employers require talent that is better prepared; colleges want employers to be more engaged. While Utah has been a leader in job creation, the supply of qualified workers still falls short of demand and employer expectations. Though there is no quick fix, Ensign College believes steps can be taken to address the dilemma. We think it all starts with a skills-based curriculum, counseling with employer advisory boards

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. Utah Film Center believes that “Good Film Makes Better Humans” and utilizes the power of film to educate, inspire, and engage Utahns. Executive Director Mariah Mellus joins us with more. MARIAH MELLUS: For over twenty years, Utah Film Center has supported the community by connecting people, stories, and ideas through film exhibitions, media arts education, and artist support. We believe utilizing film encourages spaces for learning and enhances an organization's work and culture -- welcoming people to feel creatively inspired. We know businesses understand that diversity and inclusion are a driver for success. Employees are more creative and innovative, customers feel better understood, and the community benefits greatly. Utah Film Center is a resource for companies curious about creating opportunities for better engagement through film curation. Additionally, Utah Film Center is gearing up our international film and media arts festival for kids. The Tumblew

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. In October 2022, Governor Cox proposed a new vision to build a Utah Trail Network to connect communities in ways that provide transportation choices for everyone to commute, recreate and enjoy. Utah Department of Transportation Executive Director Carlos Braceras joins us with more. CARLOS BRACERAS: When Utahns walk, bike, or roll outside, they connect. And when people are together, we’re happy. That’s why UDOT is so excited about Governor Cox’s proposal for the State to build and maintain a network of trails that will connect Utahns of all ages and abilities to their destinations and communities throughout the state. We’re inspired by trail planning and development efforts in Utah communities, which are bringing people together. We hope to help connect these communities, creating a cohesive trail network as part of Utah’s transportation system. This dedicated trail network will offer additional transportation choices for those who either cannot or choose not to

This is Derek Miller Speaking on Business. Premier business and litigation law firm, Snow Christensen & Martineau, has an environment of caring that supports and guides the 136-year-old Utah institution. Here is Shareholder Robert Cummings with more. ROBERT CUMMINGS: Snow Christensen & Martineau is committed to making a difference for the community we have served for over a century. Our “Snow Cares” campaign encourages our attorneys to volunteer with local community and civic organizations to maintain our longstanding commitment to service, diversity, and giving back to Utah. As but one example, we are long-standing supporters of Ronald McDonald House, where many past and present attorneys have served on the Board of Directors. Ronald McDonald House provides tremendous service to families in need with seriously ill or injured children making it an organization we care about and remains close to our hearts. Along with volunteer work, the Snow Christensen & Martineau Foundation donates to numerous charit