Building Utah

DEREK MILLER: This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Founded in 2022, Rasa Public Benefit Corporation helps people get a fresh start by clearing their criminal records. Using legal expertise and smart technology, they make opportunities more accessible, helping individuals, families, and communities thrive. Founder and CEO, Noella Sudbury, joins us with more. NOELLA SUDBURY: At Rasa we believe people should be judged for their potential, not their past. One in three adults has a criminal record, and for many, that record becomes a lifelong barrier to jobs, housing, and opportunity. We built Rasa to change that. We combine modern technology with lawyers to help people understand what is on their criminal record and if eligible, move through the legal record expungement process in a way that is affordable, easy, and human. Our platform guides people step by step, making the process simpler, faster, and more accessible than ever before. This work matters not just to the people we serve, but to Uta

DEREK MILLER: This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Pierpont Place, winner of the Salt Lake Chamber’s 2025 Icon Award, marks its 20th anniversary this December. As a full-service venue, it hosts and designs events from small intimate gatherings to large extravagant celebrations. With a creative team of designers, planners and event pros, whose expertise ensures each event is unforgettable. CEO and Lead Designer, Janice Boes, joins us with more. JANICE BOES: Pierpont Place, “Salt Lake’s premier event venue,” offers a customizable, versatile and full service space for weddings, corporate events, birthdays, special celebrations or parties of any kind. Located in the heart of downtown, our modern venue offers flexibility and a very personalized experience for every event, whether it’s an intimate gathering or a grand gala. We can host up to 500 guests in a mix-and-mingle style or 250 banquet style. Our extensive inventory and creative expertise, combined with an award-winning team, guarantees every d

DEREK MILLER: This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. As Utah's population ages, there’s a growing need for highly trained healthcare professionals. Since 1998, Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions has trained practitioners, educators, and leaders advancing evidence-based, compassionate care. President and CEO, Cameron Martin, joins us with more. CAMERON MARTIN: Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions is a graduate-level healthcare university with a mission to improve the human condition by developing healthcare professionals and leaders to advance evidence-based practice. The University offers 24 doctoral and master’s degrees and 25 certificates across program clusters such as physical therapy, physician assistant studies, optometry, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, nursing, health sciences, and counseling. RMU provides flexible online, in-person, and hybrid pathways so working clinicians can continue serving their communities while advancing their education.

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. For over a century, the Utah Association of CPAs has served as the voice of the accounting profession in our state. From tax season to strategic business consulting, CPAs are essential to Utah’s economic health. UACPA CEO, Susan Speirs , joins us with more. SUSAN SPEIRS: In a rapidly changing economy, CPAs are essential to success in businesses and personal finances. We are strategic advisors, financial navigators, and guardians of the public trust. With more than 3,000 members across the state, the UACPA supports professionals in public accounting, industry, government, education, and in the nonprofit community. Our mission is to ensure that Utah’s CPAs have the advocacy, training, and connections needed to help our businesses and clients succeed. Recently, we’ve been focused on supporting the future of the profession by modernizing the pathway to licensure. Not only are we ensuring that we attract the best and brightest talent to the profession, we are a

DEREK MILLER: This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. UMB Bank supports individuals and businesses through banking, lending, asset management, and advisory services. This client-focused approach helps people navigate financial decisions, manage risk, and build long-term stability and success. Utah Regional President, David Andersen, joins us with more. DAVID ANDERSEN: As a company, UMB has experienced tremendous growth, and we have an incredible story to tell here in Utah. UMB has spent more than a century focused on building long-term relationships and truly understanding our clients. We bring the resources of a leading financial institution, with the mindset of a true community partner — one that’s invested in helping businesses and families thrive. And today, that commitment is even stronger. We’re expanding our capabilities and deepening our service to customers with the opening of our first branch in Salt Lake City. Our local team brings a combined 300 years of experience, and I’m thrille

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Utah’s population is expected to double, and the Wasatch Front Regional Council is working to improve Utah's future transportation while also strengthening the economy and protecting the environment. Community and Economic Development Director, Meg Padjen, joins us with more. Meg Padjen: The Wasatch Front Regional Council serves communities along the Wasatch Front by facilitating planning for transportation, land use and economic development. To maintain our quality of life as our region changes, we have to work together to create choices for how we get around and where we live and work. That’s why Wasatch Front Regional Council collaborates with cities and stakeholders to produce the Wasatch Choice Vision – our shared plan for the future. This Vision indicates where our communities want to focus growth, particularly in existing or planned city and town centers containing a mix of jobs, housing and other amenities. Many of these centers surround transit statio

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Anson Resources is a global critical minerals company working in Utah. Through their Green River Lithium Project, they’re developing high-purity lithium for electric‑vehicle batteries, helping to power the U.S. clean-energy transition. CEO, Bruce Richardson, joins us with more. Bruce Richardson: At Anson Resources, we’re proud to advance America’s clean-energy future through our Green River Lithium Project in Utah’s Paradox Basin. Through our U.S. subsidiary, A1 Lithium, we’re developing a direct lithium extraction operation that will produce 10,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate annually beginning 2028 — more than double current U.S. production, strengthening domestic supply, supporting both Utah’s Governor Cox and Federal goals to onshore supply of critical minerals. With all major permits in place, a Letter of Interest from the U.S. EXIM Bank for 330 million U.S. dollars, and a binding offtake agreement with LG Energy Solution, we’ve established a foundation built

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Since its founding in 2002, HealthEquity has been dedicated to helping individuals better manage their healthcare and finances, empowering them with tools and resources to live healthier, more secure lives. CEO, Scott Cutler, joins us with more. Scott Cutler: HealthEquity exists to save and improve lives by empowering healthcare consumers. As CEO, I know health benefits are a growing cost for employers, and for families, medical bills continue to rise with little transparency. As the nation’s largest administrator of Health Savings Accounts, serving 17 million customers and managing approximately 33 billion dollars in assets, helping employers manage healthcare spend is core to what we do. HSAs help families save, spend and invest in healthcare, giving greater control and a triple tax advantage, while enabling employers to offer more affordable, higher-value benefits. At HealthEquity, we’re building the future of consumer-directed healthcare by deepening educa

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Utah Kidney Institute supports Utah communities by providing comprehensive kidney care backed by evidence-based therapies, improving the lives of patients across the state. Medical Director and CEO, Amandeep Chadha, joins us with more. Amandeep Chadha: At Utah Kidney Institute, your kidney health is our mission. With locations in Ogden and West Jordan, we deliver compassionate, comprehensive care for every stage of the kidney disease. Our team focuses on early detection and personalized treatment plans to prevent kidney failure or slow it down — and we never start dialysis unless it’s truly necessary. We coordinate closely with your primary care doctor and other specialists to keep your care seamless and simple. From CKD management and resistant hypertension to kidney stone prevention and electrolyte issues, we’re here to keep you feeling your best. And if dialysis or transplant becomes the right step, we guide you every step of the way — working with your local

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. GREENbike, Utah’s nonprofit bike share, provides affordable, convenient, and sustainable transportation. It connects residents to jobs, transit and recreation while promoting healthier lifestyles, reducing emissions and supporting a vibrant community across the Wasatch Front. Operations Director, Cameron Arellano, joins us with more. Cameron Arellano: GREENbike bridges people and places by providing an affordable, healthy, locally focused bike-share system. We help reduce vehicle congestion, improve Utah’s air quality and strengthen community connection. Our vision is a healthier, more connected Utah where everyone — regardless of income or background — has access to safe, reliable and affordable transportation. GREENbike operates in both Salt Lake City and Ogden with 50 stations and over 400 bikes in Salt Lake, and 14 stations and over 100 bikes in Ogden. In addition, about 35% of our fleet is electric, making it easier to replace short car trips with fast, cl

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah helps people get the care they need without unnecessary stress. They support members with clear benefits, reliable service and a commitment to keeping health coverage straightforward and affordable. President, Jim Guemple, joins us with more. Jim Guemple: Rising health care costs are hitting Utah families and businesses hard. But Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah is fighting back, fiercely advocating for more affordable care for our members and customers. We negotiate lower medical and prescription drug costs with hospitals, physicians and drug companies. As a local, trusted not-for-profit, we put members first — always. We’re accountable to you, not shareholders, not Wall Street. More than 90 cents of every premium dollar is spent directly on medical care. The proof? Nine out of 10 members renew with Regence every year. They trust us to have their back when it matters most. Providing support, stability and real value.

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. As a private fiduciary, Stagg Fiduciary Services has been providing tailormade services specific to the unique needs of their clients. They maintain a long-standing commitment to their clients’ financial security. Director, Joshua Child, joins us with more. Joshua Child: At Stagg Fiduciary Services, our mission is to bring clarity, accountability and peace of mind to individuals and families navigating complex financial and legal responsibilities. Since 2001, we’ve provided trusted, professional support for trusts, estates, conservatorships and powers of attorney across Utah. We serve as a neutral professional, managing assets, coordinating with advisors and ensuring that each decision aligns with the client’s best interests. In addition to administering trusts and settling estates, we regularly support individuals and family members who are serving as trustee, personal representative or conservator themselves. Our goal is to strengthen their work with reliable

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. The Utah Office of Tourism showcases what makes our state special while supporting local communities and businesses, promoting responsible travel, and keeping Utah vibrant, welcoming and full of memorable experiences. Director of Communications, Anna Loughridge, joins us with more. Anna Loughridge: Visitors make life better in Utah. Tourism is one of Utah’s key economic engines — but more importantly, it’s a community investment. Utah’s tourism brand drives jobs, tax revenue and global awareness — positioning our state as one of the best places to visit, live, work and do business. Utah is not a postcard, but a living, breathing entity with its own unique rhythm and soul. And whether you are a long-time resident or someone experiencing Utah for the first time, when you explore a trail, hire a local guide, shop, dine out, immerse yourself in an adventure or simply welcome a visitor, you are actively investing in our state’s future. You are helping preserve the

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. The Federal Reserve System conducts monetary policy through 12 regional banks, each serving a specific area. Utah is in the 12th Federal Reserve District. San Francisco Federal Reserve Vice President and Regional Executive of the Salt Lake City Branch, Abby McLennan, joins us with more. Abby McLennan: The Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco serves the nine western states, including Utah, as well as two territories and a commonwealth. Together, they make up the Twelfth District – the largest District in the Federal Reserve System. The Salt Lake City branch covers the entirety of Utah, Southern Idaho and Northeastern Nevada. We support price stability and full employment, safe banking and secure payment systems. A big part of our work is processing cash – that means ensuring currency is fit for circulation and there when you need it. We also maintain trusted relationships with workers, businesses and community groups. The information and data we gather from l

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. The NAACP Salt Lake Branch was established in 1918, and has been dedicated to lifting up the community, championing fairness, supporting local youth and strengthening opportunity for all. President, Jeanetta Williams, joins us with more. Jeanetta Williams: At the NAACP Salt Lake Branch, we carry forward the mission of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, founded on February 12, 1909, in New York City by 60 activists, social reformers and journalists dedicated to advancing civil rights. Our branch has a mission to ensure the political, educational, social and economic equality of rights for all, and to eradicate racial hatred and discrimination. Our vision is a society where all individuals enjoy equal rights and to eliminate racial discrimination. In Utah, we have a long history of combating discrimination and promoting equality through initiatives such as the Albert Fritz Civil Rights Award, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Award, the

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Since its founding as a small family-owned construction company, Mortenson has grown into a trusted leader in Utah, delivering transformative projects across the state, shaping communities, supporting local growth and driving innovation that strengthens the region. Director of Business Development, Josh Caldwell, joins us with more. Josh Caldwell: Since 1983, Mortenson has proudly delivered transformative projects across the state — and consistently since 2017. Today we have more than 200 team members who call Utah home, bringing national expertise and a ton of horsepower to execute locally. We’ve built over 5,000,000,000 dollars in projects here, over the past couple of years and we’re shaping communities through healthcare facilities, data centers, life science labs, industrial spaces and iconic sports and entertainment venues. But Mortenson is more than just a builder — we’re a developer and an investor as well, having acquired over 500,000 square feet of

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. For 60 years, Haskell has been a fully integrated architecture, engineering and construction firm, delivering complex capital projects both across the globe and right here in Utah. Director of Business Development, Matt Williams, joins us with more. Matt Williams: Founded in 1965, Haskell was one of the first firms to bring design and construction together under one roof to improve outcomes for clients. As a founding member of the Design-Build Institute of America, our team now includes more than 2,800 professionals worldwide and 3,000,000,000 dollars in annual revenue. In Utah and the Mountain West, we focus on water and wastewater treatment, municipal facilities, education, healthcare, religious and cultural spaces, aviation and aerospace and food and beverage manufacturing. We self-perform key scopes of work, giving us greater control over quality, safety and schedule. Consistently recognized by the Engineering News-Record as a top national and regional contr

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Founded in 1968 in American Fork, Horrocks is a full-service engineering firm with over 50 years of experience. They offer transportation, telecommunication, construction management and community infrastructure services to communities across the west. President Bryan Foote joins us with more. Bryan Foote: At Horrocks, our motto is “What we do matters.” Whether it’s designing safer roads or improving water systems, our goal with each project is to improve the quality of life for the people it serves – because we believe infrastructure should serve and strengthen communities. We provide comprehensive services that span the entire lifecycle of infrastructure projects, from initial planning and design to construction management. Our teams include civil engineers, surveyors, environmental scientists, GIS specialists, public engagement professionals and many others. This year, we reached a major milestone: Horrocks has grown to over 1,000 employees, and we’re proud to

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. The Salvation Army in Salt Lake City has been supporting those in need in our community since 1865. Thousands of Utahns receive assistance each year through a broad array of social services. Corps Officer Major Robin Bottjen, joins us with more. Major Robin Bottjen: The overall mission of The Salvation Army is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human needs in His name without discrimination. Here in Salt Lake Corps, we do this through a number of different services, including: a client choice food pantry, material assistance, such as hygiene products, daily hot meal program for families; utility and rental assistance, and regular church activities. Many people are familiar with the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle during the Christmas Season and we are grateful for those monetary donations we receive, as they help fund our programs year-round. Due to inflation and the rising costs of food and utilities, requests for our services are at an all-time high. In

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. The Downtown Farmers Market’s mission is to support sustainable agriculture, build community and make local food accessible year-round. Joining us to share more about the Winter Market is Carly Gillespie, Deputy Director at the Urban Food Connections of Utah. Carly Gillespie: The Downtown Farmers Market is a Salt Lake City tradition, and we’re excited to announce a new chapter for our Winter Market. Now hosted at the Civic Center, formerly the Leonardo Museum, in downtown Salt Lake City all season long. We will be filling that space with sights, smells and flavors of Utah’s best local food every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Our farmers are extending their growing seasons so you will still find fresh produce like carrots, garlic, onions and beets alongside artisan breads, cheeses, sauces and meats. Plus, Utah’s best makers and crafters will have that perfect holiday gift. It’s more than a market, it’s a community gathering place that connects you directly wi